From Real to Realm

Travel was much slower, much to Val’s dismay. However, she was along for the ride, unable to make things go any faster.

“The fields look healthy, it’s going to be a good harvest for them this year,” Ainz said, waving to a few farmers working a field.

Val looked over the crops, unsure of what exactly she was looking at. She didn’t have much of a green thumb, so to her the crops looked normal.

“That means they should have plenty to send back, right?” she asked, turning to Ainz.

He nodded. “Should be more than plenty, they’re probably going to load us to capacity.”

Thais crossed his arms, grinning. “Perfect, then it sounds like we’ve got a lot to protect on the way back.”

Before long, the caravan was approaching the front gates of Edmur. The wall was much smaller than a city like Phylandair’s, but it was still a viable defensive barrier. Guards walked along the top of the wall, some carrying bows while others carried various melee weapons. Each wore a bright green and deep blue set of armor.

Large banners flowed in the soft breeze, drawing Val’s eye. They had a thick, deep-blue border and a bright-green-filled background. In the middle of the banners was Edmur’s insignia. A wheat-like stalk lay over the flat of a sword, bound together by what looked like grape vines. The vines were thick and growing from beneath both the stalk and the sword, reaching toward the top of the banner.

A few guards walked along both sides of the caravan while Sturman interacted with the guards at the gate. It wasn’t long before recognition flashed across the guard’s face after reading the paper Sturman handed him. As the guards walking along the caravan got closer to Val’s wagon, she heard one of them speak.

“Looks like Phylandair’s already sending another shipment.”

The other guard nodded. “They’re early, but can’t say we don’t need it.”

The sound of the lead guard yelling for the others made Val glance in their direction. A few hand signs were given, then the guards turned to Val.

“Sorry, miss. We need to examine your cargo before you can enter.”

That guard turned and made his way to the back of the wagon. The wagon shifted with the added weight when he climbed into the back. Once more, Val could hear every box and barrel being opened and thoroughly searched.

“While he does that,” the other guard started, “may I see your badges and paperwork? It’s mostly formalities at this point; we know why you’re here.”

The guards were thorough, but had a practiced smoothness. This was not their first time handling such a shipment, and it showed. Within a few minutes, every wagon was cleared for entry, and the caravan finally lurched forward. Slowly, they moved beneath the arch of the gate into the town proper.

Inside was different from what Val expected. While the town was a decent size, the streets weren’t all that busy. Guards were walking around, and what could even be adventurers were drifting through the streets as well. The roads were another stark difference. Instead of chiseled stone roads, they were densely packed dirt. There was also the immediate lack of storefronts and stalls along the road as they moved deeper within. Occasionally, Val would see a placard hanging from a steel hook identifying a storefront, but they were few and far between.

“There’s not a lot of activity here, is there?” Val finally asked.

“There is,” Ainz said, snapping the reins. “The workday isn’t over for them yet, though. Most people here work in the fields. Once the sun fully sets, they’ll come back to town.”

Val raised an eyebrow. “Is that why the streets are so empty right now?”

Ainz nodded. “Yep. Edmur is a farm-heavy town; you saw how many fields there are. If you live here, you either work the fields or you take up a skilled trade.”

“What do they do when the work day is over?"

“Well, some just go home, but the bars and taverns aren’t very empty for long once the sun sets.”

Thais laughed a deep laugh. “Sounds like my kind of people. Work hard, drink harder.”

Val chuckled, shaking her head. “Well, at least they know how to unwind after a rough day.”

The caravan continued along the packed dirt road. Guards nodded in recognition while civilians either waved or gave them a wide berth. A handful of minutes later, they were approaching a large building with familiar banners.

“Huh. I guess it makes sense there would be a guild building here,” Val said, taking in the appearance.

The building was very large. The front corner was cut at an angle, forming a double-door entrance facing the intersection. Small purple and gold banners rustled in the breeze on either side of the door. Intricate iron-cage-style prism torches flanked the doors at the top as well. Compared to some of the other buildings nearby, it was constructed much more sturdily. The foundation was built from stone and rose a few feet up the walls. Then it transitioned to thick treated logs the rest of the way up. Square windows with solid iron crossbars allowed someone to glance in if they so chose. It was three stories tall and had a more homey tavern feel than an official guild building.

“A bit different compared to the intimidating gray stone of the main guild hall back home,” she said, taking in the more welcome visage.

The caravan rolled past the front doors before turning into a back road directly behind it. Behind the building, there was a decent-sized square with a roof covering roughly half of it. One by one, their wagons parked side by side. By the time everyone dismounted, a few guild employees were walking into the square.

“Routine delivery from Phylandair?” the man asked, a clipboard in his hands.

Sturman walked up, handing over the papers he’d shown multiple guards. “Yep. On time and without losing anything.”

The man attached the paper and began reading it over. The woman with him read the paper over his shoulder at the same time.

“We’ll have to verify nothing is missing,” the woman said, glancing up at Sturman. “Once that is verified, we’ll begin distributing.”

Sturman nodded. “Are we being loaded here as well?”

The woman nodded. “We won’t be able to load your caravan until tomorrow. It’s unlikely we will be done until midday at the best.”

Weyland turned to everyone else. “Well, looks like we’re spending a day here in Edmur. Seems the Concord was right, five days for this job.”

Val didn’t want to spend another day on the road. Then again, a whole day in a new town could be interesting. If anything, she could explore. It was a fraction of the size of Phylandair and seemed to have fewer storefronts.

Thais grinned. “So we can get sloshed tonight if we want.”

Weyland nodded. “If getting a stiff drink is your goal, then yes. We won’t be leaving any time soon.”

Thais obviously had his goal for the night.

“What about you, Cera?” Val asked. “Going to grab a drink with Thais? Or do you plan on heading to bed early?”

Cera looked up at Val. However, a small blush crept across her face, and she looked away. “I might have a drink.”

Thais wrapped an arm around Val’s neck. “You drinking with me, Val?”

Val chuckled, trying her best to keep her balance. “Sure, Thais. I guess I can have a few drinks, but I know my limits.”

Then Thais hooked his arm around Amarisse’s neck. “How about you? Join us!”

Amarisse smiled, exchanging a glance with Val. “I guess if everyone else is, I might as well.”

Weyland sighed. “I might as well join too.”

“What about the drivers?” Val asked, glancing over at the men talking amongst themselves.

Weyland shook his head. “Part of their job is to help coordinate unloading the wagons. They’ve got a long night ahead of them and a busy day tomorrow, too.”

Thais pulled Val and Amarisse along, while Cera and Weyland followed behind. “Drinks! Drinks! Drinks!” he yelled, a big toothy grin across his face.

They made their way around the side of the building toward the front entrance. Thais pushed through first with everyone filing in behind him. Val looked around, surprised at how homey the guild-run building was. The furniture was much simpler than that in the main guild hall back in Phylandair. The walls were still stone for the first few feet, even on the inside. The large logs that made up the wall felt like a hunting lodge. There were no bright colors or exuberant designs. Everything was functional with a soft oak color that felt like coming home after a long day. A fire crackled in a large hearth in the corner opposite the main entrance. Then, along the walls, trophies were mounted from about head height to the ceiling. In the middle of the main wall was a massive head of something Val had never seen.

“Hey,” she said, elbowing Thais. “What the fuck is that?”

Thais turned and smirked. “That’s called a Gatewind Roc.”

Val looked at him like he was stupid. “Okay, mind elaborating?”

“It’s a massive flying creature that sticks close to the mountains,” he said, walking with her closer. “They don’t make a habit of attacking caravans, but it happens.”

Val ran her fingers along the tough beak. “Are they dangerous to fight?” The head looked eagle-like to her.

Thais chuckled. “You’re damn right they are dangerous to fight. You’d need close to a dozen well-seasoned adventurers to take it down. Even then, someone might die.”

“Fuck me,” Val said under her breath. “Then who killed this one?”

Thais shrugged. “This thing has been here for a long time. I think there were a few Gemknights in the caravan that took it down.”

Amarisse yelled across the room suddenly. “I thought we were getting drinks?! Get your asses over here!”

“Ain’t gotta tell me twice!” Thais yelled back, grinning at Val. “Let’s have some fun tonight, we deserve it.”

The next few hours were fun. Snacks and drinks were had, and everyone by the end of it was more than a bit tipsy. Thais held his alcohol much better than anyone else. When it was time to head to their rooms for the night, Weyland handed Val a key.

“Two rooms,” he said, stumbling slightly. “Guys in one, girls in the other.”

Val looked at the key in her hand, her heart racing slightly. Who knew how many beds would be in their room tonight? Surely she couldn’t make Cera and Amarisse sleep in the same bed. Sharing a bed with either of them didn’t exactly sound like a good idea to her.

“What was that?” Amarisse asked, stepping up to and leaning on Val.

Val looked up at her. “The girls’ room for the night.”

Cera had her head lying against the table right now. She had a bit too much tonight and would likely need help getting to their room.

“You mind grabbing Cera?” Val asked. “I’ll head up to unlock the room.”

Amarisse nodded. “Right behind ya.”

Both Val and Amarisse were decently buzzed. However, unlike Weyland and Cera, they knew when to stop.

Val made her way to the second floor, finding their room easily enough. After unlocking the door, she pushed into the room. It was dark; only after she used her magic to light the prism torch did the room brighten.

“Two beds?” she asked, worried. “This is going to be… interesting.”

It wasn’t long before Amarisse stepped through the door with Cera. Once they were inside, Amarisse shut the door, and Cera trudged over to one of the beds.

“Huh,” Amarisse said, hands on her hips. “Cera, you take that bed. Val and I can share.”

Val’s eyes widened ever so slightly. She knew what usually awaited her in the mornings, especially after a few days without relief.

“I can sleep on the floor,” Val offered.

Amarisse raised her eyebrow. “Why the fuck would you sleep on the floor when we’ve got a perfectly good bed? There’s enough room for both of us, don’t worry.”

Val gulped.

Cera walked over to what looked like a closet door. “I—I’m going to change for bed.” Then she slipped inside the little room.

Amarisse, for her part, used this chance to start removing her armor and setting it aside in a pile. Val didn’t see any reason not to do the same, as she started removing hers as well.

“I can’t wait to get cleaned off,” Val said, setting her breastplate on the ground. “I’ve been sweating all day.”

Amarisse laughed. “Me too. Only downside to wearing armor, doesn’t really breathe.”

Once the two of them were down to the clothes they wore beneath their armor, they relaxed.

Cera didn’t take too long before the doorknob turned. When she walked out, she had her adventuring clothes in her arms. She’d changed into a loose long t-shirt and pants that almost mimicked leggings.

“I’m all done,” she said quietly, setting her clothes down.

Val didn’t really look too closely, but realized that maybe the outfit she wore during the day might be hiding more than she originally thought.

“I’ll go last,” she told Amarisse. “Your turn.”

Amarisse didn’t argue. “Won’t be long.”

Then it was just Val and Cera left in the room together. Cera was already slipping beneath the covers, pulling them up to her chin. The room was quiet as Val waited for Amarisse to finish up.

It wasn’t long before Amarisse opened the door and walked back into the room. She had also changed into a long, baggy shirt that reached roughly mid-thigh. But beneath, she was wearing very short shorts.

“All yours, Val.”

Without much hesitation, Val made her way into the room with a change of clothes as well. Originally, she planned to sleep in her usual clothes: a crop top and her panties. However, given that she was sharing a bed with Amarisse, that wasn’t a good idea.

Val made sure to clean up quickly, wiping off the day’s grime. When she was finished, she slipped into her clothes. Given the situation, she chose linen pants and a slightly baggy shirt. Then she walked out into the room.

“Really?” Amarisse asked. “You’re wearing pants to bed? You can get more comfortable than that, Val.”

Val shook her head. “It’s fine.”

Amarisse tilted her head, eyes narrowing. “Val, we’re best friends. I’m not going to mind if you’re showing some skin while sleeping in the same bed.”

The way Amarisse was sitting on the bed had caused her shirt to ride up. She was showing more plush thigh than Val wanted to notice. She looked away.

“I promise, I’m fine,” Val said, slipping under the covers on her side.

Amarisse sighed. “I know you better than you think, Val.” She too slid under the covers. “You’re not being wholly truthful with me. Just don’t complain to me if you’re sweaty in the morning.”

With that handled, everyone settled in for the night.

“…goodnight,” Cera said, softly.

“Night,” Amarisse replied.

“Night,” Val said, adjusting her position.

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