The boat begins to slow down, and the sea becomes calmer as they approach the port. The smell of the land, though still distant, starts to blend into the cool morning air. Mero, who is observing the horizon from the deck, feels a mix of curiosity and apprehension. After several days at sea, he's eager to set foot on solid ground, but he knows this stop is also a moment of transition. It’s not the Empire he’s arriving at, but a city that embodies the diversity and contrasts of the world.
The captain makes his announcement as he approaches the group, his tone serious. — "We will dock in a few hours, and we’ll have a few days to restock. You’ll all be able to go ashore, but remember the rules of this port: local laws must be respected. No conflicts will be tolerated, and anyone who endangers this stop will be excluded from the crew. This applies to both you and the sailors." The captain then turns to Mero and the others, signaling for them to prepare. — "You’ll need to stay on your guard here, Mero," the captain adds, lowering his voice slightly. "This port is a crossroads of peoples and cultures. It’s not the Empire. Here, everyone looks at each other sideways, and you keep your distance."
The boat continues to approach the shores, and Mero can already spot the first buildings in the distance, their outlines blurry but imposing. He’s never ventured this far from his archipelago, and the thought of exploring such a diverse and unknown place piques his curiosity.
The nurse, although slightly worried about Mero’s safety in an unfamiliar place, remains calm. She makes sure he’s ready to go ashore and gives him a few pieces of advice on the caution to be observed, ensuring he respects the local dignity and customs. — "Remember, Mero," she says softly, "this isn’t the Empire. Here, everything is freer, but there are also more invisible dangers. Be respectful to everyone, no matter where they come from. And above all, don’t wander too far."
Mero watches the scene with awe, his heart beating a little faster with every passing minute. The city before him is a striking contrast to the landscapes of his island kingdom. The docks are bustling with life, and he can already see people from all walks of life mixing in a well-rehearsed ballet, each person playing their role, their faces tired but energized by the urgency of maritime business.
The smell of spices, tropical fruits, and salty sea air tickles his nostrils. It’s not like the familiar scents of Sel, the salty breeze of his islands, or the softness of island vegetation, but a vibrant mix of things he’s never known. The city seems to breathe, vibrating with a rhythm that’s foreign to him, but fascinating. He already imagines himself strolling through narrow streets, discovering flavors and sounds unfamiliar to him.
The houses, painted in colors he’s never seen on the shores of his kingdom, are built in a way that seems much more eclectic, as if each neighborhood had its own visual language. Walls painted red, yellow, and bright blue, windows adorned with handmade curtains, and flat roofs blending into the surrounding sea. It’s a true patchwork of cultures, and Mero feels his mind awakening to this new world.
The men and women on the docks are all busy loading and unloading all kinds of cargo: sacks of rice, amphorae filled with olive oil, barrels of tea, and many other products he’s never seen in his country. Shouts echo from all sides, and carts carry goods toward warehouses with worn facades. Some sailors shout to each other in languages he struggles to understand, others pass in silence, focused on their work.
The sound of ropes creaking against the masts of the ships blends with the hurried footsteps of merchants heading toward their destinations. The noise is constant, and the energy of the city seems to spill out from the docks, filling the very air.
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As he watches this spectacle, Mero feels more and more lost in this sea of people and sounds. The food, the markets, the discussions in languages he doesn’t understand, all of this seems so far removed from what he knows. But he’s also excited about the idea of discovering such a vast world, so full of promise.
He hears the captain’s shout, who, preparing to disembark, gives instructions to the crew. The nurse is ready to disembark with him, and his tutor, while maintaining his authoritative role, is preparing to supervise this step with heightened vigilance.
The door of the ship finally opens, and the port’s ground is revealed beneath Mero’s feet. It’s a first step into a new world, and although he has no idea what awaits him, a gentle excitement fills him. It’s the unknown unfolding before him, a territory he’ll have to tame before joining the Empire. But for now, it’s just a stop, a breath between the sea and the land.
Before following his nurse and tutor ashore, Mero takes one last deep breath, trying to imprint every image, every sound, every smell of this port into his memory. — "Master Antonin, what’s the budget for this stop?" Mero asks.
Master Antonin thinks for a moment before answering Mero, his gaze lost in the distant horizon as if weighing the possible answers. "The budget required for this stop depends on several factors, Mero. First, we need to consider the costs of supplies like water and provisions, essential for the remaining journey. A stop at a port like this can be relatively expensive, especially if we need to buy rare goods or local products that can’t be found elsewhere. Independent ports like this tend to be a little pricier, but they offer a great diversity of merchandise."
He pauses and adds, lowering his voice slightly so that only Mero and his companions can hear. "Then there’s the issue of taxes imposed by the local authorities. In certain trading cities, foreigners must pay passage fees to stay or trade. While this city forbids violence, it’s still a hub of exchange, and commerce thrives because of the various peoples who pass through. This means administrative costs, but also expenses to ensure our safety and the ship’s during our stay."
Master Antonin turns to Mero, his gaze hardening slightly, a touch of authority in his voice. "Finally, we’ll also need to account for accommodation and services for the three of us: the crew, your nurse, and you. The sailors, for their part, have separate arrangements for their stay, but it’s crucial that we keep our status discreet, especially in a cosmopolitan port like this. We might need to invest in a small dwelling or protected spaces to ensure our stay is secure and discreet. A rough total for this stop could be around two or three gold pieces, depending on unforeseen expenses."
Master Antonin takes a deep breath, his tone more calm now. "Don’t worry, Mero. The budget is well-prepared and managed. If we need to adjust based on immediate needs, I’ll make sure everything stays under control."
"I meant, how much am I allowed to spend?" Mero responds.
Master Antonin furrows his brow, thinking for a moment before answering with some restraint. "Ah, I see. You’re asking how much you’re allowed to spend, not how much it will cost. That’s a good question, Mero. As a student of the Empire and being on a journey, you have an allowance, but it’s limited."
He lowers his voice so that only Mero and the others present can hear. "The budget allocated to you for this stop is quite restricted. As a noble, you have access to certain basic services, like water and food, but personal expenses should be avoided. Your allowance for this stop doesn’t exceed half a gold piece, which will be enough for modest purchases. Other expenses, like accommodation and security, are covered by the Empire and your tutors."
He pauses, his gaze becoming more severe. "I advise you to think carefully before making any purchases. The Empire expects you to show discretion and moderation. Spending beyond what’s necessary could not only put you in a delicate situation but also attract unwanted attention. If you need something specific, I’m here to manage it and ensure it stays within the limits."
Master Antonin straightens up, his tone becoming more authoritative again. "Follow these rules, Mero, and you’ll always be safe. Remember that the Empire grants privileges to those who know how to use them wisely."
"Thank you, Master." Mero is a little disappointed that he can’t spend more, but he doesn’t show it. "Well then, let’s go," he says.