After thinking for a while, Alulia remembered that she needed to give the trio their reward. Everyone began to follow her to the desk, but she asked them to sit and continue to enjoy the tea. She soon returned with a sack containing their reward.

Allulia tallied the beasts. They collected 27 and one giant muridae. She said they give one silver per beast, but these were much bigger than usual. Then theirs that giant one. It was abnormal. Yuli had a look of shame on her face but remained silent.

"We increased the reward to five silver per beast and fifty for the abnormal, which came to 185. Since we did learn why the beasts were there, we added fifty now that we have evidence the group of goons harassing the city are responsible. Per Yuli's request, we added 15 more silver to round the amount to 250, so that's the total amount for completing the request." Alulia said.

"Great, now I can repay Dalic and Hilda." Soren was ecstatic. "Why don't you guys take it easy for the rest of the day? Come back in a day or so after you've settled your debts. Oh, and invest in protective gear, Soren." Aulilia chastised Soren. The trio assured Alulia they would enjoy the rest of their day. Alulia asked Yuri to stay to work out the details of the protection request.

As they were leaving, they ran into Dalic. He's submitting a request for metal mining support. He was glad to have run into Soren at the Guild. Soren, likewise, said much the same as they were planning to visit him at his shop. Soren dug into the sack to repay his debt, but Dalic urged him to keep it. He just wanted to know if Soren was a man with morals. He wished to speak with Soren regarding the support request.

Beatrice informed Dalic they needed to go to the tavern to repay their debt to Hilda as well. Dalic asked if he may join them to discuss the request in detail. Also, he had not seen Hilda in a long time and wished to catch up with her. Beatrice agreed. They arrive at the tavern and find an available table. A waitress approached the table, and they gave their orders.

"So I wanted to request that your group assist the miners as they are short-handed and possibly offer protection should beasts attack. A mine is in a small grove 15 kilometers away from the city. It's a bit of a journey. It will take a full day to complete the request since you'll begin in the morning. The mine is rich with mana essence. When enough of that essence seeps into the rock, Ore is formed. That mana Ore is valuable as it can be processed for many uses." Dalic explained.

"How much do you need?" Runa asked. "As much as can collect. A client has requested I forge some items with it, and I want some for myself." Dalic continued. "This request won't be for a couple of days. So don't worry about food and drink. They will be provided."

"Dalic Strossen. What hole did you crawl out of this time?" A surprised Hilda said as she brought everyone their meals. "You're as cold as ever, Miss Hilda, hehe." Pulling out the menu from her side Hilda swats the top of Dalic's head. "How many times I gotta tell ya not to call me Miss?" Hilda said, getting irritated. "My apologies. It has been so long I must have forgotten, hehe." Dalic, teasing Hilda. "Oh, Hilda, I'd like to pay you back for the food and room the other day," Soren said, feeling upbeat. Hilda said not to worry about the food and only give her 50 for the room.

"So, how did you two meet?" Runa inquired curiously about Hilda and Dalic's relationship. "Back in the day, we were part of the same adventuring group with three others," Hilda said reminiscently. "A time long behind me," Dalic said. "Yeah, and he was a sleazeball back then, too," Hilda said, laughing.

Beatrice chimed in that she felt uneasy when she met Dalic. Hilda assures them he's a decent guy. Hilda inquired about he they met Dalic. Soren explained Dalic paid the toll for him to enter the city and how he signed Soren's recommendation to join the Guild. Hilda, upset, asked why he didn't go to her. Soren stated he didn't want to keep bothering her for favors.

The trio talked about the request they completed, everything from leaving the Guild to learning why the muridae were there. Finally, Hilda scolded Soren about his actions and the potential of what could have happened. "Well, I'm glad you're all ok, but I hope you learned a valuable lesson," Hilda said after scolding Soren.

After the trio finished their meals, Beatrice suggested going to an armor shop, but Runa stared at Beatrice. "Oh, that's right, I promised dessert." Beatrice chuckled. "Go get him some armor before he kills himself. We'll keep Runa company. I want to catch up with the Dalic as well."

Soren asked Beatrice about her parents and relationship with Runa on their way to the armor shop. Beatrice was apprehensive at first but chose to speak about it. This story is from her point of view. "I don't remember everything. I was a child, but for as long as I can remember, Runa and I have been cared for by Hilda. According to Hilda, it happened around ten years ago. My mother, Aurora, and Runas' parents disappeared. She left me with this bracelet. We lived in the city of Metz. It's the capital city of the Kingdom of Austrasia. Hilda said my mother was a talented mage who one day set off on a mission with Runas' parents which none of them ever returned. Hilda brought us here to Fulda, wanting a peaceful life for us. When we first brought up joining the Guild, she was against it. She would keep telling us of the dangers and that she didn't want that for us. It took a long time before she eventually agreed to let us join. She even trained us a bit. Ugh! That was when we met that idiot Elwin Barrich."

Soren: "I'm sorry to hear that about your mother. It's good that you have Hilda looking out for you. But, unfortunately, this world doesn't seem like it's a nice place."

Beatrice: "I just wish I knew what happened."

Beatrice continued, "I didn't want to say but because I don't like to think about him, but when Runa and I first started, we did join his group to see what adventuring was like, but he was so arrogant. Not just him but the whole group. They're all talented, but they let it go to their heads. He kept trying to impress me. I brushed it off every time, but he eventually came on to me, and I couldn't take it anymore. After the quest, I'm sure he thought I'd join his group, but I told him off and said to leave us alone. He tried convincing us, saying it was a great opportunity and it probably was, but not worth being around him all the time."

They enter the armor shop and are greeted by the smith. Looking around the shop, you'll see a variety of armor with many complete sets. Some look plain, others have intricate designs, and a few are worth a fortune. There is a section for armor pieces as well. These are the popular choice due to not having to buy a complete set. "So what can I get you." the smith said. Soren inquired about armor mesh. Armor Smith said it's a good choice for those who want maximum mobility while having a small amount of protection. Great for those quick on their feet. Soren is looking around, "I just started with the Guild, and we don't have a lot of coins to spend. This is a bit overwhelming."

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"Gotcha." the smith said. "Well, the great thing about it is that there is no system to armor. You wear whatever you want. You can buy full-plate armor with chain mail, which gets expensive. You can buy armor in pieces which is the choice for adventurers, but since you're a starter, I'd suggest thick leather and mesh linen. The leather will slightly restrict movement, but you'll get used to it. Hell. You can wear chainmail under the leather with some armor pieces on top. It's all about what you prefer. Also, many groups like to match their clothing and armor. It's a good way to spot your partner, so we offer color-dying options."

Soren: "That's great to know, thank you. Do you offer weapons as well?"

"Nah. I'm an armor specialist. I don't do weapons, but I can recommend a weapons specialist. He and I often work together to help each other improve our crafts by pitting his weapons against my armor and shields. His name is Tark, and mine is Sullivan, but you can call me Sully." Soren and Beatrice introduce themselves as well. Sully continues, "So, what's your budget?"

Beatrice: "We have 200 silver, but we also need to stock up on supplies for a quest in a couple of days."

Sully: "OK, then I strongly recommend you at least protect your midsection. You should sell me that vest you're wearing.", "My vest?" Soren replied. "Yeah. I can repurpose the material. Here's what I'll do for you (Sully grabs a couple of armor pieces). I'll sell you this leather vest. It's thick and sturdy and will protect from most slashes, thrusts, and strikes, but it won't hold for long, and I'll throw in this mesh lining as a trade for your vest. Since you're new to this, I'll give you a one-time discount. I normally sell this leather vest for 120, but I'll give it to you for 100."

"What do you think, Beatrice?" Soren asked. "Yeah, let's do it. You need at least some protection.", "OK," Soren replied. Soren hands over his vest to Sully. As Sully began visually inspecting the vest, he got a whiff of a weak but fragrant aroma. "Oh, what's that? Something smells nice. Did you forget something in the vest?" Sully begins searching the vest to return whatever it is smell came from. "A.. sunflower?" "Hey, Soren, you forgot this."

"Huh." Soren looked while he was putting on the new vest. "Oh, my sunflower from the forest." Surprisingly the flower wasn't destroyed during the rabbit beast attack or the library infestation quest. "I love sunflowers!" Beatrice said excitedly, "Why didn't I smell it on you when we met?"

"Well, I was filthy when we met, and it probably masked the smell," Soren responded. "Can I have it?" Beatrice asked. "Soren, come over here for a moment." Sully interrupted, grinning. "Here you go." Sully clipped the stem and attached it to a hairpin. Soren walked back to Beatrice. He was going to give it to her but chose to attach it to her hair instead. With a smile, she asked how she looked. Soren noticed Beatrice. Her big smile made his heart skip a beat. He responded, "Beautiful."

"Thank you, Sully, for informing me about armor.", "No problem. Go get them, kid."

----------Meanwhile----------

Dalic: "Well it was fun catching up, but I need to get back to my shop.", "Next time don't wait a year to say hi." Hilda retorted. Runa was engrossed in her dessert while Hilda and Dalic reminisced. Hilda asked Runa what she though about Soren. Runa replied saying she though he was nice and doesn't suspect any ill intentions from him. "He sure was a sight to see when he first walked in the tavern," Hilda chuckled. "He looks like he has an interesting story to tell and I'm curious where he came from. The look he had when staring at the mirror was as if he was looking at a different person." Said Runa. "Well he was probably traveling for a really long time and was in shock when he finally saw himself again. I know the felling. Plus he paid me back so I know he's trustworthy."

Soren and Beatrice returned to the tavern. Runa and Hilda immediately notice the flower.

Hilda: "Looking good Soren. The vest looks good on you."

Runa: "What took you so long? The sun has gone down."

Hilda: "They were on a date." Chuckling

Beatrice: "N-No we weren't we just went to get him some armor!"

Runa: "That flower says otherwise." Runa was grinning and Beatrice was starting to get flustered.

Hilda: "Nice choice, kid. I felt like the bar was missing some esthetic. Flowers would be great to brighten up the place. Next time you're in the forest bring me a variety, kay?"

Soren: "Yeah sure no problem." He remember that he needs to pay for a room for the night again, "What's the cheapest inn here? Does anyone in the city rent beds?"

Beatrice: "The inn we stay at is the cheapest."

Soren : "Oh then i'll have to find something else."

Runa: "What are you talking about? From now on you'll room with us."

Beatrice: "What?"

Runa: "It's fine inn are expensive and I trust him. He won't try anything. Thiers two beds. You and I will share one and he'll have the other."

Soren: "No I cant sleep in the same room with two girls."

Runa: "You want to sleep in the street?"

"..."

Runa: "I didn't think so."

Hilda: "Its decided, kid. So you have a free day tomorrow. Do you have anything planned?"

Soren: "Let's go back to the Mage's Association."

Beatrice:" Yeah sounds good."

Hilda: "Nice. You all should turn in for the night."

The trio agree and head to the inn. Soren is apprehensive about sharing a room with the girls. and stopped for a moment before entering the room. Soren looks around for the wooden bathing bucket. As soon as he found it Runa chimed in, "You don't have to use that. Theirs a bathhouse next door, here," she hands Soren some coin, "this is enough to enjoy the bath for an hour." She pushes Soren out of the room.

"Geez, it's not like I was going to bath in front of them and I don't need an hour. Might as well enjoy it then."

Beatrice: "Runa! What's going on? Why are you so bold suddenly?"

Runa: "It's because of him. During the quest. He fought those muridae without hesitatiion. When that giant one appeared I was so afraid I couldn't move but he wasn't. Even when the giant muridae had him by the neck, he kept fighting and becasue of that we were able to kill it."

Beatrice: "Yeah it was crazy how he charged in like that."

Runa: "Plus you've gotten bolder with him around too."

Beatrice: "W-What do you mean?"

Runa: "The way you talked to Elwin today. You've never spoken up to him like that before."

Beatrice: "It was.. because Soren stood up to him after being insulted."

Runa: "Exactly! I'm curious to see how much he will progress as an adventurer. I'll be rooting for him and I know you will too."

Beatrice: "Y-Yeah.." Face turning red

Runa: "So I'm gonna say this now. If you don't go after him, I will."

Beatrice: "Runa!" In shock at Runas' declaration.

Soren: "Man this bath is great." He thinks to himself, "This is relaxing. If the bathroom back home had a tub instead of just a shower I would have bathed often. I'm going to bath as often as I can." He was beginning to fall asleep then caught himself, "OK time to get out and go to sleep."

He came back to a dark room with only a single candle lit on the stand between the beds. The girls were already asleep. "I hope Yuli is going to be ok. We'll need to be careful. We may run into those goons again. After undressing he gets in his bed. About to fall asleep, he turns to the girls.

"Goodnight, girls." He turns the other way and falls asleep.