The sky had dimmed to a deep shade of twilight, and the sun had long since slipped below the horizon. A faint breeze rustled through the tall grass as Ignis finally arrived at the edge of a quiet village. A worn wooden sign, hanging loosely on rusted hinges, creaked in the wind. Carved into its surface were the words: "Pinewatch."
Ignis exhaled in relief and muttered to himself, "Finally made it… just in time, before the light disappears completely."
He dismounted, his boots crunching softly against the gravel path. Taking the reins of his horse in hand, he walked into the village. The road was narrow, flanked by modest wooden houses with thatched roofs. Dim lanterns flickered in a few windows, casting long, dancing shadows across the path.
Up ahead, he spotted a man herding a few sheep down a dirt trail, likely toward a nearby farm. Ignis approached him with a polite tone.
"Excuse me," he said, "I'm a traveler passing through. I'm hoping to spend the night here—could you tell me where I might find an inn?"
The man looked up, giving Ignis a brief once-over before nodding and pointing to a larger building nestled near the village center. It was sturdier and broader than the surrounding homes, with a stone chimney and warm light spilling out of its windows.
"That's the inn," the man said. "Owned by the village head himself. You'll be well looked after there."
Ignis followed the direction of his finger and spotted a sign under the soft glow of a nearby lamppost. The weathered board read: "Pinewatch Inn."
He offered a small smile. "Thank you," he said with a respectful nod.
With that, Ignis led his horse down the path, the scent of firewood and warm food drifting faintly through the air as he approached the inn.
Ignis approached the Pinewatch Inn, noting the wooden post outside clearly meant for tying up horses. He looped the reins securely around it, giving his steed a gentle pat before turning toward the entrance.
As he opened the door, a small brass bell above it chimed, its sound echoing softly through the quiet interior.
The inn's common room was modest but warm, lit by a few lanterns hanging from the walls. A fireplace crackled near the far end, casting golden light across wooden tables and chairs. However, there was no one at the front counter.
Ignis stepped inside and waited patiently. The bell would surely summon someone soon.
A few moments later, footsteps echoed from the back, and a woman in her thirties emerged. Her eyes quickly scanned him—red hair, golden eyes, finely made clothes, and a sword with a golden hilt at his waist. He looked like the son of a noble.
With a polite smile, she asked, "How may I help you, young master?"
"I'm looking for a room for the night," Ignis replied calmly. "Do you have any available?"
"We do," she said, her tone still courteous but now tinged with curiosity. "How many rooms would you need?"
"Just one. I'm traveling alone," Ignis answered.
The woman blinked, visibly surprised. She hadn't expected that.
It wasn't unheard of for young adventurers to pass through and stay the night, but this boy—he was far younger than most, and far more composed. Something about him didn't quite match his age. Still, she nodded with a smile, masking her surprise.
"I see. Well, you're in luck. We've got a few rooms available upstairs. Would you like dinner as well?"
Ignis said, "I also have a horse with me. Do you have a stable where it can rest and be fed properly?"
The woman nodded immediately. "Yes, we do. There's a stable behind the inn, and we've got feed for it as well. But that'll be an extra charge, of course."
Ignis nodded. "How much will it cost in total?"
She thought for a moment, then replied calmly, "You'll be staying one night, having dinner tonight and breakfast in the morning. Including care for your horse, the total comes to fifty copper coins."
"Alright," Ignis said. "I'll take my belongings off the horse. Please see to its care—and if possible, could you have dinner prepared quickly? I haven't eaten since midday."
"Of course," she said with a smile, then followed him outside.
Together, they approached the horse. Ignis removed his pack and the two side bags hanging from the saddle. Seeing the size of the luggage, the woman stepped in to help.
"Let me carry those for you," she offered. "I'll show you to your room."
"Thanks," Ignis said, letting her take one of the heavier bags.
They entered the inn again, the bell on the door chiming once more, and climbed the creaking wooden stairs to the second floor. She stopped in front of a room and pushed the door open.
It was a simple room, but clean. A neatly made bed stood near the window, and a small wooden table and chair sat in the corner. A washbasin and a pitcher of water had already been placed near the door.
"This will be your room for the night," she said, setting the bag down. "I'll take care of your horse now and have dinner ready for you shortly."
Ignis looked around and gave a satisfied nod. "This will do just fine. Thank you."
With that, the woman left, and Ignis set down the rest of his things, stretching his back slightly from the long ride.
He was finally off the road for the day. A warm meal and a good night's rest—he could already feel the weight of the journey easing off his shoulders.
Afterward, he ate dinner in his room. Once finished, he closed the door and went to sleep. Though his body was as powerful as a 1-Star Knight's, even he could feel mental and slight physical fatigue after traveling for so long. As soon as his head touched the pillow, he fell asleep.
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