Over a week ago, Saxon faction annexed 2 territories, killing aristocrats ruling them. There was a populous  town within the said land, Veria. 

To understand what we're happening in the annexed territories, we made undercover mission there. 

Clarice was a famous daughter of a great noble, thus I left her out. I also left Myla out due to her injury. Lucy as usual, was taking care of her. Gheyna was dalish and would attract unnecessary attention, so I had to exempt her 

Reina the thief and Mirai the kunoichi accompanied me. Sekrit the close combat specialist also accompanied us. Suzy, was brought to avoid her from sleeping with other men. The tall woman, Irijina was left out as she would also attract unnecessary attention.

"The name of the city is Veria."

Reina read the name written on the sign.

"It’s pretty big. It has a population of maybe 10,000."

Suzy commented.

The town’s security was appropriate for the number of residents.

The perimeter of the city was surrounded by stone walls and several watchtowers could be seen.

A deep moat was dug out in front of the gates and there was a lowered drawbridge leading into the town, which when necessary, could be raised to protect those inside.

"It's more like a city than a town." Suzy gave her opinion.

Usually town walls were thinner and only a steel fence was lowered on the gate.

It wouldn’t withstand any major attacks and a battering ram could smash through relatively easily.

When we approached the gate, two unfriendly guards block our path.

"Excuse me, we work for Coterel." Suzy showed letter issued by Hilma, one of the Coterel boss who secretly defected to us. Coterel was the most powerful criminal organization in Orlais state. 

"Let us inspect your bags."

The two of them check our luggages.

"Blankets, clothes, food, medicine...... and this is oil?"

"Yes, we use it for outdoor camping when the firewood is wet."

After some consideration and a glance at my face, the guards return the oil pot to its place.

"And then you have a sword and dagger."

"I’m traveling with some pretty women. You can understand why I have weapons."

Suzy and Sekrit didn’t seem too displeased at my answer.

It goes without saying the guards know the existence of bandits and  beasts.

Confiscating all weapons was not a very realistic thing to do.

"Well, as long as it’s not an improper weapon, it should be fine."

It was the right choice to leave Irijina and her long spear behind.

Weapons like that wouldn’t have allowed me to pass.

"You, the man and the smallest girl, obviously not from this continent."

He referred to Mirai and me. Both of us had pitch black hair without pointing noses, traits of people in Thedas continent. Although Sekrit's wheat skin was rarely seen here, my brown skin was even darker. At least Mirai's eyes were red, but mine were black.

"Not long ago, both you and this little lady would have been burned at the stake for heresy. In my neighborhood, there was someone who was executed for mingling with the devil." He told me.

Next is a body check. They’re surprisingly strict.

"Your chest were very big. Were you hiding something in there?"

One of the guard asked. 

Well, Sekrit's breasts were the largest among the girls here, followed by  Suzy.

"Tch."

"......this is our job. Don’t resist."

One of the guards touched Sekrit’s body and then flinched when Sekrit clicked her tongue loudly.

He’s clearly shaking as he performed his check.

"I have to confirm the area in between your chest......"

Sekrit glared at the guard.

I felt my hands move on their own.

"Is this satisfactory for you?"

I pulled Sekrit close and then fondled her breasts.

"Nnnh......"

I made sure to rub and massage the voluptuous breasts thoroughly so they should be able to tell whether anything qas hidden between them.

"T-that’s fine."

The guard separated from Sekrit and shifted his attention to Suzy.

Suzy unbuttoned the chest part of her attire. Two large mounds were juggled out. 

Her cleavage and half of her two breasts were seen. 

"Mister. You can thoroughly check these melons to your heart content." The lecherous Suzy licked her sexy lips. I couldn't allow this.

I inserted my hand in there and fondled hers the same way I did Sekrit.

"Nothing in there."

They turned to Reina. Although her breasts were far cry from Sekrit and Suzy, her size was above average. I quickly inserted into her loosen upper clothing and fondled her breasts.

"Hm. Nothing."

 He didn’t seem particularly lecherous and finished his check without groping around unnecessarily.

"You didn’t check my chest!" The small Mirai yelled with a red face.

"No, little girl. You are fine. It doesn’t appear anything is there."

Mirai turned to the guard with a glare.

Now, now, don’t pick a fight with him. I signaled at her with my eyes.

Mirai let out a pitiful groan and looked at me.

The guard nodded and gave a signal after Mirai calmed herself.

"All clear! Let them pass."

We passed through the gates and entered the city.

As soon as we got in, we felt a wave of heat enough to blow away the cold outside air.

The layout in the town of Veria is simple. There is a single main road which leads from the gate to the depths of the urban area, with mid to small alleys branching out.

Enthusiastic hustle and bustle packed the main road, and no space was left between street vendors as they lined up and shouted out loudly to attract customers.

"Have you decided on where you’re staying today? The Sunflower Inn has some gorgeous beds!"

"Dandelion Village is 20% cheaper than the other inns! It’s perfect for long-term stays and working abroad!"

The barkers advertising their inns somewhat forcibly pulled customers by the hand.

"Have you eaten? We have good bread and soup chock full with vegetables."

"If you want meat, look no further! We have muttons, beef, bird, and other rare beasts as well."

Grocery stores that had set up shop were also shouting unyieldingly in competition with the street vendors.

"It’s booming......"

"You don’t see such lively cities that often."

Mirai and Sekrit were surprised.

I felt the same way.

I didn’t expect them to be struggling in poverty, however I thought they would at least be in a rougher state after being ravaged by civil war and political change.

"It doesn’t lose out...... to Abram city." Suzy commented. She was from Abram, the most vibrant city in Ferelden kingdom after all.

"Let’s hurry and find an inn. Ignore the barking idiots, their shops are probably not decent."

Sekrit took the lead and pushed her way past the people.

Hm? She suddenly stopped.

"This idiot."

"Gyaaaaah!"

Apparently a man touched Sekrit’s ass using the confusion of the traffic.

He was screaming because his finger got bent in the opposite direction. Don't mess with Sekrit.

The noisy clatter of the city drowns out his voice.

In the end, we decided to stay at a modest inn near the end of the alley with no yelling barkers.

Having to deal with heated sales tactics by the vendors to greet the evening was a little tiring.

"You guys are smart. All the shops trying to attract customers on the main road are up-and-coming stores, where they might seem decent on the surface but can’t be expected to have good service. Meanwhile, our place is old yet reliable."

The innkeeper welcomed us with a smile.

As he said, although our room with two twin beds was tight and the interior design was dated, both the bedding and floor were kept clean, the jug of water was full and crystal lights for illumination were bright, and even the stable had fresh fodder for our horses.

According to Reina, the price was standard, not too high and not too low.

"I’m satisfied. Now do you know where I can find an affordable bar? A place that’s open until late."

Gathering information at a bar was the most optimal.

If you treat drunks to a free drink, they’ll leak things they normally won’t say.

"There’s a two story bar at the corner. Only newcomers drink the crap they serve in the main street, smart ones drink at the stores within the alley. ......hahaha, you look like you can really drink. Gotta thank Luggs."

That’s the name of the innkeeper’s friend who runs the aforementioned bar.

He must trust him because of how long he had been in business.

"Welcome!"

When we walked inside, we were greeted by a cheerful voice.

The place was moderately busy and had a buzzing atmosphere.

"Give me some ale and snacks to go along with it."

I know the main goal was to collect information, but people would be on alert if I appeared sober.

Although I didn't drink alcohol, Reina, Suzy and Sekrit could drink.

"Give me one bottle!of that!"

Sekrit spoke confidently, her breasts jiggling as she puffed her large chest out proudly.

As I get distracted by her wheat-skinned valley, my nuts got stolen.

It was Suzy. She also ordered,

"One bottle for me."

" I’ll have wine and cheese, also a fresh salad please."

Reina had been hooked on white wine lately.

Mirai looked left and right at other older girls before awkwardly said,

"1 bottle of ale!"

I interjected her, "2 glasses apple juices for her and me. And pancakes."

I covered Mirai’s mouth and ordered for her.

She probably wanted to compete with Sekrit, but that she just turned fifteen this year.

All of us enjoyed ourselves while keeping an eye out for anybody who looked bored.

My initial impression was that everyone seemed to be in the company of friends and it would be difficult to naturally join in their conversations.

However, I was not worried at all.

"Hey, mind if I drink with you?"

See?

After all, our group had a guy and four girls - Suzy, Sekrit, Mirai, Reina. 

Not to mention the girls in our group were all outstandingly beautiful, so there were sure to be guys who approached.

Of course all four of them belonged to me and I didn’t intend to let anyone else lay a finger on them.

I inspected the man.

He seemed like the frivolous type who only called out because he was attracted to a woman’s beauty.

His face wasn’t handsome enough to make girls drool.

At least he wasn’t shameless enough to sit down next to us without asking first, although he seemed somewhat frightened when I looked at him.

He didn’t seem to have much confidence and he didn’t appear to be a vulgar man.