The duo finally arrived at the quaint village of Armagh, a place small in size but rich in peace and friendliness. The village was nestled among rolling green fields, with narrow cobblestone streets weaving through rows of charming cottages. Despite its modest population of just over two thousand residents, Armagh buzzed with diverse life. It wasn't just filled with humans; elves strolled leisurely through the marketplaces, and beastfolks, with their animal-like features, mingled comfortably among the villagers. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a true reflection of the village's reputation for welcoming travelers and newcomers alike.
As they stepped into the village square, the two looked around, taking in the lively sights and sounds. People greeted each other with friendly nods. Children chased each other around the fountains, and farmers decorated stalls with fresh vegetables and colorful flowers. "It seems this village is pretty diverse," Kanako remarked, a faint smile on her face as she took in the scene. Casimir nodded in agreement, eyes lingering on the different races mingling without hesitation. It was clear that Armagh was a little melting pot of cultures and species, a place where different kinds of beings coexisted peacefully.
Casimir broke the quiet with a grin. "Let's get some food. It's on me today," he said. Her eyes lit up, and she nodded slowly in response. Casimir approached a nearby beastfolk—a cute, fluffy bunny with long ears and a bright smile—and politely asked for directions to the restaurant. She nodded cheerfully, pointing down the cobblestone street that led directly to the eatery. Grateful, they followed her guidance, weaving through the busy streets filled with townsfolk and travelers alike.
They made their way through the bustling streets, their footsteps leading them toward a well-known restaurant nestled near the town's center. As they approached, they spotted the cozy establishment with its warm lights and inviting sign.
Once inside the popular restaurant, the duo found themselves seated across from each other at a sturdy wooden table. The aroma of spices and freshly cooked food wove through the air, making their stomachs rumble in anticipation. Casimir decided to treat, so he ordered a hearty plate of lamb roasted steak, which was tender and juicy, served with creamy macaroni and cheese alongside a medley of roasted vegetables—carrots, broccoli, and sweet corn. To quench his thirst, he chose a tall glass of pineapple lemonade, a sweet and tangy drink that refreshes the palate and adds a tropical touch to the meal. Kanako, meanwhile, didn't hesitate to order something a bit more daring. She went for dragon tenders—chewy, succulent pieces of meat pulled from a rare, mythical creature known for its difficulty to procure. Alongside this, she ordered a bowl of veggie soup, hot and flavorful, with a light broth filled with fresh vegetables, and a glass of water to stay hydrated.
Casimir's curiosity got the better of him. He looked across the table and asked, "You eat dragon meat?" His voice carried genuine surprise as he took a forkful of his own meal. Kanako nodded confidently, a smile playing on her lips. "Dragon meat is incredible. You should try it sometime," she said with enthusiasm. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she detailed how tender and flavorful it was, often described as having a smoky, rare taste that lingered long after the first bite. Casimir shook his head slowly, a glimmer of regret crossing his face. "My mom never let me try it," he admitted softly. His tone revealed a mix of longing and restraint, understanding that some things weren't easy to get or allowed.
Kanako leaned forward slightly, her face eager. "You can have a bite of mine if you want," she offered. Her voice was warm, and her gesture was kind. She genuinely wanted him to share in the experience, trying to bridge the gap between their different backgrounds and meals. Casimir hesitated, eyebrows furrowed as he considered her offer. "I don't think that's a good idea," he finally responded, a touch of caution in his voice. His tone made it clear he wasn't comfortable with the idea, perhaps due to concerns about safety or differences in diet.
Before Kanako could protest further, Casimir raised a hand, signaling her to stop. "Don't even push it," he said firmly, eyes meeting hers with a no-nonsense look. No matter how tempting her offer was, he wasn't eager to take any chances, especially with something as rare and potentially unpredictable as dragon meat.
After finishing their meal, Casimir reached for his coin purse without hesitation. He paid the bill with a quick flick of his wrist, and the duo prepared to leave the bustling restaurant. They headed down the busy street and soon arrived at a cozy inn just a short walk away. The inn's warm glow spilled out from the windows, inviting and safe. As they stepped inside, they were greeted with genuine smiles from a young elf woman behind the counter. She had long, silky blonde hair that shimmered in the soft light and bright green eyes that seemed to sparkle with friendliness. Her voice was cheerful and full of warmth. "Oh, hello there, dear travelers," she said enthusiastically, a welcoming smile spreading across her face.
Kanako responded with a polite greeting, returning her smile and nodding in greeting. Casimir, meanwhile, scanned the interior of the inn. The wooden beams and paneling made the space feel rustic yet comfortable. The warm, ambient lighting created a cozy atmosphere that made the room feel like a retreat from the cold outside. The others inside were relaxed, engaged in quiet conversations, their voices blending with the crackle of the nearby fireplace. Everything about the inn seemed designed to offer comfort and a sense of home.
The innkeeper looked at them with a friendly gaze and asked, "Room for two, I assume?" Her voice was gentle but clear, her tone clearly welcoming. Kanako's cheeks pinked slightly at the question. A flicker of embarrassment crossed her face. She hesitated for a moment before softly replying, "Separate." The word hung in the air, a quiet admission that they would be resting apart for the night. Casimir, standing nearby, cut in with a blunt voice that left no room for argument. "Separate," he stated simply, already reaching for his coin pouch.
The innkeeper nodded, unfazed by his tone. She then turned her attention to gathering options. "What type of room would you like? We have a few choices. Our Standard room includes a warm, soft bed and costs 25 Torpoise. It's perfect if you're just looking to rest. We also offer a Premium room, which adds a warm bath and a complimentary breakfast to the standard setup for 50 Torpoise. That's a fine choice if you're after a little extra comfort. And then there's the Royal Suite, which is truly a luxury — a scented, warm bath, a professional massage, a full breakfast served in your room, and a king-sized, ultra-soft bed that will make you sleep soundly. All of this for just 100 Torpoise."
Casimir, after a moment's thought, shook his head. "I'll take the standard," he said plainly, his expression unreadable. Kanako, who had been listening closely, looked surprised, her brow furrowing slightly. "What? Are you sure you don't want the premium? We have the money, and a warm bath does sound nice," she added softly, trying to persuade him. Casimir shrugged, already taking the room key. "I don't have time for relaxation. Not with what we need to do tomorrow." His voice was cold and determined. "I'll meet you in the lobby tomorrow morning," he said, turning away before she could reply.
Kanako watched him leave, her face showing a flicker of disappointment, but she didn't press him. Instead, she quietly decided to book the premium room for herself. It was a small comfort, knowing she'd enjoy a warm bath after a long day. She moved towards the counter to finalize her reservation, her mind already drifting toward dreams of relaxation.
Soon, the duo separated to their respective rooms. The rooms were simple but comfortable, each filled with the usual conveniences. Casimir entered his room and laid down his sword on the nearby rack. He rolled out his muscles, swinging the blade just enough to keep his arms loose but not so much as to tire himself out and break a sweat. His mind was already focused on the plans ahead, and he made sure to keep his body ready. Meanwhile, Kanako immersed herself in a warm bath, the soothing water easing her tired muscles and calming her mind. The gentle scent of herbs filled the air as she soaked, preparing herself for the challenges still to come. Afterward, she dried off, changed into her nightclothes, and finally crawled into her soft, clean bed. Sleep came quickly, her mind filled with thoughts of what tomorrow might bring.