They continued walking through the wide alleys, and Arin kept glancing around, his eyes moving from face to face—between the laughter of humans and the stern features of dwarves that softened when they smiled.
The matter of the Crimson Vein had not left his mind, but it no longer felt as heavy as it had moments ago…
There was something in Rotana that eased the weight of questions.
Life.
The sun drifted toward the edge of the sky, and warm golden light poured over the stone rooftops, making the city look as though it had been forged from polished copper.
Arin was absentmindedly admiring a high balcony lined with glass lanterns when—
Thud.
"Oof!"
He walked straight into Ray's back as she suddenly stopped.
He stepped back, rubbing his nose.
"Why did you stop so suddenly?!"
She pointed ahead without turning.
"Because we've arrived."
Arin lifted his gaze.
Before them stood a large inn with a dark stone façade. A wooden sign hung above the entrance, carved with the symbol of a hammer crossed with a stalk of wheat, and beneath it, the inn's name etched deep into the wood.
Warm light glowed from the windows, and inside, laughter and the clinking of cups spilled out into the street.
"This… is a place to stay?"
"One of the best here," Ray said. "Merchants and travelers prefer it. Safe, clean, and it doesn't ask too many questions."
She pushed the heavy wooden door open, and a wave of warmth and rich scents washed over them.
Roasted meat. Fresh bread. Strong spices… and a drink that smelled both sweet and bitter at once.
The ground floor resembled a large tavern hall. Round tables were filled with people—humans and dwarves sitting side by side, chatting, laughing, sometimes arguing before raising their cups as if nothing had happened.
"There are a lot of people…" Arin murmured.
"Of course," Ray replied. "This place is a crossroads for trade routes. Anyone who comes to Rotana usually passes through here."
As he scanned the hall, his gaze suddenly froze.
In a slightly secluded corner…
That elf.
He sat exactly as Arin had seen him at the gate—back straight, dressed in white garments embroidered with blue floral patterns that reflected the lamplight with a cool sheen. A cup rested between his hands as he sipped slowly.
The other three spoke among themselves, exchanging smiles and words.
But he…
Did not join them.
His face was serious. His deep blue eyes looked at no one.
Arin felt something strange—not fear, but curiosity.
How could someone seem so detached from a place… while sitting in its very center?
He was about to stare longer when—
Ray tugged at his sleeve.
"Come on. Don't stand at the door like you've stepped into another world."
"I was just—"
"Later," she cut him off with a faint smile. "Room first. Then food. Aren't you hungry after that long journey?"
Right then, a low but unmistakable sound echoed.
Grrrrr…
Arin froze.
Ray looked at his stomach, then at him.
Then she burst into laughter.
"Seems someone answered for you."
His face reddened.
"I… forgot."
"You forgot you were hungry?"
He scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"Everything that happened today… made me forget a lot of things."
She softened her teasing tone.
"That's normal."
They approached the reception desk. Behind it stood a relatively tall dwarf, his beard braided with thin metallic threads that gleamed in the light. His features were sharp, but his voice calm.
Ray handled the conversation, presenting her merchant card and exchanging a few familiar phrases. Arin stood behind her, observing.
Humans raising cups.
Two dwarves arguing over iron prices.
A human woman laughing loudly.
And nearby… the elves' table.
It was placed slightly apart—not fully isolated, but at a calculated distance.
Not fully welcomed… not fully rejected.
The three elves continued their quiet discussion, but the leader remained silent, his gaze occasionally sweeping across the hall.
For a very brief moment—
His eyes met Arin's.
Just a second.
Yet Arin felt as though the elf had seen something in him… or weighed him.
He quickly lowered his gaze, unsure why.
"It's done," Ray said, turning to him. "Our room is on the third floor."
The dwarf handed them a small metal key engraved with a number.
As they climbed the wooden stairs, Arin spoke quietly.
"Ray… did you notice the elf in the corner?"
"I did."
"He seems different."
"He is."
"Do you know him?"
"No. But I can read the atmosphere."
She glanced at him.
"The other three talk. He watches. Those who lead don't need many words."
They reached their room.
It was simple but neat—two beds, a small table near the window, a wash basin in the corner, and curtains swaying gently in the evening breeze.
Arin set down his bag and approached the window.
Rotana under the evening light…
Quieter. Warmer.
Yet something stirred inside him.
The Crimson Vein.
The silent elf.
The City of the Pulse.
"This place… isn't ordinary," he murmured.
"We never said it was," Ray replied.
"But tonight… we're just tired travelers."
"And after tonight?"
She smiled faintly.
"We'll see."
They returned downstairs soon after.
The hall felt louder now. Closer.
Ray chose a table that allowed them to see the room without becoming its center.
They sat.
And just as Arin settled into his chair—
A girl stopped before their table.
Her hair leaned toward red, though not bright red—more like dark rose, as if sunset had melted into it. Long strands flowed lightly over her shoulders.
Her skin was fair and lively. Her eyes were golden-hazel, bright and alert—holding something else beneath the surface.
Her features were distinctly feminine, her smile easy but not naïve.
"It's been a long time, Ray."
Ray looked up and smiled warmly.
"Yes… it has been a while, Sasha."
Sasha.
So she's the waitress here… she's really beautiful.
The girl waved lightly.
"Last time… hmm… three months ago? Maybe less. You came alone then. And now… you have company."
Her gaze shifted to Arin.
It lingered a second longer than necessary.
As if examining him.
As if remembering something that hadn't happened yet.
A faint smile curved her lips—beautiful, yet touched with something else. Surprise? Recognition?
Arin felt it.
That look wasn't ordinary curiosity.
"And you, boy… what's your name?"
"Arin."
"Arin," she repeated slowly, tasting the name. "A beautiful name."
She leaned slightly forward.
"So, Arin… where did you and Ray come from?"
"From the north," Ray answered casually before he could.
"The north is vast," Sasha said softly. "And some of its places… aren't very pleasant to live in."
Arin felt something tighten in his chest.
"We stayed in a quiet area… for a while."
"Quiet?" she echoed with a raised brow. "That's an unusual way to describe the north."
Then she straightened.
"Well then, traveler from quiet lands… what will you have?"
"Bring us what you recommend," Ray said. "Something warm. Filling."
Sasha nodded and moved away.
But before fully leaving, she glanced back at Arin.
This time… it wasn't just curiosity.
It was confirmation.
"Ray…" he whispered.
"Yes?"
"Was that look… normal?"
Ray watched Sasha as well.
"In Rotana," she said calmly, "nothing is completely 'normal.'"
"Do you think she sensed something?"
"Maybe. Or maybe you're imagining it."
She gave him a faint smile.
"For now, you're just a hungry boy in a crowded inn."
Laughter filled the hall.
Cups clinked.
Life moved as usual.
But inside Arin…
Nothing felt entirely ordinary anymore.
At the far table, the elf remained silent.
And near the entrance, a fleeting shadow passed—like someone who entered… and disappeared.
"I think I'll need time to get used to this place," Arin murmured.
"No," Ray said quietly. "This place will get used to you."
And in that moment, Sasha returned carrying a large tray, a smile playing on her lips—one Arin couldn't decide was simple hospitality…
Or the beginning of something else.