Chapter 8: Inside The Riverside Town of Roka (I)
Year 0003, Month VIII-X: The Imperium
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DAY 14: First Day in Roka Village: Exploring, Business Deals, Window Shopping, Price Survey and Many More
A new day has dawned upon the three travelers, and after having rested on comfortable beds for the first time in two weeks (for August and Andy) since leaving the forest for the Imperial Road, their bodies sang with relief. They allowed themselves to rest a little longer than usual, savoring the luxury of uninterrupted sleep without the need for vigilant three-hour watch shifts that had become their nightly routine in the wilderness.
After awakening, August commenced his daily ritual as usual—a practice he maintained religiously every day except when heavily injured or suffering from illness. Surprisingly, despite all their trials, his robust constitution had yet to fail him in being seriously sick.
Once he finished his warm-up routine, August ventured outside the inn and began taking laps around the town. This became a twofold experience: discovering new sights he had missed during the previous night's overwhelming first impression, while simultaneously completing his daily exercise regimen.
Indeed, there was much he had overlooked the night before. The bustling evening activity and crowded streets had made it impossible to take in all the details. Now, in the early morning hours, the windows remained shuttered and the streets lay relatively bare. A few early risers were already about their morning routines—elderly folk cleaning the fronts of their houses or tending to small garden plots, while farmers gathered in groups to head out to their lord's fields for plowing, harvesting, or tending livestock. August appeared to be the only oddity, casually running circuits through the town.
Sweat glistened on his brow as he ran. Unlike his usual heavily armed state, he carried only a single dagger at his waist. There was no need for the constant vigilance against wild beasts that had become second nature in the forest. Still, it was his habit to always keep a bladed weapon on his person—a practice that began the moment he received his first dagger.
Everywhere he passed, curious gazes followed him from residents who had either just awakened or had already spotted him completing previous laps. Hushed murmurs accompanied his passage, and eventually, one brave soul worked up the courage to approach him. It was an elderly gentleman, clearly in his twilight years, with a balding head and requiring the assistance of a walking cane.
"Young man, what is the purpose of your activity? I'm curious as to how this might serve you," the old man inquired with genuine interest.
August, ever polite to everyone he encountered, stopped in his tracks and caught his breath before responding. As always, he provided a thorough explanation of his training regimen's origins and purpose, describing how everyone in his village—young and old alike—would perform these morning exercises without exception. For the elderly residents, he explained, the routine was less rigid but sufficient enough to flex and warm muscles while providing necessary exercise for their aging bones.
The older man's curiosity was satisfied, and he nodded with understanding, pleased to gain new wisdom even at his advanced age. "Very well then, it is best to let you finish your regimen. Thank you for humoring this old man with fresh knowledge."
August replied with a smile as warm as a child addressing his grandfather. "You're welcome, sir. I'll be on my way then."
August continued his circuit and eventually returned toward the inn, but not before making a detour through the marketplace to observe what the early stalls had to offer. After taking a quick survey and inquiring about prices at different vendors out of genuine curiosity, he made his way back to his room.
Surprisingly, Andy and Marcus were already awake and out of their rooms. It appeared they had engaged in some discussion during his absence, and judging by their expressions, it had gone well. August shared his morning experiences and the market price information he had gathered. Afterward, they approached the innkeeper to inquire about meal options. Fortunately, this inn was connected to an adjacent establishment that served daily meals to guests.
They made their way to a place called Mako's Bar and Diner—a rather unique establishment. It maintained the standard selection of drinks but only operated as a bar during evening hours. During the day, it functioned as a conventional diner serving food to guests. They approached the receptionist at the counter and placed their breakfast orders.
To August's surprise and delight, he spotted bread on the menu—something he hadn't tasted since the village massacre. The menu itself was crafted from light wood, neither too thick nor too thin, but rigid enough to be easily handled. Letters were carved into its surface to display available items and prices, which ranged from two copper pieces to a full silver coin for the most expensive option. The highest-priced item was a combination meal that included every single other dish on their menu. August couldn't fathom why such an option existed, but he was certain there must be a reasonable explanation.
Curious, he turned to Marcus. "Mister Marcus, why do you think they created this menu option—combining every single meal into one? Is there some benefit to doing so?"
Marcus admitted he didn't know the exact answer but offered his speculation. "Well, if I would have to make an educated guess. Perhaps they occasionally receive large groups of customers placing orders, and having a single comprehensive option would make things easier for the kitchen staff to understand and prepare efficiently. At least, that's what I think, but let's ask the lady here."
August nodded in agreement, and Marcus addressed the receptionist. "Madam, may we inquire about the reasoning behind this particular menu addition?"
The receptionist's face lit up with a genuine smile. It was apparently the first time anyone had asked this question. She answered honestly, "Well, young sir, your companion has the right idea. But if I may add, it was actually created because at one point, someone came here and ordered everything on our menu. After some thought, our owner decided to add this option for convenience."
August was thoroughly amused, his grin clearly visible. "That person must have had quite an appetite!" His comment elicited chuckles from everyone present.
When their orders arrived, they began their simple morning meal. August had chosen bread—neither too hard nor too soft, but perfectly textured for easy eating and served warm. Accompanying it were portions of meat and cheese. He consumed everything with obvious enthusiasm, whistling and tapping his feet in appreciation of the flavors. The meal reminded him of better days in their village when everyone was still alive. Bread had been their daily staple, along with cheese produced by their domesticated animals that yielded something similar to milk in this world.
He silently promised himself that when he and Andy eventually returned to their forest village—the Village of Maya—they would bring some of these milk-producing, egg-laying, meat-providing animals with them. He was certain everyone, especially Aunt Theresa, would be delighted to see such creatures. But that was a consideration for the future; for now, his journey in this world beyond the Lonelywoods Forest had only just begun.
After concluding their breakfast, Andy and Marcus instructed August to follow them to specific sections of the marketplace where various craftsmen operated—kitchen utensil makers, blacksmiths, armor crafters, and similar artisans could be found. It promised to be an exciting experience for the two business-minded companions to share their expertise in bargaining and price negotiation with their young, inexperienced friend.
Later that day, they visited numerous establishments to inquire about prices and examine wares. They also provided August with hands-on experience in haggling at the wet market, though from August's perspective, the practice seemed somewhat unseemly. However, Andy and Marcus quickly explained the underlying principles of trade negotiations.
August was genuinely shocked to learn that some merchants placed exorbitant markups on their goods, earning far more than reasonable profit margins warranted. This revelation made haggling seem less underhanded than the merchants' pricing practices—it appeared to be a balanced and appropriate response to such behavior. August resolved that next time, he would negotiate prices as aggressively as possible. Thus was born what his companions would later call "The Haggle Monster."
After their business had concluded, they returned to their rooms and gathered in one to discuss their plans for the town. Their primary need was money—indeed, earning funds was one of the main reasons they had entered civilization in the first place. To earn money, they needed something valuable to offer. While everything had a price—even contractual labor could generate income—they possessed other options in the form of animal hides and bones August had collected in his magical item pouch.
When August retrieved items from his subspace storage, Marcus observed the process for perhaps the tenth time, yet it remained incredible to witness. People capable of such magic were blessed with immense mystical affinity, but to actually create a magical item pouch with functional subspace storage required the skills of a grandmaster craftsman, or perhaps even someone operating at legendary or mythical levels of expertise.
Currently, August possessed numerous hides and leather pieces from various beasts he had hunted and butchered, all of exceptional quality according to Marcus's experienced merchant's eye. He also had professionally-quality cuts of meat that rivaled or exceeded the work of expert butchers. They still possessed their handmade soap, but had decided against selling it for now. Additionally, August was highly skilled at identifying useful plants and maintained a full stack of twenty high-tier healing salves in his inventory.
These salves were of superior quality with outstanding effectiveness—the same ones August and Andy had used to heal Marcus when they first encountered him injured and fleeing from bandits. However, these weren't for sale either, leaving them with high-quality beast hides, leather, and meat as their primary trade goods. They also possessed various beast bones, though they had discovered during their earlier market survey that local demand for such items was uncertain.
"So it seems we have these items to trade," Marcus summarized. "Well, you can leave the negotiations to Andy and me. We'll certainly secure favorable prices."
August nodded in agreement, then remembered something important. "Mister Marcus, we should pay you fifteen percent of our earnings. After all, you covered our expenses—the least we can do is compensate you for your efforts as thanks! Additionally, I'll provide you with a healing salve and another bar of soap!"
Marcus was prepared to decline, preferring to treat his assistance as an investment in future cooperation, but Andy signaled him not to refuse the offer. August had no concept of accepting help without providing something in return, so Marcus could only sigh in defeat at the young man's magnanimous nature.
"Very well then, I shall accept wholeheartedly and with great appreciation after we complete tomorrow's sales. Thank you, Sir August!"
August immediately protested being addressed as "sir," feeling it was excessive, but Marcus quickly corrected him with a playful gesture, waggling his finger back and forth. "Ah, ah, ah!Since you insist on fair compensation for everything, this is the least I can do, young sir!"
August continued protesting. "But still, isn't that too much?" Andy then skillfully added his own humor to the conversation. "That sounds about right, young sir!" He delivered the line in such an amusing manner that it prompted laughter from all three.
Later that day, after concluding their discussions in one of the rooms, they returned to their respective quarters. They reconvened only when dinner time arrived, venturing outside the inn to explore the bustling night market and eat their fill. Afterward, it was time to rest their bodies in the comfort of their beds, gathering strength for another day and whatever new challenges awaited them.
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The Information Panel
**Currency Systems**
**I. Imperial Currency**
~These coins are used and circulated throughout the Imperial Realm. Currency minted and distributed by the Empire of Elms-Arkanus Treasury. This legitimate currency features unique technological magic imprints for authenticity verification.~
**Exchange Rates:**
- 1 Imperial Orichalcum Coin = 1,000 Imperial Gold Coins
- 1 Imperial Gold Coin = 100 Imperial Silver Coins
- 1 Imperial Silver Coin = 50 Imperial Copper Coins
- 1 Imperial Copper Coin = 20 Local Gold Coins
**II. Local Currency**
~Local currencies circulate within the borders of allied kingdoms, but trades with the empire require conversion to Imperial Coins.~
**Exchange Rates:**
- 1 Local Gold Coin = 50 Local Silver Coins
- 1 Local Silver Coin = 150 Local Copper Coins