Thanks to the soldiers the situation got resolved faster than it would have without them. They slowly returned to their positions and to the job of escorting without complains or delays after checking on their injuries and bandaging themselves. They did not even ask the obvious healer in the group to patch them up.
Oswald's attention seems to have shifted towards Aurelia. As far as I am aware, he knows I got cursed and am trying to get back on my feet. The way he phrased they don't respond to the Kingdom makes me think they got contacted.
Those wolves… They are level 15 creatures. For a beginner leaving the first steps they can be dangerous, and at the size of the group we fought it can be overwhelming.
With my spell levels, Aurelia's buffs, the equipment I have acquired, and the level of my spells, they are easy to kill for me. The leader of the pack could have died in just a couple casts… but I prefer to shift the attention to Aurelia, who can take care of herself, while I am still weak in some aspects. At least, that way, I shift the attention from me with some false information.
The arrival to town is uneventful after that. Karina was paying more attention now that she was caught by surprise. We came across some creatures, but they avoided us because of numbers, only the pack of wolves dared to attack us because they thought they could take out the soldiers. Maybe.
Oswald approaches the gate of the town. There is more activity than Lakemar of the Kingdom's capital out of its walls. There are people going in and out. Merchants and other travelers, most likely some adventurers.
He says something to one of the guards and the soldiers nods, then goes inside running.
"Enjoy your stay in the city." He says when he returns to us. "And Miss Amber, the Mayor will want to receive you in the city hall, but all of you should get some rest after traveling through the forest."
"I can just run away if I want to?" I ask, part jokingly, part wanting to see his reaction.
"You are not forced to stay or visit him. Remember we are not obligated to follow the Kingdom's requests, so don't believe we want to make you a prisoner." He answers and turns his horse. "Have a nice day, Miss Amber."
He departs with his group of soldiers.
"Miss Amber!" Lars approaches me. "Thanks for everything once more. We are going to find some place to put our camp and trade with town. This is for you."
He hands me a small ring.
[Quality Silver Amethyst Ring
It is made of Silver
Has an almost Flawless Amethyst Gemstone set
It is considered of High Value]
I suppose instead of money they gave me this to either sell or own. I accept it.
"Thanks, but it is unnecessary."
"Nonsense. Thanks to your group we are all still together. We are staying in town for the time being." Lars nods.
I smile at him.
"I will pay a visit."
Lars and his group go inside town and get lost in the series of buildings.
"Aaaahhhhh!" Lisa screams entering town. "Yes! We... We made it!" She screams like she cannot believe it. "I really thought we would not see a town soon…"
"What happened with the priest that wanted to confront the thieves of the amulet?" I ask her. Her whole attitude changed the moment she found actual danger.
"Shut up!" She answers. There it is. "But, I am actually thankful that you brought me here. I don't think I would have survived the trip alone."
"No need to…" I blush.
"So, what is the next step, boss?" Aurelia asks.
"Bank… and hopefully this time the visit ends well."
Astin City is the size of a medieval city. Massive compared to the rest, and a very different contrast to Lakemar, yet not as big as the Capital city from the Kingdom. Outside of town there are several farms and ranches. Inside the town is divided in 3: The living district, the Noble District and the Commercial District.
The entrance we got into put us in the Commercial District.
The town doesn't seem much out of the ordinary, but I am on high alert because of how the last two have received me and thrown me into situations I did not want to take part of.
When I think of medieval towns I usually think of nasty odors and gross environments… but none have been like that. Even Astin has a group of people cleaning around the place and the air is filled with the smell of bakeries and roasted meat, making me feel the desire to sit and eat.
People around us are mostly humans and elves, with the occasional felin, dwarves and others. No sign of vulpins for that. Which means I am the center of attention once more.
"Mommy! Look, is a fox girl!" I hear a little girl say and point at me. "And she is walking with a dragon girl!"
"We are very subtle." Aurelia says in sarcasm.
"I just hope no problems come from this." I am praying.
After asking for directions, one of the guards around town politely tells me how to reach the closest bank. He immediately returns to his vigilance of the street when he gives me the information, and I thank him as we move.
The whole ambience feels completely different already.
And when I step inside of the bank…
I have to approach a teller that seems to be… low on energy to say the least.
He is the only one without a client… so I need to reach him unless I want to wait. His face is buried in a small tower of papers and there are other two on the side. Probably has a ton of work.
"Excuse me…" I say lightly as I approach his window.
"Huh?!" He jolts up when he stirs. "Aahh… welcome to… *yaaaawn* Welcome to Astin's… Federal Bank… branch… how can I serve you…" He is stretching while talking to me.
Someone did not sleep well last night.
"H-hi… unmm… I want to check my account…" I can see the shower of complaints against this poor guy.
"Ah… okay… give a minute…" his voice goes lower. "Or… five… zzzzzzzzzzzzz."
D-did he just fall asleep?!
"H-hey! Hello?!" I tap his window.
"I'm awake! I'm awake!" He obviously lies. "Eeemm… Mis Amber… you have a total of 123.000 pieces… what do you wish to do…zzzzzzzzzzzz?"
At least… is something. This bank is run by a different organization, so my account is different. And I am glad it is there.
Is not the millions I had in the Royal Bank… but it will be enough for now.