Tahrren, Eiji, and Ophelia were crossing the town towards the main stable, located northeast of the city. Although it was opposite their destination, it was where their horses were lodged. They needed to retrieve them but also wished to buy a new one for Ophelia, who had no possessions left and had been missing for seven hundred years.
The stable manager offered them a horse with a slightly reddish coat. According to him, it was sturdy enough for long-distance journeys, fast and docile. To prove it, he approached the horse's mouth with a hand full of hay. The animal quickly devoured the food before allowing itself to be petted.
Ophelia slowly approached the animal. With a gentle but confident gesture, she grabbed the horse's head and petted it.
Quickly bonding with the animal, Ophelia expressed that she had made her choice. Tahrren paid two platinum coins, equivalent to two hundred gold pieces, as his two companions did not have such means.
After this last purchase, his purse seemed quite empty.
Tahrren and Eiji then retrieved their horses. Eiji approached Suiseki, petted his head, and then mounted him. They then regrouped on the outer road of the city, which ran alongside the walls. They could not cut through Ophelia as horses and draft animals were prohibited to ensure cleanliness.
After half an hour of trotting, they finally arrived at the crossroads leading to the Saintess' Garden. Several knights were directing traffic there. Although access was open to all, it was necessary to request prior authorization from the city hall, an administrative establishment that ensured the well-being of the citizens. The small group quickly headed down the path thanks to the passes provided by Irina.
While the east of the city was still wild, covered by vast steppes that stretched to Ninakami, the southern territories were much more tamed. There were fields as far as the eye could see, with all kinds of crops: simple grains like wheat, oats, or barley, but also fruits and vegetables.
This immense variety of produce painted the landscape in different colors, ranging from simple green to the blazing red of some varieties of tomatoes. The further they ventured into these agricultural lands, the greater the variety of productions became.
Just before reaching their destination, they even came across some plantations of tropical fruits that none of them could recognize, not even Tahrren. It was only after spending an entire day traveling the paths between the agricultural lands that they finally arrived at their destination.
As the sun slowly settled behind the horizon, Eiji, Ophelia, and Tahrren caught sight of a small village in the distance, with rooftops protruding from the ground.
"Finally, we have arrived in Hortux!" said Tahrren with enthusiasm.
Ophelia and Eiji looked at him dubiously. Neither of them had ever heard of this name before.
"Hortux?" asked Ophelia.
Tahrren looked at his two companions, eager to educate them. He couldn't help but express a discreet smile as he got used to explaining everything. After all, he was traveling with someone who had just woken up after seven hundred years in stasis and someone who had never left his homeland!
"When the benefits of the Saintess' Garden were discovered, Ophelia was not the only city to be founded. If Ophelia represents the military and economic power of the region, as well as the political hub, Hortux is its agricultural counterpart. This is where the families of farmers who manage these lands live. It is also the logistical center, where food is stored before being sold, delivered, or distributed."
Ophelia couldn't help but smile and be happy. After experiencing years of famine, even within the royal family, she was reborn into a world that did not know this notion. Almost no one had to fight to have enough food to live. Beyond simple happiness, she also felt pride because she knew she was not without responsibility for it.
The three riders left their horses in the care of the city stable and then headed directly to the nearest inn. Although crowded, it still had some seats in the restaurant.
As soon as they pushed the oak door, a warm voice echoed in the room.
"Welcome to the Inn of the Three Winds! Do you want a room or just a meal?"
The three travelers approached the receptionist, dressed in a simple brown leather tunic and slightly lighter canvas pants. Her brown hair and green eyes harmonized perfectly with her outfit and the wooden walls of the building. Although the building was lit by countless candles, they also couldn't help but notice the gigantic chandelier hanging from the ceiling, which held several dozen candles.
"Good evening," replied Ophelia, catching her two companions off guard. "How many beds do your rooms have?"
The receptionist warmly smiled at her before replying, "Unfortunately, we only have single or double beds left. Family or group rooms are all occupied."
Seeing the slight smile on Ophelia's face, Tahrren took the lead.
"We'll take a double room and a single bed for the lady."
The smile vanished from Ophelia's face. She turned to Tahrren and scolded him.
"Why can't I have the double bed with Eiji? Are you afraid I'll steal your little protégé?"
Tahrren scratched his face and hesitated a bit before replying, "It's not that. It's just that... Isn't it a little early for you to sleep together? You've just met."
At these words, Ophelia blushed slightly but was far from giving up.
"Why should we wait any longer just to sleep together? Isn't that absurd? And besides, I think I've wasted enough time already."
Eiji sighed. Although he was at the heart of the discussion, he felt forgotten. Seeing that they were beginning to attract attention and that his companions were not likely to stop, he approached the receptionist.
"Please excuse us. They can be a little talkative sometimes. We'll take a single room and a double room, with meals. We don't know how long we'll be staying here, but it will be for two nights at the very least."
The receptionist maintained her professionalism and smiled at Eiji. "Very well, that will be a total of two gold pieces and fifty copper pieces per night. You can pay directly for your first two nights if you wish."
Eiji rummaged through his pouch in search of the few coins he had left. He managed to gather five gold pieces and handed them to the receptionist, who gave him keys in exchange.
"Here are the keys to your rooms. The number engraved on them corresponds to your room number. They are both located upstairs. You can go there now and come back later for a hot meal."
Eiji thanked the receptionist. He had barely finished when Ophelia grabbed his arm and held onto it.
"And what do you think, Eiji?"
He sighed before replying, "It doesn't matter. Sort it out between yourselves." He gave them the key to the room with the single bed and headed for the stairs, not hiding his slight smile. He never imagined Tahrren had such a childish and prudish side.
Once on the floor, he crossed it in search of his room. Once he found the door corresponding to the number indicated on the key, he inserted the latter into the lock. Unlike the usual swinging doors, this one slid, offering the inn a unique charm. Behind it was a fairly simple room with two bedside tables, a double bed, and basic furniture: a wardrobe, a table, and chairs.
The whole room was made of oak wood, sporting a magnificent brownish-yellow color, while the bedding was green like the leaves of a tree. He put his things in a corner opposite the entrance door.
As he was about to leave, the door opened, and he came face-to-face with Ophelia, their faces only a few centimeters apart. He stepped back a few steps to let her in.
"Have you finally made up your mind?" Raising her arms to shoulder height, Ophelia clenched her fist, asserting her victory.
"Yes, and I won!"