Midnight fell.
Later that night, Ren left his room and walked toward the innmaid to ask something. Around him were full of people drinking, eating, and talking.
"Hey, can I ask you something?"
The innmaid politely agreed without hesitation.
"Yes! What is it?" the innmaid said, while cleaning the table.
"Where can I buy a map?"
"A map? I'm sorry, sir, I don't know. Usually, travelers use a compass," the innmaid said.
"Hmm. Alright, thank you."
"I'm really sorry, sir."
Then Ren walked outside the inn. The innmaid didn't notice Ren are already on outside. He tried to find a map by himself.
"Uhm. Sir! Be careful outside, there are many thie—"
But Ren was already outside and didn't hear the innmaid's warning. The door was closed now.
"Where did he go?"
Ren decides not to use his powers so the adventure won't be meaningless. That every journey are had thrill, the only Ren used his powers if something unexpected events, events that forcefully Ren use his powers.
While Ren walked through the crowded street, it was full of people even at night. Couples, kids, and even elder men walked along the street. The place felt loud around him.
A kid suddenly ran into him from behind, deliberately bumping into him and causing Ren to step back slightly.
"I'm sorry!" the kid shouted while running away, a smile on his face as if he had hit the jackpot.
But before the kid could escape, Ren moved.
With a quick move of his hand, he grabbed the back of the kid's shirt. The kid stopped, shocked. His eyes widened, and he felt nervous.
"Where are you going, kid? Looks like you're holding something that isn't yours."
"Huh? What do you mean, mister? I don't know what you're talking about," the kid replied nervously, fidgeting with his hands and glancing around.
"What's this?" Ren asked, holding the pouch. His calm voice made the kid's stomach tighten.
The kid froze, his eyes wide as he stared at the pouch. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
"Huh? How? I was holding it just now?" he thought in disbelief.
Stepping back slightly as people walked past them on the crowded street.
Suddenly, the kid receives hard knock on the head. The sound was clear, and the kid's body froze for a moment. He grabbed his head in pain, his face twisting.
"Oww! That hurts."
"So many people to steal from, but you really made me your target."
"You came at the right time. I have something to ask. Follow me."
The kid reluctantly followed after being hit, while his hand was on his head, it's clearly pain.
While they were walking, Ren looked around for a place where there were not many people. His eyes moved from street to street, searching for a quiet area. The noise of the crowd slowly faded as he walked deeper.
"Mister… where are we going?" the kid asked nervously.
Seeing an empty bench nearby, where there were not many people and they could talk without the noise of the crowd, they headed there.
The kid's heart beat faster. He felt like anything could happen at any moment.
Ren sat on the bench, turned around, and looked at him.
The kid froze, nervous.
"M-Mister…! What are we doing here?" His voice was shaking.
"I have a question. If you lie, I'll cut off your hand."
"W-what is it?" He felt nervous, unsure what to say.
"Do you know where I can buy a map?"
The kid looked confused, still trying to process what Ren had said.
"Huh!? A map?"
He looked confused, still unsure about where to buy a map.
"Y-yes, b-but you'll let me go if I tell you?" he stammered.
"I'll think about it. So, where?" Ren replied.
The kid lowered his eyes, feeling like he had already accepted his fate—that he was going to prison.
"I… I think there is…"
He pointed his finger at a house with a sign that said "Bar," big and crowded with people.
"There… at that bar."
"At first glance, it looks like an ordinary bar, but I often see hunters, mercenaries, and nobles entering it."
"I also heard they sell things not found in public markets… like a black market," the kid explained. "I don't really know what black market means."
"Hmm… how do you know there are things to sell?" Ren said, while he looking at the bar.
"I saw people who went in there. When they came out, they had things."
"…You're good at observing, huh."
Suddenly, the kid spoke up.
"Mister, can I go now? I told you everything I know. I still have a sibling waiting. They're my only family. If I disappear, what will happen to them?" His tears were about to fall.
Ren stared at him with no emotion, watching his despair.
"I know stealing is bad, but I only do this so my sister and I can survive."
"Alright, you can go. Make sure you don't steal again," Ren warned.
Ren threw the pouch to the kid. He was shocked and caught it with both hands, holding it close to his chest.
"Huh!? What is this?" he asked, eyes wide.
"For you. And don't steal again," Ren replied calmly.
When the kid looked inside the pouch, he froze. Gold coins shone in the dim light. His lips trembled, and tears welled up in his eyes.
"It's… r-really for me?"
Ren nodded and gave him a small, serious look. "Yes, it's for you."
The kid's face lit up. "T-thank you, Mister!" he said tearfully, bowing deeply to Ren. He hugged the pouch tightly, like it was the most precious thing in the world.
Ren watched silently, his expression unchanged, but inside, a faint warmth stirred, he smirk little.
"Why are you crying?" Ren asked.
"I'm not crying. I'm just happy because I can buy my sister's favorite things," he replied, wiping his tears.
Ren nodded silently. He didn't say much, but he kept watching the kid carefully.
The kid held the pouch tightly and took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
"Can… can I go now?" he asked softly, still looking at Ren.
Ren finally nodded. "Go. Take care of your sister."
The kid's face lit up. He bowed one more time, then ran down the street, holding the pouch like it was gold.
Ren watched him go. Then he walked toward the bar the kid had said. The street was quiet again. Only his own footsteps could be heard, suddenly, the kid shouted behind him.
"Mister! What's your name?"
Ren glaced back and smiled slightly.
"I'm Idric, and I'll never forget your kindness!" Idric shouted.
He smiled at Ren, who continued walking without turning back.
As Idric walked home, he thought about Ren's face and how he would tell everything to his sister.
"Family, huh?" Ren muttered to himself as he walked toward the bar.