[ ––––––––– ֎ ––––––––– ]

The further section of dungeons had close to no hostile creature, but instead, there were a few traps that had to be bypassed, since none of the party members knew how to handle them.

Not very far into the labyrinth, the group encountered two intelligent anthropomorphic rat scouts. It turned out that they were citizens of Zurno, responsible for mapping reporting changes in flora and fauna of the dungeon, but also for escort of newcomer adventurers.

Arath was hesitant to trust the rat-men, but when they described details about the city and their tasks, Noemi found the tale too believable to pass and ordered the man to listen.

At last, the party arrived at the entrance to a huge, twenty-six store high cylindrical tunnel. In front, a quarter of height was occupied by walls. It had two watchtowers connected by a roofed bridge and a large gate to half its height.

Two rat scouts entered the gate first, while Noemi and Arath were asked to wait outside. A bit later, a rat-man in a breastplate and a helmet walked out to meet them. He was a chief guard officer.

He explained that payment for all goods or services had to be registered by the provider for tax purposes. Noemi didn't understand the function of money, but Arath said he would explain the details later.

Furthermore, the officer instructed where to find the marketplace, where both visitors could sell their wares for money or read the notice board and take a quest to make money. He also described the way to the Inn, where adventurers were allowed to sleep on their first night free of charge.

At last, the guard allowed them to enter.

Noemi's eyes sparkled, she had never seen a habitat as large.

It was a simple multi-leveled, shanty town made out of wood, but to her, it was a wonder.

[ ––––––––– ֎ ––––––––– ]

Starving and weary, Noemi and Arath headed directly to an Inn. Noemi was fascinated by the sheer number of people living in the habitat. Every eight out of ten citizens were anthropomorphic rodents, mostly rats, other were humans, rarely of very dark skin color. Although their clothes were plain, brown, or gray, Noemi was captivated by the bleached city bustle.

Upon arrival in the Inn, Noemi studied the whole building. To her, it was massive. A three-story marvel of architecture was beyond anything constructed in her village. Inside, the girl stopped in awe when crossing the door. The clutter of chairs and tables, moving waiters, the stench of beer and boiled meat, ubiquitous noise – she wanted to soak her senses in these experiences.

Arath had to politely warn a girl not to block the passageway. She apologized and moved inside while staring at the ceiling, where large candle chandeliers hung.

The duo finally occupied some places next to a wall and sat in silence. Noemi was sitting straight, while Arath sat on the side edge of the chair and leaned against the wooden boards. There were wooden tablets with a menu, Noemi grabbed one and spoke.

“What weird symbols...”

Arath involuntarily turned his head to look at Noemi. - “These are just normal letters.”

Noemi lifted her head in slight astonishment. - “Do you know what they mean?”

“Obviously.” - Arath realized that lizard girl can't read common. - “It's a menu.”

“Menu?”

“A list of dishes you can order.”

“Read it to me!” - Noemi was excited.

“Not so fast, we have no coins.”

“Coins?”

“Did you listen at the gate?”

“I did, but I missed the meaning of a word.”

“It's a round piece of metal stamped with symbolic imprint. You trade them for goods or services.”

“How can we get them?”

“Work.”

“I'm too hungry to work now! You still owe me supper.”

“It's not my fault that there was food to find on our way here.”

“Think of something.”

“I can steal.”

“No!” - Noemi's mood changed to irritated anger as she reprimanded her partner. - “Whatever, let me handle that. Who's the leader here?”

Arath pointed at the Innkeeper, believing that Noemi's actions are purposeless.

[ ––––––––– ֎ ––––––––– ]

Arath was doing nothing but lifelessly staring at vacant space until Noemi waved at him to come to the counter. She just finished her friendly banter with an Innkeeper.

Arath reluctantly came, but he wouldn't do it If he believed he had any choice.

“You're claiming that this youngster is better than me?” - The rat chief cheerfully tried to confirm Noemi's last words.

The girl reaffirmed with just a happy, wide, white grin.

Arath kept his hands in the pockets and head low, he didn't bother to interrupt the two. Although, he was worried. In Lynn, questioning skills of a high-ranked chief would end badly.

“Kitchen is yours. I'll bring two more people, be ready in two hours.”

The Innkeeper left and Arath lifted his head. He couldn't comprehend what just happened.

Noemi realized the boy's doubts and answered. - “Did you know? Adventurers like us are a rarity. Dekhan, the chief, gladly offered us a free meal in exchange for sharing our stories and entertaining his friends this evening.”

Noemi waited for Arath's insight, but he didn't answer.

“I've told Dekhan of your culinary competencies and he wanted to learn more about what you're capable of.” - Noemi explained.

“Understood. I'll get to work.”

[ ––––––––– Ϫ ––––––––– ]

The meeting took place in an upper, private chamber of a tavern, which at this hour lacked clientele. Noemi and three rodents were sitting beside a round table and awaiting Arath. They were already laughing, cracking jokes, and enjoying alcohol – mushroom wine and beer.

“Here he comes!” – Dekhan was the first person to spot the approaching, young cook.

Arath placed the tray and revealed steaming dishes. Apparently, only the rat meat was used. There was a large roast rat with onion, a pot roast, grilled ribs with a herbal sauce, a stew, spiced pan-roasted shanks, deep-fried tails, and a variety of salads.

On top of it all, Arath borrowed an ewer, tripod, oil burner, and alcohol from a kitchen then suggested that he will mix or serve drinks If it's requested during the party.

“You must be kidding me!” – Dekhan exhaled in shock.

Noemi responded with a sly and confident half-grin.

While the cook distributed empty plates among the participants, an adult petite mouse woman in alchemist's attire poked Dekhan and whispered, so nobody would hear. - “It's only rats! You know that I don't eat rodents.”

“My apologies, I was sure that with all the available ingredients, he would be... less specialized.”

At last, Arath situated himself on a free chair between Noemi and a third rodent, a gray rat of quite old age.

[ ––––––––– Ϫ ––––––––– ]

“Dekhan, my friend, when it comes to rats, you've lost this round.” - The elder rat, named Khrazd, spoke in a stoic, calm voice.

Noemi smiled pridefully, she has already succeeded as a host this evening.

“Augmi, at least you!” - Dekhan pleaded the mouse half-seriously, but it was to no avail.

“I would say, salads are on par with yours, If not slightly better, but the mushroom sauce is definitely better... and If I were to mention drinks...”

“Spare me the drinks!” - Dekhan took out a handkerchief and wiped his balding forehead, then admitted the defeat himself. - “With his talent that brilliant boy could become an alchemist of your level!”

“With great effort and many years of practice, I don't doubt it.” - Augmi was sure, Arath had to actually study alchemy at some point in his life and used that knowledge to enrich food preparation techniques.

“I still have a lot to learn... but the business affairs can wait.” - Dekhan winked to Arath, but the boy didn't get the wink's meaning. - “Let's enjoy the evening!”

[ ––––––––– ֎ ––––––––– ]

As the social meeting progressed, Arath alienated himself from the group straight away. It was natural for him to not engage in conversations, jokes, or banter unless asked. He preferred to sit silently or serve. He didn't even touch alcohol. If he could, he would stay away from the group altogether.

On the contrary, Noemi was getting tipsier and tipsier, as evidenced by her rosy blush. She was in the center of attention and conquered the hearts of listeners with her, often exaggerated, depictions of labyrinth struggles.

“I dragged it out of the canal with a single pull, then pierced through its eye like THIS...” - Noemi stood up and gestured the final blow. - “...while our panicked friend was still hiding behind the corner.”

Arath didn't care about the misjudgment, even after everyone looked at him. He just nodded to confirm, so he wouldn't be bothered.

Noemi talked a lot about her village, marriage traditions, rites, castes, and initiations. She taught about the spirit guardians encountered at the first layer and wonders of nature, but purposely omitted the topic of the vixen.

During the exchange, it turned out that Augmi, the mouse alchemist, was also an adventurer, who had settled in the city about four weeks ago. Two girls got well on with each other and Augmi even invited the two to her shop, promising them a special one-time discount.

After all the bowls and bottles were emptied, attention focused on Arath once again, due to fact that rodent participants wanted to express gratitude towards the chief for orchestrating a splendid supper.

After thanking, since it was already late, Khrazd escorted Augmi to her home.

Dekhan, sensing an opportunity, tried to provoke Arath to talk, while Noemi was saying her goodbyes.

“Where did you learn to cook?” - Innkeeper leaned on the table, to make himself closer to the boy.

Arath replied simply. - “I'm a contracted slave. I'm obliged not to answer unless permitted.” - He then completely ignored Dekhan's presence.

Noemi finished. Dekhan immediately walked up to her and mentioned. - “Your buddy isn't very talkative.”

“Next time we need to get him to drink.”

“That's not what I mean. He mentioned being a contracted slave...”

“Oh, about that...” - Noemi rolled her eyes and looked at Arath, disapprovingly. - “It's complicated.”

“That's why he is forbidden to talk?”

“No...” - Noemi lifted her head. - “...wait, yes.” - She called Arath. - “Don't you have common sense? I wouldn't forbid you to talk.”

Arath, uninterestedly, shifted his feet onto a knee. - “Speech is an action.”

“...so is the breathing!” - Noemi sighed, frustrated. - “Why are you taking everything literally?”

Arath didn't answer.

Noemi crossed her arms. - “If that's how you want it, so be it. You're permitted to speak, but don't ever dare to do anything stupid or outright wrong...”

Arath was dissatisfied, he would prefer his role to be limited to a silent follower. It was less of a work. - “As you wish.”

“Is it okay If I know what was the issue?” - Noemi inquired.

Dekhan was disoriented, but he trusted his business intuition. - “I know that you're without currency and the boy has a talent, so I thought he might enjoy working in the kitchen.”

“Sounds fair.” - Arath answered promptly.

“Wait a minute!” - Noemi excused Dekhan and dragged Arath aside. - “Would you just accept any offer?”

“With your permission, yes.” - To Arath, more money for any of two meant a bigger chance of his own survival.

“That's stupid! You need to haggle!”

“I can't do that.” - To Arath, it was beyond his cognition and ability. In Lynn, that concept nearly didn't exist.

Noemi was mildly shocked, but she had an idea. - “I can do it for you, but I'm getting eighty percent of the extra cut.”

“Okay.”

“A lesson for you, to haggle you lower the opposite suggestion. You should've said thirty, and If you were good, you would state that it's because you would be doing all the work.”

“Okay.” - Arath just shrugged. In Lynn, the bargain would cost him a tongue.

“Fifty-fifty, then. I would feel bad using you.” - Noemi uttered. They had a deal.