"Yes. My master said he'd come himself here after you're satisfied."
"Hm, no problem. Again, thank you for your service." Rafael was genuinely thankful, but inside, he was screaming for the man to leave so he could finally eat. The old man gave a slight bow and left.
My god, this is so good! Rafael devoured the food in no time. Despite the beer being sweet, it paired perfectly with the meal. During those few minutes, completely immersed in the food, all his worries and stress faded into the background. He almost forgot he was stranded in the past. Almost.
Ahhhhh, such incredible food. He leaned back and relaxed, the only sounds being distant conversations and occasional laughter from the main hall.
That monk, priest, or whatever! If it wasn't for him, I'd be... He paused, realizing it wouldn't have been all smooth sailing. Cenric was suspicious of me after I took back the book. He'd have locked me up until I returned it. But it's all in the past now.
Now that he was relaxed, his mind drifted back to his current situation and the fight where he had killed a man. The memory tried to pull him into a darker place, but he fought to maintain control over his thoughts and emotions.
His reflection was interrupted by the butler, who came to clear the plates. "I hope everything was to your liking, sir. Is there anything else you'd like?"
"No, no. It was simply incredible. Everything. Please, send the chef my compliments."
"I, on behalf of The Sun's Glory, am happy that you enjoyed everything. Now, with your consent, I'll inform the owner that you're satisfied."
"Oh, great. Please do." After a couple of minutes, a slightly overweight man approached Rafael. He was about 1.70 meters tall, with blue eyes, a brown beard, and brown hair. His attire consisted of white pants, a green tunic, and a red cloth draped from his right shoulder, covering his left arm.
"It's a pleasure to have you in my inn, sir. I am Rotrim, the owner of this place," the man said, extending his hand.
Rafael stood up and shook it. "I am Robert, and I must say, this place truly has the best food. Just amazing." Both men sat down at the now-clean table. "Mr. Robert, I'm delighted that you enjoyed it. Actually, this is the first time I've seen you here. Is this your first time in our city?"
"Yes, I arrived yesterday. Although I'm only staying for a day, I found this city welcoming and beautiful."
"Ohohoho, this city really is something. The people are friendly and always ready to help, the land is fertile, the rivers are full of fish, and there's plenty for everyone around here..." Midway through his speech, Rotrim's eyes drifted to the wall behind Rafael, as if he were gazing past the walls and buildings. His voice trailed off with a hint of sadness.
Rafael found it strange but chose not to comment. "...Oh, sorry, I let my thoughts wander. Now, my butler mentioned that you have something to ask. Please, tell me, and I'll do my best to help."
"I have important business with Baron Frederic, but the problem is, I don't know how to get there from here."
"Well, that's understandable, considering it's your first time in Burmegh. There are a few ways to travel. You could hire a guide to take you by horse, or join a group of traders and merchants. If you like, I can recommend a good guide. What do you think?"
"That would be amazing, thank you. Oh, right, I need to leave today."
"Today? Hmm, are you sure it can't wait until tomorrow at dawn?"
"I'm sure, sir. As I said, it's urgent."
"I'm not sure if the guide will agree to travel at night. Mr. Robert, if I may ask, why did you come to Burmegh if you have such pressing matters?"
"That's because I encountered some difficulties on the way here and got delayed. I came here to deliver a message to Baron Floutt, and now I must hurry to Baron Frederic." Rafael improvised a lie, not caring whether the man believed him or not. All he needed was the guide.
An urgent message for them? Could it be from the Count? Or maybe even the King? Rotrim wondered. "I see. I'll help you." He raised his hands and clapped twice. The butler appeared promptly, stopping near them.
"Please, send someone to find that guide and bring him here. Mr. Robert will be hiring him." The butler bowed and left without even asking which guide they were referring to.
"Thank you."
"Oh, it's nothing. I've lived most of my life here, so the custom of helping others, which is common among the people here, has become a part of me."
Should I try to get some information about their role in the war? Let's give it a shot, and I can't let him ask too many questions about me, or he'll easily see through my lies.
"This city and its people are unique. It's a pity that the ongoing war might taint this land," Rafael said with a sad expression.
"Yeah. You must be from the capital, no? You're safe there, far from the frontlines, but here, we're right next to the enemy. I've heard the north is already being invaded." Rotrim also appeared sad, but Rafael couldn't tell if it was genuine.
"I've heard that too. But what about the situation here in the south? When I return to the capital, I can inform those in charge to send help."
Rotrim blinked a few times and raised an eyebrow. "Why are you asking me this? Didn't you discuss it with Baron Floutt when you met him?"
"I did, but I'm interested in hearing a different perspective on the matter. That's how I work; I gather various points of view on an issue. So, if it's alright with you, I'd like to hear your thoughts on all this."