The mountain wind wove through the forest, sunshine broke through the clouds, even in this forsaken world, a sense of tranquility lingered.

Upon entering the bar, Tilan's gaze swept around; her light blue eyes held a curious look, akin to that of a fledgling bird, as she surveyed the fresh, unfamiliar environment. Her simple coat and hood concealed her luscious cyan hair, and even her face was hidden beneath a surrounding scarf.

The scenery she observed was somewhat familiar, with the bubbling beer glasses, steaming baked potatoes and bread, a slightly sour and salty aroma permeating the air, hanging smoked sausage, the flickering flames in the fireplace, ash remnants on the ground, and grease stains on the wooden tables.

To someone accustomed to a modern, clean society like hers, such an environment carried a different sense of realism.

Yet, there were none of the magical beings, adventurers, young energetic lads, or troubadours imagined in many stories here, but rather guests with sweaty odors and open collars eating and drinking.

"What is Hexia planning to eat?" a companion beside her inquired.

"The famous black pork here," replied the girl promptly.

"Then, four portions of black pork cutlet, two servings of baked bread, one jug of beer, and an extra serving of vegetables," Guy declared, outlining today's feast plan.

"Alright, please wait a moment," the staff noted and responded.

Sitting beside Tilan, Ores seemed somewhat uneasy at this moment, and Tilan, noticing her mood, queried.

"What's wrong?"

"Dirty, smelly," Ores expressed her thoughts candidly; fortunately, her voice was not loud, and with the surrounding noise, only those at the table could hear.

"There's no other way now," Tilan held her hand firmly, whispering comfort by Ores' ear.

For the elves, especially the Ice Spirit known for their cleanliness, this environment was indeed vastly different from Ores' previous living conditions. However, to Tilan's surprise, it was only today she displayed discomfort, whereas she seemed quite accustomed at the prairie settlement.

Perhaps subconsciously, she considered the wild trees and rocks as part of nature, not dirty, but the greasy and sweaty environment made this Ice Spirit lady unable to endure.

"Ugh..." Ores puckered her lips, slowly calming down with Tilan's soothing words.

Seeing her reluctant expression, Tilan almost chuckled; after losing her memory, Ores became less proud and more tender compared to her past.

The group listened to surrounding conversations and dining sounds, and soon their ordered four servings of black pork roast arrived.

The pork, intermingled with lean and fat portions, was sizzling with hot oil on the plate, garnished with some parsley leaves, looking quite enticing.

A rare piece of good meat, after nearly a month of vegetarian diet, this was their second meat meal, and even tastier than the lamb chops from the previous days.

The hot meat cutlets were nibbled into small pieces; with no knife, they had to tear it with teeth, but the process was smooth, as the meat was roasted particularly well.

Once inside, the sauce smeared on the cutlets and the sprinkled salt granules mixed with the meat fibers, under the warmth, presented an astonishing taste.

Almost before long, palm-sized meat cutlets were consumed completely, followed by the slow consumption of baked bread.

Ores beside, however, ate rather slowly, having a love-hate feeling towards the meat cutlet. Her frown finally relaxed after finishing.

After this rare luxurious lunch, the foursome exited the bar, finding the outdoor air much fresher.

"This meal cost 62 steel prints, almost depleted all I previously prepared," remarked Guy wistfully.

"So expensive?" Flan expressed surprise.

"Of course, did you think the meat was cheap, especially food with minimal pollution."

"Let's move, it's time for serious business now; with the afternoon approaching, I need to sell the transported fur coats at the market and purchase some essentials."

"As for you guys..." Guy glanced at Flan and Hexia.

"Flan, I reviewed the relic locations you drew for us. Initially, verification was needed before letting you go, but after spending time together, the reward information's truth or falsehood no longer matters. Later you can go wherever you wish."

"Miss Hexia and Miss Ores, you mentioned earlier about coming to the big city, now you're here, future plans depend on your views. If thinking there's no suitable place for now, you can join me tomorrow in returning to the settlement; me, Boss Moose, and Sura welcome you both."

"Should Miss Hexia wish to stay at Shilin Mountain Castle temporarily, plenty of steel prints are required, which is money. Approximately 3000 people reside here constantly, most work as Grey Feather Species, only a small portion are Grey Feather Species natives, with another one to two thousand as transient personnel lacking permanent residence permits."

"Without permit, one can only stay overnight at inns, all managed behind scenes by Grey Feather Species, charging at least 15 steel prints per night, better rooms above 20 steel prints, and lacking funds means having to leave Shilin Mountain Castle before nightfall, or risk being captured and penalized by patrol guards."

"The city continuously recruits skilled craftsmen and experienced doctors; both roles Miss Hexia meets if considering permanent residence, one can apply at the council hall. Grey Feather Species treats capable people kindly."

"Guy, well done!" Flan raised a thumb, marveling at Guy's foresight, addressing all they urgently needed.

"I estimate staying here for a few days; regarding money, I possess quite a few skills, not aiming for permanent stay, a few days should pose no problem," Flan pondered thoughtfully.