500 gold. Aralynn still couldn't believe it. After several futile attempts to return the gold (Perona refused to take it back) Aralynn resigned herself to carrying the hefty amount in her system bank. She later realized that she could put the remainder of her coins there as well- if she had any.
The party walked through the lower streets of Agemön which were an intertwining network marketplace of open-air vendors and shops. It was a rather refreshing change of pace from the heist.
The party split up loosely but still easily within view of each other, blending into the crowd. While the others looked around and ventured into stalls and shops that they were interested in, Aralynn had never been shopping in her entire life, save for vegetables and food in her hometown.
She mostly just followed Perona wherever she went. It looked like Perona was having the time of her life, flitting from shop to shop like a social butterfly. Aralynn questioned the wisdom of staying and shopping here instead of leaving immediately, especially when the devil's hand's guards could have sent the city a request for their arrest.
However, Perona reassured her that they would never check the market district as it was too busy- besides, they would likely take inventory first: if the casino didn't seem to lose any extremely significant items, they probably wouldn't have issued a warrant. While the casino was in relatively good standing with the people of Agemön, the higher-ups of the city, being elves, probably despised the Devil's Hand given its affiliation with a devil, and it wouldn't be worth the hassle.
Besides, devils were prideful: one would almost never admit to a fault.
The first shop that Perona and Aralynn actually settled down at was a clothing store. Given that they were drenched, they would do well to get an extra suit of clothes.
As soon as they stepped into the shop, they were met by a warm breeze that was certainly welcome after being drenched and then walking along the windy beach up to the town's port.
The door chimes clinked as they closed the door behind them, and Aralynn peered around. While she had visited several cities as a soldier of the imperial army, she hadn't really worn any normal clothes other than her uniform. She'd seen many civilians wear such garb, she hadn't bought any herself. Now in the clothing store, she marveled at the selection there was: heavy, sturdy, rugged clothes for traveling and adventuring, comfortable clothes for lounging around the house, even normal and fancy clothes for special occasions or noble customers.
Aralynn looked at herself. Luckily, while her clothes were still a bit damp, they weren't dripping water onto the wooden floor.
After looking around for a while, Perona had picked out another traveler-mixed-with-formal set: a loose-fitting white button up with a sky-blue necktie and black trousers that she bloused and tucked neatly into her boots. Over top, she swung a form-fitting set of leather armour that Aralynn hadn't noticed before, along with her traveler's cloak and backpack.
She looked like one of those female-knight captains that you see in manhwas.
Aralynn ended up choosing a mix of styles as well- partly her own choice, partly because Perona insisted, declaring, "You're my dress-up doll today."
Perona picked something similar for Aralynn: a dark grey lace-up top with a collar, ruffles, and short flared cuffs- stylish, but still giving Aralynn a large range and ease of movement. A laced back could be left open to fit her wings. She paired it with relaxed black trousers, which Aralynn tucked into her boots and secured with her sword belt and revolver. Then, as always, Aralynn strapped on her segmented chestplate and swung her cropped cloak over her shoulders.
Overall, it cost them 5 gold each.
Aralynn wrung out her old damp clothes by the side of the road before hanging them on a water and tear-proof travel pack she'd picked up at another store to dry.
After that, they went to food stalls, snatching snacks, before Aralynn luckily found a master blacksmith that did magic, tinkering, and custom orders. Luckily, he had materials on standby, and a few minutes of arcane molding, blacksmithing, and tinkering later Aralynn walked away with 30 high-quality elven bullets that would hopefully do better than her regular army issued ones. While the blacksmith certainly hadn't made any bullets in his lifetime and looked confused within a wit's end when Aralynn give him the specifics, he had done a marvellous job.
Eventually, the party wandered back together: Amon, Grango, and Hadarai seemed to have made some weapon purchases, while Amon sported a new holster along with bags for his gear. Grango seemed to have been merciful as both him and Derrick were munching on some local grilled meat.
Before sundown, they made it to the eastern gate that framed the river running through the town. The main gate presiding over the river and boats was shut, and smaller gates on the sides for foot traffic were being monitored by guards.
"Travel passes, please," the guard barked as the party approached. His chainmail gleamed under the late-afternoon sun, partially covered by a deep blue robe bearing the coat-of-arms of what Aralynn guessed was the local noble. He stamped the butt of his halberd against the stone with a sharp clack while his partner continued interrogating a flustered half-orc woman over how she'd obtained a reddish-brown chicken she was carrying.
"Travel pass?" Perona echoed, blinking. "We weren't asked for one when we entered the city."
"Heh. Nice try," the guard grunted. "We get all kinds of swindlers around here."
At the word swindler, Perona visibly stiffened, her jaw twitching. "Where might we acquire a travel pass, then, good sir?"
"Apply thirty days in advance at the town hall," he said dryly. "Or at any other city in the Marquess' territory." His gaze slid over the party, then flicked toward the growing line of travelers behind them. "That said… you look like you're in a hurry. I might be convinced to forget I saw you pass through… for a modest fee, if you get m'meaning."
Perona exhaled slowly. "Name your price."
"Twenty gold."
"Done." She handed it over without flinching, her expression unreadable.
The guard pocketed the coins with a satisfied grunt. "Thank'ee." The guard opened the gate and let them through… and that was it. They were outside of the city.
They had successfully pulled off the heist. Agemön glowed behind them- its elegant towers catching the sunlight in amber hues, rooftops tiled with glazed colours like emerald and sapphire, reflecting like cut gemstones in the dusk. Paper lanterns had begun to glow across the skyline, floating on lines strung between buildings like strings of starlight. The great central spire of the Marquess' palace caught the last light of day, casting a long golden shadow over the sprawl.
Looking at the city and its marvelous shapes dancing in the sunset, Aralynn couldn't help but wish she could come back one day- not for a heist, nor as part of a guild, but to explore the city and its wonders.
For now, though, they had to locate a certain elvish proctor.