The air outside was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of bread baking and firewood being lit. Merchants were only beginning to set up their stalls, preparing their wares for the day. Some shop doors creaked open, and a handful of early risers strolled through the streets.
Following the trail of savory smells, Asiel's gaze landed on a sturdy two-storied tavern nestled along the riverside road. The signboard swung gently, painted with a rising sun crest and the words:
"The Dawn's Hearth."
"…That's as inviting a name as any," Asiel mused, pushing the door open.
Inside, the floor still gleamed from the morning cleaning. Wooden chairs and tables were being arranged neatly, though several were already occupied. A few men and women—equipped with worn leather armor, steel blades, and traveling cloaks—ate hungrily, chatting between bites.
Travelers. The very same kind he had read about the night before.
"Ah, welcome, dear sir!" a voice called out from behind the counter. A middle-aged man with a friendly smile set aside a cleaning cloth. "Forgive the state of things. We're still tidying up after last night. Would you mind sharing a table with the travelers until more seats are ready?"
Asiel answered calmly, his voice carrying its usual composed weight. "Oh, no need to apologize. I don't mind sitting with travelers at all."
He stepped over to the nearest table, pulling out a chair with quiet grace. The travelers at the table exchanged glances, shifting uncertainly as his presence settled among them. One of them, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, finally leaned forward.
"Sir… forgive the question, but we've never seen you around here before. By chance, are you a noble?"
Asiel smiled faintly, his tone smooth and unhurried. "No need to be worried. I'm just a boy from a small village, a bit far from here. I only arrived yesterday, so this town is new to me. I've yet to find a job—or even a place to live, for that matter."
The atmosphere at the table lightened instantly. The tension drained from the travelers' faces, replaced by friendly grins and nods. They began to welcome him into their chatter, and though Asiel's expression remained calm, his steady voice earned their trust quickly.
Just then, a soft presence approached.
A young girl, clad in a crisp maid's dress, padded over to their table, a small notepad in hand. She was a catfolk—her ears twitching slightly, her tail swaying with each step. Her beauty was understated yet striking, her bright eyes reflecting a warmth that contrasted with her graceful, almost shy demeanor.
"Good morning," she said politely, her voice gentle but clear. Her gaze lingered on the travelers for only a moment before drifting curiously to Asiel. "May I take your order?"
The travelers greeted her with the ease of familiarity, clearly used to her service. But for Asiel… this was their first meeting.
And in that simple moment, as her curious eyes met his composed smile, something unspoken sparked in the air between them.
The sound of knife against plate was steady and calm as Asiel ate, his crimson eyes occasionally lifting toward the three across the table. They had been speaking without pause, their words tumbling over each other with the restless energy of youth.
The sandy-haired boy—Rynor, a cheerful swordsman—leaned forward again, elbows on the table.
"Yeah, we're Travelers by title, but we take hunting commissions sometimes too. You see, the Commission doesn't hand out the same jobs to everyone. They match tasks to your skillset."
The youngest of the three, the brown-haired girl—Mariel, quick-tongued and curious—nodded in agreement, her braid bouncing.
"Exactly! So if you're good with blades, you might get registered as a Hunter. If you're into studying magic, they'll put you under Mage. Then there are Healers, Investigators, and even Scouts."
The tall scarred one—Kaelen, calm but with a hint of pride—smirked and crossed his arms.
"We mostly end up with traveling commissions—escorting merchants, mapping roads, delivering goods. That's why people call us Travelers. It's not glamorous, but it pays just enough to keep us alive."
Asiel quietly wiped the edge of his mouth with a napkin, his eyes half-lidded as he listened. Their voices reminded him of something… something he had once envied. The easy laughter of people with a shared purpose.
"Hmm," he murmured, cutting another slice of steak. "Different paths, different names… yet all under one roof. Seems well-organized."
Mariel grinned at him, her bright green eyes sparkling.
"Say, Asiel… you don't have a place to stay yet, right? If you're looking for cheap lodging, we know one."
Rynor clapped his hands, nearly knocking over his cup.
"Yeah! The Rusty Quill Inn. Not fancy, but the owner's fair and the food's decent. Perfect for someone new to town."
Kaelen gave a small shrug, smirking.
"Cheap enough to save you coin, but not so cheap you'll wake up missing your boots."
Asiel chuckled faintly, finishing the last bite of his meal. He set his utensils down, stood, and placed a few silver coins on the wooden tray.
"Lead the way, then."
The three exchanged quick smiles before standing as well. Nerina, the catfolk waitress, passed by to collect the tray, her tail swaying lazily. She gave Asiel one last curious glance, as though she wanted to say something, but thought better of it.
Together, Asiel and the three Travelers stepped out into the bright streets of Lagunica, the noise of merchants, horses, and distant bells greeting them. For the first time since arriving in this world, Asiel felt as though he were not entirely alone.
The group of young adventurers thanked the tavern owner for the warm meal before stepping out into the cool, still-early morning air. The streets of Lagunica were peaceful, with only a handful of shops open and stall owners arranging their wares for the day. Asiel walked alongside his newfound companions, quietly taking in the rhythm of the awakening town.
They eventually led him to a livelier street, where the faint sounds of chatter and clattering pots echoed from small homes and shops. Nestled between two newer buildings stood a slightly old but well-kept lodging house called The Willow Hearth. Its faded signboard creaked gently in the breeze, yet it radiated a welcoming charm.
Inside, the smell of baked bread lingered faintly in the air. A kindly woman stood behind the counter, adjusting her apron as she greeted them.
"Ah, good morning, dears. Looking for a room?"
One of the adventurers, Leif, stepped forward politely. "Yes, ma'am. But only for our friend here. He's new to town."
The woman — Madame Elara — nodded warmly, her gentle smile softening her slightly wrinkled features. "Is that so? Well, you've come at the right time. We do have a few rooms empty upstairs. Please, follow me."
She guided Asiel to the second floor, where she opened the door to a small, cozy room. Sunlight filtered through a modest wooden window, casting a soft glow across the single bed tucked neatly in the corner. Beside it stood a drawer, while a cupboard lined the opposite wall. A small mirror hung above a candle stand, and though three of the walls were sturdy stone, the one with the window was wooden, giving the room a homely feel.
"The rent is twenty bronze coins for the month," Madame Elara explained. "The washroom and bathhouse are on the ground floor. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Without hesitation, Asiel reached into his pouch and placed the coins in her hand. "I'll take it."
He turned to the adventurers and bowed his head slightly. "Thank you… for your kindness. I'll remember this favor."
The three smiled, reassured by his sincerity, and soon parted ways, leaving Asiel to settle into his first proper home in this strange new world.
After a few hours of rest, Asiel made his way down to the bathhouse, letting the warm water wash away the fatigue of travel and study. Fresh and clear-minded, he dressed once more, ready to step out and explore more of Lagunica.
Before leaving, Asiel turned back to Madame Elara at the counter.
"Madame, may I ask—when does the lodging house close its doors? I'd prefer to return before then."
Elara smiled kindly. "Ah, you're a thoughtful one. We close the front entrance at ten in the evening, though tenants may still knock if they're late. But it's always safer to return before then."
"Thank you," Asiel said with a courteous bow of his head before stepping outside.
The market street was now in full bloom. Merchants called out their wares, stalls brimmed with fruits and trinkets, and the aroma of baked goods floated through the air. Asiel moved calmly between the stalls, pausing here and there to inspect apples, exchange words with shopkeepers, or offer polite greetings. His respectful way of speaking drew people's attention—many found his calm demeanor refreshing, while others at first misjudged him, assuming he was some spoiled noble playing at humility. Yet, once he spoke, their doubts vanished.
By noon, the street had grown fond of him. A fruit seller laughed, clapping him on the shoulder; a tailor waved from her stall; even the fishmonger, usually stern and curt, smiled at the boy's manner of speaking.
Asiel continued wandering until something unusual caught his eye. At the far end of the street stood a modest shop with green-tinted glass windows that gave it an almost mysterious glow. The inside was impossible to see, curiosity tugging at him.
Pushing open the door, he stepped inside. A small bell chimed, and the faint smell of old parchment filled the air. Behind a wooden counter sat an elderly man—his hair snow-white, his eyes sharp yet kind.
"Good day, sir," Asiel greeted. "If I may ask, what kind of place is this?"
The old man chuckled softly. "A curious lad, eh? This, boy, is a mage's library. Every shelf you see holds knowledge of magic, though not many come seeking it these days. My staff have long left, and these old bones of mine can no longer keep the place tidy."
Asiel's eyes flickered with interest. "A mage's library…? Sir, if you don't mind, I'm new in this town and I seek work. If you would allow me, I could help manage this place."
The man raised a brow, surprised, then leaned forward with a smile. "You're an unusual boy. I can't promise much payment. All I could offer is… fifty bronze."
Asiel quickly began to calculate in his mind: The food I ate earlier cost five bronze. A full day's meals would be fifteen. Rent is twenty bronze for the month. With what I have left, that'd still give me some savings…
Then, after a moment's thought, he asked carefully, "Sir, if you could, might I request fifty-five bronze as monthly payment?"
The old man blinked at him—then burst into laughter. "Monthly? Boy, you must've misheard me. Fifty bronze—every week!"
Asiel's eyes widened, relief flooding his chest. He bowed deeply. "Thank you so much, sir. I am truly grateful for your kindness. That is more than enough."
The man chuckled again. "Enthusiastic and polite—what a rare find these days. Very well, the cleaning tools are in the back. Show me what you can do."
Wasting no time, Asiel fetched the broom and bucket and began to sweep the dusty floorboards with practiced movements. The old man leaned back in his chair, watching him with a wistful smile.
"Ah… the joy of youth," he murmured. "Energetic and full of life. Perhaps this place will see light again with him around."
And so, in the quiet heart of Lagunica, Asiel began his new work—unaware of how deeply this chance meeting would root him into the city's echoes.
After hours of steady work, the little library looked brighter than it had in years. Dust no longer clung to the wooden shelves, the floor shone faintly under candlelight, and even the counter looked polished.
From behind the desk, the old man finally set aside the book he had been reading. His wrinkled face carried a quiet smile.
"Boy," he called, his voice steady though softened with age, "you did really great today. The shop hasn't looked this lively in a long time. It's time to close up now. You can return tomorrow—and here is your payment for the week."
He held out a small leather pouch. The sound of coins jingling inside brought a brief spark of joy to Asiel's heart. Bowing respectfully, Asiel replied,
"Thank you so much, Master Thalion. I am really grateful for your kindness."
The old mage chuckled at the title. "Master, huh? Haven't been called that in years. Well, off you go now. It's getting late, and youth like you should enjoy the evenings."
With a grateful smile, Asiel took his leave. His steps were light as he walked through the quieting streets, the pouch of bronze coins safe in his pocket. For the first time in this strange world, he felt as though he was carving a place for himself.
The tavern was already alive with sound when he arrived. Laughter echoed, mugs clinked together, and the air carried the scent of roasted meat and ale. Sitting in his usual corner, he ordered the same modest dish as the morning.
Nerina soon approached with his plate, her feline ears twitching as she noticed the calm brightness in his face.
"You seem really happy," she said softly, setting the meal before him. "Had a good day today?"
Asiel looked up at her, his voice gentle. "No—I had a great day. And thank you for the food, Nerina."
The simple compliment caught her off guard. Her tail flicked slightly as a faint blush colored her cheeks before she hurried back toward the kitchen.
Across the room, a large party of adventurers roared with laughter. They occupied a long table at the far corner, retelling their battle against a fearsome demonic tiger. Tankards overflowed with ale, and the atmosphere around them was a celebration of survival and comradeship.
Asiel ate quietly, watching them for a moment. When he was done, he paid for his meal at the counter. The owner raised an eyebrow as he handed over the coins.
"So, you don't drink alcohol, lad?"
Shaking his head, Asiel replied in his usual calm tone, "Drinks like that are for times of celebration—like theirs." He glanced at the cheerful adventurers, who continued their revelry without care for the world. "For now, I'll pass. Thank you once again for the meal."
Leaving the noise of the tavern behind, he returned to Willow Heart. Mrs. Elara was still at the counter, her warm presence steady as always.
"You came back early tonight," she noted with a smile.
"Yes," Asiel said, bowing his head slightly. "Good night, Mrs. Elara."
He climbed the creaking stairs to his small, cozy room. The candle by his bedside flickered weakly as he lay down, gazing for a while at the wooden ceiling. His thoughts lingered on the day—the kindness he had received, the work he had found, and the little connections beginning to bloom.
What a wonderful day it was… he thought with a smile. Strange, I'm sleeping so early here, far earlier than my usual in my own world. Perhaps I'll have to adapt to these changes too.
With that quiet reflection, Asiel drifted into sleep, his first true night's rest as a resident of Lagunica.