As I approached Miriandelle, the easternmost city of Eldoria and the farthest east of this side of the continent, the view from the high ridge where I stood was nothing short of breathtaking. The city sprawled out before me, nestled by a shimmering bay that sparkled under the high sun. This coastal gem, bustling with life, seemed to welcome me with open arms, its beauty captivating my weary eyes.

  Miriandelle was a port city, its bay part of the body of water known as the Parting Sea, a vast expanse of blue that divided the Land of Men in two. In the distance one only needed a glance to see the waters teeming with activity: merchant vessels with billowing sails and smaller fishing boats weaving between them like threads in a grand tapestry. The busy bay hinted at the city's thriving maritime trade and its vital role in connecting this land with distant shores.

  From my vantage point, I could see the intricate layout of the city, its streets winding like a labyrinth through densely packed buildings. The cobblestone paths glistened faintly in the sunlight, their irregular patterns revealing the city's long history.

  Dominating the skyline were two imposing castles, positioned at the far ends of the bay. These majestic fortresses, with their towering spires and robust walls, stood like sentinels, guarding the city from potential threats. Their shadows stretched long across the cityscape, adding a sense of grandeur and gravity to the scene. The castles were not just defensive structures but symbols of Miriandelle's enduring strength and resilience.

  As I slowly descended from the ridge, the scent of the sea became more potent, a blend of salt, seaweed, and fresh ocean air that filled my lungs and invigorated my senses. In the heart of the city, another large structure caught my eye. Massive, second only to the two castles in size and presence, this was the city's local temple. With its intricate design and towering spires, it was clear that this temple was a beacon of faith and hope for the city's inhabitants. The golden tips of its spires glinted in the sunlight, marking it as a place of reverence and sanctuary.

  My gaze frozen onto the city ahead, I noticed a particular corner where a webbed pattern seemed to originate from a small plaza. The plaza, nestled among the buildings, was a lively hub of activity, adding a touch of charm to the urban landscape. The sight of the plaza brought a smile to my face.

  Urging Veilleuse-04 forward, I felt a surge of excitement. The journey had been long and arduous, but the sight of Miriandelle filled me with renewed energy and anticipation.

  As we descended towards the city, the details became clearer. The streets, lined with shops and homes, bustled with merchants hawking their wares, children playing, and townsfolk going about their day. The aroma of freshly baked bread, exotic spices, and the salty tang of the sea filled the air, creating a sensory tapestry that was both overwhelming and exhilarating.

  Approaching the first of the city's gates, the walls loomed high above, their stone surfaces weathered by time but still standing strong. Guards in polished armor stood at attention, their eyes watchful but not unfriendly.

  As I passed through the gate, the city seemed to embrace me.

  The noise of the streets, the chatter of the people, the distant clang of a blacksmith's hammer, all formed a symphony of urban life. I guided Veilleuse-04 through the winding streets, my eyes taking in every detail.

  With a clear destination in my mind, the plaza in the center of the web-like formation, I continued my exploration. The streets, entirely cobblestoned, led me through the city, each turn revealing new sights and sounds. The smells of the sea, sometimes strong and briny, sometimes fresh and invigorating, followed me as I navigated through the bustling cityscape.

  Eventually, I arrived at the plaza. And at its center was a fountain, water dancing gracefully into the air, giving the plaza a unique aesthetic and ambiance.

  I dismounted Veilleuse-04, my gaze fixed on the fountain, and approached it. The water droplets rained gently upon me as I sat at the edge, but I couldn't even care less. I just sat there, an incredulous smile on my face, and muttered under my breath, "Hehehe, this is something..."

  As I glanced around the plaza, I watched the people going about their everyday lives. A young woman chatted with her friend as they walked by, their laughter a sweet melody. Little boys chased a dog as they played around, their joy infectious. A man carrying a paddle leisurely made his way toward the sea, his stride unhurried and relaxed.

  Life was happening all around me, and I was content to be a silent observer, soaking in the vibrancy of Miriandelle.

  The midday sun began to rise high, casting its hot rays of sunshine upon me. I stood up, another destination in mind, the best hotel in town. But before seeking it out, I thought of making a little detour to the beach first. With Veilleuse-04 by my side, I made my way through the cobblestoned streets once more, eager to feel the sand beneath my feet and the cool waters of the Parting Sea.

  ***

  When I headed to the port I came with a sight and experience in mind. I had imagined a stretch of golden sands, where I could sink my feet in as gentle waves crashed on the shore. Instead, I found the entire shoreline transformed into a continuous expanse of docks, piers, and mooring stations. It was a little disappointing. Sure longing the bay’s shore toward either the left or the right, I knew I would eventually stumble upon that beachy experience I was looking for, but right now I had no energy for that, so I, very much like the adult that I was, settled for the sight of the blue sea.

  This blue reminded me of the world I came from. I had never seen such a beautiful sea in person, only in magazines and on TV, which made me regret not taking more vacations in my old life, especially when I finally had so many chances to do so but somehow never did.

  Anyway, once I was done with my contemplation, I went on with my main quest to find a nice hotel. As per my modus operandi, I would have asked around for the best, which is usually the equivalent of the most expensive hotel in the city. But today, upon asking that question and hearing the recommendation from a local for a place that wasn't over the top in terms of price or appearance but was nonetheless considered the best hotel in town, I decided to visit. It didn’t take me long to find it as it stood not so far away from the port I came from.The hotel, situated on the eastern side of the city, was called The Seagull's Nest.

  The Seagull's Nest was modest in appearance, just as the local had told me, but it certainly wasn't modest in size. The building was grand, with multiple stories and a charming, old-world architecture, though I suppose this old-world only for a reincarnate like me who’d seen how far architecture and enginering fared, no doubt that this is new-world architecture for the people of Fiendfell, anyway the Seaguell’s appearance gave it quite a welcoming feel. The facade was adorned with wooden beams and stone, a blend of rustic charm and sturdy construction.

  Standing at the steps leading to the entrance was a girl of about 14 to 15 dressed in an apron, holding onto a sign with a drawing of a nest at the bottom of which was written "Seagull's Nest," along with the average price for a meal and room. She was using the sign to support her head, making it so that she didn't see me approaching. It was only when Veilleuse-04 neighed that the girl snapped out of the slumber she had apparently fallen into. I was quite impressed that someone was able to sleep like that without accidentally leaning forward and snapping their neck. The girl yawned, looked around in confusion, then finally noticed me. She quickly wiped the drool from her face and approached.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  "Good morning, Miss. You're looking for a room?" she asked, her voice still groggy, but quickly recovering. "We at the Seagull's Nest have one for you, several for you to choose from even. Each is equally comfy and cozy. I recommend the second floor; we get a good view of the Parting Sea from there. Our rooms have a nice bath, with hot water. We also have food for you to eat, be it for a night, a day, or more, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. " She seemed to be repeating the lines almost robotically, then out of nowhere with a much more genuine voice she added,"Also we have a bard perform every two days, you’ll be there just enough to see him perform tonight, I assure you, he’s the best in town." Then, no longer groggy, with a large smile, she asked, "What would it be for you, Miss?"

  "For me, it'll be a room," I said, dismounting my steed, "and lunch... in spite of how late it already is."

  The moment I mentioned a room, the girl went to put down her sign, then said, "No worries, Miss, we have what you need," as she took Veilleuse-04's reins from me, with the difference in size between us and how small she looked next to the hunk of stallion Veilleuse-04 was, I hesitated to leave my horse to her, but confidently she added, "I personally recommend our Special Shrimp Salad and Special Lobster Salad. Our cook was born to cook those like a god."

  Like a god, huh?

  Disregarding my doubt about the girl’s ability to handle Veilleuse-04, I simply nodded, retrieving my backpack and Impotence, which was wrapped in fabric as I always do when nearing a city. The girl looked like she wanted to help out but with an apprehensive look, most likely guessing that the wrapped object was something important, she refrained.

  "I'll try it then," I said, making my way to the inner part of the Seagull's Nest.

  As I stepped inside, my eyes were immediately drawn to the warm and inviting ambiance. The room I immediately found myself in was rather expansive, with high ceilings and a charming blend of wood and stone that exuded a cozy, old-world charm, though once again, I suppose considering the era this world is stuck in, this is more of a modern charm than an old one.

  The room was dimly lit by a combination of wall-mounted lamps and candles placed on each table, casting a soft glow that danced across the polished wooden surfaces. The floor was a beautiful dark hardwood, slightly worn in places, which added to the establishment's lived-in feel. The walls were adorned with paintings and wooden beams, further enhancing the rustic aesthetic.

  In the center of the room stood a grand bar, crafted from rich mahogany or whatever I was no wood expert, with a polished countertop that gleamed in the candlelight. Behind the bar, shelves lined with various bottles of spirits and wines created a colorful backdrop. The bar area was framed by two large, sturdy columns, adding to its imposing presence.

  To the left of the entrance was a cozy seating area, complete with a plush red rug and a set of comfortable armchairs arranged around a small, round table. A chandelier hung from the ceiling above this area, its intricate design casting intriguing shadows on the walls.

  The main dining area was filled with a variety of tables and chairs, each piece of furniture seemingly handpicked to match the tavern's rustic charm. There were long wooden tables perfect for larger groups, and smaller, more intimate tables scattered throughout the room. Each table had a candle in the center, flickering gently and adding to the inviting atmosphere.

  I looked up, to my right, then my left. The second floor featured a balcony that overlooked the main dining area. It was accessible by a set of wooden stairs that led up from the corner of the room. The balcony was lined with a wooden railing, and the upper level held more seating areas, offering a slightly more private dining experience while still being part of the lively atmosphere below.

  There were no more than six people in the room. Two were seated at the long table, engrossed in their meal, their conversation a low murmur. Another in the corner next to one the wooden stairs, he sat there alone, nursing a drink. A young woman dressed in an apron, similar to the girl I had met outside, was engaged in a conversation with him, her demeanor attentive and professional.

  Another apron-clad woman was speaking to a tall, middle-aged man behind the counter. Doning a welcoming smile as he noticed me, the man greeted with an audible but paradoxically not loud voice, "Welcome to our Seagull's Nest."

  Before I could respond, I heard a familiar voice behind me. "Yes, welcome," echoed the girl from earlier. She had apparently finished tending to Veilleuse-04 with so much speed and efficiency that I couldn't but imagine her simply leaving Veilleuse-04, where I left it.

  She walked past me and addressed the man behind the counter. "A nice room for the Miss," she said.

  Praying that she had Veilleuse-04 be handled by someone else, I followed her to the counter. I walked past the two men eating, whom I caught casting curious glances at me, I wanted to greet them but they quickly averted their gazes. Not minding it the slightest, I glanced at the man seated on the corner whom, being much more interesting, I acknowledged with a nod, which he returned before returning his attention to his meal.

  Reaching the counter, the middle-aged man introduced himself. "Good morning, Miss. I'm Bosco, the owner of this establishment."

  "Good morning," I replied.

  Already reaching for a set of keys, Bosco asked, "Is it truly for a room?"

  "Yes, for a few days, actually," I confirmed, which brought a smile to both his and the girl's faces.

  "I see," he said.

  "Also, Miss said she wanted to try one of our specials, right?" The girl chimed in.

  I nodded.

  "Which one will it be, the shrimp or the lobster special? By the way, we also have the combo Shrimp-Lobster as an option. It’s even better."

  "I see. I'll just take the shrimp one for now."

  The girl nodded with a large smile.

  "I'll have it ready right away." The owner said, glancing at the apron-clad young woman he had been talking to earlier, who immediately headed to an adjacent room that I could only guess was the kitchen.

  "It'll just take a moment, Miss..." Bosco, the owner intentionally trailed off.

  Understanding that he was waiting for me to introduce myself, "Arianna," I replied.

  "I see, Miss Arianna. Would you like to wait for your shrimp special then head for your room later or would you like to see your room right away?"

  "I would like to see my room first," I replied, paying right away the equivalent of three days for a room.

  Bosco handed the key to the girl, who then invited me to follow her to the second floor, where my room was apparently located.

  Following the girl, I climbed the wooden staircase to the second floor, admiring the craftsmanship of the bannister and the way the warm light from below danced up the steps.

  At the top, she led me to the entrance of what I assumed would be my room. She opened the door and invited me in with a welcoming gesture, handing me the key as I stepped inside.

  "If there is anything you need, you can ask me, my sisters, or even the boss. We'll be happy to help," she said with a cheerful smile.

  "Understood," I replied, appreciating her hospitality.

  With those words, the girl left, and I closed the door behind her, finally turning my full attention to my suite. The room was bathed in the early afternoon sun, filtering through large, mullioned windows that took up most of one wall. The light created a warm, inviting glow, making the room feel both cozy and luxurious.

  A grand four-poster bed dominated the room, draped with rich, burgundy curtains that matched the plush bedding. The bed itself looked incredibly inviting, with a thick mattress and an array of pillows that promised comfort and rest. A small, padded bench sat at the foot of the bed, perfect for sitting while removing shoes or placing belongings.

  On one side of the room, there was a beautifully crafted wooden dresser, its drawers adorned with intricate carvings. Next to the dresser was a door that led to a private bathroom, a rare and welcome addition. The bathroom, while compact, was complete with a toilet, a sink with a large mirror, and a spacious bathtub. The tiles were clean and shiny, reflecting the attention to detail and care taken in maintaining the room.

  A red and gold patterned rug covered the wooden floor, adding warmth and a touch of opulence. A small writing desk with a comfortable chair was positioned near the window, providing a perfect spot for reading or penning letters. A vase with fresh flowers sat on the desk, filling the room with a subtle, pleasant fragrance.

  I walked around the room, absorbing every detail, and couldn't help but mutter to myself, "Not bad at all." The reason I opted to pay for just three days instead of more was simple: if the room didn't meet my expectations, I could pack up my belongings and leave without much hassle. but now that I had seen the room, I was convinced that I could comfortably stay here for the entire six weeks I had to spend in Miriandelle.

  Approaching the window, I looked out at the view I had been promised. Sure enough, there was the parting Sea, but the view was mostly that of the port with its many ships docked along the piers. A bit disappointing, though in fairness, the view wasn't my top priority.

  What truly mattered at this moment was the bed. Without another thought, I turned around to look at it and, in the next instant, threw myself onto it. The mattress was soft and springy, causing me to bounce slightly before settling into its comforting embrace. I lay there, feeling as if I were being lured into slumber. Had it not been for my stomach's persistent craving for sustenance, I would have gladly accepted the bed's offer.

  Despite my hunger, I remained there, staring emptily at nothing in particular. My heart palpitated from two distinct emotions: joy and relief. I whispered to myself, "I guess I truly made it in the end."