Tsk! I hissed when Asher became aware of our hands intertwined. Liam must have read Asher's mischievous cough so he quickly pulled his hand off mine.
Geeze! He is such an annoyance!
We entered a diner and had lunch for a while. Looks like Asher knew the owner since he went to talk to him. then after a few minutes, he came back holding some keys.
I didn't have to ask the reason since Liam informed us about the rooms upstairs. As soon as Liam paid for the food, the owner's helper came and took our things then he led us to our room—it's more like of a condo unit having its own kitchen, small living room and two separate rooms. Not bad.
I was imagining a place like in the Ikarai village but Asher told me that each region has their own standard of living and Ikarai region is the poorest among them all.
So this region is quite modernized huh. I think I am excited to see the mainland! I giggled on my thought when Lemuel added that a region's economic status and standard of living depends on the people's financial status.
Well, I can see that. This place looks like a simple city in my own perspective. The buildings and stalls are somehow made with concrete materials. So I can expect that the next region that we will be visiting is more advanced than this? well, I'm hoping!
Now that I learned about that, I think my stay here will be worthwhile.
"We'll have to share the rooms for now." I heard Liam while checking on the rooms. Well, I don't have a problem with his suggestions since I'm used to it now.
"We will have this room." I pointed on the small one. Though it's quite small but Sarah and I will surely be okay with it unlike the three guys.
We took our bags inside and fixed it. I wonder what our agenda here considering that Liam did mention that we might stay for a few days.
Rouen… I wonder how many villages and towns were here but I am sure of one thing, we are at the heart of the city.
The weather is hot and I couldn't help but take a nap. I'm not sure how long I dozed off since I can't find Sarah everywhere once I woke up. I stood up and did a little stretching before leaving the room, However, I did not see anyone in the house. Did they leave me alone?
I'm sure they won't abandon me, but where are they?
I went to the sink and washed my face. I'm sure it's too oily since I been sweating even when I was sleeping. As I was walking, I saw two small papers with a note on it.
"We'll be back."—Liam.
"I didn't wake you up since you're in deep sleep. I went out with Lemuel, we'll be back soon." – Sarah.
Dang it! they did leave me!" I snorted annoyingly. Aren't they concern of my safety?
Anyway, I don't think they'll leave me alone if this place is dangerous. Judging at the City's ambiance, I think it'll be okay to roam around.
I washed up and took my camera with me before going down the diner. I forgot about my devices for a little while but I am back at my business.
"Have you ever seen a thing like this before?" I asked the owner of the restaurant while sitting at the counter table. He is preparing the juice I ordered.
"Hmmm…" he was checking it for a few seconds and a sudden thought crossed his mind. "I think I've seen one."
"Here? where?"
"At a merchant store near the market. Though I'm not quite sure but I've heard they are selling some devices from another country. you can try." He advised.
"Really?!" I smiled victoriously. Finally. "Uhm, the marketplace, is it near?"
"Yeah. You'll be there in 10 or 15 minutes."
"Is it not dangerous?"
"Nope. Not really. You're in a city after all."
"Ah, that's a relief then." I released a sigh. "I'm new in this country so I don't have any idea."
"We usually see other foreigners visiting this country but most of them are merchants."
"Haven't you seen or heard anything about your neighboring countries?" I was curious.
"We heard some stories about other countries from the merchants but no person from this kingdom have ever been outside this kingdom."
"Really? But why? aren't you allowed to leave your country?"
"Not that it's not allowed but we've heard weird stuffs about other countries. No one dared to leave this country coz we don't know if we can still come back--alive."
I bowed my head for a moment. The fear of the unknown. I'm sure of it. They are afraid to explore the world but I cannot blame them. Who would have the courage to do so if they have never seen the outside world?
I am an explorer, I admit. But I have the edge when I was growing up. televisions and social media accounts were already prevalent during my childhood that's why I was educated at an early age… I discovered that the world is not just my hometown. The world is vast and I don't think I can visit all the places in the world even if I live a hundred years.
Now I can appreciate the life that the Creator gave me and I am thankful that I was born in my country. I realized that I was given a special privilege to see a part of the world with my two eyes.
"But I heard there are people who had been outside this country. They were the slaves bought by some merchant. If not slaves, they are some individuals who married a foreigner." The owner added.
"Then they are lucky." I mumbled.
"Guess they are." He smiled sweetly. "So tell me, what does the outside world looks like?"
"Hmmm… it's beautiful. Once you got a glimpse of the outside world, you'll want to travel and visit every place thereof. But that's totally expensive." I tried to explain in a very simple way but I think it confused him even more. haha!
"All I know is that it's beautiful, too far from this country, is that right?"
"You could say that." I chuckled.
"Then I guess you've visited a lot of places by now."
I paused for a while and counted how many places have I visited so far since I started my blog. But I cannot remember.
"Lucky for you then." He smiled when he realized that I can't provide an exact number.
We talked for a few more minutes about the places I've visited so far and we shared some laughs together. Ah, I like this man. He definitely knows how to keep a costumer.
Unfortunately, I have to put my drinks on Liam's name for now since I don't have a penny with me.
"Sir, I'll be going to the marketplace, if any of my friends ask me, please let them know."
"Not a problem."
****
I followed the owner's instructions and reach the marketplace. And yes, I could see a lot of new stuffs. Good thing I am not the shopaholic type or else, I would buy all the things I am seeing right now.
But I have to do my original purpose here—to find that merchant's store.
I was on my way to find to a certain stall when I witnessed a child who was about 9 years old, stole a small pouch from an old man who was looking at some of the furniture on the stalls. Since he was running towards me, I stopped him and took the old man's pouch and gave it back to the old man.
"Never do that again. You might as well want to ask for help instead." I want to sincerely talk to him but he kicked my foot and run away.
"I hate you ugly!" he was so loud that I unknowingly blushed. Geeze, that child! Tsk. Did I just caught the people's attention because of that? geeze!