“Our pardons. We have not introduced ourselves. Allow me to correct this mistake. I am Klbkch, Senior Guardsman in the employ of the City of Liscor. This is my partner, also a Senior Guardsman.”

“This area is known as the Floodplains of Liscor. It's because of a lovely natural phenomenon of the geography and—but you aren't from here, if you don't know about this area. But I would have guessed as much since you are Human. As far as I can tell.”

“You would not be so quick to judge if you knew more about the people you're defending. Especially this city.”

“Um, where is it? Is it that teensy little wall of stone in the distance?”

“Don’t be snippy. But it’s easy to spot. Look, you can even see it out the window here.”

“…Is it that grey stuff there?”

“Well, yeah. Isn’t it obvious?”

“Don’t mind Klbkch. He’s ugly even for an ant. But you really can’t see the city from here?”

“Look, the city’s that way. It’s only a twenty-minute walk, and there aren’t many monsters along the way. Besides, once you get within a few miles, the area is regularly patrolled, so you won’t have any problems. And if those idiots at the gate stop you—which they won’t—just tell them you know me.”

“Or me. However, you should encounter no problems. Only those with past records of crime are unwelcome in Liscor.”

“Well, you’ve got the Skill for it, so it’ll be a breeze. And you can buy a hammer no problem. Just head down to the city, and you can get a good one for only a silver coin or two. Tell you what, if you’re ever in the area, I’ll help you get one at a discount.”

“No, not that. It’s just—the city.”

“The city? What about it?”

“Oh yeah? Oh yeah? Well, this is outside your jurisdiction! You said it yourself—you don’t patrol my inn! Therefore, it is my inn, and I deny your city’s authority here!”

“Unless I go to the city.”

“There.”

“To go to the city or not, that is the question. Actually, there’s no question. I need to go to the city. I need to go…shopping.”

“Well, that settles that. I’m off to the city.”

“That’s a big wall.”

“An [Innkeeper], is it? Are you opening up a business here? Humans almost never move to Liscor. I’m Selys, by the way. I should have said so from the start. My apologies.”