Chapter 16: Heading for the “Golden Scales Inn”
The stone-paved road was wide and far more neatly maintained than the one in the provincial capital.
Wooden buildings lined both sides, their ground floors serving as shops and workshops.
The savory scent of fresh bread drifted from a bakery.
An exotic fragrance of spices lingered in the air.
The ringing of hammers echoed from a blacksmith’s forge.
Vendors called out energetically to passersby.
Conversations in unfamiliar languages mingled together.
Everything was overflowing with vitality.
The number of people coming and going was astonishing.
Merchants, craftsmen, groups that looked like adventurers, well-dressed nobles, and travelers from various regions.
All of them moved briskly or cheerfully through the city.
Rowena seemed completely overwhelmed by the sight.
She clutched the hem of my cloak tightly and looked around restlessly.
Her eyes shone with surprise and curiosity.
It was her first time seeing such a large and bustling city.
Of course she would be amazed.
I tucked the letter of introduction to the orphanage, received at the gate, into my pocket.
The guard captain had been kind, but first I needed to deal with the drake’s tail.
Carrying this heavy, foul-smelling tail around the city was troublesome and, above all, inconvenient.
If I could sell it as material, it would cover our travel expenses for a while.
There was no need to rush to the orphanage.
We could go after selling the tail and settling down a bit.
Our destination was the “Golden Scales Inn” that the caravan had mentioned.
They said it was in the southern district, but the city was so vast that I had no idea where that was.
Well, I could just ask someone.
Holding Rowena’s hand, I stepped further into the city.
She still looked slightly bewildered but refused to leave my side.
Her gaze was captured by shop windows and the unusual goods displayed at street stalls.
At times, she pointed at something and looked up at me as if to ask, “What’s that?”
If I knew what it was, I explained briefly.
If I didn’t, we tilted our heads together.
Even without words, we understood each other.
When we turned off the main street into a smaller side road, the noise eased somewhat.
Walking through what seemed to be a quieter residential area, I looked for someone who might know where the Golden Scales Inn was.
Just then, I spotted a kind-looking elderly woman sweeping in front of a shop.
“Excuse me, may I ask you something?”
“Yes, of course. What is it?”
She smiled warmly at me and Rowena.
“I’m looking for an inn called the ‘Golden Scales Inn.’ Do you happen to know it?”
After thinking for a moment, she nodded.
“Oh, the Golden Scales Inn? Yes, that’s in the southern district. Go straight down this road, and when you reach a large square, turn left…”
She explained the directions carefully and kindly.
With her gestures, I understood roughly where it was.
“Thank you very much. You’ve been a great help.”
“Not at all. You’re travelers, are you? Take care now.”
After thanking her, we set off again.
While she had been giving directions, Rowena had watched quietly.
Following the path described, we headed toward the southern district.
The city streets were winding, and with similar-looking buildings everywhere, it was easy to lose one’s sense of direction.
Still, we navigated by distinctive landmarks and occasional squares.
Rowena no longer showed the fear she once had.
She walked beside me with keen interest in everything around her.
From time to time, she looked up at me and smiled.
Seeing that smile stirred a faint sense of guilt within me.
The drake’s tail still weighed heavily on my left shoulder.
I wanted to sell it quickly and lighten the burden.
And then treat Rowena to something sweet or warm.
Even for me, the unfamiliar cityscape felt fresh and stirred a slight sense of excitement.
What would happen in Norest?
Would the drake’s tail sell?
Would Rowena be accepted at the orphanage?
And what would become of my journey afterward?
There were many unknowns.
But that was the nature of travel.
Carefree, following where the wind led.
And for now, still together with Rowena.
Continuing along the instructed path, we eventually spotted a somewhat larger building.
On its signboard was clearly the image of a balance scale.
That must be the Golden Scales Inn.
With a mixture of anticipation and slight tension, Rowena and I approached the inn.