Han stepped out of the carriage, enjoying the early night air.
"I'm still trying to get used to how fresh the air is," Han took a deep breath.
As he let the air out slowly, Han looked at his surroundings.
The first thing that Han noticed was how much larger Leaf Village was compared to the one that Elis came from. It was also much better in appearance -- the buildings weren't in disrepair.
Han was a little surprised by how busy it was at night; people walked around in groups as they talked and laughed. The sight reminded him of cities -- people hanging out as they head to the bars and enjoy the nightlife.
There were even carts where people sold food, just like in the city his family lived.
Han observed the different types of people that were going about and enjoying the night. Some wore armor, while others had outfits similar to Tom's family. There was also the occasional person dressed up nicely, likely a noble or someone connected to such a lifestyle.
A few adventurers attracted Han's attention, especially the females dressed in revealing armor that showed off their curves. One even wore fishnet stockings.
"I imagine that such outfits allow for ease of movement. The fishnets could also let them place leaves and branches to conceal them -- breaking up their figure." Han surmised. "It's also nice on the eyes," Han eyed each one slowly before he turned his attention to the others.
"Brittany, I would like attire that fits my status and our surroundings to be prepared for tomorrow," Han ordered.
"I will have the seamstress and designers create something that would fit someone of your presence," Brittany bowed.
Han then looked to Helania and Queen, "The two of you should make something for yourself to wear for tomorrow. Both of you know my taste well, so keep that in mind."
Though the ability to create outfits was not outside his abilities, fashion was never a strong point for him. Han could hear the laughter, thinking of Beth commenting on his poor coordination skills.
There was one time when, after graduating, Han had gone to find a suit for a job interview that was coming up. With the money he had, he needed to ask Sam to spot him for the rest. Beth joked about how Sam would make some girl happy, considering Sam's success in life.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Han waved away the phantoms of his memories -- dispelling the thought to focus on the present.
In front of the carriage was the inn they'd be staying at for the night.
Han looked up to see the multiple floors.
"It clearly shows that this is a popular establishment," Han thought.
Because Tom had mentioned the clients that typically visited the inn, it wasn't difficult to imagine how they could afford such a fancy exterior.
Compared to other buildings, the entrance stuck out as though trying to snatch customers with its mouth. The roof was angled in the center, and columns on either side supported it.
Easily seen from the road on the front of the entrance's roof, a bed and some silverware were next to each other to indicate the business type. The logo was plated in gold or similar metal to show prestige.
"But it's not to the level of what we have on Earth," Han thought of hotels where the staff would be waiting to greet guests and handle their luggage.
The fact that they hadn't been greeted made Han wonder if it wasn't typical for hotels in this world or if the level wasn't high enough.
"I'd think nobles would think negatively about having to bring in their own luggage unless the owner assumes that the noble would have their own staff do such tasks," Han wondered. "But since there are monsters outside in the wilderness, it would make sense people would still need to stop to rest for the night -- even if they had hired protection for their journey. And the business would need to be large enough to accommodate large groups. So even if they're dissatisfied, this inn may be the only one large enough."
Han looked at Tom, who was patiently waiting for Han and his staff. Even though the inn was a location that Tom was familiar with, it would be rude to enter before Han.
Though Tom tried to downplay his business, he must be doing well by the look of the inn. It made Han think of the man in a different light compared to earlier.
"I shouldn't be too surprised, considering the number of crates he had on the wagon. The raw material in them wouldn't be cheap. Even on Earth, furs and other materials aren't cheap and fetch a reasonable price depending on the quality." Han smiled.
Han made his way to the inn.
"It's not the complete glass door that I'm used to, but the fact that it looks like something used in a modern home is impressive," Han thought as he looked at the door held open by Brittany.
The outer part of the door was sturdy, while the middle was a pane of glass with some etchings of trees and woodland creatures.
Seeing the artwork, Han realized how advanced Earth was since artists could create images that looked near photorealistic due to elevated skills. The animals etched into the glass were easily recognizable, a few local to the world, but nowhere near the same skill level as what he was used to seeing daily.
The lobby of the inn was furnished with lush carpet. A green with gold embroidered carpet led towards the counter. Standing behind the counter was an older lady waiting for guests.
On the walls were paintings with wall lights, making the interior warm and welcoming with their diffused light.
Against the walls were comfortable sofas that complemented the wooden walls and carpeted floor. On either side of the sofas were vases filled with flowers.
Han breathed in the scent of the flowers before he made his way toward the counter, where the lady waited for them.