Rin: "Oh, so many tall buildings."
The girl exclaimed in awe.
After entering Aldor, Tris and Rin began strolling through its streets.
The impression was clear: everything here looked more "modern" compared to Dorn.
Buildings were larger and more splendid.
Magical items were also far more common.
Not only public utilities like street lamps or wells, but even ordinary citizens owned them.
For instance, Tris noticed many shops fitted with small magical lamps instead of oil lanterns, and charms to ward off insects hung before many houses.
The townsfolk's clothing looked richer and more refined overall.
And there were countless other small details...
Yet, in some respects, Dorn still seemed better.
Tris: "To me, Dorn feels more alive. Its people are more energetic."
Rin: "Really, Master?"
She was astonished at such an assessment.
Of course, Rin could not perceive that.
Her time in Dorn had been spent struggling to survive in the slums.
Since Rin had only left the slums for a short time and spent most of it staying indoors to train, the image of the slums remained her strongest impression of Dorn.
Compared to the lively streets they now walked, no one would call Dorn "full of life."
Tris: "What you see now is only the wealthy district. I judge based on the whole city."
Indeed, Tris was using 'Feathers' to survey Aldor, searching for a suitable place to stay.
Tris: "The gap between rich and poor here is greater than in Dorn. Dorn is developing, so there's plenty of work. Even you, though struggling, could earn money to survive—and even pay off those thugs."
Rin: "It's not like that here, Master?"
Tris: "I see many beggars. That shows a lack of jobs and deeper social unrest."
Rin: "Beggars?"
She looked around but saw none.
Tris: "You won't see them here. This district seems reserved for the wealthy, and beggars are forbidden from setting foot here."
Rin nodded, impressed by her Master's keen observation—not only his ability to watch from afar, but also to analyse thoroughly.
Though he looked only slightly older than her, his intellect and knowledge were far beyond hers.
She suddenly realised she did not know his true age.
Rin: "Master, how old are you?"
Tris: "Almost nine."
Rin: "You're younger than Rin?"
It was one of the greatest shocks she had ever felt—greater even than the marvels of magic.
With his tall figure and vast knowledge, who could guess he was half a year younger than her?
For Rin, even knowing his true age now, she still could not bring herself to regard Tris as someone younger than her.
Rin: "Master, how can you be so wise and knowledgeable? Is it from reading many books?"
Tris: "Yes, reading many books—and 'experiencing' many things."
For some reason, Rin felt the word 'experience' weighed heavily in his tone.
As they wandered, they continued chatting while searching for lodging.
Rin: "Master, what kind of place do you want? Like the inn room in Dorn?"
Tris: "Yes, just clean and with basic conveniences like a private bath and toilet. Nothing luxurious. And spacious enough for your training."
Rin: "For Rin, the room in Dorn was already beautiful and luxurious."
Her poor upbringing limited her imagination.
To Rin, that room had been a dream. But Tris clearly did not consider it anything special.
Tris suddenly turned into a roadside eatery.
Tris: "Two skewers of grilled meat and that sesame bun, please."
Owner: "Right away."
Tris: "We just arrived and need lodging. Could you recommend a place?"
Owner: "Any special requirements?"
Tris: "Spacious, clean, with private bath and toilet."
Owner: "Even the cheapest with those conditions is expensive."
Tris: "That's fine. Do you know a suitable place?"
Owner: "Go down this street, turn right, and you'll find the Silver Stag Inn. Try there. Here's your food—four copper coins."
Tris: "Thank you."
He shared half with Rin, and they ate slowly while heading to the inn.
Soon they arrived. The 'Silver Stag' looked neat and clean, with a bright, airy interior.
Tris asked for a long-term room.
Servant: "This room meets your request. Five silver a day."
Tris: "Not bad. Do you have one with two separate beds?"
Servant: "Yes, slightly larger. Seven silver a day."
Tris: "Alright, show us that one."
Rin: "Master, no! This room is fine. (っ °Д °)っ"
She tugged at his sleeve anxiously.
For Rin, spending as much as a single gold coin for just two days of lodging already felt extravagantly luxurious—something she would never have dared to dream of before.
She knew it would be costly, but not this costly. Even with her poor math, she understood one day's rent could buy a feast of delicious food.
The thought of an even pricier room made her shiver.
In the end, they chose the first room.
Compared to Dorn, it was slightly more luxurious, but not much different.
Rin: "How much was the room in Dorn?"
Tris: "Three silver a day."
Rin: "It's so much pricier here, isn't it? (◎﹏◎)"
She was stunned at the near doubling of the price.
Tris: "Not surprising. City prices are always higher than towns."
After stowing his pack—used to conceal his spatial ring—Tris immediately rushed to the bath.
Days of travel without bathing left him uncomfortable.
Most commoners here bathed only once a week, sometimes just wiping themselves in cold weather.
For Tris, it was unbearable to try resting while his body was still covered in sweat and dust.
Having once glimpsed a modern, civilised society in his dreams, he found it hard to accept this world's way of life.
Tris: "It all comes down to poverty and backwardness." He sighed.
Rin: "??"
Sometimes Master spoke of things she could not understand, but she was already used to it.