There were merchants who compared their goods with the lists they held in their hands. And there were also Adventurers with swords hanging from their belts.
Guards to escort people to this town and guards to escort people out. There was a great need for Adventurers here. And so if you were good, there would be no lack of work for you.
We watched such sights from the corner of our eyes as we followed after Bacon. And we soon reached the great river. Nicora was on the other side of it.
“Now that I think about it, I do not know what this river is called.”
“Neither do I.”
“What? You don’t know? It’s the Great Ritune River. It flows from the Alexia mountain ranges to the depth of the southern forests.”
The Great Ritune River, huh… Well, it certainly was huge.
“It goes that far?”
“Aye. Everyone in Usk knows to avoid going too far downstream. There are no more towns past here. And the south is full of danger.”
“I see…that’s good to know.”
That forest was one of our destinations. We had been thinking about going down the river and then heading south, but if the river could take us to the far depths of the forest, then that would make things much easier.
“Asagi. Are you thinking about going to the forest?”
“Yeah. Didn’t I tell you?”
“You didn’t. And that forest is incredibly dangerous.”
“I know that. And I’d like to think that I’m prepared. But regardless, we have to go.”
It was already decided. We would go to the forest, then the west island and then to the north. No one could say anything to make us change our minds.
“…Well, perhaps if anyone would make it through fine, it would be you. Especially if Miss Daniela is there.”
“Daniela’s worth a hundred Adventurers.”
“I do not care to be overvalued.”
I jabbed Bacon in the ribs as he slapped me on the back. Daniela chuckled with exasperation.
“Well, it seems that we have arrived.”
“Here…”
Bacon pointed at a store that had a sign that read: ‘Lontos’s Boats.’ So it was owned by a certain Lontos then.
“Hey, Old Lontos. It’s me, Yakon.”
“Ah, you came. So, you must be the one who wants the boat?”
“Yes, my name is Asagi. And this is…”
“Daniela. It is a pleasure.”
Daniela said with a bow.
“Hm. I’m Lontos. Nice to meet you both.”
I shook the wrinkled, old hand that was offered. While he was quite old, he had a firm grip. A craftsman’s hand.
Mister Lontos shook Daniela’s hand and then went back into his store while urging us to follow.
“Well, this is as far as I go.”
“Thanks. You were a great help.”
“It’s nothing. This is also part of my job.”
We shook Bacon’s hand as well.
“We’ll be leaving Usk tomorrow. You should come and see us off.”
“I know. Later then.”
“Aye, later.”
And with that, he returned towards the town. I could see that passersby were waving and smiling at him. He sure was popular… I liked him myself. He was very open and easy to talk to. I liked people like that…
Now, we couldn’t keep Mister Lontos waiting. And so we stepped into the store.