Chapter 36: Lies
Still in the Berden Kingdom's lands, Alex continued his journey toward the forest fairies. He went through a few cities and villages, taking short breaks to relish his adventure. Besides, Alex adventured with NPCs and other players.
The former were residents of this world, and they acted naturally. They weren't thirsty for blood and lands, and they required stops.
Alex was one of the rare players that went along well with most NPCs. In the beginning, some people were wary of him due to his catman's looks. However, Alex's attitude and his goodwill reached the hearts of foreigners.
He talked with them during their ride from one city to another to kill time. But what was killing time quickly turned into curiosity and a desire to learn the new world's customs.
At last, Alex said goodbye to his new friends.
He left the carriage before one of the biggest cities in the Berden Kingdom.
[You have paid entrance fees.]
[You have entered Harlo City.]
[Welcome to the Harlo City, player!]
Although each city had its own governor and army, Alex didn't have to interact with them. He used the system to pay the entrance fee, then the invisible barrier barring his way disappeared.
Guards still glanced at him. Their job was to make sure that no one carried an ill intent toward their home. Unfortunately, as players were eccentric and quite strange fellows, it was way harder to see through them.
In Alex's case, he was a catman. His looks left the guards curious. But Alex's pleasant smile and how he paid the money immediately showed that he wasn't one of those demi-humans who would throw tantrums on the streets.
"This city lives their own life," Alex muttered beneath his nose.
Harlo City had one of the biggest auction houses on the whole continent. Just that alone drew many merchants to their lands. Naturally, people wouldn't waste such a golden chance.
They opened countless businesses in those lands, bringing their assets here. This city's governor also didn't fail his task. He welcomed businessmen with open arms and provided low tax rates and hospitality.
Thus, Harlo City was one of the most advanced cities.
Seeing how much it differed from the beginner cities and villages, Alex's plans had considerably changed.
Here, he would buy expensive pajamas and other presents for the Deathwill Sisters. He also secretly wanted to try out some booths.
But to not derail from his path, Alex gave himself a short amount of time.
'I should check auction house first before buying presents…' Alex chuckled.
If he bought presents first, then visited the auction house only to find out that he lacked some money, Alex would facepalm himself and sell Strongus' skills. He wanted to avoid precisely such a scenario.
Besides, he always could buy presents after visiting the forest fairies.
"I've underestimated this city…" Alex stood blankly.
He didn't have a map for this city yet, so he quickly got lost. Countless people and carriages filled the streets, bustling with life and happiness. People were here to buy and enjoy their money.
They were also regular visitors who knew most paths.
Alex had been genuinely struggling in those lands without a map until a peculiar encounter.
"Um… Ano…" A young voice called Alex.
He felt his sleeve pushed down by someone from behind. As Alex turned around, he noticed a lady smaller than him looking into his eyes. She was just head shorter, and she wore brown robes, which covered her whole body.
But as she lifted her eyes at him, Alex saw her green hues and lush green hair. She had pale skin and lost expression on her face. But that uneasiness didn't take away her beauty; instead, it made her charmer.
[You have met one of Elias Deathwill's acquaintances, Remia.]
"Yes?" Alex inquired softly, not letting anyone see through him, particularly Remia.
Although he thought that someone had arranged this meeting for him, he couldn't let anything transpire on his face. He asked like anyone in his situation would.
Remia bit her lips, "I am lost."
"So am I, Miss," Alex faintly smiled.
Hearing him, Remia inadvertently clenched his sleeve tighter. She didn't have much strength, but she exerted enough pressure to let Alex know. And then, she sighed.
Alex whispered, "I feel much better knowing that someone shares my plight. Some bystanders' gazes can become really disturbing, right?"
"Yes, you are right! If it weren't for those clothes, I wouldn't have been able to cope with them," Remia replied with a little awkward smile.
In just an exchange of a few words, Alex and Remia became familiar. After introducing themselves, they decided to go through the city together and find what they had been searching for.
It turned out that Remia was also looking for the auction house.
And with a few more questions, Alex inferred that she wasn't fond of humans. In fact, in her heart, she was too wary of them. But that much was expected after Elias' betrayal. Still, Remia was as naive as it sounded in the quest log.
Thus, as Alex had confirmed her naivety, he also believed in her kind heart.
'Now then… I found the person I have been looking for before the forest fairies' home…' Alex whispered.
Alex could only do the opposite if Elias used words to cone others and showered them with empty promises. He could only speak with Elias Deathwill's acquaintances through actions!
Although Alex believed that honest talk could solve a lot, Elias Deathwill had sown enough distrust into his people. In their case, words hurt more.
Alex glanced at Remia, "I am looking for a sword. I should be able to find one in the prestigious auction house. What about you, Miss Remia?"
Remia clenched her hands, "Poison techniques!"
Alex squinted his eyes.
That was too much of a coincidence, was it?
"Sounds dangerous," Alex jested.
Remia quickly got flustered, "T-That's not what it sounds like, okay?! I am not trying to poison someone! I… I want strength…" After waving her hands, Remia dropped her head low.
Alex went through what he knew about her before replying, "It's important for healers to learn about poisons, though. Just as a high medicine dosage can turn into poison, a person who controls poison can stop it and extract it from the patient.
Having poison techniques isn't anything evil, Miss Remia. Doctors sometimes are forced to use it for a smooth treatment in my home," Alex smiled broadly.
And as he smiled from the bottom of his heart, Remia lifted her head and thanked him sincerely, "Thank you very much, Mr. Alex. I will engrave those words into my heart."
She sounded so lovely and kind, but Alex thought otherwise.
For the first time ever since their talk, he heard a different tone in her voice. It was as if she forced herself to not trust anyone, thus, sounding fake.
Alex didn't comment on that. He didn't let anything show on his face.
Because he knew that what she did was right. For a person who had been hurt by empty lies, not believing in strangers was perfectly fine. And to not hurt him, Remia simply lied.
Although Alex should had been hurt from that show, he was relieved instead.
It was essential to learn from mistakes, and it seemed like Remia had been working on her weaknesses.
After a few hours…
"We found it…" Alex said in a little hoarse voice.
Remia nodded, her face paler and a little sweaty, "Finally…"
The auction house was before them.
