Reasonable

Matthew noted this favor in his heart once again.

He didn’t hate owing favors. What he hated was owing favors with an unclear price.

Regg’s favor was very clear. The recommendation letter, the caravan, the guards, and the inn arrangements—these were all visible forms of help.

What Regg wanted was nothing more than Matthew’s future potential. Matthew could accept this debt. As long as the account was clear, there would be a way to repay it in the future.

The caravan soon passed through the city gate. As the carriage went under the massive archway, the light dimmed briefly.

The heavy city walls cast a shadow that swept over the carriage like a cold palm. A moment later, the view suddenly opened up.

The bustle of the Royal Capital rushed in all at once. The flagstone road was wide and flat, and the wheels made a rhythmic, crisp sound as they rolled over it.

The buildings on both sides of the street were tall and orderly, many shops displaying eye-catching signs. Bright fabrics hung in front of the cloth shops, a rich aroma wafted from the spice stores, polished longswords and shields were displayed at the weapon shops, and bunches of dried plants hung before the herbalist shops.

The streets were crowded. Knights, merchants, servants, adventurers, noble guards, scholars in robes, and elegantly dressed men and women were all walking in their respective directions.

Aidan’s eyes could barely take it all in. He saw armored soldiers standing by a fountain on a street corner.

He saw a noble carriage with silver trim slowly passing by. He saw several people in long robes stepping out of a shop with a strange emblem.

He saw two maids assisting a young noble lady out of a carriage. Everything was fresh and new.

Everything made him feel as if he had just stepped out of a cramped room and was suddenly standing before a vast world. He couldn’t help but whisper, “Brother Matthew, there are so many people here.”

The carriage curtain was lifted again. Matthew glanced at him. “Don’t just gawk at the sights.”

Aidan immediately withdrew his gaze. “Yes.”

Matthew didn’t continue to scold him, because he was looking as well. However, what he saw was different from what Aidan saw.

Aidan saw the prosperity. Matthew saw information.

He looked at the width of the streets. He noted how often the patrol squads passed by. He looked at which shops had noble insignia at their doors.

He observed which buildings had backyards and which alleyways were too narrow. He identified places suitable for staying and places that would be difficult to escape from if something happened.

He also noticed that some shop signs were carved with uncommon symbols. Those symbols didn’t look like ordinary decorations; they were more like internal markings.

Potions, materials, books, and enchanted items—the Royal Capital surely had these things. It was just that, having just arrived, he didn’t know where the entrances were yet.

This caused a suppressed longing to rise in Matthew’s heart. He wanted to go look for them immediately.

He wanted to find out right away where he could buy spell models, where he could exchange for potions, and where he could inquire about academies or wizard organizations.

But he didn’t move. Being impatient was the greatest taboo when first entering the Royal Capital.

The more hurried one was, the easier it was for others to see what one lacked. If one lacked something, it was easy to be baited by it.

A place like the Royal Capital surely did not lack swindlers, middlemen, or those who kept their eyes on the pockets of outsiders.

He had magic stones in his hand, but he couldn't let others know he had them. He needed resources, but he couldn't let others see that he was in desperate need of them.

The more he wanted something, the more he had to appear unhurried. That was the safe way to act.

After the caravan crossed two main streets, the flow of people gradually became less crowded than near the city gate. The streets were still wide, but the buildings on both sides were noticeably more regular, and the pedestrians were more elegantly dressed.

Waiters stood at the doors of many shops, taking the initiative to receive guests whenever carriages or horses stopped. The caravan manager rode his horse to Matthew’s window and leaned forward slightly.

“Lord Matthew.” The curtain was lifted, and Matthew looked at him. “What is it?”

The manager quickly said, “Young Master Regg specifically instructed before we left that you do not need to look for another place to stay after arriving at the Royal Capital.”

Matthew’s eyes flickered slightly. “Oh?”

The manager immediately added, “The Fiery Lion family operates an inn in the East District of the Royal Capital called the Gold Lion Inn. It usually hosts the family’s caravans, familiar merchants, and guests of status.”

He paused and supplemented, “It is not an ordinary inn and does not casually accept walk-in guests of unknown origin. Young Master Regg gave instructions in advance that if you are willing, you can stay there first. A room has already been prepared.”

Matthew didn’t answer immediately. He simply looked at the manager. The manager felt a bit tense under that gaze.

He didn’t know what Matthew was thinking. Along the way, he had become increasingly afraid to treat Matthew as just an ordinary distinguished guest, especially after that night.

He always felt that this young man was hiding things that shouldn't be easily pried into. Seeing that Matthew didn't speak, the manager hurried to explain further.

“The location is quite good, not far from the Chamber of Commerce District, and the security is excellent. Patrol squads pass by at night, and the inn has its own people on guard. If you have just arrived at the Royal Capital, staying there would be much more convenient.”

Matthew asked, “Is it far from here?”

“Not far,” the manager said immediately. “Just cross the plaza ahead and head east for a bit.”

“Is it a mixed crowd?” The manager was slightly stunned.

He hadn’t expected that Matthew’s first concern wouldn't be whether the room was spacious, the price, or the quality of the food, but rather whether the crowd was mixed.

However, he quickly reacted. “It is not.” He said it very seriously.

“The Gold Lion Inn does not accept drunks, wandering adventurers, or people of unclear background. Those who can stay there are either regular guests of the family, merchants with recommendations, or distinguished guests like yourself, personally vouched for by Young Master Regg.”

Matthew nodded slightly. “Then we shall go there.”

The manager visibly breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes, I will lead the way immediately.”

The curtain was lowered. Matthew leaned back into the carriage. The Gold Lion Inn—an asset of the Fiery Lion family in the Royal Capital.

He wasn't surprised by this. Since the Fiery Lion family could become one of the three major families in the county seat, they couldn't possibly only focus on that small piece of land.

A family with true foundation would surely extend its reach to the Royal Capital. This was the political center, the wealth center, and the place where information was most concentrated.

It was normal to open inns and shops, establish contact points, and even master some hidden channels here. If the Fiery Lion family had no assets in the Royal Capital at all, it would only show that the family’s vision was limited.

Matthew was more concerned about whether the place was suitable for staying. He quickly weighed the options in his mind.

Staying there had benefits. First, safety. He had just arrived and was not yet familiar with the city. Finding a random inn might seem free on the surface, but the risk was actually higher.

Who knew who was behind the inn? Who knew who was staying next door? Who knew if the inn manager would sell information about a stranger to others?

The Gold Lion Inn at least had the background of the Fiery Lion family. Even if it wasn't absolutely safe, it was more reliable than an ordinary inn.

Second, a reasonable identity. He was a guest introduced by the Fiery Lion family. He entered the city with their recommendation letter and arrived with their caravan.

Staying at the family’s inn made for a complete identity chain. If anyone were to investigate, there would be a logical explanation. This was less conspicuous than suddenly leaving the caravan to stay at a strange inn.

Third, the ability to contact Regg. Matthew didn't plan to rely on Regg. But not relying on him didn't mean he couldn't leave a path open.

The Royal Capital was too large, with too many factions. If he encountered a problem he couldn't solve in a short time, sending a message through the Fiery Lion family might get him information or help. Even just a piece of intelligence could sometimes be valuable enough.

Fourth, it saved time. His most important task right now was not to spend days looking for a place to stay, but to familiarize himself with the Royal Capital as quickly as possible and find spell models and resource channels.

Since Regg had already prepared a suitable landing spot for him, there was no need to deliberately refuse for the sake of so-called independence.

Of course, there were downsides. Staying at the Gold Lion Inn meant his movements would be known by the Fiery Lion family. The favor between him and Regg would also deepen by another layer.

However, Matthew quickly judged that this risk was acceptable. He had already used the recommendation letter, ridden with the caravan, and accepted the guard arrangements.

At this point, deliberately avoiding the inn would actually seem suspicious. Furthermore, favors were not monsters. What was truly dangerous were favors with unclear prices.

Matthew remembered clearly what Regg had given. If there was a chance to repay it in the future, he wouldn't pretend not to know. That was enough.

The caravan traveled for another distance and finally stopped in front of a three-story building. Aidan rode his horse close to the carriage window. “Brother Matthew, we’ve arrived.”

Matthew lifted the curtain and looked outside. The building before him was even better than he had expected. It was a three-story stone-and-wood structure.

The ground floor was made of grayish-white stone blocks, looking heavy and stable. The upper floors were a mix of dark wooden beams and light-colored walls, with clean, orderly windows edged with subtle dark gold lines.

A sign with gold letters on a deep red background hung at the door: Gold Lion Inn. Beside the sign, a small Fiery Lion crest was carved.

Two bronze wall lamps by the door were already lit, their shades crafted into a lion-head shape. The firelight shone from the lions' mouths, illuminating the steps and the flagstones at the entrance.

There was none of the noise common at the entrance of ordinary inns. No drunks, no mercenaries covered in mud, and no piles of luggage clumped together.

Two waiters in clean uniforms stood at the door. Seeing the Fiery Lion family caravan stop, they immediately came forward to welcome them. Matthew only needed one look to know that this was indeed not an ordinary inn.

The price here wouldn't be low, and there wouldn't be few rules. But this happened to fit his current needs perfectly.

After dismounting, the caravan manager stepped forward and spoke a few words with the waiters. Not long after, a middle-aged inn manager walked out of the inn.

He wore a dark formal suit, his hair was neatly combed, and he had an appropriate smile on his face. The caravan manager brought him to Matthew’s carriage and introduced him solemnly: “This is Lord Matthew, the distinguished guest Young Master Regg specifically mentioned.”

Upon hearing the words “Young Master Regg,” the inn manager’s expression immediately became several degrees more serious. He bowed slightly. “Lord Matthew, welcome to the Gold Lion Inn.”

Matthew stepped out of the carriage. His movements were neither fast nor slow. Aidan immediately followed behind him.

The inn manager looked up at Matthew but quickly withdrew his gaze, not staring in a rude manner. This detail gave Matthew a fairly good impression of him.

People who knew the rules were usually easier to deal with. The inn manager said, “The room is ready. It is on the east side of the third floor. It doesn't face the street, so it's quiet and has good lighting. If you have any needs, you can instruct the waiters.”

Matthew nodded. “Thank you for the trouble.”

The inn manager quickly said, “You are too kind. This is what Young Master Regg instructed in advance.”

Regg’s arrangement again. That name crossed Matthew’s mind once more. Regg was indeed very good at handling people.

The recommendation letter was given in a timely manner. The caravan arrangement was stable. The information about the Royal Capital was practical. And now, even the inn to stay at was prepared in advance.

This kind of thoughtfulness made it hard not to remember. But Matthew also knew that Regg wasn't being purely warm-hearted. He was investing.

He was investing in the day Matthew might grow powerful in the future. Matthew didn't resent this kind of investment.

There was no such thing as groundless kindness in the world, especially among nobles. A noble’s kindness often came with a ledger. This was actually normal.

Matthew only feared those who claimed they wanted nothing while secretly taking more. Regg at least gave clearly. And Matthew received clearly.

Before checking in, Matthew looked at the caravan manager. The manager immediately stood up straight. “Lord Matthew?”

Matthew said, “You’ve all worked hard on this journey.” The manager hurried to lower his head.

“You overstate it, my Lord. Delivering you safely to the Royal Capital was Young Master Regg’s instruction and our duty.”

Matthew looked at him, his tone calm. “After you return, thank Young Master Regg on my behalf.”

“I will certainly convey that,” the manager said hastily. Matthew paused for a moment and added, “Tell him I’ve noted this favor.”

The manager’s eyes visibly brightened. This sentence was more important than a simple thank you.

He knew why Young Master Regg had made these arrangements. Young Master Regg didn't want a polite word from Matthew; he wanted Matthew to remember this help.

Now that Matthew had personally said he had “noted the favor,” the manager’s task was truly considered well-done. He bowed and said, “Yes, Lord Matthew, I will convey your words exactly.”

Matthew said no more. He followed the inn manager into the Gold Lion Inn. The lobby was even more spacious than it appeared from the outside.

The floor, made of dark wooden planks, was polished clean, and footsteps were very light upon it. Several landscape paintings hung on the walls, green plants were placed in the corners, and there was a faint scent of woody incense in the air.

It wasn't a pungent powder scent, nor was it the mixture of alcohol, sweat, and grease found in ordinary inns. The scent here was clean and restrained.

A small Fiery Lion crest hung behind the counter. Several guests in the lobby were talking in low voices; judging by their clothes, they were mostly merchants or noble attendants. Seeing the manager personally welcoming Matthew, their gazes couldn't help but sweep over.

But they were quickly withdrawn. Most people who stayed here knew the rules. They didn't look at what shouldn't be seen, and didn't ask what shouldn't be asked.

Matthew ignored these gazes. The manager walked ahead, personally leading the way upstairs. His footsteps were light, and his voice was well-controlled.

“The third floor is relatively quiet and usually only reserved for distinguished guests. The room next to yours has been kept for your attendant. If you need meals, they can be delivered directly to your room; there is no need to come downstairs.”

Matthew asked, “Is it quiet at night?”

The manager answered immediately, “It is. The third floor does not accept temporary guests. There are waiters on duty in the hallway at night, but they will not disturb you without reason.”

“Is there a back door?”