Chương 39: Chapter 38 - Villipente

Allen Nguyen and his other buddies sat completely still on the seats of the carrack ship. That's what the Spirit Sign had translated it to, but it was easily half as big as some of the cruise ships he had ridden before. They were inside the hull meant for passengers and were assigned room 209, 2 floors below the main deck. Two beds, one sofa, enough for them to be able to sleep in one room. Pavlina had paid for an extra room for herself.

There was no way Allen would pay for another room—it was his start up money after all. Not even Mira, the team's financial manager, could touch his gold. It was his. His precious.

"Allen, are we there yet?" Vivian said.

"I'm about to barf. There's no showers in this cruise. I feel icky. My hair's all frizzy from the salt. I'm sad. Can someone comfort me? Do you guys still even love me anymore?!"

"Vivian, seriously?!" Allen grunted.

"I'm icky too," Mira said.

"I thought they'd at least have showers."

"Guys. Hello!? Vivian's a water mage!" Allen shouted.

"Ew," Vivian said with a disgusted expression. With a thud, Justin and Kevin held back Mira from pouncing on Vivian. Her arms tried to reach, swinging widely to no avail.

"What's your problem?" Vivian asked.

"We wasted money to buy water because of you!" Mira shouted.

"Better than drinking my own fluids."

"GAAAH!" Mira struggled harder against the two boys' grip.

"Guys, chill!" Allen shouted. Mira suddenly stopped, and then stood up on her own. She exhaled through her flared nose once and glared at Vivian.

"I'm one vape left, bros," Justin said.

"Good luck with that withdrawal in a month." Kevin patted Justin in the back who then just looked down on the floor. Bells tolled outside of the ship. Tens of footsteps drummed against the wooden flooring above them. They felt the ship slow down by the water and earth mage on board.

"Looks like we're here," Allen said." Behave yourselves."

"Yeah, Vivian. Behave yourself," Mira said.

"I'm not a child, bitch." Allen sighed while shaking his head. It wasn't all too bad though. Instead of opting to go through land, he had suggested to Pavlina to go through the sea towards Duke Tanison's Port City of Kite. From there, they'd be able to go through the straight road towards Count Mourier's territory where the Vertou Labyrinth was. Frankly, that was the right choice. It cut the travel time by over 2 months.

After putting on their fur lined coats and picking up their leather backpacks, they filed towards the door. Allen went first, followed by Vivian, Kevin, Justin, lastly Mira. Had to get those two away from each other after that fight. The smell of fish wafted through the halls even stronger than before, only masked by the scent of the sea. The line had already grown with other passengers in single file towards the stairs to the main deck.

"You guys think the King would give us more of these coats before we go back home?" Vivian asked.

"Sure. Whatever. Ask for a couple more," Allen said.

"That doesn't sound very sincere."

"Vivian!" Mira shouted from behind.

"Whaaat?"

"You're the only one left not treating this seriously!"

"Says who?"

"Have you heard the shit you're saying?!"

"I don't get it." Mira glared at Vivian, being held back by Justin.

"Chill, sis. Its Vivian's way of coping," Kevin said.

"Right. Coping," Vivian muttered.

"All of you just shut up. There's people listening!" Allen shouted through his gritted teeth.

"It's not like they care," Vivian said.

"One more word, Vivian, and I'm about to smack you." Allen rubbed his temples.

"Ok. I'm sorry," Vivian said, but her tone suggested otherwise. After moving to the deck, a long bridge sat between the massive ships. A tower like structure grew from the the edge of the port looking like a stairwell or a battlement for sieges. Pavlina joined them in the line wearing red robes gilded with dark lines. A glowing red gemmed necklace sat on her chest with a simple scarf covering her neck. On her hand was her wand where a red tinted gem was embedded.

"How's everyone's room?" Pavlina asked with a smile.

"It was great. Yeah," Allen said, forcing a smile. Definitely worth it.

"Alrighty. Follow me." Pavlina took them out of the line and moved directly to the bridge. She held up a badge to the guard, to which the guard looked behind her at the group.

"Good luck summoned heroes. May Frae's light give you order," the guard said as he stopped the common folk from entering the bridge while making space for the group.

"May Frae give you eternal light." Pavlina moved first, followed by Allen and the rest of the group.

"May Frae shower you with lightness." Vivian said as she passed. The guard raised an eyebrow before Allen pulled to get her away. Looking down on the bridge, they were at least multiple stories above sea level. Down below, a ramp had been drawn down against the cobblestone dock. Once Allen entered the battlement, the only source of light were the dim candle lamps by the corners. He took the steps carefully so as to not fall.

Arriving at the bottom of the structure, everyone exited and looked around at what was called Port City of Kite. Even though it was winter, the dock was as busy as one could expect. Heavy snow fell, and children could be seen shovelling snow, helped by some larger adults. Mounds of snow piled up on corners where it didn't impede foot traffic. Men shouldered sacks over their heads as they moved towards wherever they were needed from left to right.

Horses drew carts full of boxes, its contents clinking as it passed over the imperfections of the cobblestone. Women that didn't look like they could carry as much also moved materials, items, and boxes all around the pier. Most materials exiting the particular ship he's paying attention to were textiles, barrels, and what looked like staves embedded with different coloured gems. Buildings around the pier were at least 2 or 3 stories high.

Some had balconies that had miscellaneous items on them such as full plate armours, boxes, and wooden wheels. Even in the fantasy world, balconies were used as storage space, Allen chuckled. Still… everywhere he looked, there were people. It kinda reminded him of downtown Toronto. Remember, Allen. This was for the precious gold.

"Summoned heroes," Pavlina said.

"Welcome to Port City of Kite. Nulfrae's centre of commerce."

"But does it have boba?" Vivian asked.

"Vivian. I'm going to be real with you." Allen rested his hand on her shoulder.

"There's no boba in this world. So stop asking for it."

"Oh yeah?" Vivian pointed behind him.

"Then what's that?" Through the centre of the open pier sat scaffolding covered in a cloth tarp. The cloth held a large green star encased in a green circle, resembling something familiar back from Earth. In front of it was a small sign that Allen had to squint his eyes to make out what it said.

'STAR CUBS DUKEDOM OF TANISON'.

"That's obviously Starbucks," Vivian said. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Are you kidding with me right now?!" Allen shouted.

"There's no way that's Starbucks."

"Yo, no way they got Starbucks here!" Kevin shouted.

"They better have cold brew."

"Ew," Vivian said.

"I just want a matcha latte unsweetened. Do they have matcha in Nulfrae?"

"Idiots!" Mira shouted.

"That's probably something else that's not Starbucks! Hello!? This isn't Earth!"

"But it looks like Starbucks," Vivian said.

"Vivian," Mira said in a low voice.

"I swear to god."

"Swear to Frae. That's their god here." Before Mira could pounce on Vivian, Pavlina spoke up.

"Heroes, what seems to be the matter?"

"Nothing. Don't pay attention to the idiots," Allen said.

"Where are we going anyway?"

"Ask her if that's a Starbucks," Vivian commented.

"She won't know what a Starbucks is, Vivian!"

"It's worth a try."

"You know what, shut up." Allen coughed.

"So. Shall we go to where you said we were going?"

"Hehe. The word 'shall' sounds so fancy," Justin commented.

"This way to the stables," Pavlina said.

"We shall head to Mourier's County through a carriage. I apologize for the rush, however, I must remind everyone we are in foreign lands."

"Whatever. You know. So over this crazy busy port city." Kevin walked up faster to Pavlina.

"You doing anything after our dungeon dive—Ow!"

"Shut up, Kevin." Mira shook her head. Moving through the open space, they passed by the cloth tarped construction zone. At least Vivian's got that one strange observation right. The design and name was too similar to the Starbucks. But there was no way this world would have Starbucks. Passing through multiple streets, passersby and vendors looked toward their direction as they passed. A lady in a gem vendor shouted at Vivian and Mira to come take a look at her wares.

Pavlina, this time, prevented them from getting side tracked. After an hour of walking, they finally reached the stables just by edge of the city. A large building sat beside the stable. Beside it were multiple carriages of differing sizes. Pavlina entered the building beside it and came out with an old man.

"This man will be our coachman. He shall take us to the Count's." Pavlina said simply. The man went to his horses, taking two. He guided them to the parked carriages and strapped them on to the front of the biggest carriage he had, enough to accommodate 6 people. Opening the door, "Customers, please enter and we are to depart immediately to the Count Mourier's territory." Pavlina entered first, followed by Allen, Vivian, Mira, Justin, and Kevin.

Everyone sat in random spots, except Allen who wanted the window seat to be able to 'observe the surroundings'. He already saw his first observation of a cute couple getting on a carriage right behind them.

"Asshole. I wanted the window seat," Vivian said.

"It's useless on you." The coachman mounted the carriage at front and whipped the horses, turning the carriage around. Once set, the carriage moved along the streets of the seaside port city.

"Customers, once we are outside of the city's borders, we shall enter the I-10 bandit roadway. Please have your coin ready to pay the toll."

"Coachman, what is the meaning of this?" Pavlina asked.

"Lady Pavlina, I assure you, this is the fastest route to the Count's territory. The bandits had created a brick road that allow smooth passage of carriages. Without it, I'd have to avoid all the holes and rocks on the road," the coachman said.

"Plus, they routinely patrol the road. We will not encounter any beasts or monsters on our way. It'll cut down our travel time from 7 days to 3."

"Huh," Pavlina rubbed her chin.

"It seems that the bandits had created a real business."

"Certainly, they have, Lady Pavlina."

"How much coin do these bandits ask for?" Pavlina asked.

"A fair price. 40 copper for the whole carriage."

"That is truly fair." Pavlina turned to Allen.

"Does the price fit your budget?"

"Yeah. That works." Allen scratched the back of his neck. He was an unapologetic miser, but not that much.

"Might I also suggest a visit to Villipente, the main city of the newly titled Viscountess Lois?" The coachman asked.

"Although ways away from the Count's territory, I reckon it would be a worthwhile visit for the younger customers."

"For what reason is this suggestion for?" Pavlina asked.

"A mere suggestion. Pay no heed if it does not tickle your interests."

"I'm down for that," Vivian said.

"We'll be on the road for 3 days. I need a shower." Allen sighed.

"For one, I'll agree with Vivian on this."

"Seriously?" Mira asked.

"I do not suggest this detour, Allen," Pavlina said.

"We must make haste to the labyrinth."

"Weren't you the one that said we're here for other things?" Allen asked.

"Unless you want me to say what those other things are out loud."

"No need, Allen." Pavlina smiled at him.

"We shall take a detour to Villipente as your group wishes."

"Wooo! Go Allen!" Vivian shouted. Allen smiled as he turned his eyes behind him. Although he couldn't see what was behind the carriage, the sounds of rustling behind them was still loud and clear. He had seen that couple in the boat as well which would mean they also came from Pandor. It was obvious they were being followed.

Since Pavlina opted to go to the Labyrinth immediately rather than what was supposed to be her first priority which was 'investigating the disappearance of Lazarus', then he could only conclude that that mission was the first priority of other squads. Lyra's borders were weak or was it the summoned hero plaque that lowered their guards? Or Allen could just be overthinking everything. Pavlina might honestly just want them to increase in prowess for the corruption in the north.

"Unless the Count's territory is where he disappeared?" Allen asked. Pavlina's smile disappeared. Her eyes coldly stared at Allen. Slowly, she nodded her head to confirm his suspicion.

"Customers, if you wish to keep your conversation to yourself, might I remind you there is a silence gem on the side of the door?" Allen turned his eyes to the door and saw a light blue gem embedded onto the wood.

"A Lyran convenience, coachman," Pavlina said.

"If I may, is Lazarus the one Hero Allen speak of?" the coachman asked.

"Yes, it is. Do you know anything about him?" Allen asked.

"Yes. It seems he disappeared within the borders of Viscountess' Lois, not the Count's. A weird thing too. The Royal Court's got a stick up the butt about it." the coachman said.

"From which territories do my customers hail from?"

"From the Earldom of Bardot, coachman."

"Ah, I see. A merchant town. That explains the beautiful ladies."

"Thank you," Pavlina said.

"Are you from Pandorian descent?" the coach man asked.

"Yes I am." Pavlina faked a laugh.

"My father and mother ran away from Pandor at a young age."

"Your name says it all. Fortunately, your destination is not the capital. They have an issue with Pandorians there."

"Forutnately so."

"Sorry coachman. I'm turning on the silence gem now."

"Go ahead. I apologize for my intrusion." Allen swiftly tapped the light blue gem. The outside sound suddenly disappeared. The only sound left from the outside world was from the vibration of the carriage. Sighing, he leaned his head back onto the wall behind him.

"I guess this isn't such a bad thing going to Villipente, right?" Allen asked.

"Thank you, Hero Allen, for allowing me to search for clues on Lazarus."

"Ehhh, we're a team. Don't mention it." Kevin waved his hands. Only problem now was the growing hunch that going to Villipente was not the play. Something was about to go down that Allen did not like… and his hunches were always right. … … … The carriage arrived at Villipente just outside of the city where other coaches arrived. Exiting the carriage, the others followed, and immediately Allen looked at Mira. The first thing they noted was the smell, or the non-existence of it.

Back in the Dukedom, the waste and gutters were about as backed up as it could get as it was the middle of winter. Mages were lazy and didn't bother to do their jobs on time. That was either a pride thing or just general human error. Villipente, however, did not exhibit any of this. Allen also ignored the fact that the slow snow fall didn't accumulate on the ground. He had no way of knowing how.

"Come on, guys. Let's get to an inn first before we can tour around." Allen waved everyone over. The group walked through the outer edges of the city and into the main streets. Moving forward and venturing further into the main square, the bustle of the city could be seen. Although there weren't as many people as the Dukedom, it was more organized as there were much fewer vendors screaming about.

He would expect a small city that had just been promoted from a barony to a viscounty to be dead silent in the middle of winter. That wasn't the case at all. In fact, it looked like there were still fish mongers coming from the small port. Turning to his side, Allen saw Pavlina's horror struck face.

"Woah. You ok?" Pavlina neutralized her expression immediately.

"Yes, I am. Do not worry about it, Allen."

"Oh my god. Look!!!" Vivian shouted while pointing at a specific vendor.

"Starbucks!"

"For real?!?" Kevin shouted as well. Everyone turned around their heads towards where Vivian pointed. The same green star logo with a circle around it was right dab in the middle of the table cloth for display. A small queue had formed, and they saw a woman clearly leaving the vendor with a familiar looking paper cup. She poked a hole through the lid of the cup and took a sip of the steaming hot beverage.

Behind the kiosk were two women creating drinks for the customers that had lined up, and one of them seemed to be the manager as she just sat down drinking her own cup by the side. They all wore similar outfits, having brown attire with green aprons that also had the green star logo.

"Kyaaa! Allen, come on. Let's line up!" Vivian shouted, already running towards the line with Kevin and Justin.

"You guys line up." Allen sighed. That should distract Vivian for a bit while he searched for an inn.

"Pavlina, do you know any inns around here?" Allen asked.

"This is also my first time here. I don't know where the inn would be."

"An inn you say, dear tourists?" a female voice said in a happy loud tone. Allen turned around to see a woman in full white armour, straight blonde flowing hair, blue necklace and small blue sphere gemmed earrings. Her face was without blemish, jaw line soft yet pronounced. When he looked into her eyes, he noticed the dark-teal colour as if he were looking at the ocean.

"She's not that pretty," Mira grunted as she nudged him. Clearing his throat, Allen spoke up, but not before noticing that Pavlina had completely shut up.

"Actually, yeah. We're looking for an inn."

"Lovely. We have plenty of inns in Villipente. I shall suggest you Leo's Den of Cubs," the woman said with the widest smile on her face that Allen had ever seen.

"I do warn you, it is a bit pricey."

"Price is not a problem for us. Might as well experience Villipente and all its glory, haha," Allen said.

"What happened to saving money?" Mira asked.

"Shut up, Mira. Not now."

"If it is to save money, shall I guide you to—""It's fine. Let's go to Leo's Den of Cubs. My name's Allen, by the way. What's your name?" he asked.

"You may call this humble one, Marine."

"Are you one of the guards?"

"She is the Lighthouse of Lois," Pavlina said.

"An honour to meet such a famous person." Marine laughed.

"I dare not say I am famous. Please do not feel pressured. I am just a simple ordinary subject of Lois." A sudden weight fell onto Allen's shoulder, one that wasn't visible, feeling as though air had become thicker. It pressed down on him, daring his legs to buckle, and it seems everyone felt the same way. Next came the sound of giant wings flapping slowly against the air, creating gusts of wind from above. Allen looked up and saw the giant shadow of a dragon, descending from the sky.

When it got closer to the square, he saw the texture of its scales, along with its odd orange coloured scales.

"Itzae?!" Pavlina shouted.

"Tourists, run!" Marine shouted.