Stepping beyond the mansion's gates, Zach was immediately met with a scene more vibrant than he had expected. The streets of Ravennest were alive with activity merchants calling out their wares, children laughing as they ran past, and travelers moving through the main roads. It was a town bursting with life, a sight that struck a nostalgic chord within him.
Rendon, walking at a steady pace beside him, took on his role as a guide. "Young Master, welcome to Ravennest proper. Let me show you around."
As they strolled down the cobblestone streets, Zach took in the sights and sounds. His first stop was the town plaza, an open space where a grand fountain stood at its center. The water shimmered under the sun, and nearby, performers entertained a small crowd.
"The plaza is the heart of Ravennest. People gather here for announcements, performances, and celebrations. During festivals, it's filled with lanterns and music," Rendon explained.
Zach nodded, taking mental notes. "It's well-structured. Open enough to accommodate large crowds, but not so large that it feels empty on quieter days."
Next, they arrived at the main gate. Guards stood tall, greeting travelers as they entered. Some inspected incoming goods, while others questioned visitors about their purpose in town.
"Security here is strict, but fair," Rendon continued. "We have a steady flow of merchants and travelers passing through, so maintaining order is a priority."
Watching the bustling movement, Zach's mind drifted to his past life. He recalled the times he inspected infrastructure projects, ensuring the roads remained in good condition to support trade. Back then, he worked to build trust between the people and the government. Here, he could see that same trust reflected in the interactions between the guards and the citizens.
"This place is thriving," Zach muttered under his breath. "It reminds me of…" He stopped himself, shaking his head. "Never mind."
Rendon raised a brow but said nothing, leading him further into town.
They passed by several well-known establishments, including a bakery famous for its honey-glazed bread and a blacksmith's forge where the rhythmic clang of metal echoed through the streets. The scent of roasted meat filled the air as vendors prepared fresh skewers for eager customers. Every corner of Ravennest was alive with energy.
Along the way, snippets of conversation from the townspeople caught Zach's ears.
"Did you hear? Another town was attacked by bandits recently."
"Really? Thank the heavens Ravennest is safe. Lord Vincent's leadership is the reason we don't have to worry about such things."
"I heard they're getting bolder. Some say they're gathering forces along the border."
"It's only a matter of time before they try something bigger. We're lucky Lord Vincent keeps this town secure."
Zach kept his expression neutral, but inside, he noted the tension in their voices. The bandit threat was growing, and while Ravennest remained untouched, it was clear that trouble was brewing beyond its borders. It was something to keep in mind for the future.
Finally, they reached the marketplace. Stalls lined both sides of the street, selling everything from exotic spices to fine silk. The sight overwhelmed Zach for a moment. He had seen bustling markets before, but experiencing it firsthand in this world was different. It was a place of commerce, yes, but also of connection—people chatting, haggling, and exchanging stories.
His gaze lingered on a large, well-maintained building at the market's edge. "That's the guild lot, isn't it?"
Rendon nodded. "Yes, it houses different guild offices—merchant, adventurer, craftsman. Anyone looking for work or trade opportunities will pass through there."
Zach smirked. "Efficient."
As they moved through the market, he couldn't help but marvel at the organization. The way the people worked in harmony, the balance between regulation and freedom it was reminiscent of the best-managed cities from his past life.
Before he could get lost in thought again, Rendon came to a stop. "This is where we were headed."
Zach followed his gaze, his eyes landing on a towering building ahead. The largest store in town, standing tall and proud, its doors inviting them in.
Zach took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Alright. Let's see what they have inside."
Stepping into the store, Zach was immediately overwhelmed by the sheer number of people bustling inside. Customers filled the aisles, merchants debated prices, and clerks rushed to restock shelves. The air carried a mixture of fresh parchment, polished wood, and the faint scent of ink signs of a well-managed establishment.
Zach's first impression was a positive one. "This place is well-kept," he muttered, nodding in approval. "Business seems to be thriving."
Rendon, standing beside him, scanned the interior before leading the way forward. Not long after, a well-dressed man spotted them and hurried over, his eyes lighting up as he recognized the familiar figure of Ravennest's head of security. The store owner, a middle-aged man with neatly combed hair and a merchant's practiced smile, approached with eager enthusiasm.
"Ah, Sir Rendon! What an honor to have you grace my humble store," he greeted, bowing slightly before shifting his attention to the young boy beside him. "And this must be…?"
Rendon nodded. "This is Young Master Zach."
The store owner's expression turned even more ingratiating. "Of course! It is an even greater privilege to meet the young heir of Ravennest. Such composure, such sharp eyes surely the mark of a brilliant future leader! It is as if I stand before the hero of the kingdom himself."
Zach raised an eyebrow at the flattery but said nothing, letting the merchant carry on with his overly enthusiastic praise. Bootlicking was a common skill among businessmen, and this man seemed particularly adept at it.
After exchanging pleasantries, Zach refocused on the reason for his visit. He turned his gaze toward the area where the game table had been set up, expecting to see a gathering of curious players.
But what he saw instead made his expression stiffen.
An empty spot.
The table was there, undisturbed, but not a single person was using it. The chairs remained vacant, and it looked as if the game had been abandoned completely, left to collect dust. Around it, customers moved about without so much as a glance in its direction almost as if it were a plague to be avoided.
Zach frowned. "What's going on here?"
Disappointment crept into his chest. He had expected at least some level of interest, but the utter lack of engagement was disheartening.
Zach's expression remained calm, but he couldn't hide the flicker of disappointment in his eyes. The empty game table stood in the corner of the store, untouched and avoided like some sort of cursed object. He had expected at least some curiosity, but instead, it seemed as if the game had been completely ignored.
He let out a slow breath. "So this is how it turned out…"
Though he was young in this life, his mind carried the weight of experience. This was not his first setback. It was just another obstacle in a long journey, one he would need to overcome. As he stared at the vacant space, a memory surfaced one from his past life.
In his previous world, he had once pushed for the construction of a playground in an underdeveloped neighborhood. The idea had been simple: create a safe and engaging place where children could play, fostering community bonds. The project had gone through, funds had been allocated, and within months, a colorful playground stood ready.
But instead of the laughter of children filling the air, the place had been left abandoned. The equipment gathered dust, the swings barely moved, and the slides remained untouched.
Zach had been devastated. He had poured effort into it, believing it would bring joy. Yet, in the end, it had gone to waste. When he investigated, the answer had been frustratingly simple the people of that neighborhood had been too preoccupied with survival to care about a playground. They had more immediate concerns, like putting food on the table and keeping their homes from collapsing. He had been so focused on what he thought they needed that he had failed to consider their reality.
His fingers twitched as he returned to the present. "I see… I made the same mistake."
Pushing aside his thoughts, he turned to the store owner, who had been standing nearby, gauging his reaction. The man, a well-groomed merchant in his forties, immediately saw an opportunity.
"Young Master Zach, your presence here is truly a blessing! Your brilliance shines brighter than the finest gems in my store"
Before the store owner could continue, Rendon cleared his throat loudly, cutting off the excessive flattery. "Stick to the topic."
The merchant coughed into his fist, adjusting his stance before offering a more serious explanation. "Ah, yes, of course. You see, Young Master, my store is mainly a place where people pass through. They come in to buy what they need and leave. Very few linger, and those who do tend to be adults enjoying a drink or resting between errands."
Zach processed the information. "So, you're saying the issue isn't the game itself, but the environment?"
The merchant nodded. "Exactly. It's not that people aren't interested, but this isn't the kind of place where they would sit and play. They're here to shop, not to be entertained."
Zach rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He had been so focused on introducing something new that he hadn't fully considered whether the setting was right for it. Just like before, he had a good idea, but the execution had been misplaced.
"I see… then the issue isn't with the game. It's with where it was placed."
He wasn't discouraged. If anything, this was just another lesson. A mistake was only a failure if nothing was learned from it.