"Guest, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. If I know anything, I will tell you everything," David said warmly, his voice calm and accommodating.
By now, David was no longer surprised when guests sought information from him. Most of those staying at his inn these days were either businessmen searching for opportunities or mercenaries and wandering knights hoping to find work. The penniless travelers, refugees, or ordinary civilians without coin rarely had the means to stay here, so they seldom bothered him.
And yet, it had become a familiar routine. Almost every visitor would first inquire about the local situation, or they would be interested in nearby business prospects. David had grown accustomed to these queries, having heard them countless times before.
"Excuse me," Bill spoke up, cutting straight to the point. "Is there any warehouse available for rent nearby? I have a batch of goods that need to be stored safely."
David's face brightened immediately at Bill's words. Business—real business—was finally in front of him. He sensed another potential deal and could not help but feel a spark of excitement.
"You've come to the right place, guest," David said, his tone brimming with pride. "In fact, we have several warehouses available right behind our inn. May I ask how much space you require?"
Bill's eyes lit up at this revelation. Finally, he had found what he was looking for. His initial plan had merely been to gather information, yet here was an opportunity laid out before him. Still, experience had taught him caution. He couldn't simply agree on the spot—he needed to inspect the place first. He had seen enough in his years of trading to know that something seemingly advantageous could conceal hidden risks.
"Oh! Really?" Bill said, a note of urgency in his voice. "Would you mind showing us the warehouse first? I've brought a batch of inexpensive beer to try my luck with selling, but if it spoils under the sun, I'll lose everything."
David chuckled softly, understanding both the practical and cautious reasoning behind Bill's request. The beer was merely an excuse—the true concern lay in safety and security. Bill wanted to ensure the warehouse was secure, situated in a safe and somewhat discreet location. Moreover, it was daytime, and the streets were bustling with people. Should any problems arise, the odds of escape were far higher than if it were night.
"No problem at all," David replied. "The warehouses are just behind the inn. I'll take you there myself."
With their plan set, the three men—David, Bill, and John—descended the stairs and left the inn. Rather than exiting through the front, David led them out a back door, revealing a side passage behind the building. Bill and John exchanged a glance as they stepped out into the sunlight. John instinctively gripped the hilt of his long sword, as though its mere presence could protect him from any unforeseen dangers.
The world outside the back door, however, was far from the dark, confined place Bill had imagined. The city seemed open, airy, and well-planned. Gaps between buildings were generous, allowing sunlight to fill the streets. The roads were paved with flat stone bricks, making them wide, level, and easy to traverse.
As they walked, David began to explain. "This is the port district. During construction, His Highness Prince Gaimon meticulously planned these roads. Occupying them during construction was strictly forbidden—anyone caught would not only face hefty fines but could be forced into labor to repay their debt. Many chose to obey, and for good reason. The penalties were harsh."
Bill's eyes swept across the road, wide enough for at least two carriages to pass side by side. "Isn't leaving the roads this wide a waste?" he asked. "It must reduce the number of houses that can be built and increase construction costs significantly."
David nodded knowingly, a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, guest, but what you see is a small price for convenience and order. Look closely."
He pointed to the edges of the road, where Bill noticed rows of long, narrow bricks with slits running through them. Curious, Bill leaned closer and could faintly hear the rush of water beneath.
"What is this? It looks like water is flowing underneath. Is it some sort of storage?" Bill asked.
David laughed softly, delighted by the question. "Not storage. These are drainage channels. Oros sits along the coastline and by the Wende River, which brings frequent rainfall. Without proper drainage, the city would flood every rainy season. These channels are laid along every road to ensure water flows away efficiently, keeping streets clear and dry, even during heavy rains."
Bill whistled in surprise. "That's impressive. Most cities don't invest in anything like this, not even King's Landing."
David's pride in the city was evident. "When Oros was being built, Prince Gaimon prioritized the drainage system above all else. Main roads were constructed first, with these channels laid alongside. Wherever new roads appeared, the drains followed. Since their completion, the streets have never suffered flooding."
Bill shook his head, impressed. "The investment must have been enormous."
David chuckled. "It was, but Prince Gaimon believed in laying a solid foundation for the city. Today, Oros stands strong and organized because of these measures."
A short walk later, they arrived at the warehouses David had mentioned. From the outside, the structure resembled the inn, but it was far larger—stretching approximately fifty meters in length. Bill took in the sight and observed the surrounding buildings. Every warehouse seemed identical, neatly aligned, forming a long, orderly row. The arrangement was aesthetically pleasing and gave the impression of careful planning.
"This is the warehouse complex," David explained. "I've divided it into five separate units. Take a look and decide how many you'll need."
He led them to the nearest unit and opened its heavy door. The interior was dark, with only a narrow shaft of sunlight illuminating part of the room. Bill adjusted his eyes and began a careful inspection.
The room was roughly 100 square meters, with brick floors leveled and smooth, ready to support heavy goods. There was no clutter, no debris—just a solid, functional space. Bill walked slowly, examining corners, assessing the security of the door, the thickness of the walls, and the overall structure. Everything met his expectations.
Satisfied, he looked at David, who had been standing patiently beside him. "Manager, how much does it cost to rent this warehouse?" he asked.
David smiled. "Let's discuss that inside. I'll tell you all the details, including rates, deposit, and payment terms. I'm confident we can reach an agreement that suits both parties."
Bill nodded. He had found a reliable place for his goods, but as always, business required careful negotiation. Experience had taught him that the first impression might hide unseen pitfalls, but so far, everything looked promising.
Outside, the streets of Oros buzzed quietly with activity. Merchants pushed carts, children ran along the edges of the wide stone roads, and the sun glinted off the canals and drainage channels. Bill took a deep breath, feeling a rare sense of optimism. For the first time since arriving, he sensed opportunity—not just for profit, but for growth, for establishing himself in a city built with foresight and diligence.
He turned to David, who was smiling with the quiet pride of a man who knew the value of well-laid plans. "This warehouse is exactly what I needed," Bill said. "Now, let's discuss the terms. I want to make this work."
David nodded, gesturing for them to step inside. The conversation would soon move from exploration to negotiation, from inspection to decision. For Bill, it was another step in a city that promised opportunity for those willing to seek it. And in Oros, opportunity awaited those who understood its value.
Yearly access offer 50 percent and monthly offer 25 percent
Ãdvåñçé çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)