At least, when Helena emerged out of the tent the next morning, she seemed to be in a much better mood. I'm pretty sure she was able to sleep quite comfortably inside the tent. As for me, I had an absolutely miserable night. While the cloak I was wearing was quite good at keeping the cold away, it wasn't perfect, and sleeping with it on was far from comfortable. Having never once slept on anything but a bed in my entire life, I couldn't really find a comfortable position. So, all in all, I'm still not sure what I did wrong, but I sure hope I don't repeat the mistake. Sleeping outside is just not good.

At least, Helena's anger had completely subsided and she helped me to clean up and store everything. She even joined me in my morning prayers. So there's that. It was also good that, according to the maps I had studied, as we started turning south on the road, we should be able to reach Probium before nightfall, so I suppose the worst that could happen to me would be to have to buy two separate rooms.

“So, you've talked to me about all the different nice things that we can find in this city. But specifically, what are your plans for when we arrive? Are we going to buy things? Just look around? You told me about the dungeon there, do you intend for us to challenge it?”

That Helena was taking the initiative to ask all of these things was a further sign of her very good mood, but also brought problems. To be quite honest, I didn't plan things out to such a detailed point. Sure, I did think that challenging the dungeon would be a good experience, but on the other hand, even if it was uncommon, one could lose one's life in it. However, there wouldn't be a point to this journey if we were to keep only to really safe things. And I did read extensively on dungeons...

“Well, first, I thought we might familiarize ourselves somewhat with the city, among other things. Do some sightseeing for a bit, maybe buy useful things. Then, the next day we might try our hands at clearing the dungeon.”

That sounds like a lovely time! I would be quite satisfied if our visit yielded these kinds activities. Helena looked at me in a slightly skeptical manner.

“I see. Do you know anything about what makes a quality and actually useful magical item?”

I looked at her, not quite sure what she meant by that question.

“Erm, if it has a useful function and actually works as advertised? I'm not sure what you mean.”

She shook her head.

“Well, maybe, then, we should just window shop I think. My mother always told me to be careful when looking for crafted magical items, doubly so when it comes to magic items allegedly from dungeons. I didn't learn that much, so I can't really tell a well made item from a poorly made one based on the mana circuits and such. If it's not well done, then even if it does what the merchant tells you, it might not last more than a few uses, or use way more mana than you expect, among other possible problems.”

I paid attention to everything she said. As expected of a daughter from low-ranked nobles, she has learned many more practical skills than I. Although I suppose I understood how a legendary weapon might be well, legendary, thus superior to other weapons, but it didn't occur to me that, just like the forging of a blade, if enchantments on a magical item weren't well made, then the resulting products would be of lower quality. Although, in hindsight, it should be really obvious.

“I see, so if we find someone that has some knowledge of this, then if we can have them accompany us, then we would have less worries.”

Helena paused for a moment.

“Well, if you can trust the person, of course, but then again, that's the problem, isn't it? It wouldn't be that much different from trusting the seller.”

“Fair enough.”

As we were talking, we passed by a group of four people going in the opposite direction. Probably a party of adventurers that were staying in the city and were off to fulfill some request. Guessing that they were adventurers was actually quite easy when considering their attire. Two of them were humans wearing mail armor and carrying multiple blades on them. The other two were another human and a gnome. Both wore padded armor, but while the human carried an assortment of bows and crossbows, the gnome carried a single staff. All of them had a pack on their backs. To be honest, it was slightly unnerving seeing them up close, as it felt like they were leaving for battle, not only due to their equipment, but also due to their expressions. On the other hand, it was also slightly exciting and, for a moment, I considered stopping them to ask where were they headed, but in the end I decided not to. It would probably be too rude I think.

Helena must also have sensed the tension with which they carried themselves, because afterwards she asked me in a very serious tone.

“By the way, you did talk about us challenging the dungeon in the city because it might be an interesting experience, but did you give proper thought to the very real risk of either of us getting heavily injured or even killed?”

As she looked at me with those straightforward and honest eyes, I just couldn't lie to her.

“Honestly... Not really. I have to admit that while, yes I have prepared and studied it properly, perhaps because of it, I just feel like things might just... well, work out. I can't really see us failing at the first small hurdle.”

As I explained my thought process, Helena sighed and shook her head.

“As always, it's not like you don't plan, or don't think. But you don't really think things through to the end, do you? Fine, just make sure to teach me all you know about this dungeon at whichever inn we stop at.”

Of course! She didn't even need to say that. I would gladly explain everything that she needed to know. As I perked up to start explaining things, we both realized that there was something that looked like a big rock on the road. As we approached the rock, I realized it was not a rock, but a very big backpack, I also realized that there was someone under than backpack, a dwarf to be more specific. As we drew closer and closer, I could hear low moaning and grumbling coming from under the backpack.

“Urg, so stupid, so unfair. All those cretins, I swear, I will prove them wrong.”

Some very conflicting feelings rose up inside of me. On the one hand, the dwarf was clearly troubled and a good man that follows the good morals set down by Virtue would not hesitate to help him. On the other hand, I wasn't even sure if he was completely sane. Dealing with him might be more trouble than was worth. As I looked to the side, Helena's expression told me that she really wanted nothing to do with the dwarf at all, which slightly tipped things in favor of just ignoring the dwarf. Still, in the end, my morals and pity won over and I cautiously called out to him while reasonably close.

“Oh, hey, are you okay over there? Need some help?”

His response was immediate.

“Do I look okay to you? Of course I...” Then he stopped, realizing that perhaps being rude to a stranger that just showed concern to him was not the best course of action. He then spoke again in a much more measured tone. “I am sorry about my rudeness, it's just that I happen to be in quite the pickle here, if you could help me, I'd be immensely grateful.”

I called out to him after all... Even as Helena stared at me in clear disapproval, I helped him push the backpack away, then helped him stand. Taking a good look at his clothes it was quite clear that, while they might have been quite dirty, he was from a considerably well-off family. My curiosity got the better of me and I couldn't help but ask.

“Can you tell me your story? It's not exactly common to encounter someone in a situation like yours on the road. You're welcome to travel with us if you're headed to Probium.”

For a moment it worried me that this might make him suspicious of me. But he quickly showed to be more than willing to talk with us.

“Oh! A concerned fellow, that's to be appreciated indeed, you're a good man! I am Kardenon Therinya, a misunderstood man who will, in the future, revolutionize Tharaz Eron's military! By the way, if you're just faking concern to swipe my money while I am distracted, know that all of my money has already been stolen.”

Although he didn't say too much, I was taken a bit aback at how exactly I should respond to what he had just said. I almost regretted approaching him. Well, at least my guess was correct: I learned enough about the important noble families of Meridia and surrounding countries that I knew who the Therinyas were. If nothing else, at least he most probably was a young member of the Therinya family.