After travelling for three days, Sam reached Eden village. It was a small village with a population of less than 200 and the primary occupation was farming. Entering the village, he observed most of the old huts but one building was sticking out for being rather new in design. On reaching close the building had a sign that read 'Eden Inn' and entered in hopes of finding place to stay.
Eden Inn was run by Claudia, a woman in her early forties and her 15 year old daughter, Marie. Since the village was present near the entrance of forest, the only guests that came were explorers and adventures, but that too rarely. It had been a while since the bell at counter was pressed.
Marie ran towards the counter happily in hopes of greeting the guests. Reaching the counter she could only see a 17 year old boy, with silver hair wearing shabby and tattered clothes pressing the counter bell happily. The smile on Marie face took a 180deg turn.
"What is it you want, boy? This is no toy to play with", said Marie.
"Are you the owner of this place?", asked Sam.
Getting irritated for some reason, "Yes, I am the owner of Eden Inn. Now tell me your business here".
"I wanted to get a room and something to eat", asked Sam politely.
"You! Do you have any money on you?"
It was at this moment that Claudia also arrived and seeing the state of the boy her expression tensed. The boy looked very weak, holes made his clothes and was very dirty. Seeing this the motherly instinct of Claudia bubbled up and lightly smacking Marie on the head asked the boy
"What is your name boy? Where are you from and where are your parents?"
"Miss, my name is Sam and other than that I can't remember anything."
"What do you mean you don't remember anything? Are you alright?"
"My recent memory is waking up in the middle of the forest three days ago. Other than that I can't remember anything"
*Grumble *Grumble
Hearing this and seeing the state of the boy Claudia's heart was filled with tears and with a mind of helping the boy asked Marie to setup a bath and take him there. She herself went into the kitchen to fix some food for the boy.
'Such a nice woman she is. What do you think Sei?'
[I don't know anything but she appeared to be a nice woman]
After washing himself and wearing the new clothes provided to him, Sam went to the kitchen where Claudia was waiting for him. Finishing his food and complimenting how good it tasted, Sam thanked Claudia for all the generosity she showed to him.
"You need a place to stay, but not everything is free in this world. You need to pay, boy", said Claudia with a sheepish smile.
*Gulp
Hearing this Sam couldn't help but swallow his saliva with the fear of what was to come next.
"Luckily I was in need of a male helper for various chore. So how about it you pay your food and rent by working here?"
'Is she a goddess', Sam couldn't help but praise Claudia inwardly.
[hmm, she indeed is a mysterious woman]
Clasping hands of Claudia, Sam replied with grateful eyes "I will be glad to help you if it means I can have a roof and food".
"Good. Then Marie will tell instruct you about your tasks."
When Marie heard of this, she was cursing her mother's goodwill. Turns out that due to fewer guests coming, they were barely running the business but now her mother goes on to take a boy for helping. Marie could only sigh.
"Follow me to the barn. Your first task is to clean the barn and wash all the cows."
"heeh, Do I have to work in this dirty place? Can't I do some other work like sweeping the courtyard or similar work?"
"Are you in any position to show your dissatisfaction!"
"Okay, okay. No need to shout. I will do it"
With this Sam took the broom from Marie's hand and started sweeping the barn.
~Evening
"Aah, I am tired, all the muscles of my body hurts crazy", complained Sam.
[You did good work boy. Now it is time to gather information regarding our circumstances]
'Are you sure I am not a chosen hero, brought here for the good of the world'
[Don't fantasize kid. I told you that you don't have any power]
'Where is my blood thrilling adventures? Where are my beauties? T_T'
Marie's voice could be heard then, "Sam, come here and fix this chair"
'She is really enjoying torturing me, isn't she', crying inwardly Sam got up and dragged his aching body to finish his chore.
After finishing his tasks, Claudia showed him his room and told him to sleep. Laying on the bed sleep hit Sam almost immediately.
[Such a weak child. I have to do something or else we will be stuck here forever]