'In reality, the only town worse for humans than this one would be the capital, Elveria.'
Those words echoed in Ryan's head, making him realise just how wrong their trip to Elerea could have gone if Mayor Deuteros hadn't come to their rescue.
"It seems that the only time your brother told the truth was about how you are kind to humans." Said Eleanor.
"Correct, and I'm not just kind to humans, but to all living beings. Follow me, I'll bring you to my favourite tavern where you can eat and sleep all you want; all you need to do is show the owner, Freddy, this. It's the Dargin family crest token." Deuteros brought out a small black token with a black rat's head on either side. It was quite beautiful, but slightly misshapen, most likely due to a low-skilled blacksmith. Deuteros handed it over to Ryan, but Eleanor quickly snatched it off him.
"I don't trust him with it," she said, her gaze settling on Ryan. Deuteros gave a soft chuckle, while Ryan's shoulders sank in quiet, wounded sulkiness.
Only a few minutes later, they arrived at a striking medieval tavern tucked along a narrow cobbled lane. A wooden plaque hung above the entrance, its carved letters spelled out 'The Black Rat'—presumably the tavern's name. The building was painted a striking, unbroken black that made it impossible to miss.
"And here we are—quick, right? I'll leave you two here. If anyone asks who you are, say you're my slaves. In two days' time, at midnight, I'll have you both taken to the Rupes Kingdom.
Deuteros snapped open his oversized silver pocket watch, glanced at it, and grimaced. "Ah, damn, I'm late—I'll see you then!"
Hmm, maybe I could bring some inventions from Earth to this world, like a normal watch? No, who am I kidding? I'm no engineer.
The pair pushed through the crowd gathered outside the tavern—tall elves, looming giants, and stocky dwarves—before spilling into a vast common room. Black wooden beams stretched upward to support a ten-metre ceiling, while a sea of tables and chairs filled the space below, packed with workers on their midday break. Waiters and waitresses wove deftly through the chaos, sidestepping drunken patrons and calming the occasional flare of rowdiness. Laughter rolled through the room, thick as the air itself, mingling with the sweet, honeyed scent of mead—an aroma Eleanor's senses seemed helplessly drawn toward.
But there was a terrible problem. All the tables were taken!
Then they had a strike of luck.
"Ryan, look over there. A couple is leaving their table right now." Eleanor said, her voice drowned out by the chatting surrounding them.
"What did you say?" Ryan shouted, cupping his ear so he could hear her.
Eleanor leaned close to Ryan's ear and shouted over the din, "Hurry up, or we'll lose the table!" She seized his hand and dragged him through the crowd, slipping into the seats mere seconds after the pair of elves rose to leave.
The elves lingered just long enough to cast them a sharp, disapproving glance before turning and striding out of the tavern.
Ryan and Eleanor's arses had barely touched their seats before a voice barked from behind them. "You stole our seats, disgraceful humans!"
Ryan and Eleanor turned to find five elves in armour bearing the Dargin crest. Ryan's stomach tightened—he recognised one of them. Umbar, the guard who had harassed them earlier.
"Are you deaf, human?" Umbar snarled, fury etched across his face. "You shouldn't even be allowed in this town."
Before Eleanor could fire back, a waiter appeared at their table. "What seems to be the problem here, chaps?" he asked brightly. He had glistening green eyes and a head of thick, bushy brown hair.
"Freddy," Umbar said with open disgust, "these two humans stole our table."
Freddy's gaze shifted to Ryan and Eleanor. "Hmm. And where's your master?"
Without a word, Eleanor produced the token Deuteros had given them.
Understanding flickered instantly across Freddy's face. He turned back to the elves, his tone still polite but edged with steel. "These two reached the table first. Unless you'd like to offend your boss—Mayor Deuteros—I suggest you wait for the next one. Thank you."
The elves hesitated, then grudgingly turned away. As they did, one of the guards muttered under their breath, "That damned mayor's got a thing for humans. Fifth time I've seen this—random humans flashing that crest like they own the place."
"Careful what you say about your Lord-Mayor, Reginald," Freddy replied, his voice went cold.
The guard didn't so much as glance back. He simply kept walking.
Freddy exhaled, then turned back to the table, his warmth returning. "Sorry about that. What can I get you?"
"Water, mead, and a plate of your finest food!" Eleanor said, practically vibrating with excitement.
Freddy grinned. "Done! And you?"
Ryan, feeling painfully out of place, hesitated. "What drinks do you have?"
"Mead and water."
"Then a water and whatever food you've got please."
Freddy nodded and vanished into the crowd, returning seconds later with two large tankards of water and one of mead. He set them down and hurried off again.
Ryan took a long gulp, relief washing over him as the cool water hit his throat. That tastes… normal. Thank God. I thought medieval, other-world water would be filthy—
He paused, lowering the tankard. Eleanor sat perfectly still, eyes closed and head bowed. She raised her hands in quiet reverence and murmured something too soft to make out over the noise.
After a moment, she gave a small nod, opened her eyes, and reached for her drink. She took a deep gulp—then caught Ryan staring. She set the cup down.
"Eleanor. What are you doing?" He asked.
"Ah," she said, a little sheepishly. "You're from another world. Of course you don't share our customs." She straightened slightly. "I was offering a prayer—to my god. Neptune."