Chapter 5: The Inn
Arthur finally left the forest and entered a wide plain.
What he witnessed could only be described as magical. He watched the tall bluish-green glass produce dim light as the shadow of the night hit it like a wave. The sun left the sky yet the plain made it seem like the day just started.
He admired it piously as he continued his journey towards the unknown.
***
Inside an inn called the beer and bear.
A couple of guests that were seated gossiped, ate and drank.
"You know… I heard someone claim that the Korin cliff suddenly exploded today"
A middle aged man in common clothing suddenly proclaimed to his drinking companions.
"What? No way, you are joking"
"I think you drank too much and misheard something"
"Good one Elric!"
He wanted to refute and explain that he heard this from someone that witnessed the destruction first hand but as soon as he opened his mouth a door to the inn was loudly slammed open.
A tall person wearing a green cloak that covered the upper part of his face walked in seemingly without a care for the commotion he caused. He then chose an empty table and sat without saying anything.
'Who the f*ck told you to slam the door!?'
'I am sorry! I am sorry!'
Of course that was none other than Arthur and although he appeared calm and mysterious on the outside in reality he was being berated by Amon for making them the centre of attention. Thankfully nobody seemed to care too much for his rude behaviour and everyone quickly got back to whatever they were doing before.
'Tsk… just try to not blow up this inn at the very least. Can you manage that?'
'Yes…'
After that was dealt with Arthur finally got a chance to look around the inn.
The atmosphere seemed rather festive as most of the guests drank and talked with each other loudly and even the innkeeper looked to be affected by this as he laughed along with his customers however he never forgot to charge for the food and alcohol.
He did not work alone however, a red haired waitress helped him around with serving and pouring more and more beer. It truly seemed that such a scene would continue playing out till the morning.
To the contrast of the playful and drunk guests was Arthur himself as he simply sat in silence. From time to time he would receive a curious glance but he ignored that completely.
'How long will it take us till we reach the city?'
'Couple of hours at best but walking around in the dark would do you no good'
Arthur sighed when he heard this. To tell the truth he felt a bit uncomfortable by being surrounded by so many people. He clearly did not fit the criteria of being an extrovert and would honestly prefer to continue walking in the dark towards the city.
"Can I get you something?"
His laments were forced to be put on hold as the inn's waitress finally approached him.
"Something to eat and something to drink"
"This… Would a cup of beer and roasted meat suffice?"
"Sure"
Arthur practically had no clue as to how he should behave in this situation or what he could even order so he chose to act calmly and not talk too much since that could expose his abnormality and complete ignorance towards everything. He was still not even a day old after all.
"That would be 23 common and I hope you don't mind paying up front?"
"No"
Arthur then pulled up his sleeve and revealed the green pendant hidden underneath and exactly 23 common vin appeared on the table.
"A spatial wallet?"
A guest who happened to look over muttered in surprise but quickly turned his head and even the waitress seemed slightly taken aback as she quickly straightened her back in hopes of appearing more respectful.
'Why are they so surprised? Are they suspecting something?'
The strange situation did not escape Arthur as he quickly questioned Amon as to what was going on.
'No, nothing like that. It's just that although spatial wallets are not that expensive they are not too cheap either so for you to have one indicates that you own some coin and perhaps are a person of status. In short they fear that they may offend you by accident so they adjust their behaviour. In the future try to not show it off and pretend you are just taking money out of your pocket or something so as to not gather attention"
The answer seemed to satisfy Arthur as he put his focus back to the waitress.
"Is there a problem?"
"No! No… I will go and take care of your order sir"
She took the money and busied herself with the order.
Arthur seemed to have a talent for acting even though his heart probably raced faster with anxiousness than the waitresses but his worries quickly melted away as he had a first meal in his life. His accidental showing off proved at least effective in getting his food served quickly.
'Good!'
He almost cried when he had the first bite, however he did not forget the advice he got from Amon before he entered the inn and tried his best to appear civil. His left eye with a small tear and yet his stoic expression made for a funny look but to the waitress that observed him from afar there was nothing more terrifying.
'Is the food so bad he almost cried? Will he remember me and do something bad? He definitely has enough money to hire some goons to wreck the place… No, no he looks dissatisfied but is not doing anything and eating in silence. Perhaps he is not a bad person and will not do any harm? Yes! Let's stay positive Laura!'
The waitress named Laura calmed herself and continued to serve other guests. Her heart however skipped a beat when she saw the mysterious man finish his meal and raise his arm.