Chapter 6

Dill's remaining money, or rather his entire fortune, is now down to three silver coins.

Considering the future, he wants to keep his living expenses as low as possible.

Naturally, Dill's gaze becomes more serious as he looks around.

"Hmm, this one costs one silver coin. That one costs two silver coins... and that one costs five silver coins, and you have to take on a debt to stay there."

Indeed, all the inns have their prices. If you want to sleep in a proper bed, it inevitably comes with a higher price.

There is the option of sleeping in a large room, which, if you can tolerate the snoring of strangers, is attractively priced at a few copper coins.

However, Dill, at his age, doesn't really want to sleep in a large room with a bunch of people.

It's not about pride or being pretentious at his age; it's simply that sleeping on the floor is too uncomfortable.

When he sleeps on a hard floor, he wakes up in pain after a few hours.

Right now, he only feels a slight, needle-like pain, which doesn't significantly hinder his movement.

But if his back pain worsens, even with his skill in judging situations, he might not be able to fight anymore.

The choice is between tolerating the animal-like smell and sleeping in the straw of a stable or splurging a bit and staying at an inn of a decent grade.

These are the only two options Dill has.

This simple question of which to choose is causing the old man considerable distress.

Since he can't afford the five silver coins for the return fare, he must find a way to survive here, no matter what. He can't afford to complain anymore.

"Well, I didn't intend to return for some time anyway. It's a relief to have made up my mind."

The ever-optimistic Dill decided to stay at an inn that costs one silver coin per night.

As soon as he made up his mind, he moved with agility, as if the previous indecision had never happened.

Due to the frequent use of his judgment skill, his way of moving and shifting his center of gravity has become quite different from that of an ordinary person.

His movements are so smooth that it almost seems as if he is advancing without moving his feet. He passes by a wooden post with a sign that reads "Silver Deer Inn" hanging on it.

Opening the door, which has the price of one silver coin per night clearly posted, he sees a young girl at what appears to be the reception desk.

"Welcome, are you a guest?"

"Yes, I'd like to stay for one night."

He hands over one silver coin and meets the eyes of the girl, who is only showing her face and hands from behind the counter.

Her silver hair is as smooth as velvet, and she has a pair of garnet eyes. She looks younger than ten and is quite short.

It's not uncommon for children to work before they turn fifteen, the age of adulthood.

But seeing her working at home, Dill is reminded of his granddaughter, Maril.

I wonder if Maril is doing well now. The old man's distant gaze made the girl look puzzled.

"Is there something on my face?"

"...No, I was just thinking about my granddaughter who lives far away. My Maril is a bit younger than you."

"I see. Here's the key to your room. Go straight and you'll find it at the end of the corridor."

Dill is surprised by the iron key, which seems like a luxury.

Iron must be cheap enough for ordinary inns to use it.

(Once I secure a place to stay and eat, I planned to get my equipment in order... but at this rate, I might be able to buy an iron sword without much trouble.)

He thanks the serious-looking girl and takes the key, which is connected to a piece of wood with a ring.

If she grows up without any major issues, she will likely become the inn's signboard girl, as her face is quite beautiful.

Well, she can't match my granddaughter, though.

Dill needlessly compares the girl to Maril in his mind.

"Miss, what's your name?"

"Alice. By the way, we serve dinner, so if you want to eat, just let me know. I'll bring it to you."

"Got it. Thanks, Alice."

He waves goodbye and enters the room as instructed. On the right side of the small room, which is only a few steps wide and long, there is a small bed.

Feeling relieved to have found a place to stay, he is suddenly overwhelmed by an irresistible wave of sleepiness.

He feels a bit hungry, but the sleepiness is so strong that he doesn't even consider going out to eat.

"Riding in the carriage, fighting with adventurers, dealing with Mies, and looking for an inn... I might have overdone it a bit today."

Although they said they serve dinner, he just wants to sleep now.

Tomorrow, he will finally take the first step as an adventurer.

At over sixty, his future is filled with both anxiety and hope... but for now, he wants to forget everything and sleep.

Dill falls onto the bed without taking off his clothes and immediately starts snoring, soundly asleep.