Shen Xinghui shuddered at the thought, incredibly relieved that Ignatius was there to help him.
"Thank you so much, Ignatius!"
Shen Xinghui couldn't help but throw his arms around Ignatius's waist, nearly in tears.
Ignatius laughed while patting his shoulder and gently rubbing his back.
"I'm glad you're okay," Ignatius said with a smile.
Shen Xinghui could only agree with him.
They arrived in the town well after noon.
At the checkpoint, Ignatius explained Shen Xinghui's situation, and after a brief physical examination, they were allowed to pass through.
The town they entered was bustling with activity.
A straight road extended from the checkpoint, with shops lining both sides.
There were food vendors, weapon and armor shops, pharmacies, and inns.
It had the feeling of a border town.
"I know a good inn. Let's stay there tonight. Tomorrow, we'll stay here as well to prepare for our journey ahead. You'll need more clothes, and it wouldn't hurt to get a knife for self-defense," Ignatius said.
"Thank you," Shen Xinghui replied.
He decided to follow Ignatius's advice.
After all, he knew nothing of this world's customs or daily life, so he might as well trust Ignatius's judgment.
He would accept the kindness for now and think of ways to repay it later.
Ignatius led the way into a fairly large inn.
Once inside, the first floor appeared to be a dining area, with wooden tables and chairs scattered about.
There was a counter at the back, where a kitchen and a shelf of alcohol were visible.
The innkeeper is an elderly man in his sixties.
He looked up and greeted Ignatius with a friendly smile.
"Well, if it isn't Ignatius. Do you come back from a quest?"
"Yeah. Two rooms, please."
"Two rooms?"
The kind-hearted innkeeper tilted his head, then glanced at Shen Xinghui, who was half-hidden behind Ignatius.
His eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh, who's this?"
"We met in the Aldrathian Great Forest," Ignatius explained. "He's from another world. Apparently, he was dropped into that forest. He almost became food for a Wombroot Aphroshidite Vine King."
"That's quite the misfortune! But, someone from another world, you say? That's rare."
The elderly man chuckled warmly and smiling kindly at them.
"Well, it's good fortune that you met Ignatius first. He's a man of honor, and more importantly, very capable man. You can rely on him as much as you need."
"Haha, I wouldn't go that far... but I suppose I can allow some reliance," Ignatius replied with a wry smile.
If he relied too much on Ignatius, he'd become a useless person.
He had struggled enough in his own world to let himself become too dependent.
Even now, he felt quite guilty about it.
Ignatius received the room key from the innkeeper, and they headed up to the second floor.
The room was a corner one, very clean and fairly spacious.
"Tomorrow, we'll need to do some shopping, so let's rest today. You must be tired from all the walking," Ignatius said.
"Heh, yeah, just a little," Shen Xinghui replied.