Reborn as a DRAGON-Chapter 468: Village II
Chapter 468: Village II
With Essie's charming looks, a couple of village women happily guided us toward the only tavern in the village. It wasn't far from the well and was built in the village center. I raised my head and scanned the run-down wooden building. The tavern looked old. A sign was on top of the door, but it was too faded, making it impossible to read.
'Well, it's still a tavern,' I noted and pushed the doors open.
Breta and Essie followed behind me. My nose scrunched as I frowned. The smell was horrendous. Did the mortals in this village have no care for hygiene? My sense of smell was far superior to them, yet bound to this small frame, the smell was even worse.
I shook my head and forced myself to calm down. A glance at Breta and Essie told me I wasn't the only one. Breta was hiding it well, but Essie gagged and pinched her nose.
Our arrival caused a few drunken patrons to look our way. Considering it was still early, the tavern wasn't as busy as I expected—a couple of people sitting in the back and a man sleeping on the counter.
"Ah, welcome," A slightly overweight middle-aged woman spoke.
I turned my gaze toward her. She was busy cleaning one of the tables. Seeing us walk in, she wiped her hands on her dress and walked over.
"New faces, eh? That's rare," she said calmly, "What's it going to be? Food, drinks, or do you need a room?"
I glanced at my companions in hesitation. I did want to try the mortal's dishes, but this place hardly seemed the best option. To my surprise, it was Essie who spoke first.
"Food! What do you guys have for today?"
The middle-aged woman glanced down at Essie before a small smile spread across her face. "Well, little miss, my husband just came back with a couple of fat rabbits, so how does a rabbit stew sound like?"
Essie's eyes widened as she nodded and gently touched her pouch. 'Wait, pouch? Where did she get that from?' fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
"How much for three?"
The middle-aged woman looked at her in surprise and then back at us before she shrugged, "Since it's rare we get visitors out here, just three lengs."
Essie frowned and replied, "Three for a rabbit stew? Don't you think that's too expensive, Aunty?" She asked with wide dowy eyes.
"Heh, what expensive? I'm already giving it to you for cheap."
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Essie shook her head and raised four fingers, "A rabbit stew wouldn't even go for two. I'll give you four, and you give us a room for the night, as well."
"Five, and I'll warm up the water for you to bathe."
"Deal," Essie nodded and pulled what looked like five little bronze coins from her pouch.
The woman laughed and replied, "You drive a hard bargain, little missy. Go on and sit down first."
Essie gave a shy smile and gestured for us to sit down.
"What in the name of the King just happened?" I asked.
Breta seemed to be as curious as I was.
"Ah, m-my friend told me that one should always bargain for the best price! Even if you have the money!"
"No, no, wait..."
"Your friend? You mean the current King?" Breta asked.
Essie shook her head, "She's the Queen!"
"She's the one that gave you that?" I asked and pointed at her pouch.
Essie happily nodded, "Yes! The mortals use this money thing to buy stuff."
"Wait, wait. So how do you know how much a rabbit stew goes for?" I shook my head and asked.
"I don't. But merchants will always try to scam you! So whatever price they first give, cut it in half and start your negotiation from there."
"Is that something your friend taught you as well?"
"Yes! Mortals are funny. For them, this is very important, you know?" She said, pointing at the coin in her hand.
"Is that so."
"Yes!"
"But are you sure it's okay to eat here? It smells..."
"Most of the mortal realm is smelly. But their food is delicious!"
Just as she said that—the tavern owner walked out from the back with three bowls, she effortlessly carried and placed them on our table.
Despite my initial apprehension, the smell was surprisingly appetizing.
"Thank you," I said, and the owner nodded with a smile.
"Once you're done, come to the counter for our room key."
Essie nodded by my side, grabbed her spoon, and dug in. A smile bloomed on her face as she constantly nodded.
Curious, I did the same.
The soup was surprisingly good. It was well-seasoned, and the meat was tender and well-cooked. Overall, I had nothing to complain about except for the smell, of course.
"What do you think?" I asked Breta.
"It's alright," she shrugged.
"Ah, I forgot, you guys have better things in the Gods' realm."
Breta nodded.
****
After a quick meal, we picked up the key from the owner and walked upstairs to check our room. Only one was available, so we had to share. Not that anyone minded.
The room itself was unremarkable. Four beds were positioned close to each other, and a lone window was open. Fortunately, the smell here wasn't as unpleasant as the one downstairs. After getting settled, we chose to take a walk since it was still early.
The weather was pleasant, and the village was peaceful. Most of the locals were apprehensive about us, but none approached us. Still, there wasn't much to see.
It didn't take long before we found ourselves sitting on a small stone wall overlooking the scenery outside the village. The fields were green and beautiful, and a gentle breeze caused the trees to rustle.
"Is it you?" I asked Essie.
"Hmm?"
"The breeze, I mean."
"Ah, the elements like to dance with me," she smiled in response.
"It's very peaceful," Breta joined in.
"You like it?" I asked.
"I do. It's beautiful. Not as beautiful as my home, but still beautiful."
"It is. But, I'll admit, I was expecting more from this trip."
Breta turned her gaze to me and replied, "More?"
I scratched my head with a smile, "I don't know, it's a bit... boring?"
Breta chuckled in a rare moment, "You already wiped out a squad of mortals as soon as you arrived. What more do you want?"
"Ah, no, I didn't want to do that. They attacked first."
"Yes, yes. Well, you might get your excitement once we make it to the capital."
"I'm looking forward to it."
