We had entered Churg from what should be the eastern side, and the main street extended itself from east to west, finishing in the plaza that I was currently on.

The plaza or square was covered with pieces of stone, making it the only part of the town to have some kind of pavement. The inn occupied the corner of the square, just a few dozens of meters from where the main street ended.

There weren't many people on the square right now, so I had no trouble walking around and examining the surroundings.

There was an enormous group of buildings that occupied the entire south side of the square, with several warehouses, stables, and buildings under a single banner comprised of a golden coin and a wooden barrel. From what I could gather, it was something like a merchant guild, where members could rest, store their merchandise, etc.

The west side of the square contained the town hall, a simple one-story stone building with a few dozens of doors. While I thought that it could be a good place to gather some information, I was a bit hesitant to barge in, and so decided to first consult it with someone, at least with the girls. In the end, they had been in the town previously, maybe they knew someone in there as well?

But the most interesting side of the square was the north one. First, because it was like a small town inside the town, even with its wooden wall. Judging from the fact that people dressed like the guards at the entrance were entering and exiting from there, I judged that it should be the militia quarters, or however they called it.

With this cursory examination done, I decided that it was time to explore the rest of the town, namely the side streets where most of the locals lived. I doubted that I would find anything interesting, but I did want to check on how common people lived around here.

***

There were a few decisions I could be said to have regretted in my life, but the one to go and explore the rest of the town would take the prize for being the fastest one!

Nothing out of the ordinary occurred, but... I still shudder at the smells and everything else I encountered as soon as I turned from the main street and entered what would be considered the normal people living quarters.

I had more or less prepared myself for the fact that the world was on a medieval level technologically, and so I would not see much of the things I was accustomed to... But for fuck sake, there was magic in this world, and one of the basic and easiest ones to learn was the so-called utility branch. So pray to tell me, why for the holy socks did the people dig out a sewage canal in the middle of the street?!

Not to mention it was filled to the brim, and except me, everyone ignored it!

***

I beat a hasty retreat to the inn, and after asking the owner, I discovered that there was a small yard behind the inn with a well and a toilet, the former very much required to me right away.

After splashing myself with a pair of buckets of cold water, and kinda forgetting the horror my senses had just suffered, I calmed enough to examine the inn's toilet.

It was a simple wooden seating fitted over what should be a septic hole... So why then the houses in the side streets resorted to such an assault against unsuspecting people?

Strangely enough, the smell was practically nonexistent until you entered the side streets, making me think that the main street house owners had something to do with that. Still, I decided that it would be rude to go asking such details from random passersby, and left it for later.

"Hmm, now that my exploration was botched in such a way, I don't feel like poking my nose into similar places. I should stick to the main street and plaza only" With such a thought, I dried myself with a towel kindly provided by Zakhar and decided to try and speak to him. Hoping that as someone in the traveler business, he would know or at least suggest where to look for the information I required.

"Owner?" Seeing him checking something under the counter, I called.

"Yes?"

"Can I impose on you with a pair of questions?"

"Give me a moment" As the man said, I heard something heavy slam and then his two-meter tall muscular figure appeared before me.

"So what I can help you with?"

***

My decision to ask Zakhar turned out to be the best one possible. Not only he did not question why would someone who supposedly should have crossed the Kingdom lands to come here require information about the Kingdom, but he also had most of the answers. And for the answers he didn't or wasn't sure of, he had no trouble pointing me where to ask. Even promising to introduce me to the required people.

I also had insisted that he dropped the formal way he spoke to me, after all, I was practically asking him for a favor that most probably I would be never able to repay, and so our talk was pretty casual.

To resume, Churg was as I suspected a town considered the boondocks even by some of its inhabitants. If not for the fact that people migrated here escaping from their own or their original home problems, most probably it would have already disappeared from the map. Adding that it was pretty new, built by a few hundreds of destitute migrants from a country called 'Litvalian Empire' just ten years ago, it was already surprising that it was walled.

Zakhar himself had arrived in Churg just three years ago, after finishing his contract with a guild and saving enough money to open a small business. Or at least small if he did so in a more civilized place. But here, everything was dirt cheap, at least when compared with other cities, so he bought this inn directly from the previous owner and only spent the equivalent of a shack back in the Kingdom.

Speaking of the latter, the nearest city of the Kingdom of Neverc, Drogzilg was about a day's distance from here. It was a fairly big city, about thrice the size of Churg, and as it was the border gate for the realm it was decently defended and stocked. Zakhar often went there, and so if I decided to stop there, he promised to give me a letter of introduction to a few friends of his.

Zakhar did not have any maps of the surrounding lands, but after thinking for a moment, he offered to introduce me tomorrow to one of the clerks from the Cadowden Merchant guild he was acquainted with.

He did ask a few questions about me to better answer mine, but thankfully they were only skill and plans related, and thanks to them, he even suggested me a way to earn some money and avoid most of the border checks!

I had reused the same backstory I invented before, but omitted parts of it, simply saying that I suffered an accident and was forced to leave the caravan where I was working. Now that I had recuperated, I decided to hit the road again, searching for work.

Hearing this, Zakhar said that his clerk friend had mentioned they were looking for a few people to accompany one of their caravans, and if I was up for it, he would be able to recommend me.

"Thank you very much! But what type of people they are looking for? I do have some experience, but there are always different roles to fulfill, so maybe I will not be the best candidate" Hoping to learn more, I went with the old humble approach.

"I don't know everything, but most probably they are searching for someone to oversee the caravan hands"

"Hoh?"

"I don't want to sound rude to the local people, but well, the first waves were people who escaped the Empire, but most of them were honest and hardworking. Still, a lot of different people has joined up lately and so the guild is trying to find a few people who are not locals, at least to avoid ending with ones covering for others"

"I wonder why the guild simply does not bring or train if they lack them, a few of their own? The caravan I worked with was fully owned by the merchant, and except for an urgent replacement, he never contracted people from outside" Something in Zakhar's words did not accommodate with my thoughts of how a guild would have proceeded if they had problems with the locals, and so I asked.

"They do so for their owned ones, but there is the issue of the trade routes that they follow"

"Oh, you mean that this caravan is a temporal one and not an established run?"

"Indeed, the manager of the branch in Megvuroz, a town about a week from here, requested an urgent shipment. Thus making it impossible for one of the Guild's caravans to travel here, load, and move there in time. From what Reuben told me, it seems that they are simply loading all the wagons they currently have, and will launch as soon it's done"

"Oh! And considering the urgent need for caravan hands, they simply have no time to run a check on everyone. Not to mention that honest people have their honest work set and would not be able to leave for what, two weeks?"

"Yeah, anyway Lindar, you will learn the details from Reuben tomorrow if you are interested. And by the way, if you agree, you will be considered a temporal employee of the guild, allowing you to peruse whatever information and maps they have"

"I see, that makes the offer even more of a sweet deal"

"Heh, and don't forget they will take care of your entry to the Kingdom, and even pay you" The innkeeper chuckled.

Zakhar then excused himself citing that he had yet to cook dinner, surprising me again as I simply could not imagine that this person who looked more like a heavyweight wrestler cooked. As for why again, I forgot to add before that during his explanation of how he ended with this inn, Zakhar said that he has no employees. He was the sole person responsible for all the management, cleaning, serving, etc.

Because of curiosity, while Zakhar walked towards the back room, where the kitchen and storage were located, I examined him with the status screen.

"Oh my..." And as I stared at what I found out, I could only recline on the stool I was sitting on and allow the shock to pass.

NAME & TYPE LEVEL (Hiding anything below average) Monster Hunter (Title-Guild) - Strenght 18 Force (Martial) 15 Quick (Martial) 13 Close-Quarters (Martial) 20 Bludgeoning (Martial) 17 Housekeeping (Economics) 20 Danger-Sense (Adventure) 12 Being's Lore (Adventure) 21

"Well, he did say that he was part of a guild before, he simply not mentioned what type of... Not that I need to ask now" I thought while connecting the silver-colored title (I wonder if the coloring is like that for all the guilds?) to his skillset, appearance, and that he had saved enough as to buy a fully functional inn.

***

An hour later, the girls had returned from their exploration and so we had something like an improvised meeting.

Kierra was adamant about saving money, and Angelique was adamant about being stocked with everything that may be required during travel. And so, this combined mindset made them create a list of things and then go around all, yes ALL the stores in Churg to find the best prices. And now, they were presenting me with their findings, as well as asking if I wanted to add anything. So the main theme of this meeting was our budget, and how much it will be affected after buying all the supplies and provisions.

I did agree with 90% of what they had decided upon, but I did find a few things unnecessary. For example, I could not find a reason to buy a portable kitchen, especially as my storage could maintain any food in its initial, just bought or cooked condition. Or for example, buying a bunch of laundry implements with the 'Clean' spell present.

But after trying to voice such ideas, and being struck down by the "But what if you can't reveal that you are a mage!" reason, I simply acknowledged the list they made. Not without suffering internally because of the 36 copper coins to be spent.

"Speaking of money, Zakhar, our innkeeper gave me a lead about a possible way to both earn some and spend less for traveling. But we will need to see how I can bring you along" I said while explaining to them about the supply run offer. And somewhere deep inside hoping that Reuben or his bosses will not allow me to take the girls as freeloaders, giving me a reason to leave them home.

"That's awesome! I asked Anke while we were checking the sundries and she said that the entry toll into the Kingdom has risen again. So being part of the Kingdom's trade guild caravan will be indeed a way to save on it" Kierra enthusiastically explained.

And before I could point them that their addition was yet to be discussed, Angelique cut down my illusions at the roots

"Don't worry about bringing us as freeloaders, we will go as cooks. I doubt that the guild's people or the laborers they contract will be cooking themselves, and no decent cook would go on such a one-time journey, so they will definitively allow it. Kierra also has experience in dealing with horses and we both know how to ride a wagon, so we may even be contracted quicker than you"

"Oh..." I could only hide a sigh while internally screaming "For the sake of me being your apostle, why can you not do something about these two! SEPYRE!!!"

***

Selby had not lied when she said that the food at the inn was delicious. With us being the only guests, and Zakhar opening as a tavern only during festive and trade fair days, we four ended eating together. And maybe, just maybe because of this the food exceeded by far even my more-or-less heightened expectations.

A plate of fresh vegetables topped with goat cheese, pork stewed with beans, a broth-like chicken soup, pickled turnips, and even bread pudding!

Most of the plates had some local names and fitted my image of medieval cuisine, but the last one was something that albeit seemed common to me in turn surprised the girls. The reason was that even such a dessert was considered a luxury, seemingly because sugar and spices were extremely rare, and per se worth a lot.

But Zakhar explained that he had a small stash of spices from before coming to Churg, and as for sugar, one of his friends had a plantation of something called 'Sweet Odey' somewhere called the 'Triumvirate' and as he traded with the Kingdom, he always requested a small amount of it to be delivered to him.

And to the logical question that Kierra followed his explanation with, namely why he didn't sell it or save it for people that can pay for it, Zakhar simply shrugged it off with a comment along the lines of "I wanted something sweet today, and you three simply happened to stay here".

As for drinks, Zakhar had offered me a beer chug, the only thing that was locally produced, and the girls received something that he referred to as 'Crimson Five', which was a nonalcoholic berry punch made from, as the name indicated, five types of berries.

The beer did taste a bit strange to me, mainly because it was not gassy. But at least it sated the thirst well and left a decent aftertaste. Plus, what do people say about looking a gift horse into the mouth? Indeed.

This time I did not oversleep, simply because I had my two unwarranted companions wake me early. The reason was simple, there was much to do in a small timetable.

After quickly having breakfast which consisted of pearled barley and a few pieces of ham, we agreed with the girls to meet here at midday, when Zakhar would introduce us to Reuben the clerk and went different ways.

My main objective for the morning was to buy some material for clothing as no stores selling ready clothes existed and to sell a pair of items. I had already spoken with Zakhar about the latter and found that the only items that would net me a decent price around here were medicinal herbs. Simply because almost none grew in the surrounding grasslands, and the hills were a fairly dangerous place. Seems my initial location wasn't so bad!

Surprisingly, everything went without a hitch. I bought a few rolls of rough black and gray colored cloth and managed to exchange most of the herbs for money and a few other things. But the last part, or mainly the woman that served as the town's medic? doctor? alchemist? or whatever deserves a special mention.

Dorina, this herb specialist resided in one of the nicest houses on the main street. But except for the smell of herbs around her, nothing denoted that she dedicated herself to healing or the house was a workshop. As for the reason behind such a special mention, it was her stunning image...

A sharp-nosed, beautiful face adorned with a pair of big green eyes was the first thing I saw. Then my glance floated towards the long, deep black hair that cascaded almost to her waist, and the slender figure, just with the right amount of curves where they mattered.

Dorina was in her mid-twenties and what was surprising, almost as tall as me, which is not a small number considering my 191 cm.

She was also... slightly dressed? undressed? Anyway, she was covered only with a loosely fitted cape or mantle, which left enough to my imagination and warranted my *ahem* reaction.

Thankfully as the saying goes it was not my first rodeo, and I managed to at least dissimulate the physical side of it. While she was educated enough to not make any remarks and simply ask what had brought me to her.

"Zakhar the Innkeeper recommended me to find you to discuss the selling of a few herbs I have in my possession" Trying to sound calm, I spoke up in a business manner.

"Oh, I see. And what herbs would they be?" Hell, even her voice was a perfect pitch with sweet and melodic notes.

Anyway, leaving aside the fact that Dorina's beauty almost made me drool, whatever I may say... She did not take advantage of me (not that I would have resisted... much) and I sold her 40 pieces of herbs. I only left myself one or two of each of the types I had, and albeit she was honest enough to admit that I would gain more if I sold them in the kingdom, I still received ten silver crowns.

I could have gotten twice the amount even here, but neither she had enough money at hand nor I was adamant about receiving only money (I lament the lack, but I acknowledge my integrity to not make any dirty offers).

I decided to drop down the price in exchange for a brief lesson on medicine creation, citing that I wanted to know enough as to at least use the herbs that I find, and a pair of 'Healing Potions'.

The first was comprised of some notes she promised to deliver to Zakhar this evening, while the latter was an item I longed to get my hands on. I haven't been wounded, and hopefully will not, but what possible fantasy world adventure would it be without a pair of such potions?

Here they were green colored (strange!) and as glass is pretty rare (as suspected), they were transported and sold in half-transparent tubes made of flattened and polished animal horn.

After finishing the business transaction, I said my farewells and left. Not that I would not stay if offered, but neither she did, nor I did I have time.

***

When I returned to the inn, I found that the girls had already returned, and an unfamiliar man was standing next to Zakhar.

It didn't take a genius to guess his identity, and so after quickly glancing at him, as well using the status to check on him, I approached and we were introduced.

NAME & TYPE LEVEL (Hiding anything below average) Cadowden Merchant (Title-Guild) - Speech (Social) 12 Persuasion (Social) 12 Negotiation (Economics) 14 Economics (Economics) 14 Merchant Eyes (Economics) 11

Seems that coloring for guilds may be different, or maybe it's something related to their position?

Reuben was like the most stereotypical merchant from any game or story.

About 40 years old, 160 cm tall, with a prominent belly, sparse balding hair, and a short brown goaty.

Dressed in a good set of clothes, leather jerkin, and with a big silver ring.

His speech was collected, and he almost by instinct made puppy eyes when discussing money. Something that looked pretty cringy considering the man's looks.

In any case, it did not take me long to find out everything about the offer and payment.

In short, they required someone who could oversee three (or more, as he did not know yet) wagons, as well act as a clerk when needed. Reuben himself would be traveling, but as the number of wagons was over ten, he may require someone to lend him a hand during the border and cities checks and the delivery itself. Speaking of the merchandise, all the wagons would be loaded with practically the only valuable thing around here, a rock or mineral called 'Fleinor'. This latter was mined from the big hill that I had seen before, and used in smithing to improve any metal quality. It was not so valuable as to fear we would be a target of robbers, but the caravan would still be counting with an escort made of five guards from the guild, and ten contracted guards from Churg.

From Zakhar nudging and that Reuben coughed twice before mentioning the money, I supposed that the latter initially wanted to pay less. Anyway, I would be getting 3 small copper per day, which meant a bit over 4 town coppers for the week. The guild would be covering food, the three nights we would be able to spend in inns along the road, the permits, and entry fees.

Unsurprisingly, Angelique had been right about them getting on board. After mentioning that they knew how to drive a wagon, cook, and Kierra's had some skill in handling horses, they were immediately offered to join up. Their salary would be slightly less, amounting to 14 small coppers for the week, and this time I suspected that Reuben offered more than normally such work amounted to. This was because Kierra's eyes shined in response, and she did not try to haggle... at all!

"So, I take you three will accept?" Reuben asked after the explanation was done.

"Yes, we will. When would we be leaving?" After glancing at the girls and judging that traveling in a group would be safer, for now, I accepted.

"Initially I planned to leave in two days, but now that I have a full set of hands, I will expedite the loading and move everything to tomorrow. I will swing around at midday, which is the earliest time I suppose we may set off"

"Okay" Somehow the part of 'may be' sounded strange, as normally merchants should be punctual, but well... Let's try and not apply my ideas to the locals.

"Oh, and Zakhar mentioned you wanted to see a map? And find something about the surrounding lands?"

"Yes, I wonder if it may be possible to peruse what you have and can share with outsiders?"

"There is no problem. After all, it's not like you are asking about merchandise prices or caravan routes. Still, I fear that what we have here in Churg is very limited"

"Oh, no worries. I traveled only for a small amount of time, and albeit I did work with the numbers, my boss was an old-fashioned man who preferred to keep everything else in his head" Now feeling more comfortable with my story, I shared some extra while shaking my head.

"That's pretty wise of him. And well, it's not like most merchants can spend the galden to buy a good map. Even we only have one here because the guild is adamant of every branch office to have one with the nearest towns. But as for one of the entire world... I think that you may only find one in the Kingdom's archives. I would recommend you to visit the ones in Bigradh"

"Oh, we will be passing there, don't we?"

"Yes, and we will be sleeping a night there. I will ask the branch manager there if it's possible for you to enter the archives without soliciting the permission"

"Thank you, Reuben"

"Oh, just work hard and we will be even. As for the map here, just go to the guild in the evening" This time he genuinely smiled, and I found myself thinking that I was wrong about him being a merchant down to the core. Or at least he considered that such favor was nothing much.

***

I spent the rest of the day making moving between the shops that the girls had visited, and serving as the cargo mule to bring everything to the inn. Zakhar's food was good as the previous day, and so when dinner ended, I found myself far less tired than before.

Regretfully, Dorina swung by while I was not present, so I did not have the chance to see her. And I did want to, at least because I forgot to scan her stats, and I was genuinely curious about what skillset she had. Especially as I needed to know if I could learn to create potions myself.

As for visiting the guild, I did so in between my runs. Reuben did not lie about having just a small amount of information to go along with, but at least I managed to see a local map. And learn the name of this world...