As the car entered the gates, we were welcomed with a huge plaza that connects to a well-lit paved main road with raised sidewalks, bustling with people, horses with carriages and occasionally, some cars. The main road is lined with what looks like Victorian Architecture buildings. Bright lights are coming out of the buildings lighting up the sidewalks as well. It looks like a busy town or was it because this is a business area, that's why there are a lot people. It is a large town after all.

We drove through the busy road and suddenly stopped in front of an Inn that has a signboard that has a red claw mark with the name written in black in the middle. It reads...

“Dragon's Claw Inn?” I asked.

“Yes, this is the inn I was talking about before.”

He turned around and said to Mr. Owner,

“I'm just going in with her for a few minutes and I'll be right back.”

“Hmm.” Mr. Owner nodded in reply.

He's such a quiet person. I wonder if he's shy or maybe just doesn't like to talk to strangers. Either way, I'm thankful to him since he let me travel with them. I would still be camping out if he refused to give me a ride.

Vyncent got out and rushed towards my side. I was just about to open the door when he grabbed it opened for me. He's such a gentleman. I might be swooning from seeing his handsome stature do something I can only see in a movie nowadays~

My heart, please settle down! I tried to calm myself down but I still unconsciously hugged Shiro tighter. I got out and turned around to face Mr. Owner.

“Thank you so much for letting a complete stranger like me to travel with you. I won't forget your kindness.” as I bowed my head slightly towards him. I raised my head and he replied,

“Think nothing of it.” as he gave off a quick gentle and charming smile...

'This is not good for my virgin heart.' I thought to myself when I stared at his smiling face that didn't last long.

It would be bad if it did. It would be an insta-kill with his sexy deep voice paired off with that charming smile. I'm melting... It's like a double tap for me. Oh my heart... I felt a little faint but recovered right away.

'This damn otome game! Isn't it supposed to be an action, adventure rpg game. Stick to one or two genre, Game Developers. The characters here are just waaay too good looking. My heart is weak when it comes to 3D ikemen you know.'

After I pulled myself together again which really only took a couple seconds, I stepped away from the car and Vyncent closed the door.

“After you, my lady.” he politely smiled as he gestured his left hand towards the inn while slightly bowing.

“Thank you.” as I walk towards the double door still holding Shiro in my arms.

Vyncent walked right beside me and when we got to door he opened it again for me. He did it so smoothly without even batting an eye. From now on, I'm going to a you call Mr. Smooth. Hahaha~

We went in and it looks like a reception of a small hotel with a lounge area in front of the reception desk in the middle. There is an opened double door on the left that leads to the dining area and a wide stairs on the right that leads upstairs.

We walked towards the desk and were welcomed with another good looking person. She looks pretty young with a long wavy brown hair pass her shoulders. She's got dark green eyes, small nose, plump lips, fair skin and was wearing a blue plaid dress.

“Welcome to Dragon's Claw!” the young lady at the desk greeted us. She looked at Vyncent and smiled.

“Good evening, Sir Vynce. Are you not with Sir Alnwyck today?”

“He's in the car right now parked outside. Where's your Brother?” Vyncent asked while looking around.

“He's in the kitchen at the moment. Would you like me to call him?”

“Yes please. I don't have a lot of time so if you can call him right away, that would be great.”

“Ok, just one minute.”

She picked up the handset of what looks like an antique brass phone and pressed a button.

“Hello Bro?... Yes... You have a visitor here and need you at the front desk right away... It's Sir Vynce... Ok~ I'll relay the message.” she hanged up after their exchange.

“He said he'll be here soon. Just wait at the lounge for a bit.” she smiled.

“Thanks Rosie but we'll just wait here. How are you guys doing lately?” Vyncent asked.

“Same old, busy at times and sometimes, it's fairly quiet like today. So what brings you here today? It's been awhile since we last saw you. Also, who's this lovely companion of yours? You haven't even introduced us.”

Vyncent looked at us and gave us a quick introduction.

“Oh right. This is Mika and this little guy is Shiro. We just met today when we were on the way back from the west. They're looking for lodging so I decided to introduce her here.” he smiled broadly. He then introduced the receptionist.

“This is Rosie, the owner's younger sister. She's only 14 but she's a hard worker and more talented than her brother when it comes to accounting.”

“Haha~ I still have a long way to go. It's nice to meet you and thank you very much for your business~” She slightly bowed and smiled as she lifted her head.

“How long are you planning on staying?” she looked at me and asks

“Not sure yet, but probably a month. I'm planning on heading to the capital after.”

“I see, so would you like me to book a room for you now?”

“Sure, that would be great. What kind of rooms do you have?”

“We have singles and doubles available. They both come with a bathroom, kitchenette, a small table and chair. We also have beast beds available for rental. For bigger beasts, we recommended our Beast Inn in the east. We can set it up for you if you'd like.”

“I only have Shiro with me so I'd take the rental bed for him. Is the single room big enough for us?”

“Yes, it should be big enough. What type of wolf is he and how old?”

“He's a dire wolf and only 2 months old. I'm not really sure how big do they get though.”

“They get up to about 3 feet tall on all fours and quite big when standing up. Most are only up to a little over 2 feet. It should be ok for a while though since he's still fairly young. You have a few more months before he'll get to a size of an adult dog.” (Vyncent)

“That's good to know. I should be ok with a single room for now then.” I smiled.

“Ok. I'll set you up with the biggest single room we have as a service, since Sir Vynce introduced you here.” she smiled at Vynce and he had a big grin.

She went over to the corner of the desk and turned on what looks like a computer screen.

They have computers?!?! That's great~ It'll be easier to find information then. I should ask about that later. I don't really wanna take up anymore of Vyncent's time since he and Mr. Owner might be busy and they were still nice enough to drop me off here. Still, I wanted to know what they're called...

“What is that?” I asked Vyncent

“It's called a Data Station or [DS]. It's a convenient item that does what they're programed to do. For example, this one right here is specific for doing accounting for businesses and you can also add certain features like keeping track of rentals and bookings. It makes life easier than using papers for bookkeeping and such. It's made with a special type of mineral and programmed using some magic stones. You can buy one at a specialty store but they're quite expensive.” he explained.

“Ahh~ basically a computer.” I muttered.

“A what?” He asked because he barely heard what I said.

“Nothing, don't worry about it.” I said while grinning

“Now, I'm really curious.”

While he said that, a man in his early 20s, similar in height to Vyncent with a stern face, wavy medium length brown hair and dark green eyes approached us. He looks a bit like Rosie.

“It's been awhile Vynce.” He said while holding out his hand.

“Yeah, it's been awhile Riley.” He reached out and grabbed his hand and pulled him closer for a man hug. They tap each other’s back a couple times and let go.

“Not with Neil today?” Riley asked while stepping back.

“Hahaha~ Rosie asked the same question. You're really similar.” He smiled broadly and added

“He's in the car, waiting. I don't have a lot of time so I'll get to the point.” Vyncent stepped to the side and introduced me.

“This here is Mika and this little one is Shiro. I met them today on the way back from the west and got acquainted with them. They're good kids so please take care of them while they're staying in town.” he gave me a tap on my shoulder while saying so and he continued

“It's Mika's first time visiting a big town since she never left her village before so she probably doesn't know much about the outside world. If she needed any help or have questions, please guide her or contact me if anything happens.” Vyncent mentioned while showing a concerned face

“Hello Mika and Shiro. I'm Riley, I'm this guy's childhood friend. It's a pleasure to meet you.” He tapped Vyncent's back while giving me a big smile.

“Hello~ It's nice to meet you~” I bowed slightly

“Don't worry, he might look like that, but he's trustworthy.” Vyncent reassured me

“Hey! I look like what now?” Riley showed a discontent face but then laugh right after.

“Hahah, I was just kidding.” (Vyncent)

“Anyways..” He looked over to Rosie and said

“So did you set them up with a room yet?” (Riley)

“Yeah, I did. I just needed her ID.” (Rosie)

I took out my ID and handed it over to Rosie. She took it and checks the information while writing it on the Data Station.

“I knew we're pretty close in age but I thought you were younger. Let's get along from now on.” She gave me a cute big smile.

“Yes.” I replied while giving off a friendly smile back

“So, how much is it per night? And also, I won't be needing food, maybe just for Shiro twice a day.” I asked

Vyncent looked at Riley and gave him a nod while Rosie noticed the atmosphere and just waited for Riley's decision.

“Hmm. Let's see here. Since it's going to be a long stay, it would be 30 Gìl per night plus 10 Gìl for 2 meals a day for Shiro. It’s mostly meat right? We can get it from the Beast Inn in the east. Total would be 1200 Gìl for a whole month. If you decided to leave before the end of the month, you will get the amount paid for the unused days. Payment can be an instalment of weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. We accept Credit Cards and Cash. Also, since it's pretty late already, we'll waive tonight's fee, so the 30 days starts tomorrow. How does that sound?” He looked at Vyncent seeking his approval.

Vyncent then looked towards me and ask

“So what do think?”

“I think it's fine.” I nodded my head in agreement while taking out my credit card.

I wanted to try using it. I made sure I checked my total amount of money since I'm not sure how it works. It's either I have to pay it through somewhere or it'll automatically deduct it from the money I have on hand. I reach over and handed it to Rosie behind the desk.

“Thanks~” she said while taking it.

“Take the full amount.” I said confidently.

She inserted the card into a similar tablet looking thing that Mr. Goatee Man from the gate have. Bright light came out and she did push some buttons and then took it out. She handed me both my ID and Credit Card right after.

“Ok. All set. I just need the confirmation.”

She handed me the tablet and ask me to place my thumb on the glowing red square at the bottom right and wait for it to turn green.

The tablet is a plain black rectangular block, about a quarter of an inch thick with white borders. It's pretty light as well. It has a screen on the top half of it that contains information and the other half has letters and numbers just like a keyboard with a small empty space on the bottom right with red glowing border. The bottom has a thin hole just big enough for a card.

I placed my right thumb on the square and waited. It only took a few seconds before it turned green. The screen flashed and it changed to 'Confirmed'. I handed it back to Rosie and she peek at it and nodded. She placed it down on the desk and took a key from the drawers and handed it to me.

“All done. Here's the key to your room. It's on the 2nd floor, Room 202. I can take you there now.”

“Thank you. Ah~ Hold on just a bit.” I said while facing Vyncent who's still standing right in between me and Riley.

“Mr. Ravenswood, thank you so much for everything you've done for me today. You're probably busy and still went out of your way to accompany me all the way here. I can't thank you enough. I won't forget your kindness.” I said while deeply bowing showing my gratitude to him.

“It was my pleasure. Don't be too formal with me and just call me Vynce.” he gave me another one of that gentle and sweet smile.

I've prepared my heart this time since I knew it was coming but it still got me a little bit. Oh well~ I'll eventually get use to these otome moments.

“I'll be going now. I'll get in trouble with Neil if I take too long.” (Vyncent)

“Thanks again.” I waved my hand

“Alright, I'll see you soon. Hopefully.” (Riley)

“Bye Mr. Vynce!” Rosie waved her hand goodbye.

He smiled and started walking towards the door but then he turned around as I was about to go upstairs with Rosie.

“Mika! Don't forget our promise. I'll see you soon.” He winked at me with a bright smile one last time, waved his hand and left.

'He really is Mr. Smooth.' I thought.

“Bro, look after the front desk for me. I'll take them to their room.” (Rosie)

“Will do. Don't take too long. I have to get back. Also, Mika, if you need anything just ask for me or Rosie. We'll do what we can to help you out.” Riley smiled at me and he gave a little wave while we continued our way upstairs.

“Ok. Thank you.” I smiled at him.

“I won't be long.” (Rosie)

I went upstairs with Rosie and found our room really quick. It's the second room on the left side. I inserted the key and turned it to open the door.

When I opened it, there was another door on the right side, which I'm assuming to be the bathroom. I walked in with Rosie and found a small table and chair on the left. There's a glass door opening to a small balcony behind it.

A double bed with 2 pillows and a duvet is situated on the right side of the room. There's a nightstand with lamp and another thing right beside it. I don't know what it is so I'll check it later. There's also a dresser on the left side of the bed and a mirror on the wall on top of it.

On the right side of the bed, there's a kitchenette. I'm a assuming that big rectangular box under the counter with a door is probably the fridge and on top would be the stove. There is a sink right beside it as well.

There's a big gap in between the bed and the kitchenette so I can probably put the beast bed right there.

It looks so cosy. I can definitely live here for a month, maybe more if I feel like it. Rosy saw my satisfied face and chuckle a little.

“I'm glad you like it.” She smiled.

“Yeah, I can definitely live here for a while.”

“If you need anything, you can use the intercom on the nightstand there.” as she pointed at the box looking thing beside the lamp.

“Ok, will do. Thank you.”

'So that was an intercom. Good to know.'

“Alright. I'll be back to get some food for Shiro and his bed. Are you sure you don't want anything to eat? It's on the house.”

“Hmm.. What's on the menu?” I asked.

“Tonight's menu are Beef Stew served with cheese bread, Roasted Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, gravy and steamed vegetables, and Baked Stuffed Fish with rice and steamed vegetables. Which one would you like?”

“Hmm.. They all sound delicious. I think I'll take the Roasted Chicken.”

“Ok. I'll be back in half an hour.”

“Thanks Rosie~”

She smiled at me and left the room.

I sat on the bed to try it out and it feels comfortable. I placed Shiro on the floor and he shook his body before running around the room sniffing everything. He probably got tired of sitting still and being held all day.

I checked my status and it looked like the credit card uses the money from my inventory which is great. I can finally relax a little.

“Ahhh~ Finally, an actual place with real people and real room with a bathroom! I'm sooo happy.” as I said that, I walked over to the bathroom to check it out. I opened the door and saw a

“Flush toilet with hand held bidet!!! Bathtub and shower!!! Oh my god~ Yes!!!” I yelled in excitement.

There is a sink and mirror on the left side with the toilet right beside it. The bathtub and shower are placed in the back wall.

People always take for granted of what we normally have until we lost it. This is a great example. I've never been too happy, just seeing an actual flushable toilet, a shower and a bathtub. It's so simple yet super convenient to have but we take it for granted.

Being thrown in the middle of the forest just after being transferred here was brutal. I thought that I would never see anything modern ever again until I saw the car. Now, there are even things similar to a computer, tablets, phones, flush toilet and such. This just made me like this world a lot more.

“I can finally have a real bath.” as I look over on top of the toilet that has a small basket filled with some toiletries.

“I have to go shopping tomorrow for more necessities if I'm going to live here for a while.”

I stared at the tub and shower and was looking for a handle or knob to turn on the water but there wasn't any. Although I saw this black block similar to the tablet in the middle of the wall. It has 2 glowing squares, one red and one blue with arrows pointing up and down on each. There's also a glowing green rectangle on top of them.

I place my finger on the red square and water started pouring with steam coming out. It looks like it's for hot water and I'm guessing, the blue is for cold and the arrows are for adjusting the temperature. I was right after playing around with it, I got the perfect temperature for the bath. I blocked the drain and started filling up the tub.

I was curious about the green one so I put my finger on it and the water coming out of the faucet stopped and it went straight to the shower instead. I place my finger again over it and it went back to the faucet.

“It functions like one of those waterproof touchscreen controls for a shower. So high-tech! I wonder how this works. I don't think it runs with electricity. Weird.... but cool. Maybe it runs on magic stones like the rest. I really have to go to a library and study this world soon.” I sighed.

I finished my bath and just when I was walking back to my bed, I heard a knock. I opened the door and Rosie was there with a cart of food and a pet bed at the bottom of the cart. I let her in and she set up the food on the table and even brought some juice and water to drink. She placed Shiro's food on the floor as well as a bowl of water for him. She also placed the Shiro's bed right beside mine. It's like she read my mind.

“Here you go. Enjoy! I'll let you rest now but if you need anything just give me a call. I'll be in the front desk for another hour. Someone's switching with me for the nightshift but feel free to ask them anything.”

“Thank you~” (Mika)

“You're welcome~” She walk towards the door and turned around

“I'll be leaving now. Goodnight!”

I said goodnight as well right before she manages to close the door. She waves and gave a warm smile before doing so.

I sat down on the chair and looked at the food. It looks delicious. I took a bite and the chicken burst with flavour. They used quite a bit of spices on it but it tasted really good.

We finished our dinner and decided to go to sleep right after.

“This is a really nice place. I should thank Mr. Smooth again when I see him next for bringing me here. I'm so lucky.” as I fell asleep on a nice safe cosy bed.