After finishing his lunch, Adrian engaged in conversation with the innkeeper and inquired about information exchange in the city. The innkeeper nodded in understanding and responds, "Indeed, we have a central hub for information exchange and requests. It's called the Town Crier's Square. There, he could find a bulletin board where adventurers, merchants, and residents post requests, news, and announcements."
He continued, "The Town Crier makes regular announcements about significant events, news, and updates in the city. It's a good way to stay informed about what's happening in Arinthas."
With this information, Adrian now know that the Town Crier's Square was the place to go if he was seeking information, quests, or updates about the city and its surroundings.
The Town Crier's Square was located within the city of Arinthas, and it's not too far from his current location at the inn. The city was designed to be walkable, and the central areas are easily accessible on foot. He would not need to rely on transportation to reach the Town Crier's Square; a leisurely stroll through the city streets should take him there within a reasonable amount of time.
As he made his way through the bustling streets of Arinthas, he found himself surrounded by the sights and sounds of the city. Vendors selling various goods, adventurers discussing their latest quests, and city residents going about their daily lives contribute to the vibrant atmosphere.
Before long, he arrived at the Town Crier's Square. The square was a central gathering point adorned with a large bulletin board where various parchments, notices, and requests were posted. He saw people stopping to read the posted information, and the hubbub of conversation fills the air as individuals discuss the latest news and opportunities.
The Town Crier himself, a middle-aged halfling with a booming voice, stood on a small stage, occasionally announcing important updates and news to the gathered crowd. He caught Adrian's attention as he raised his voice to make an announcement about a caravan departing for a nearby town in need of guards and escorts.
In the Town Crier's Square, Adrian had the option to either stand or find a nearby spot to sit while the Town Crier makes his announcements. The square was designed to accommodate both standing and seated attendees, so he could choose the most comfortable option for him.
As Adrian found a suitable spot, he listened to the Town Crier's booming voice delivering the latest news and updates to the gathered crowd. His voice carried well, ensuring that everyone can hear his announcements clearly. The announcements cover a range of topics:
Caravan Escort Opportunity: The Town Crier announced that a caravan was departing for the nearby town of Greenhaven, seeking guards and escorts for the journey. The caravan was set to depart in two days was offering fair compensation for those willing to provide protection.
Rare Creature Sighting: A local adventurer had reported a sighting of a rare and elusive creature known as a Starwhisper Fox in the nearby Whispering Wood. The announcement invited those interested in rare creatures to investigate further.
Bounty Notice: A notice was posted seeking assistance in dealing with a band of goblin raiders that had been causing trouble along the trade routes. A reward was offered for those who could eliminate the threat.
Market Day: The Town Crier reminded everyone that the upcoming market day was approaching, during which merchants from near and far would gather to showcase their wares and goods.
The announcements provided him with a glimpse into the opportunities and challenges present in this world. Adrian had the chance to choose which quests or opportunities interested him the most, and he could take his time to consider his next steps.
As Adrian perused the posted notices on the bulletin board, he came across a variety of job opportunities and requests. While many of them were geared toward adventurers seeking challenges and rewards, he might find a few options that might suit his desire for a part-time job that aligned with his skills and interests:
Herbalist's Apprentice: A local herbalist was seeking an apprentice to assist with gathering herbs and botanical ingredients in the nearby Silverwood Forest. The apprentice will have the opportunity to learn about herbalism and the magical properties of various plants.
Library Aide: The city's Grand Library was looking for individuals to help catalog and organize its vast collection of books, scrolls, and manuscripts. This role would involve tasks such as sorting, labeling, and assisting researchers.
Tutor for Beginners: An adventurer's guild was seeking experienced adventurers to provide basic combat training and guidance to newcomers. This position involved teaching basic combat techniques, weapon handling, and survival skills.
Messenger Services: Various merchants and individuals were in need of reliable messengers to deliver messages, packages, and letters across the city and its outskirts.
Town Beautification: A community group was organizing efforts to beautify public spaces in the city. Volunteers were needed to help with planting flowers, cleaning up litter, and maintaining communal areas.
While these part-time opportunities may not be his primary focus, they offered him a chance to engage with the community, learn new skills, and contribute positively to the city. He could choose one that resonates with him or even explore further to see if there are other roles that suit his interests.
Adrian decided to contribute to the community by taking up the town beautification job. It's a noble choice that would allow him to connect with the local residents, making positive impact on the city, and potentially forge new friendships.
To apply for the town beautification job, he approached the Town Crier, who was overseeing the announcements and information in the Town Crier's Square. He made his way to the small stage where the Town Crier stands and wait for an appropriate moment to approach him. As he finished announcing a message about a local festival, he noticed Adrian and gave him a friendly nod.
"Ah, are you seeking to make a difference in our city?" he greeted Adrian. "I see you're interested in the town beautification efforts. A commendable choice indeed! To apply, simply let me know, and I'll direct you to the organizer of the community group responsible for the efforts."
Adrian expressed his interest in the town beautification job, and the Town Crier smiled approvingly. "Excellent! The community group organizer, a young elven woman named Elara. She is tall. You can find her the flower stalls in the Market Square. She'll provide you with more information about the tasks and the schedule. Thank you for your willingness to contribute!"
With the information Adrian needed to proceed, he headed toward the Market Square to meet with Elara, the organizer of the town beautification efforts. As he made his way there, he could not help but feel a sense of fulfillment in knowing that his actions would help enhance the city's beauty and create a positive atmosphere for its residents.
He made his way to the Market Square, eager to meet Elara, the organizer of the town beautification efforts. As he approached the area near the flower stalls, he spotted a tall, young elven woman who seemed to match the description he was given. She stood amidst a collection of vibrant flowers, carefully arranging them in decorative displays.
“But that woman is… the one from yesterday!” shouted Adrian in his mind.
As he approached Elara, she looked up from her task and offered him a warm smile. Her demeanor was friendly and approachable.
"Greetings," she said with a soft and melodious voice. "You must be the new volunteer interested in joining our town beautification project. I'm Elara. It's wonderful to have you on board."
"Hi, uh… we meet again.”
Elara raised one of her beautiful eyebrow. Then she furrowed, contemplating where she had seen the young man. After some time, there was a look of recognition of her beautiful face.
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“Ah, you… Sorry. But you wore different clothing yesterday.”
“… the clothing is on laundry.”
Elara chuckled. She subconsciously touched her ear. “I see. Hi too. Why are you looking for me, Mr. Traveler?”
“Weren’t you looking for the mysterious case of disappearing people yesterday? Ah, by the way, I am looking to volunteer for town beautification.”
Elara coughed. She shifted her eyes and seemed not want to talk about the disappearing case. “The beautification project, of course.”
Adrian contemplated at that. A bit curious, but it was not his business if she did not want to share. As Adrian continued to converse with Elara, he found her to be genuinely caring and passionate about the well-being of the city and its inhabitants. Her positive energy was contagious, and you could tell that she values the contributions of each volunteer.
Adrian inquired about the other volunteer workers who were participating in the town beautification project. Elara's eyes sparkle with appreciation for Adrian’s interest, and she began to share more about the diverse group of individuals who had joined the effort.
"There are several volunteers who have already dedicated their time to this project," Elara explained. "We have a mix of races and backgrounds, all coming together with the shared goal of enhancing our city's beauty."
She continued, "Among them, you'll find a human bard named Aria who is skilled in creating melodies that bring a sense of peace to those who listen. There's also a diligent dwarven blacksmith named Thorin, who brings his expertise in craftsmanship to build decorative structures for the communal areas. Another member of our group is Elysia, an elven mage with a talent for manipulating natural energies, which complements the essence of our efforts."
Elara smiled as she shared the information, highlighting the unique skills and attributes each volunteer brings to the project. When Adrian inquired about someone beautiful among the volunteers, Elara's smile widens.
"As for beauty, I believe that the beauty within each person shines through in different ways," she replies, her tone gentle and diplomatic. "While outward appearances vary, the genuine desire to contribute to our city's well-being makes everyone involved quite beautiful in their own right." Elara’s eyes twinkled as she smiled mischief.
Adrian groaned, partly in shame. “You’re messing with me.”
Elara chuckled. That said, it was clear that Elara values the contributions and qualities of each volunteer, emphasizing the unity and shared purpose of the group.
Adrian quickly shifted the conversation back to the matter at hand and asked Elara about the tasks he needed to undertake to get started with the town beautification project. She appreciated his eagerness to contribute and responded with a warm smile.
"Of course," she said, her hands sway slightly as if they were moving with unseen breeze. "There's plenty of work to be done, and your enthusiasm is truly appreciated. Right now, we're focusing on planting flowers and plants in designated areas throughout the city. We have gathered a variety of seeds and saplings that will bring a burst of color and life to our communal spaces."
Elara explained that she and the other volunteers had prepared the necessary tools and materials, including shovels, watering cans, and gardening gloves. She offered Adrian a pair of gloves and a small gardening kit to use during his work.
"Your first task will be to join us in the city's central park," Elara continued. "There, we'll be working on planting a collection of flowering plants that thrive in sunlight. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the flora of our world and contribute to the natural beauty of the city."
She pointed Adrian in the direction of the central park, which was not far from his current location in the Market Square. He could see the park's greenery and open spaces from where he stood.
"Feel free to head over whenever you're ready," Elara said melodiously. "And thank you again for joining us. Your efforts will surely make a positive impact."
With a sense of purpose and a renewed focus, Adrian made his way to the central park to begin his work in the town beautification project. The sun was shining, and the gentle breeze carries the promise of a fulfilling day ahead.
He eagerly joined the other volunteers in the central park, ready to contribute to the town beautification project by planting flowers and enhancing the city's natural beauty. Elara and the other volunteers welcomed him warmly, and he found himself working alongside them to transform the designated areas with colorful blooms.
As he worked, he engaged in conversations with fellow volunteers. Adrian inquired about the best techniques for planting the various flowers and asked for advice on where to place each type for optimal growth. The volunteers happily shared their knowledge and experiences, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie.
Through their interactions, Adrian began to form connections with the other volunteers. Aria, the human bard, regaled him with tales of her musical journeys and the soothing melodies she created. Thorin, the dwarven blacksmith, talked about his passion for craftsmanship and how he brings his skills to various projects. Elysia, the elven mage, discussed her affinity for natural energies and the delicate balance between magic and nature.
As the day progresses, he found that he was not only contributing to the beautification of the city but also forging bonds with his fellow volunteers. Shared laughter, stories, and the satisfaction of a job well done create a sense of camaraderie that goes beyond the task at hand.
By the time the sun started to set and the work for the day came to an end, he felt a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. The friendships he had begun to cultivate during this shared endeavor held the promise of new adventures and meaningful connections in this world of fantasy.
As the day of town beautification comes to an end, Adrian found himself feeling a genuine connection with his fellow volunteers: Aria, Thorin, and Elysia. As the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the city, he decided to extend an invitation to them for dinner at his inn.
Approaching his newfound friends, Adrian expressed his gratitude for their camaraderie and hard work throughout the day. With a friendly smile, he proposed the idea of gathering for a meal together.
"Hey, I've really enjoyed working alongside you all today," Adrian said. "I was thinking, if you're up for it, how about we continue our conversations and spend some more time together over dinner? My treat, of course."
Aria, the human bard, grinned and nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a wonderful idea! I've been curious about the inn you mentioned earlier."
Thorin, the dwarven blacksmith, absentmindedly tug his beard and chuckled heartily. "Well, I must admit, a good meal after a day's work sounds appealing. I'm in!"
Elysia, the elven mage, offered a graceful smile. "Thank you for the kind offer. It would be lovely to continue our discussions in a more relaxed setting."
Adrian’s invitation was met with genuine enthusiasm, and the three volunteers agreed to join him for dinner at his inn. As he led the way back to his accommodations, Silver Moon Inn, he was filled with a sense of anticipation for the evening ahead. Sharing a meal and further getting to know his new friends promised to be a rewarding experience in this fantastical world.
As Adrian and his newfound friends gathered for dinner at the inn, he engaged in pleasant conversation while perusing the menu. Adrian mentioned his willingness to cover a portion of the meal expenses, up to 50 copper coins per person, and his friends expressed their gratitude for his generosity.
Here's what each of his friends ordered and the corresponding prices:
Aria (Human Bard): Aria decided to indulge in the "Bard's Delight," a dish known for its combination of flavors and textures. It consists of roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, and a medley of aromatic herbs. The cost of Aria's choice was 42 copper coins.
Thorin (Dwarven Blacksmith): Thorin opted for a hearty "Dwarf's Feast," a dish that included a generous portion of roasted meat, accompanied by root vegetables and a side of hearty bread. The cost of Thorin's choice was 49 copper coins.
Elysia (Elven Mage): Elysia chose the "Enchanted Garden Salad," a dish that showcased an assortment of fresh, crisp greens, adorned with edible flowers and drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The cost of Elysia's choice was 35 copper coins.
Adrian: He selected the "Gnomish Gourmet Pie," a savory pie filled with a medley of vegetables, herbs, and tender pieces of meat. The cost of his choice was 48 copper coins.
As the evening unfolds, he enjoyed not only the delicious food but also the company and conversations shared with his friends. Laughter and stories flow freely, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection that strengthened their bonds. The inn's cozy ambiance and the aroma of freshly prepared dishes contributed to a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
As he engaged in the lively and relaxed atmosphere of the dinner table, Adrian turned his attention to Aria, the human bard, and her intriguing choice of profession. With genuine curiosity, he asked her about her journey to becoming a bard and the motivations that led her down this path.
Aria's eyes light up with enthusiasm as she began to share her story. "Well," she starts, her voice carrying the melodic quality that bards are known for, "I've always been captivated by the power of music and its ability to convey emotions and stories. From a young age, I found myself drawn to melodies, whether they were sung by the wind rustling through the trees or played on instruments in bustling markets."
She took a thoughtful sip of her drink before continuing. "As I grew older, I realized that I wanted to channel that passion into something that could touch the hearts of others. I chose the path of a bard because it allows me to weave tales, compose songs, and create melodies that resonate with people's experiences and emotions."
Aria's expression became reflective as she added, "I believe that music has the power to bridge gaps, heal wounds, and inspire change. Through my songs, I hope to bring moments of solace, joy, and unity to those who listen."
As Adrian listened to her words, he could sense the depth of her dedication to her craft and the purpose she found in her role as a bard. She then turned her attention to him, her curiosity piqued by his question.
"What about you?" Aria asked, a playful glint in her eyes. "You seem like someone with a story of your own. What brought you to our city, and what inspired you to join the town beautification project?"
Aria's genuine interest in Adrian’s journey and experiences prompted him to share his own story with her, fostering a deeper connection between the two of you.
As he shared his background and aspirations with Aria, she listened attentively, her eyes filled with genuine interest. She nodded as he spoke about his origins and his ambition to establish his own company in this new world. She's curious about Adrian’s journey and eager to learn more.
“I grew up in a far away place,” Adrian said as he shared his made up identity, “and right now was traveling to this city. I want to make my own company. Currently still in process of looking for business opportunity and people I can trust. I am just doing combat training and volunteer work for hobby.”
"It sounds like you have quite the adventure ahead of you," Aria remarked with a warm smile. "Traveling to new places, seeking opportunities, and building a company—those are bold endeavors indeed."
Adrian then asked whether Aria, Thorin, and Elysia had any tips for finding trustable people and starting a business.
She then leaned in a bit, as if sharing a friendly secret. "When it comes to finding trustworthy people and starting a business, there's a saying among bards: 'Listen to the music of their hearts.' What I mean is, pay attention to people's intentions, their actions, and the way they treat others. Sometimes, their true character can be heard in the smallest gestures."
Aria took a thoughtful sip of her drink before continuing. "Building trust takes time, and it's important to surround yourself with individuals who share your values and goals. Look for those who are reliable, supportive, and have a sense of integrity."
She then gestured to Thorin and Elysia, indicating that they have their own insights to offer. Thorin, the dwarven blacksmith, chimed in with a hearty chuckle. "In the world of business, honesty is a treasure. Forge alliances with those whose words are as steadfast as their craftsmanship."
Elysia, the elven mage, added her perspective as well. "Magic and commerce have parallels. Just as spells require precision and preparation, successful ventures require careful planning and foresight. Seek those who value knowledge and strategic thinking."
Adrian thanked them. After they parted, he went back to his room. As he laid on his bed, alone, his thoughts continue to race with ideas and possibilities. First he cursed. "Their tips are basically saying nothing. How do we find trustable people? Answer: it takes time to know a person and decide whether I can trust them. How do we make a business? Answer: it needs careful planning and foresight."
Adrian grabbed his face. “Even children know that.”
Then he suddenly sat up. "But if I use those tips with my creation skill in conjunction..." Adrian grinned. He pulled a parchment, his thoughts continued to race with ideas and possibilities. He wrote on it to capture the essence of his insight before it fades.
With his plan outlined and his spirits lifted, Adrian extinguished the lamp and settled in for a night of rest. Sleep came more easily this time, as his mind was abuzz with excitement for the journey ahead and the possibilities that await.