Kirhas seemed uncomfortable with heavy armor. She kept fidgeting with the chainmail.
“Seems like you’re more used to riding than I thought?”
“Ah, Your Excellency… You didn’t think our tribe only picks herbs in the mountains, did you?”
Kirhas blushed as she replied. Fernandez felt a bit guilty. How could he know about the lifestyle of the Myoin tribe?
“Uh… Of course not. Hmm! We’re almost there, huh?”
The eastern region of the Phaeirn Kingdom was a vast plain and fertile land. Riding on horseback, there was no place within five days’ reach from the Inquisition Keep.
Both Kirhas and Fernandez were the type to speak only when necessary, so they could focus entirely on their destination as they rode.
In the distance, [Merlin Port] came into view. It was the gateway to the Central Sea and connected to the North Sea route, the largest port city in the Phaeirn Kingdom. Its nickname was ‘Golden Port.’ A wealthy city that connected the southern jungles to the Central Sea via the Silk Road.
And as with all wealthy cities, the stench of heresy followed. Naturally, in this era.
“Halt! State your identity!”
It was the renowned Merlin Port gate guard. Guards clad in heavy armor, superior to most knights, glared at them with sharp eyes.
“Identity…?”
But the question was odd. They were currently wearing the armor of the Order of St. John Knights. With the emblem of a dragon and spear embroidered on their surcoats, why were they being asked to state their identity?
“Angelo of the Order of St. John. This is my squire, Basilada.”
“Sir, given the current situation, we are conducting identity checks for gate entry.”
“Are you applying the same to merchants? That must be quite a task.”
How many people pass through this city daily? Checking each one? Fernandez handed over the knight’s certificate from his saddle.
The guard read the document respectfully and soon nodded.
“Thank you for your cooperation, Sir! Most merchants are being inspected at the port!”
“Has something happened recently?”
“…Monsters have been appearing within the city.”
“Monsters? Do you know what kind?”
“They kill in the city alleys at night and disappear. There are no survivors, but… judging by the traces, it might be a Lycanthrope.”
Lycanthropy was a mutation disease that affected humans with lycanthropy. Infected humans would turn into monsters within a fortnight, and their appearance was almost identical to the Wolfmen, which made the citizens’ attitude towards the Beastmen tribe harsher.
‘Come to think of it, Kirhas is of the Myoin tribe.’
Though unrelated to Lycanthropy, prejudice is a scary thing. Fernandez glanced at Kirhas, who was silently looking ahead, and entered the city.
“Let’s find a place to stay first.”
“Yes, Your Excellency. But…”
The inn secured by the Inquisition Office in the operation area was [Three Horses], a high-end tavern affiliated with the Church. However, Fernandez, as if familiar with the area, passed the tavern street and entered a small, gloomy inn in the corner.
The tavern [Star and Mermaid] was a place where low-ranking sailors and mercenaries gathered. In his previous life, Fernandez had suffered after randomly looking for a ‘cheap inn’ and ended up here.
[Star and Mermaid] was, in fact, a hub for criminal organizations openly engaged in human trafficking.
“Do you really intend to stay here?”
“Hmm. Have you been here before?”
“Ah… no.”
Kirhas, who had been kidnapped by slave traders, was unfamiliar with the lodging establishments of the Golden Port. But whether familiar or not, it was obvious this wasn’t a normal place.
“Welcome!!!”
A man with a cloudy cataract in one eye approached, laughing, and grabbed the horse’s bridle. Fernandez smirked and tossed half a penny. The man skillfully caught the coin mid-air.
“Staying for three days. Got a room?”
“One should do, right?”
“Ah, no, two…”
“One is enough.”
“Uh, Your Excellency?!”
Until now, they had camped out, so it was fine to unpack and sleep under a blanket, but this was an inn. Sharing a room? Kirhas looked up at Fernandez in panic. Fernandez unpacked without a care.
“Ah, you can leave it. Our stables are safe…”
“Basil. Pack up the luggage.”
“Uh… yes.”
Leaving the clicking man behind, Fernandez pushed open the sliding door of the noisy tavern.
-Feels like old times…
“Do you know why we’re here?”
-Of course. To meet the master.
“Do you think he’s still here?”
-How should I know what that old man is thinking. The timing seems about right…
Feijashi fell into thought again. Fernandez shrugged.
The rough men drinking and making noise in the tavern suddenly fell silent as they stared at the unfamiliar stranger.
‘What’s with that guy?’
‘A knight?’
‘Why is a knight here?’
If he were a knight from a famous family or order, he would naturally stay at a noble or merchant’s inn. Even a wandering knight would have plenty of places to stay. But why this cheap tavern?
“Uh, welcome…?”
“Not very welcoming. Got a room?”
“Not sure if it’ll suit you…?”
“I’ll be the judge of that.”
Then, Kirhas entered, lugging a heavy load of luggage. The Myoin tribe’s unique beautiful green eyes and flawless skin. Her sharp, cold jawline made the men swallow hard as they stared at her.
“…One room, right…?”
“Right.”
Kirhas looked at Fernandez as if she had something to say. Fernandez chuckled and headed up the stairs. He whispered to Kirhas, who was struggling to follow.
“Be careful at night.”
“Your Excellency?”
“…What?”
When Fernandez looked at Kirhas blankly, she blushed and said.
“T-take care. Should I, uh, wash up first?”
“What are you talking about? I’m telling you to be careful because these guys might try to kidnap you tonight.”
“Kidnap? In such a big city?”
“Exactly because it’s a big city that all sorts of scum are here. I won’t be here for three days.”
“What?!”
Kirhas raised her voice in panic. Fernandez frowned and shushed her with a finger.
