Chapter 48

"Here is where traveling merchants stay; it's not considered bustling," Lincas explained to Jiang Junming, who was full of curiosity, as he leaned in close.

"......" This isn't considered bustling? In Moonlight City, even the most bustling places can't compare to half of this.

"Up ahead is the Black Iron Bar, run by dwarves," Lincas pointed to an oak sign and said, "Black Iron Bars can be found in slightly larger cities all over the place. Dwarves love drinking, and their whole wheat beer is the best. Going there for a drink, enjoying the city's night, and sharing stories from your travels is a great choice."

Jiang Junming followed the direction of Lincas's finger and saw a completely stone building that stood out from the surrounding shops. A large, old oak sign was engraved with a huge wine glass. White foam from the whole wheat beer seemed to spill out of the glass, vivid and lifelike, as if the foam with its wheat aroma would soon flow down the edge of the glass and onto the ground below the sign.

"Why is it made of stone?" Jiang Junming was a bit puzzled. In his imagination, people who lived in stone houses were cave dwellers, an uncivilized race. He never expected to see a stone house in a place like Dusk City.

"Dwarves are skilled at tunneling through mountains and mining. It's said that their largest city is built inside a hollowed-out mountain," Lincas explained patiently to Jiang Junming. "The Black Iron Bar here isn't actually made of stone; it's a regular house with stone cladding for decoration. In the capital cities of various countries, the Black Iron Bars are made of stone, huge stone blocks... I feel like they've moved an entire mountain into the city and hollowed it out to make a house."

How strange, don't they find it troublesome? Jiang Junming thought. Moving a small mountain into the city to use as a house is such a massive project.

"Each race has its own quirks. Stone houses are warm in winter and cool in summer, indeed a nice place. The Black Iron Bar is the favorite of all who love to drink," Lincas's Adam's apple moved slightly as he spoke, looking a bit hungry. If not for needing to accompany Jiang Junming and explain the unfamiliar Dusk City to him, Lincas would have already rushed to the Black Iron Bar to drink to his heart's content.

As they continued walking, passing by the Black Iron Bar, Jiang Junming turned his head to look closely. The bar's door was wide open, and inside, people were packed together, shouting and laughing loudly. The sound of clinking glasses was like a never-ending melody. A long counter stood behind which a stout woman with golden hair braided into many plaits, small eyes, a wide nose, and thick lips stood. She wasn't particularly beautiful, but she looked friendly.

"She doesn't look short," Jiang Junming pointed to the dwarf woman and said.

"She's standing on something. Dwarves are usually only up to here," Lincas gestured to Jiang Junming's ribcage. "Those who reach your shoulders are considered giants among dwarves. They are straightforward and honest in business, and there is rarely... almost no fraud."

As they walked, Lincas explained the various shops around them to Jiang Junming. Lincas was well-informed, and he could clearly describe the characteristics and specialties of each shop in just a few words. After entering Dusk City, all the young students who were about to enroll became much more reserved, following the knight attendants and priests cautiously, looking around curiously. Only little Price remained as cold and proud as ever, likely having been here before, perhaps more than once.

"That place is called 'Organ Melody,'" Lincas pointed to a distant open area and said, "It's our favorite place to go."

"Nice name," Jiang Junming said.

"Organ Melody is where the bards gather, and it's also the favorite place for us traveling merchants. Listen to the bards sing, watch the half-elves dance, and you might even meet a beautiful girl," Lincas said.

As he thought, Jiang Junming faintly heard the sound of an unknown instrument playing, cheerful and rhythmic, amidst the noisy crowd.

After walking for a while, Lincas said excitedly, "That's 'Organ Melody.'"

A huge banyan tree with a vast canopy stood there, and many bonfires were lit under it. Laughter and joy were as warm as the flames, and Jiang Junming could feel the happiness from a distance. People sang and danced around the bonfires.

"Those with beautiful faces and two pointed ears are half-elves. They are naturally good at singing and dancing," Lincas explained to Jiang Junming. "They are beautiful, both men and women, and can be considered the most attractive among humans. But they are hard to get along with, a bit picky, but as long as you don't provoke them, they are quite kind."

Jiang Junming looked through the crowd and saw a man in a gray robe, with long black hair, playing a portable organ. Beautiful melodies flowed from the organ, and many people sang happily to the rhythm.

"In the future, when you study at the academy, come here to play during your free time at night. It will broaden your horizons," Lincas said regretfully. "Unfortunately, you have to go to the Church Academy today, which is a big event and can't be delayed. Otherwise, I would have taken you around Dusk City to familiarize you with the environment, so you don't get called a bumpkin by your classmates."

"Ha ha," Jiang Junming laughed.

"Going northwest on this street, you'll find gambling dens and such. It's a bit chaotic, so it's best not to go there unless you have a reason. If you want to go, it's best to wait a few years," Lincas pointed to a street and said to Jiang Junming.

"Okay," Jiang Junming replied.

"That... that... that..." Every time they reached a place, Lincas would enthusiastically explain the details of Dusk City to Jiang Junming. The other merchants gradually dispersed, either going for a drink or finding a place to rest. Only Lincas stayed with Jiang Junming, explaining everything he could see in Dusk City.

"Up ahead are the guilds for various professions, where paladins, mages, and priests exchange knowledge. That spire is the headquarters of the Mage Guild. All mages like to live in spires; the higher the position, the more concentrated the magical elements are said to be, and the higher the mage's rank," Lincas told Jiang Junming. From a distance, Jiang Junming could see the spire, its tip piercing the sky like a sharp sword. Jiang Junming and his group walked around the magic tower without getting too close to the tall building.

***

Thank you everyone. This is a transitional chapter. Xiaolong still loudly requests your collections, rewards, and recommendations. Thank you to friend Jonesw for the reward.

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