Primordial Villain With A Slave Harem

- Day 2 -

I wake up the next day, feeling like I've slept on a cloud. For the first time in a while, I feel super energized. I glance around the room and notice how barebones it is; I didn't notice yesterday because I was too overwhelmed with my unique situation.

The room is simple: just a bed, a small table, and a few chairs. The walls are plain, and there's a single window with a wooden shutter. It's a far cry from the comforts of modern Earth. I really start missing some conveniences from home- a morning bath, a toilet with a plumbing system, and, surprisingly, I especially miss my toothbrush and paste. I can't help but worry about my teeth rotting.

I'll have to look around the town later, maybe they do have something similar or at least passable replacements.

I get out of bed and stretch, feeling the muscles in my body responding more energetically than they ever did back on Earth. It's a small comfort in this strange world. I splash some water from the basin onto my face, trying to wake myself up fully. The cold water is refreshing, but it doesn't quite make up for the lack of a proper morning routine.

I decide to head downstairs to the common room, hoping for some breakfast. As I make my way down, the innkeeper greets me with a nod. "Morning," he says. "Sleep well?"

"Yeah." I reply with a smile. "Do you have any breakfast available?"

He shakes his head apologetically. "We don't. I recommend you head to the bakery down the road. My son-in-law works there, their products are well-priced and really tasty."

Before heading out I decide to inquire about the local amenities. "Thanks, I will check it out. By the way," I say to the innkeeper, "do you know where I might find some basic toiletries? A toothbrush, perhaps? Or any place to get a proper bath?"

He looks at me curiously. "A toothbrush? Can't say I know what that is, but you can find tooth powder and brushes made from animal hair at the general store."

Damn, that is disappointing. Also a bit disgusting, not gonna lie.

He then continues, "as for a bath, there's a public bathhouse a few streets over. It's not luxurious, but it gets the job done. We also provide a similar, more affordable service here, for an extra bronze coin we bring you fresh, warm water in a wooden bucket and a few clean rags to wipe yourself with."

"Why didn't you tell me that yesterday, old man? I could've used a wiping." I ask with a bit of annoyance in my voice.

He looks me up and down curiously. "I'm sorry sir for my incorrect assumption. You looked pristine clear, I thought you wouldn't need a bath for the next week."

Fuck. Me.

Medieval hygiene, here we go.

"... Thanks for the information," I say, trying to hide my discomfort. With that settled, I step out of the inn and into the bustling streets of Aldoria.

The town is waking up, merchants setting up their stalls and people going about their daily routines. I take a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. This is a new world, full of dangers and opportunities, and I intend to make the most of it.

Following the innkeeper's directions, I find the bakery without much trouble. The warm aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, making my stomach growl. I step inside, greeted by a young man behind the counter who I assume is the innkeeper's son-in-law.

"Good morning! What can I get for you?" he asks cheerfully.

"Morning. I'll take whatever pastry you recommend," I reply, hoping to get a sense of the local cuisine.

He hands me a sweet-smelling pastry. "That'll be one bronze coin," he says.

"Can I pay with a silver coin?" I have a single bronze coin left so I could pay the exact price, but I really want to find out how much a silver coin is worth.

He glares at me for a second before relenting. "... Yes sir." He then brings a pouch out and counts 99 bronze coins. Yep, my guess is confirmed. A silver coin is worth 100 bronze coins.

I pay him and take a bite of the pastry as I leave. It's surprisingly delicious, filled with a sweet fruit jam that I can't quite identify. The bread is fresh and hearty, perfect for a quick breakfast bite.

With my hunger satisfied and my new toiletries in my bag, I step out of the general store, taking a moment to count my remaining coins. I have 1 silver and 100 bronze coins left. Not a fortune, but enough to get by for now.

I decide to explore Aldoria further, hoping to find opportunities and get a better understanding of this place. The town is alive with activity: merchants selling their wares, craftsmen hard at work in their shops, and people moving through the streets in a constant flow. It's a vibrant, bustling town, and I'm eager to see what it has to offer.

One thing I didn't notice yesterday but stands out today is the prevalence of slavery. Roughly every seventh person I see has a collar around their neck. The collars aren't linked to chains, almost like fashion accessories rather than tools of oppression. I suppose they must be magically bound to ensure loyalty, eliminating the need for physical leashes.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

This greatly piques my interest. If slaves are indeed magically bound to be loyal, they could be invaluable. Equipping one with a sturdy shield could allow me to level up safely by having them take the brunt of the attacks while I look for opportunities to strike with my iron spear.

But first things first. I need to get a price estimate for the goods I scavenged from the merchant's carriage. Two wooden figurines and two wool products are nestled in my backpack, and I have no idea what they might be worth. Selling them would give me a clearer picture of the local economy and help boost my finances.