When Maisie and her team greeted the prince and left the inn, Alpkutay motioned his men to wait and went to the old receptionist.
- Hello. I'd like four rooms for me and my men. I'd appreciate it if they'd be close to the ladies' room from earlier.
- Of course, sir. First, let me check if there are any available rooms on the second floor… Rooms 218, 219, 231, and 232 are available. We can book you in for those rooms if you'd like.
- (A delighted smile appeared on Alpkutay's face when the possibility of a room close to Maisie arose.) Yes, please.
- May I have your name for room 218?
- (He said his name proudly.) Alpkutay Lebreheinn. Fourth prince of the Lebreheinn empire.
- (No matter how proud Alpkutay was of himself, the attendant paid no attention. When the old man wrote Alpkutay's name in the registration book, a warning appeared before him.) Sir. It appears you're registered at the Alpin Inn. I cannot register you here unless you delete your registration at the Alpin Inn. I'm sorry I can't help you. But I will try to help your friends. Please tell me the name of one of your friends.
- They're also registered at the Alpin Inn.
- Then unfortunately, I can't register them either. First, cancel your registration at the Alpin Inn and come back. If the rooms aren't booked, I can register you.
- (Alpkutay was worried about the possibility that the rooms near Maisie's might be booked by someone else.) Could we do this? Let's reserve the four rooms you suggested in our names, and you can register us when we return. Would that be okay?
- Of course, I can reserve the rooms for you, but the fee for the reserved room is five times the normal price. You'll understand that I'll have to tell the guest that there are no rooms available. If you don't come back, I'll suffer greatly because of these rooms.
- You're right, I understand. Okay, I'll pay whatever it takes. Reserve these four rooms for us.
- Twenty gold...
Alpkutay returned to his men after giving the twenty gold to the guard.
- I wanted to move our room registration here, but it turns out we can't register here unless we delete our registration at the Alpin Inn. So, we need to go to the Alpin Inn.
- (One of his men who had played Primitive World before reminded Alpkutay of a fact.) Your Majesty, you do know that if you delete your registration at the Alpin Inn, you won't be able to log in for six months, right?
- (Alpkutay froze in place.) What do you mean? What do you mean, you won't be able to log in for six months?
- Sir, deleting your safe room registration in any way means you're either dead or kicked out of the game. Whatever the reason, you won't be able to re-enter the game for six months after your room registration is deleted. That's a rule.
- Yes, you're right. I don't know how I could have forgotten this rule, but there is such a rule… Well, I wasted my time trying to reserve the rooms. (Everyone turned and looked at the receptionist.) Since we can't keep the rooms, let's go get our money back.
When Alpkutay approached the old receptionist, his men followed him and waited behind him. Alpkutay spoke politely to the receptionist, thinking he would get his money back.
- Old man, I'm afraid I made a mistake. It turns out I don't need the rooms I just booked. So I'd appreciate it if you could refund my money. I'm really sorry to bother you.
- Are you sure you want to cancel the room reservations?
- I'm sure.
- Okay. (The old man opened his notebook and erased the names he'd written next to the room numbers.) I've now canceled your reserved rooms. You no longer have any rooms reserved in your name at our inn. I wish you a good day.
Alpkutay waited for the old man to refund the money, but the old man didn't seem inclined to pay and he continued to mind his own business.
- Old man! Won't you give me my money?
- (He pointed to the notice on the wall behind him.) Look, it says "no refunds." You can read, can't you?
- Of course you do, but it hasn't even been ten minutes since I booked the rooms. Besides, you see, we never left the Durinn Inn. So, the writing on the wall has nothing to do with us. If you give me my money, we can leave, and you can keep doing your job.
- You said you'd make a reservation, and I reserved the rooms for you. Then you came back and said you didn't need the rooms and canceled the reservations. That's what I did. I'm the one handling the transactions, and you're the one who wants the money. Do you think that's right? I don't think so.
- So, you're not going to give me my money, right? It won't be like this, old man...
Just as Alpkutay, his head bowed, thought his money was being wasted, the youngest of his men grabbed the hilt of the sword at his waist and pulled gently. He hoped to intimidate the old man and get the prince's money back without further ado. This success would also win the prince's favor. But things didn't go as he planned.
When the old man's angry gaze fell on the young man drawing his sword, the man suddenly collapsed to the ground, and then burned, like a burning napkin, his ashes dispersed into the air. The man's remains rose to the ceiling, and those around him took a few steps back in fear.
Alpkutay, with his back turned, didn't see his man's death, but his other two men immediately approached Alpkutay. One took his arm, the other bowed to the old man, and then they quickly dragged Alpkutay away from the reception. Not content with that, they dragged Alpkutay out of the inn.
- What's going on? Let me go.
- Your Majesty, forgive our disrespect. We apologize, but we were worried something might happen to you too.
- What do you mean, something's going to happen? What happened to whom? What are you talking about?
- Willy died. He just burned before our eyes, and his ashes dispersed into the air.
- (That's when Alpkutay realized one of his men was missing.) Don't mock me. Where's Willy? Or do you really want to die and are using Willy as an excuse?
- Really, your majesty, we're telling the truth. This inn is very dangerous. Let's get away from here as soon as possible. When we get to the second safe town, we'll be able to take a break from the game for a day. Then you can ask Willy if this is true. If we're lying, dying is fine. But know that we're telling the truth.
- (Alpkutay didn't press the matter any further, given his men's serious tone.) Okay, let's drop this. I don't want to think my men lied to me. Even though I didn't want to, we somehow got out of the inn. Now we can't get our rooms back, or our money. There's no point in us staying here anymore. Let's go…
…
Leaded by Polat, Maisie, Asena, and Serdar arrived at the workshop of Agata, the town's only blacksmith. Although Miss Agata owned the blacksmith shop, she was a dwarf who forged the iron and produced all the weapons in the shop.
Rumor had it that Miss Agata had beaten him in a drinking contest and earned the right to forced labour in her workshop. It was unthinkable for a woman to drink more than a dwarf. Those who wanted to know the truth pressed Miss Agata, but she always evaded the matter.
The blacksmith's workshop consisted of two sections: the workshop and the shop. At the front was the shop where the weapons and equipment were displayed and sold, and at the back was the workshop. Polat entered the shop, located on side street in the town, first, followed by the others.
The interior was quiet, and Miss Agata, who tended the shop, was nowhere to be seen. The weapons, mostly swords and daggers, were hung on the walls. There were some pieces of equipment and armor, but they were not particularly high-quality or valuable. On the glass-fronted counter off to the side were the shop's most valuable swords and daggers.
While Polat and Serdar waited on the side, Maisie and Asena walked calmly and began examining the weapons in the shop. The swords hanging on the wall were the first thing they noticed. As they moved closer and began examining the swords, Miss Agata emerged from the back room and entered the shop. She glanced sideways at Maisie and Asena and then walked over to the glass counter and sat in her chair.
Maisie and Asena didn't notice Miss Agata at all. They were chatting about the swords hanging on the wall, pointing out their favorites to each other. Finally, they decided none of the swords on the wall were suitable for them and began looking at the swords on the glass counter.
The swords on the glass counter were much higher quality and more expensive. But money wasn't an issue. The important thing was finding the right sword for them. And after careful inspection, Maisie managed to choose a suitable sword for herself. It was a rapier sword.
The rapier sword wasn't too thin and was long enough. The hilt that protected the hand was very elegant. The interlocking rings were beautifully arranged. Maisie examined the rapier sword a little longer, then, without taking her eyes off the sword, called out to Polat.
- Polat! I want this sword.
- (As Maisie eagerly eyed the sword, Miss Agata rose from her seat and approached Maisie.) I don't know who Polat is, but I sell this sword. In fact, I sell all the swords in this shop.
Startled by an unfamiliar voice, Maisie looked away from the sword and suddenly saw Miss Agata standing before her. Because Polat had said the shopkeeper was a woman, Maisie immediately recognized her as the shopkeeper. She was middle-aged and of moderate beauty, with brown hair. Maisie spoke gently and warmly, trying to please the woman.
- I'm sorry, sister. I lost control when I saw the sword. Please forgive my rudeness. I love this sword. I think it's one of your beautiful creations. I would be very grateful if you would allow me to examine it more closely.
Accustomed to customers constantly addressing her as "ma'am" and constantly thinking they were superior, Miss Agata was surprised to hear Maisie call her "sister." But Maisie's tone sounded genuine and very sincere. So Miss Agata smiled slightly, drew her rapier sword, and placed it in front of Maisie.
The sword's hilt was trimmed with burgundy leather. The burgundy color continued in a thin line across the blade. Maisie picked up the rapier sword. It was a good weight. She swung it a few times. The hum of the sword echoed through the air. The sword was easy to wield. She made a few movements without any difficulty. Finally, she extended the sword forward and measured the distance between herself and her enemy.
...
Maisie wasn't strong enough. She couldn't wield heavy, long swords as she wanted. So she turned to rapier swords. They were light, fast, and had a structure that allowed for a wide range of movements. Of course, knowledge of anatomy was crucial for wielding the rapier sword effectively.
Maisie was the laughingstock of everyone when she first picked up her rapier sword and began practicing, but as her anatomical knowledge improved and her control of the sword increased, she became a fierce competitor. The slightest mistake from her opponents would result in severed a tendon.
Maisie was fast. Her opponents could not easily approach her. Their swords always failed. Whenever they began a fight, it seemed as if the sword could not reach her. Over time, Maisie became known as the "sword melody" because of the humming sound her rapier sword made as it swung.
Instead of delivering lethal blows, Maisie attacked her opponents' tendons and muscle groups. Punctures and severing a muscle or two significantly reduced their fighting power. Therefore, fighting Maisie was worse than dying. You could survive, but Maisie would make her opponent crawl.
…
Everything she expected from a sword was in this sword. Maisie happily placed the rapier sword on the counter.
- Sister, can I ask the price of this sword? If you offer a reasonable price, I'd like to buy it.
- (Knowing the buyer's eyes, Miss Agata found a way to make more money.) I'll give you a reasonable price, but this sword is part of a set of armor. If you buy the armor together, I'll definitely give you a reasonable price.
- Really? Sister, I'm very curious now. What kind of set does such a beautiful sword come in?
Miss Agata pulled out the armor pieces from under the glass counter one by one. The most striking was a single-piece, wearable breastplate crafted from burgundy leather, with metal pieces on the shoulders and abdomen. The armor pieces protecting both arms and legs from wrist to elbow, the burgundy boots on the feet, the entire armor set, it all matched perfectly.
- Sister, this is beautiful. (Maisie examined the armor more closely.) But I'm not sure it would work for me.
- Why don't you try it? The leather we use for the armor is very flexible and durable. It adapts to your body. (Seeing Maisie's surprised look, she added.) It's not impossible. Don't worry, this armor will fit you perfectly.
Maisie picked up the armor pieces, and Asena helped her. The two of them went to the back room. A moment later, Maisie emerged, fully dressed in her armor. Polat and Serdar stared at her in amazement. It was as if this armor had been made for Maisie.
- How? Are you comfortable?
- Yes, sister. It feels comfortable. (Touching the metal parts of the armor) I thought these metals would bother me, but they definitely don't.
- (Miss Agata handed Maisie the sword on the counter.) Try using the sword. Will there be any restrictions on your movements? You should be sure.
Maisie took the rapier sword and performed a few difficult moves of her special sword technique, checking the armor for any restrictions. When the moves were finished, a slight smile appeared on her face. Because this armor was completely in harmony with her body movements.
- Okay, sister. I'll take this sword and the armor set. Please tell me a good price.
- I like you. So I won't give you a hard time. If you pay 75 gold for the rapier sword and 115 gold for the armor set, you can take both of them away from here.
- 190 gold. (The starting price for first-time players was 60 gold coins. Therefore, Maisie paying 190 gold coins was out of the question. She thought that the money in her pocket would be enough, but in reality, she didn't even have enough money to buy a good sword.) I'm sorry, sister, I don't have that much money.
When Maisie placed her sword on the glass counter in disappointment, Serdar couldn't keep quiet. He approached the glass counter and placed all the money in his pocket on the counter.
- My lady, I have 12 gold coins and 60 silver coins. I don't know if it will make up for your needs, but please feel free to take this money.
- (Seeing Serdar take out his coins, Asena also took out hers.) I also have 60 gold coins.
- But Asena, if you give me this money, you won't be able to buy yourself a sword. I can't allow that. Please put your money in your pocket.
- My lady! It's okay. Cheap swords are useless. You know my second weapon is a bow. They are much cheaper. It wouldn't be a problem to buy a much better bow for less. I just need to wait a bit...
While the three of them were busy balancing their money, Polat approached Miss Agata and handed her a bag of gold he'd pulled from his pocket.
- There are 250 gold coins here. I'd appreciate it if you could help us choose a weapon for Ms. Asena, another member of our team, too.
- Of course. (As her teammates watched in amazement as Polat took out 250 gold coins in one go, Miss Agata took two long swords and a bow from the drawer and placed them on the glass counter.) One of these swords costs 60 gold coins, the other 65. This bow costs 120 gold coins. No matter which one you choose, you can buy whatever you want.
I liked you as a team, so I'm giving you a big discount. I guarantee you won't find this opportunity again.
After Asena received the swords and tried them out, she wasn't at all satisfied with their quality. The weight and balance weren't to her liking. So she decided to buy the 120-gold bow. At least she could trade it for a sword when they reached the second town.
As Asena took the bow and slung it on her back, Miss Agata was talking to Maisie.
- I see you're very popular among the team. Everyone's mobilized for you. With that in mind, I'd like to give you and your team a quest. Can you do quest for me?
- Of course we can. You've helped us enough. We'll help you too. Tell me what you want us to do?
- It's not difficult, my dear. I sold you the last of my women's armor. I need materials to make a new one. I need red wolf skin and the red ore found in the caves where these red wolves hide.
If you can bring me what I need, I'll reward you and also give Asena a beautiful sword. What do you say? Will you fulfill my request?
- (Maise accepted the task without hesitation, knowing Asena needed a sword.) Yes, sister. We will definitely complete this quest for you.
- Then I'll give you a detailed explanation of the quest. I'll tell you where to find the wolves, where their caves are, and how to mine the ore. I'll explain in detail what kind of items you'll need.
- (When others who heard the task joined the conversation, Maisie spoke on behalf of everyone.) We're listening carefully, sister...