With the dawn, Tatsuki regained consciousness and, in search of food and shelter, he made his way to a nearby town known as the 'old town.' At the entrance of the town, two guards stood watch, guarding the entrance. When Tatsuki tried to approach them, the first guard addressed him.
"Traveler, stop. Show us your proof of identification. Will it be a citizen badge, a merchant badge, or some other kind of proof, or do you wish to pay the entry tax of 2 silver coins?"
Tatsuki realized his predicament. Not being a true citizen of this land, he had no proof to show. However, he remembered a customary greeting used by the locals and decided to employ it. Tatsuki initiated the "palm-fist greeting," a gesture common among the realm's inhabitants.
Tatsuki said, "Dear brother, I'm afraid I have nothing to show you to legitimize my identity. However, I'm a citizen of the Aurous City, and I was heading this way for some urgent business. Some bandits showed up in the desert, and it quickly turned into a struggle for possession of my goods. I tried to resist but was beaten badly, and they even took all my belongings and horse, leaving me behind to die from thirst and hunger. Fortunately, I met some nice people who were heading close to this area, and they gave me a ride to a location not too far from here."
The second guard responded in a cocky tone, "Hmmph, it was your own mistake to begin with. Everyone knows that area is not safe to travel alone. And you think you were fortunate to meet those people you speak of? Surely you jest. The only reason you met those people is that they knew it wasn't safe to travel alone, so they formed a large group to prevent the possibility of an ambush, dear brother."
The first guard, a bit gloomy due to being unable to help Tatsuki, intervened in a lighter tone. "That's enough. Now is not the time for such harsh words."
In a more compassionate tone, he said, "Brother, what happened to you was terrible, and I understand that you are in need of help. But you must also understand that we are not accountable for what happened to you. So, I have to ask you to leave unless you can pay the entry tax or show some kind of identity proof. Brother, don't make it difficult for yourself."
Tatsuki thought, "Haha, just what I was waiting for. Now to play my hand." Tatsuki then said, "Brother, I completely understand your situation. However, if I leave now, I'll slowly but surely die."
The second guard, in a raised voice, shouted, "So you have no intention of leaving then, huh?"
Tatsuki stood firm and replied, "No, brother."
Tatsuki turned to the first guard and continued, "Dear brother, I still have not conveyed all my thoughts. I ask of you not to make such a rash decision before hearing them out."
The first guard reluctantly agreed, "Hmm, then speak quickly. Let me see what motives you hold."
Tatsuki expressed his willingness to work as a temporary slave in the town to earn money and eventually return home. Upon hearing those words, both guards took a step back and stared at Tatsuki with pity.
The first guard sighed and said, "Brother, you don't know what hardships you'll face. How can we willingly let you do something so cruel? No, we can't. It would be a sin to let you do so."
Tatsuki answered humbly, "Brother, you need not worry. Frail I may look, but I'm not that weak. No matter the task, I can and I will do it. Just let me work."
The second guard conceded, "Brother, just let him be. Maybe after a few days of work, he'll realize what he's asking."
The first guard looked at Tatsuki with sympathy and said, "Brother, we have no right to stop you. So, this might be for the best."
The first guard then provided Tatsuki with essential information about temporary slavery, including the rules and handed him a paper as proof of his status. Tatsuki was directed to the back of the town, where he would register with the Slavery Association and make a contract for his work.
Tatsuki thanked the guards and said, "Many thanks to my brothers. Allow me to take my leave." Saying so, Tatsuki went inside, looking for the Slavery Association.
As he navigated the bustling streets, he couldn't help but recall memories of a life he had left behind.