After resting for a bit, Aric and Kail got up from their beds.
"Alright, time to go explore!" said Kail, already full of energy again.
"Yeah, let's go," Aric said as he packed his sword just in case.
They left the inn and started walking through the streets of Verdian. The town was lively, with all kinds of people walking around. Shops were open, kids were running, and adventurers could be seen chatting with each other or walking toward the guild.
"This place is way more crowded than Aegis," Kail said, looking around. "So many adventurers too!"
Aric nodded. "Verdian is close to the capital, and it's protected by the Sylvanthe family. It's a safe and important place, so naturally a lot of people come here."
As they walked, they passed by food stalls, blacksmiths, and clothing stores. The smell of grilled meat made Kail's stomach growl.
"Let's eat something first." Aric said calmly.
They stopped by a stall selling grilled skewers. After grabbing some and eating while walking, they continued deeper into town.
Soon, they saw a large building with a big sign and a symbol of a sword and a shield crossed over each other.
"That's the guild," Aric said.
They walked toward it and entered. The inside was just as lively as the outside. Adventurers were sitting at tables, talking, drinking, and looking at quest boards.
The guild had a wooden interior with big pillars and flags hanging on the walls. Behind the counter stood a woman with long brown hair and glasses, helping people.
"So this is the Verdian guild, huh?" Kail looked around in awe.
They walked to the counter and waited their turn. After a short while, it was their turn.
"Welcome to the Verdian Adventurer's Guild. How can I help you?" the receptionist asked with a smile.
"Hello. I'm Aric, the hero chosen by the emperor," he said simply.
The receptionist blinked in surprise. "Oh, I've heard about you! You're really the hero?"
"Yes," he replied.
"Wow, you really do have red eyes.." Murmured she surprised.
Kail stepped in. "We were wondering if we could take on quests here, even though we're not officially registered with this guild."
The receptionist looked thoughtful for a moment, then smiled again.
"Even if you aren't registered adventurers, since Aric is the hero, you're allowed to accept quests here temporarily. But you'll need to register formally if you stay too long."
"I see," Aric said. "We're just passing through for now and we don't plan on staying long in Verdian. "
"We won't take any quests today, though. We're still exploring the town," Kail added.
"Alright! Then feel free to check the board whenever you're ready," she said cheerfully.
They thanked her and left the guild.
"So, we can take quests. That's good to know," said Aric. "I was worried we'd have to stay and do paperwork or something."
"Then again, I was allowed in Aegis to take quests, even without being a member." Thought Aric.
"We'll take something tomorrow or later. For now, let's see what else is here," Aric added.
They continued exploring, looking at all the shops and people passing by.
Just then, a group of armored guards walked toward them.
"Are they coming toward us?" Kail asked, confused.
One of the guards stepped forward. "Are you Aric, the hero?"
"Yes, I am. Can I help you?"
"The Sylvanthe family has invited you to their estate. They would like to welcome the hero personally."
Aric looked at Kail, then nodded. "Alright, lead the way."
They followed the guards through the city. As they moved closer to the noble district, the buildings changed. Everything looked cleaner, grander, and more expensive. The roads were wide, the houses large and elegant, and the people walking around were well-dressed.
Finally, they reached a massive mansion with tall gates. Guards stood on both sides of the entrance.
"This is the Sylvanthe estate?" Kail whispered.
"Yes." Responded Aric whispering.
The gates opened slowly, and they were led into a beautiful garden. Flowers bloomed in all colors, and fountains were placed neatly in between trimmed bushes. The mansion itself looked like a palace.
"Wow… This place is on another level," thought Kail.
They entered the building and were brought to a large hall with shining floors, crystal chandeliers, and paintings hanging on the walls.
A nobleman stood in front of them, dressed in a dark purple robe with gold embroidery.
"Welcome, Hero Aric," he said with a slight bow. "I am Alderon Sylvanthe, head of this household. It is an honor to meet you."
"The honor is mine," Aric responded politely.
Lord Sylvanthe continued, "We've heard about your journey and your efforts to grow stronger. Verdian is always open to a hero like you."
"Thank you for the warm welcome," said Aric.
The nobleman gave a kind smile. "We had hoped our daughter, Viorel, would be here to meet you as well, but sadly, she is currently away from Verdian on official duties."
"Ah, I see. That's unfortunate," said Aric.
"Why does that name sound familiar..?" Thought Aric.
"Still, we hope you enjoy your stay in our town. If you ever need anything, do not hesitate to ask," Lord Sylvanthe said, bowing slightly again.
"Thank you. We'll be sure to remember that."
After a bit more polite talk, Aric and Kail were guided out of the mansion.
Outside, Kail finally spoke. "That was nerve-wracking... I felt like I was gonna mess something up just by speaking."
"You were fine," Aric said. "They were just being polite. Nobles act that way."
"But he was nicer then most nobles are to me.." thought Aric.
On their way back through the city, they stopped by a weapon shop. Aric looked through the weapons.
"I want a better sword than the one I've been using. The last one was good, but it's kinda basic." Said Kail.
"Then get something that fits your fighting style. You've been improving a lot," Aric said.
Kail picked up a lightweight sword with a silver edge. "How about this one?"
Aric checked it. "It's decent. Light, fast, and easy to channel magic through. Good for your level. I use a similar sword like that one too."
After some bargaining, Aric didn't buy much but Kail bought a sword with the money he earned from his last few quests and some armour.
"Alright, now that you have a new sword we can take quests from tomorrow onwards." Said Aric
Aric bought a few potions and a new travel cloak as well. It was dark gray with a silver lining.
They returned to the inn before sunset.
"That was a long day," Aric said, dropping on the bed.
"Yeah, but a good one. We settled in, saw the city, visited the guild, met the nobles, and got some gear." Said Kail excitedly.
"I can't wait to take on quests tomorrow. This place feels like it has a lot of strong demons nearby." Added he.
"We'll look at the board in the morning. For now, let's rest," said Aric.
As the sun fully set and night filled the city, they looked out the window from their room. Verdian was still glowing, lanterns lighting the streets, people still walking and talking.
"It's a beautiful place." Aric said quietly.
"Yeah, it really is." Said Kail.
And like that, the day in Verdian came to an end.