Lennox Dukedom is the duke territory closest to the capital city. Among the Dukes in this country, it is also said that the Duke has a close relationship with the king. With that, Duke Lennox seems to have a particular influence on the king. Rumours said that the Duke is having shady deals behind everyone's back with the king. But I know for certain the one having shady deals with the Duke is the prime minister, not the king. This fact will be exposed in the novel, and I know it because I read it.
The fate of the current Duke is the sad one. It's not like I pity him, I believe that he brings it upon himself, but the after-effect of the incident still leaves a scar on many people. There's even a separate event in the novel that is connected to the mystery surrounding the death of the current Duke.
But well, it all happened before the main timeline of the novel started. Now that I am already here, I could see that the way the novel describes this territory has some truth in itself.
"The city that never sleeps huh...", I murmured to myself.
If we're talking about my hometown, there should be fewer people in the afternoon, but let's not compare this city to my hometown. But I think only the capital city could rival this city in terms of festivity.
We arrived here quite late far from what we planned before we'd arrived in the morning. Proving that we're indeed travelling at such a slow speed, no one seems to be in a hurry.
After arriving here, we immediately put our wagon and horse to rest in the inn. Sir Liber said that only tomorrow morning that we'd go around the city to re-stock our supply. I'm a little bit disappointed because I want to see this city at night. But we'll always have the chance later.
Tomorrow morning, instead of going out to re-supply our travelling supply, instead I got some free time on my hand. The reason is that there seems to be a servant from the Duke inviting sir Liber to come to the Duke's castle. Because sir Liber is the only one going there, so, Andre, Camila, and I got quite some free time on our hands.
Andre is the first one to go saying that he wants to find some entertainment around the town.
"He probably just goes to the casino in the city, knowing he's such a gambler", said Camila when he goes out.
At first, I want to join Andre, but when I heard that, I draw back. It's not like I hate gambling nor I'm an avid fan of gambling, but I only have a limited amount of money with me. If I can't stop myself I fear that I'll be a beggar on this journey. Sure, sir Liber is paying for the inn and food, but having my own money would always be preferable when travelling a long journey like this, just in case of emergency.
The second one to go is Camila. She just stands up not long after eating breakfast and goes towards the inn exit door. I don't ask her where she's going because I believe that she'd be safer going alone than me going outside alone. I even pity the person that would disturb her outside. And where's she going? My guess is adventurer's guild. Whatever happens, unless a war breaks out outside, I believe nothing would happen to her. Asking for her safety would be akin to insulting her.
As for me? I think I would just stroll around the city for today. One thing I learn from being an adult in my previous life is that you can enjoy most things. Just relaxing on a good day, sitting in a cafe alone and enjoying the scenery is already enough.
After going outside, I realize that this city is indeed full of entertainment. Many night entertainment could be found here, like casinos or gambling dens and bars. Many are already open in the morning, I couldn't imagine it at night. Maybe this is the place that the nobles like to visit when they're craving such entertainment. Taking a peek inside some luxurious casinos, you could see many important people inside, which seem to be some highly important nobles, the security is also tight over there.
As sir Liber is renting an inn at the centre of the territory, it'd be no surprise that this territory seems very developed, as we're at the centre of economic activities here. But I know from the novel that this territory also has slums. Most territories have some kind of slums, where people at the bottom of their territory resides, even the capital city also has it.
I want to keep wandering around this city, but I decided that It'd be best if I stay as near to the inn as possible. As I'm in the middle of the city right now, the security is the tightest. There are so many important people here, and they can't be lax on security. For my safety, it'd be best for my interest to stay here.
So I just find a common-looking bar where commoner gathers and find a good spot at the counter.
"Gimme some ale", I said to the bartender. I don't know many kinds of drinks at the bar, but from the novel, I know that adventurers orders that, so I just follow it. The bartender starts to prepare my drinks and gives me a glass of ale moments later. I tried a sip of it and the taste was comparable to common beer in my previous life.
"It's already quite crowded here", I said when I turn my body and look at my surrounding with a mug in my hand. There are many empty spots at the counter, but around 70% of the table inside this bar is occupied by people. Most of them seem to be commoners, don't they have any jobs to do?
"It's a general sight over here. This is your first time coming here?"
A guy that orders a drink near me just now sits next to me at the counter. He hears what I'm saying just now. It's not like I mind it, having someone to talk to is also nice while I'm killing time. Looking at this guy's outfit, I think he's just a normal guy. Probably a useless bum as he's drinking in midday, but he's not likely a dangerous guy.
"Yes, it's my first day exploring this city. What a sight to see huh", I replied to him.
"Yes, it's a common sight over here. Most people here enjoy entertainment the most, it's what keeps the city going you see. We usually do it only at night, but there are also some days that we just felt lazy and want to enjoy some ale in the morning right?", He said like it was the most normal thing in this world.
Sure I get what he means, but don't you feel guilty later on? I guess there are always people like him wherever you go. Even in my previous world, I know one or two such a laid-back friends at least. Just, in this case, this whole city is filled with such people.
"Yes, I also feel that way sometimes. I guess it's in our human nature to feel so"
"Right? I'm glad to see such a comrade here, cheers!", He said merrily while tossing his mug with me. He gulped his drinks after that in one go and shout to the bartender, "Another ale please!".
So that's how I spend the whole afternoon with a man called Vor. He introduces himself as a freelancer that works around the city. He said that he does anything as long as it gains him money. I believe there's more to that as I don't see him as a dumb man as I speak with him. In fact, he seems to be quite intelligent for the useless bum image that he shows me.
"So why did you sit here doing nothing?", He inquires me.
"Well, I believe that there's nothing much that I can do in this city. In fact, I'm a traveller and after I finish my business here, I intend to continue my journey towards my destination"
"So you travel alone?"
"No, I travel here with my acquaintance. We share the same destination, so it'd be better if we go together"
"Acquaintance huh... No wonder you sit here alone", He said. I could see his eyes changing like he lose interest in me suddenly.
"Yes, we only share the same destination. Aside from that, I believe that I don't have a good relationship, especially with some of them", I said while thinking about Camila.
"Well, in that case, I pray you to have a safe journey ahead. I have to go, for now, I'll show you the nice entertainment that I talked about if we have the chance next time", He said while leaving money on the counter and sitting up towards the exit and going towards it.
I see his back while he leaves and thinks that man is indeed suspicious. He seems like losing interest in me after I mention my travelling comrade. Luckily, I took some precautions and only share some basic info.
Thinking about it, everyone here is minding their own business. There's also some guy who sits alone at the counter, but no one sparks a conversation with them. It's not like I don't believe something like that would happen, but it is always good to be cautious towards people, especially stranger in this unfamiliar territory.
And the "nice entertainment" that he talks about. He said that I can't find it using normal means. My guess is, it's one of those shady businesses that the Duke runs. Maybe some illegal auction, a battle arena, a slave auction, or illegal prostitution. If that is true, that guy definitely works in one of those shady businesses.
It's not like slave stores, auctions, or prostitution is illegal in this country. But those businesses are very strictly regulated by the country and there are so many restrictions and regulations in order to run such businesses. But the Duke has the backing of the prime minister, so it's not confusing if he's able to run such businesses illegally.
I also place money on the counter and get up from my seat. Turning to the main street, I walk while thinking about all of that. I just hope that I don't bring some problems towards myself. By the time I almost arrive at the inn, the sky already turned dark. I could see the mood in the street is changing. It seems like... it's becoming more festive here. So it's true, this city is full of entertainment for people who love it.
It was almost time for dinner and I hurried my step. When I arrived at the inn, I found my travelling comrade is already waiting at the dining table inside the inn. The mood seems gloomy.
"Sorry I keep you guys waiting", I said while sitting in one of the empty chairs around the round table.
"I'm sorry but we need to delay our journey and stay in this territory for a while", Sir Liber is the first one to speak.
"Huh?", I said that by reflex.
It seems like our journey to the north is really filled with obstacles. I don't know what obstacle we'd meet here, but I don't get a good feeling about this.
Looking outside from the inn window, I could see the festive mood outside. But my heart says otherwise.