16 Chapter 14: The plans of the two

"Where did you all came from?", Robin asks while dragging their bodies, leaving a trail on the path.

"From the town of Libera, Miss.", one of the bandits answered.

"Something happened there?", I added, the guy squinted his eyes at me, before making a confused face.

Was it because of the mask?

"Had to move, man. Taxes been really high on that damned town, would be a better option to just live on thievery than to work at that sweatshop."

"Can you not just live on another town?"

"I wish, but the moment we step out of the gates we're practically penniless. Can't even pay the fee to enter another town. Hell, I'd even thank you if you put me in prison.", another guy added into the conversation.

So Libera Town has problems with taxes huh, was it because of increased funds for military? No wonder, given that the Abyss are attacking, but it's too much if it still leads people to thievery.

After that they comfortably waited for their trip to end, chatting on the way of getting dragged to the town we're visiting. Robin and I did not stop, embarrassing as it may be for me to not be able to help her. I'd probably slow us down even more if I volunteered on dragging the bandits.

By the time the sun has gone down we were are able to see a silhouette of a town from afar, easily seen because of the lit lights from inside and outside the town. Seeing our approach, one of the guards came to see us.

"Halt, may we know your intentions for entering the town?"

"Mercenary work and lodging.", Robin answered coldly.

"Names? Who are those people?"

Ah, we forgot to think up names to call ourselves. I should have thought of it beforehand.

"Nathan and Ingrid. These guys behind me are bandits."

"Ah, we do receive some reports about bandits. Perhaps it is them. Thank you for your cooperation."

The bandits happily got themselves arrested and was brought to prison. Robin and I were allowed to enter the town for work and lodging, just as Robin stated. So far, our trip were smooth.

"Nathan? Ingrid?"

"What do you mean?", Robin answers nonchalantly. She heads straight to wherever we're going without batting an eye.

"Where'd that name came from?"

"Something I've thought up in the moment. What? Does Ingrid not suit me?"

"I don't know, I don't exactly know the meaning of that name. But it does seem pretty."

"Good. It's better for you to not know."

"Hey! Now you're making me curious...", I replied to which Robin only quietly smirked at. Soon we arrived at the inn and we once again rested on our beds.

"I thought it will be long before we get to a bed?"

"Hmph. I only said that for precaution. You must always relish that feeling like there won't be another.", Robin answered, lying on the bed lazily.

It's my first time seeing Robin laid back. It's not so bad seeing a diligent person be so lazy.

"You heard what that guy said, Captain?"

"What? About the town?"

"Yeah. Shouldn't we go?", I suggested.

Robin sits up and looks at my direction. Her piercing eyes still sharply gazes as always, but I don't find it intimidating now that I am used to her size. Before, admittedly, it was frightening to see her gazing down at me. Especially when it's a hunk of iron that can squish me at any moment.

"We should, but we have to settle down first. The town of Libera is further than you expect. It's better if we get some mounts first."

"But aren't horses expensive?"

"They are, which is why we need to do some work first. Escort, guarding or delivery."

"Then for the time being I'll try to find some work. Like what I usually do before."

"We can't really expose you outside...plus I find it hard to believe that people would hire you with your appearance."

"Excuse you, I am quite confident of my face."

Robin only raised her eyebrows as she stares at me, implying something.

"Ah right, the mask.", I added after I realized what she was trying to tell me.

"Exactly. Leave the work to me."

"Oh no, I won't let you do that. Don't worry, I'll come up with something."

"You really are stubborn. Got it. We'll find work together."

"Sounds good to me.", I answered, ending the conversation, but then I remembered something I thought of earlier.

"Captain, do you think the mayor is raising the tax for the war?"

"It is possible, perhaps by the time we've arrived the problem would have ended."

"It would be great if it does."

It is indeed possible, but then it may be only temporary like Robin said. Perhaps we're worrying too much for it.

The two of us then went down to the market to buy something to eat. Finally, I get to buy my favorite combination which is meat skewers and bread and I can delightfully teach Robin about the wonders of the meal, in price and satisfaction.

"Look! My genius tactic for a cheap but tasty meal!"

"We could've ate at a tavern you know..."

Robin said while I present to her the bread and juicy meat skewers. We quietly ate while we walk on the streets, exploring the town and looking for possible work as we go. The people do tend to look into our direction, perhaps to Robin. She does have the looks and body to gather the eyes after all. But can't say I like those eyes staring. I feel awkward too. I'm just used to having only one or two set of eyes looking at my direction.

"Wait a moment here, Nathan."

I almost missed what she said as I continued to walk, unfamiliar with the name before I remember who it is for. I see Robin standing in front of a board at the center of the market place. She was meticulously reading each and every pages that was stuck in there, until she pulls one apart and presented it to me.

"How fortunate. We already have a work to do."