"Regarding your accommodations," Roberu began, his tone returning to its hospitable nature amid the renewed revelry. "Room 14 is located on the second floor. Simply ascend the stairs, and it will be the fourth door on your left."
As I contemplated the extraordinary turn of events, my mind swirled with a mix of perplexity and fascination. How could a seemingly carefree, youthful girl hold dominion over an entire kingdom?
It defied conventional wisdom, yet her effortless command of respect from everyone in the room left no room for doubt.
Beneath her casual exterior, a palpable undercurrent of strength and self-assuredness permeated her very being, demanding the attention of all who beheld her.
The incongruity of someone so youthful wielding such incredible authority was stark, yet her widespread reverence was irrefutable.
I turned to Roberu, the bartender, and was surprised to find a warm smile gracing his features. Evidently, he had perceived my bewilderment and was eager to provide insight.
"Our Queen may appear to be somewhat unorthodox at times," he explained, "but therein lies her greatest virtue. Having ascended to the throne at a young age following her father's passing, a revolutionary who restored the country to its former glory, she has been ruling for quite some time now. And now, she emerges from her palace periodically to sow a bit of chaos, but make no mistake, she is a compassionate and capable ruler who genuinely cares for her subjects."
A smile tugged at my lips in response to his words. "It's truly a blessing to have such a queen. You know, Roberu, during my travels, I visited many nations, and you know what most of them had in common?" I posed the question, my anticipation of his response overtaking any pause for him to reply. "Ruthless rulers who regarded the lives of their subjects as expendable. You should consider yourselves fortunate to have such a benevolent ruler. You truly should."
Roberu nodded in agreement, his expression one of deep concurrence. "I couldn't concur more. She may stir up some chaos now and then, but her heart is pure, and she consistently prioritizes the welfare of her people."
Our smiles mirrored the warmth of the moment, and he extended a drink in my direction. With a delighted nod, I graciously accepted, and our glasses met with a gentle clink.
Roberu leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with curiosity as he asked, "So, Mumei, what brings you to the bustling streets of Azurith Port?"
I took a contemplative sip of my drink, savoring the rich flavors before responding, "Fate, in a way. I was wandering through the vast desert, quite lost, I must admit. That's when I stumbled upon a caravan in dire need of assistance. I lent a helping hand and, well, here we are in this charming port city."
Roberu's nod was understanding, and a hint of a knowing smile played on his lips. "Ah, the whims of destiny can lead us to unexpected places. I can relate, you know. In my youth, I was quite the adventurer."
Intrigued, I leaned closer, eager to hear more. "Really? I'd love to hear your adventures."
With a mischievous glint in his mismatched eyes, Roberu continued, "I was a member of a renowned adventuring party known as the 'Azure Guardians.' We were famous far and wide for our daring escapades and heroic feats."
I couldn't hide my surprise. "The Azure Guardians? I must admit, I haven't heard of them before, but I'm sure you were a legend in your own right!"
Roberu chuckled, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Reputation or not, we were just a bunch of kids playing heroes on a whim. It feels like a lifetime ago now. But enough about me. I'm curious to hear about your own adventures."
As the night wore on, our stories flowed like fine wine with each shared memory. Roberu's talents extended beyond bartending; he was a captivating storyteller, painting vivid pictures of daring escapades and thrilling encounters with formidable creatures.
In return, I regaled him with my own adventures—battles against monstrous adversaries and the exhilaration of unearthing hidden treasures.
Our laughter resonated through the tavern, attracting the attention of fellow patrons who eagerly joined our storytelling circle, each adding their own anecdotes and jests.
As the hours slipped away, it became clear that a genuine friendship had bloomed between us. Roberu was not only a skilled bartender but also a kindred spirit who shared my love for adventure and wanderlust.
Our glasses remained raised, not only to honor Queen Mae and the kingdom but also to celebrate the enduring bond of friendship forged on this memorable night.
As the night continued, and after sharing numerous stories and drinks with Roberu, I decided it was time to retire to my room.
As I ascended the wooden staircase of the cozy tavern, my footsteps echoed in the dimly lit space.
Upon reaching Room 14, I retrieved my key and inserted it into the lock, turning it with a satisfying click before gently pushing the door open.
Stepping into my room, I began to shed my outer layers, hanging my coat on the stand by the door and placing my sword next to it.
I then made my way over to the bed, removing my boots and placing my belt with its accompanying lantern, pouch, and dagger on the nearby table. My brown corset joined the pile of discarded clothing.
I was now left in my leggings, pleated skirt, and white buttoned shirt. My gloves were fingerless, exposing my index and pinky fingers.
With a deep sigh of exhaustion, I collapsed onto the comfortable bed, letting out a contented "I'm beat!" before sinking into its soft embrace.
As I lay there, basking in the relief of finally finding a place to rest, my fatigue weighing heavily on my limbs, I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility settling in.
But just as I was about to close my eyes and surrender to the embrace of slumber, an unexpected occurrence shattered the tranquility.
Through the open window, a small paper bag drifted into the room, hovering in the air for a moment before gently dropping an envelope onto my lap.
"Thank you, friend," I said with a smile, giving the small paper bag a gentle pat on the head. The paper bag seemed to express happiness, fluttering happily around me before folding itself neatly and settling into my lap. I carefully placed the little paper bag into my pouch, ensuring it was safe and snug.
Turning my attention to the envelope, I noticed the title "Captain" emblazoned on its front. With a sense of anticipation, I broke the seal with deft fingers and retrieved the letter nestled within.
"Dear Mumei,
I hope this letter finds you well. I want to inform you that I have received your letter.
I will make my way to Azurith Port immediately. By the time this letter reaches you, it will only be a matter of days, or at most, a week before I arrive.
Until then, I kindly request that you take care and avoid any reckless actions. Your safety is of great importance, thus I urge you to stay cautious during my absence.
Best wishes,
Your Captain."
A warm smile graced my lips as I read the words. Knowing that Captain was on her way to join me in Azurith Port filled me with a profound sense of relief.
But this would also mean I had some time on hand – time to prepare, time to gather information, and time to contribute to the city that had offered me refuge.
As I pondered my next steps, I realized that there were several tasks I could undertake during my stay. First and foremost, I needed to gather as much information as I could about Kovalskia.
The city of Azurith Port, with its bustling streets and diverse population, seemed like an ideal place to start my investigation.
Then, there was the matter of survival in the unforgiving eastern terrain. If I wanted to find Kaela, I would need to withstand the harsh weather and challenging conditions.
This demanded that I acquire the necessary supplies and provisions to withstand the elements. It wouldn't do to venture into the unknown ill-prepared.
And finally, I felt a growing sense of responsibility towards the city itself. Azurith Port had welcomed me with open arms, and it was only fair that I offered my assistance in return.
The tavern's bulletin board displayed numerous requests from the city's residents, ranging from simple errands to more challenging tasks.
As I drifted into a well-deserved slumber, the flickering candle on the nightstand cast dancing shadows on the room's walls, and the distant sounds of laughter and merriment from the tavern below served as a soothing lullaby.