F/VoH Ch 89: Entrance Fee

One of the guards looked at them with a sharp gaze, as if trying to find a flaw in their appearance. The moments felt tense as the guard moved closer, his gaze shifting from one group member to another.

Ryan tried to remain calm, slipping his hand into his pocket and quickly handing over a few gold coins as an "entrance fee."

The guard glanced at the gleaming coins in his hand, then smiled faintly. Without much ado, the guard nodded and gestured for them to pass.

With light yet cautious steps, Ryan and his group crossed the large gate that slowly opened. The air inside the city felt different, denser and filled with the life of the Bertord citizens.

They had managed to enter, but that didn’t mean the danger had passed. Every step they took now had to be more careful, as one small mistake could attract the attention of the wrong people.

After passing through the city gate, Ryan and his group continued walking, away from the guards' gaze. The cobblestone streets of Bertord were bustling with activity, from merchants selling their wares to small children running between the legs of adults.

They slipped into one of the quiet side streets, trying to avoid the crowd. The city felt foreign yet inviting, with towering buildings and architecture that appeared ancient yet grand.

"We need a place to rest," Ryan murmured.

They chose a random path, wandering through quieter alleys, until the delicious aroma of grilled meat caught their attention. At the end of the street, a simple stall with smoke billowing from a wooden grill seemed to welcome visitors. The enticing scent of spices immediately whetted their appetites.

"How about we stop here for a bit?" Ryan suggested, noticing the hungry smiles on Charlotte and Rosseline's faces. Ellina also seemed to nod in agreement, though she remained vigilant.

They then stopped in front of the small stall selling grilled meat. In front of the grill, a middle-aged man was busy fanning the golden-brown meat with shimmering oil, mingling with the smoke that gave off a distinctive aroma.

"Hey, Uncle, how much for this food?" Ryan asked as he approached, his eyes fixed on the tempting skewers of meat.

The vendor turned, the man's smile warm behind a weary yet spirited face. "Oh, that's just 10 Copper Coins for one skewer of grilled meat," the vendor replied, his voice sounding warm yet hoarse from the grill's smoke.

Ryan nodded slightly, then reached into his pocket. "Then please give me five, Uncle," Ryan said while handing over the copper coins.

It didn't take long for the vendor to hand over five warm skewers of grilled meat. Thin wisps of smoke rose from the perfectly grilled meat, drizzled with sauce that emitted a mouthwatering savory aroma.

"Here you go, kid," the vendor said as he handed over the order.

Ryan carefully took the five skewers, then handed three to Ellina, Charlotte, and Rosseline, one for each. They accepted with quiet thanks, while Ryan kept two for himself.

As he enjoyed the first bite of the tender, flavorful meat, Ryan turned back to the vendor. "Uncle, do you know of a cheap inn nearby that is reasonably clean and has simple bathrooms?" Ryan asked, his tone sounding relaxed yet calculated.

The vendor rubbed his chin for a moment, pondering his answer. "Oh, an inn, huh?" the vendor said before clapping his hands. "The Rose Moon Inn! That would be suitable for you, kid. It's located to the north, just a few minutes' walk. You'll see a large reddish-blue building with a sign that says 'Rose Moon.' Not luxurious, but clean enough and affordable."