Landing on the ground, I shook the sleepy koala on my back.

"Mmm... Are we here already?"

Placing her on the ground. She wobbly tried to stand. It was easy to see that she was exhausted. It's been 4 hours of our journey. I even slowed my speed so she wouldn't feel dizzy.

Still, the capital seems to be farther than I anticipated. That is why I decided to stay in this small town for today's night. For a girl to rest and for me to get some information.

I didn't bother to go through the gates. Landing directly in some dark alley. Night sky and my stealth art covering my presence.

Expanding my spirit senses through the city. I looked for something that looks like an inn.

After a couple of seconds, I found it.

Canceling my sight. I was met with a pair of curious but sleepy eyes.

"Sorry yes, you will be able to rest in the minute. I found a place we can sleep for tonight."

I said knowing full well, what was on her mind.

Nodding her head in affirmation she couldn't help but yawn a little.

"Here"

I said placing my hand in front of her. Hesitating a little she took it after a moment.

I would be much calmer if she hold my hand. I don't want to lose her in these dark alleys. I looked a little and it surely doesn't look safe.

We started walking...

I was a little surprised by the architecture here. Even though it was dark, lamps on the main streets lighted the dark surrounding letting some people go about their business. Orderly built bricky roads let the occasional carriages pass through.

Buildings on the other hand were looking solemn. Maybe a better way to describe this would be that there is no beauty to it.

White color, a symbol of our dynasty and goodness in my times. Architects really liked to use it. But the buildings in front of me use mostly the dark color theme.

Really utilitarian style if I was to say. Anyways I guess people's likes can change too... 

Hiding my face with the hood that comes with my attire. We arrived at the inn.

"Guests so late. What can I do for you?"

Said a little obese bald man with a friendly smile on his face behind the counter upon our entrance.

I didn't understand him. Is he speaking in a different language?

"Do you understand him?"

I said in a whisper to the girl next to me.

She looked at me a little confused but nodded her head.

"Can you translate?"

Finally, the face of the girl showed a bit of realization.

"No problem"

She answered.

"One room, two beds for one night."

I said not taking off my hood.

Beauty can spell troubles. I learned it the hard way in the past. Thought I can deal with any coming troubles coming my way now.

It would be troublesome.

"Sure, sure no problem what kinda room do you..."

Spoke up the man with a business smile. I didn't miss his little too-long gaze on me.

"Just give us the best"

I said placing a couple of gold coins on the counter.

"Sure, sure customer follow me please"

He exclaimed. With a much more respectful voice.

Our entire conversation was processed with the help of Arteen.

Actually, I didn't think about it before. But it wouldn't be strange if the language changed a lot after such a long time passed.

Still, then how is it possible for the girl to speak with me so freely?

"Do I have something on my face?"

After my maybe too-intense stare. Arteen looked at me questioningly.

"It's nothing"

I said shaking my head. Well, I wouldn't be getting any answers today...

"Here's your room"

Said the men after coming to the highest floor and opening one of the two doors.

"Ask him if they serve meals."

After a second a girl translated for me.

"Yes, they do. But they don't serve them during these hours. Are you hungry?"

She said looking at me.

"I am not but you are. You will have a problem trying to fall asleep if you don't eat anything."

I said throwing one of the gold coins to the guy.

"Just ask him what you want"

I added and entered the room leaving them behind.

Throughout our journey, we talked a little. Not much but I got to know that she is a merchant's daughter. Her dad was killed when the caravan was raided by monsters.

When it comes to the mission about her identity...

Even though I would like to complete my mission, I don't want to push my boundaries too far.

'There is no rush in completing it.'

This is what I thought and that is why I didn't push her for more answers. Seeing that my mission is still incomplete and seeing her unwillingles to say more about her background.

Checking the area. I found four rooms. Two were bedrooms. One bathroom and the last one is something that looks like a living room.

It looks quite comfortable. Though it can't compete with my old residence.

I am quite used to living in luxury. Still, it's good enough.

Free falling onto the bed. I got a moment to sort out my thoughts.

There are a lot of changes. Language, architecture, or even level of technology.

The lamps on the streets are powered by elementary stones. The lights in this room are the same too. There is even a toilet and bathtub with running water. They probably use water elementary stones for that.

In my times these stones were only used for the enchantment of various weapons and armor.

No more needing to cast my own fire to do something at night. Though I am pretty sure common folks don't get these privileges. Most of the ordinary-looking houses looked completely dark.

Only some bigger and better-looking buildings had some lights coming out of their windows.

...

Hearing the footsteps, I opened my eyes looking at the slowly opening doors.

Holding her arms behind her back Arteen was a little stunned. Realizing that she was instantly discovered.

"I...I."

Looking at her with inquiry in my eyes. She seems to be caught by surprise.

"Thank you! ...You are really kind"

She said and bowed in my direction.

'How did I get into this situation?'

I couldn't help but remind myself.

Anyways..

It's embarrassing when....she thanks me so much for obvious things.

"Sure but next time tell me if you need anything. After all, I can't read your mind."

I spoke out lifting myself with my hands behind my back on the bed.

"Do you understand?"

I said finally standing up and crouching in front of her. Taping light her nose in the process.

"Uh.. I will remember. I just didn't want to bother you."

She answered covering her nose protective. She definitely doesn't like it when I do that.

Still, she sometimes is just too silly. So I can't help myself.

-20 minutes later-

Sitting on the sofa in the living room. I was slowly drinking my tea that I surprisingly got extra from the innkeeper.

Arteen was already fast asleep after eating. Thought I heard that it was unhealthy to fall asleep after just eating. Still, she is young so it should be fine.

I on the other hand can't fall asleep. I don't know how to describe it but I have this bad feeling.

Besides, I don't need any sleep. Of course, it is nice to sleep sometimes. It can remove some of my mental exhaustion.

Still not resting for a couple of days shouldn't be a problem.

So for now. To not waste time, I was training my spiritual sight. Testing what maximum range it is and how much detail it can give me.

For example, passing through the walls and hearing someone's conversation is much harder. Than just focusing on something outside.

I was looking and confirming that indeed everyone is speaking in another language and the innkeeper wasn't the only example.

With this obstacle, it would be problematic to ask someone for a way. The girl knew the general direction. But she never was in the capital. So she herself is unsure if we are going in the right direction.

I would like to avoid this possibility. So that is why I wanted to ask for a way.

Anyways that's for another day. Thankfully girl can just translate for me...

After a couple of minutes of training, something got my attention.

'What is he doing there?'

I thought suddenly seeing the innkeeper in the tavern near his establishment.

'Is he going to relax after work? But it's too late for that.'

Not long after the man sits at the table. Two masked men stood up and went to him.

"Are you sure about the information?"

One man obscured by his hood and black attire asked a bald man.

"Yes, yes there are no mistakes"

Said the innkeeper with a respectful but excited voice.

Abruptly bag of spirit stones landed on the table making a clank.

"It's yours part"

Said the other masked man with eyes black as midnight.

Before the bald man could take the money. The first masked guy took out the danger and aimed it at the man's greedy hands. Scaring the other party.

"Just to let you know but if you are lying to us. I am sure you know what the consequences gonna be..."

Said the masked man not hiding his contempt for the mortal.