Catgirls And Dungeons (Yuri)-Chapter 72: Vanessa outpost
We arrive just in time. The sky has already darkened, and the moon and stars are gradually coming into view.
Up ahead, an outpost sprawls across a wide clearing in the forest, its perimeter enclosed by low wooden fences. A few guards patrol the area, and a short guard tower—bearing the Adventurer's Guild emblem on a large flag—stands watch. Meanwhile, wooden torches line the path, offering a gentle, flickering glow that pushes back the shadows of the encroaching night.
"We're here, Felicia," Eris says, gently setting me down from her back. "This is the Vanessa Outpost. We'll stay here tonight and head to the dungeon tomorrow morning."
"Nn," I reply, briefly smoothing out my hair and clothes, wanting to appear at least a little presentable.
According to Eris, outposts like this serve three crucial purposes.
First and foremost, they provide a resting place for adventurers both before and after their perilous dungeon ventures. Since journeying from Mistvale can take hours—or even days—depending on the dungeon, it's practical to have a nearby hub. In fact, many seasoned adventurers opt to base themselves here rather than renting a place in the city, returning to Mistvale only when necessary.
Secondly, these outposts can act as modest trading points. While not as lively or expansive as the main markets back in town, they still allow adventurers to sell items obtained from dungeon runs without having to haul everything back to Mistvale. Granted, the prices may be slightly lower, but it saves a great deal of time. Merchants also frequent these places, purchasing goods to resell at a profit in the city. Conversely, adventurers can acquire weapons, armor, potions, and other vital resources right here; weapon rentals and repair services are available too.
Lastly—and perhaps most importantly—the outpost serves as an early line of defense in the event of a dungeon break. Should monsters ever spill forth unexpectedly, the adventurers stationed here would respond first.
There are five large outposts around Mistvale, plus several smaller ones. The larger outposts are regulated by the Adventurer's Guild, while smaller ones might be privately owned by other guilds.
"All right, let's head inside," Eris suggests.
After providing our IDs to the guards at the entrance, we pass through the fences and enter the outpost.
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"Wow, this is amazing!" I exclaim, unable to hide my awe as I take in the sight around me.
It looks like a small, self-contained village hidden deep in the forest. Wooden cabins are scattered throughout a clearing, while a spacious area is set aside for tents. Off to one corner, there's a section filled with training dummies for practicing combat, and just beside it sits a modest trade station where adventurers can buy and sell supplies. At the heart of the outpost, a large bonfire crackles and glows, providing a warm, comforting light over the entire scene.
Besides the guards, about twenty people are milling around, each occupied with some task. A few sit on wooden benches, chatting quietly or having a meal, while others practice swordplay, their armor reflecting the dancing flames.
Without lingering, we make our way toward the biggest building here: a large wooden house adorned with multiple guild flags. This, as Eris explains, is the Vanessa Outpost's headquarters, where we can register ourselves and secure a place to stay.
As soon as we walk in, a human woman dressed in the Adventurer's Guild uniform greets us. "Good evening," she says politely.
Glancing around, I notice that the interior décor and layout immediately remind me of the Adventurer's Guild back in Mistvale, though it's clearly on a smaller scale, with more wooden furniture and fewer people bustling about.
"Hi," Eris begins, returning the greeting with a friendly nod. "We just arrived from Mistvale and want to rent a place for the night."
"Sure," the woman replies, gesturing toward her right. "You can speak with Lisa at counter number three."
"Got it, thanks," Eris says, before heading that way. I follow close behind, curious to see what our options are.
Behind the counter, Lisa greets us with a bright smile. She's young—likely eighteen or nineteen—with twin ginger braids framing a delicate face.
"Good evening," she says in a cheerful tone. "You're looking to rent a place to stay?"
"Yes, please," Eris answers.
"Would you prefer a cabin or a tent?" Lisa inquires.
"Oh, a cabin, please," Eris responds without hesitation.
"Great!" Lisa chimes. "And what kind of cabin did you have in mind?"
Eris pauses for a moment, then turns to me. "Felicia, what do you think?"
"Ehhh?" I blink in surprise. "I-I've never been here before, so I'm not sure!"
"I see," Lisa murmurs understandingly. She hands me a slip of paper listing different cabin types and their prices.
I look it over, realizing there are far more options than I expected.
——————-
Bronze Tier
Size: 15 square meters
Description: This option includes a single bed for the night, along with a small closet and a chest for storage. Both the door and windows are secured with minor enchantments to deter thieves. It's suitable for one or two people.
Price: 149 crowns per night of 3,999 crowns per month
——-
Silver tier
Size: 20 square meters
Description: This one is a little bit bigger, comes with a bigger bed and bigger closet and chest. There's also a small desk and chair.
Price: 199 crowns per night or 5499 crowns per month
———
Gold tier
Size: 35 square meters
Description: In addition to a bed, this tier offers a small kitchen equipped with basic cooking tools and utensils, allowing adventurers to cook their own meals. It also includes a private toilet for added privacy!
Price: 299 crowns per night or 7999 crowns per month
——-
Ruby tier
Size: 75 square meters
Description: Designed for groups, this spacious option includes multiple beds and ample room for larger parties looking to save on costs. There's also a small kitchen for cooking. It's perfect for four or more adventurers!
Price: 399 crowns per night or 10499 crowns per month
——-
And lastly, the most luxurious one!
Diamond Tier!
Size: 150 square meters!
As many bed and furniture as you want! Furnished according to the customer's need!
Spacious kitchen will a cooler device that can make ice cream or cold drink!
Private luxury toilet, plus a private bath!
Also, access to services like free massage, free food, discounted weapon and armor maintenance!
However, the price…
799 crowns per night!
Or 19.999 crowns per month!
——————
Well….
WELLLLLLLL….
"G-gold tier then?" I murmur, tugging Eris' arm.
300 crowns per night is… ouch…
This will hurt… very much. I can feel the pain already just by looking at the numbers…
But… while the prices are quite absurd, and I don't really need the kitchen since we will only stay for one night, I need the toilet!
As a girl, I can't just wander off into the bushes in a forest full of wild animals and insects, not to mention the other people around here!
Besides, I have no idea how clean—or unclean—the public restrooms might be.
"Hmmm, you like it?" Eris asks, eyeing me curiously.
"Well… yeah," I admit slowly, casting her a tentative look. "If we can't afford that, then Bronze Tier would be fine, I guess…"
After all, we only need somewhere to sleep safely through the night. As for the restroom issue… I suppose I could ask Eris to go with me if I'm that worried.
However…
"All right, I'll take the Diamond Tier," Eris suddenly declares.
My jaw drops. Nearby, Lisa's eyes go wide in shock.
"E-eh? Diamond Tier?" she echoes.
"Yes," Eris confirms casually, handing the paper back. "The most expensive one, please."
Meanwhile, I'm practically speechless.
Diamond tier cabin
800 crowns per night…
Whatt?
WHAAAAT????
WHAT IS GOING ONNNN?!!!
Eris turns to me with a smug wink. "I need a good rest—and a bath. You do too, right?"
"Y-yeah… but that's so much money!" I protest in disbelief.
"Don't worry. We'll earn it back in no time," Eris replies with a carefree laugh. Then she turns back to Lisa, reiterating, "Diamond Tier, please."
And then, before I can even gather my thoughts, the transaction is done. Eris signs the paperwork, and just like that, 800 crowns vanish in a heartbeat.
Now, holding the key in my hands, I still can't believe it.
Eris, however, seems entirely unconcerned.
"Hey, let's go, I'm hungry!" she exclaims. "I smell grilled Filoan! Quick! Before they sell out!"
"Y-yeah, let's go!" I answer, snapping back to reality.
However…
I'm still shaking in my boots right now.
Oh my..
Oh my goodness…
Now that I think about it..
Right…
Eris is an A-rank adventurer. She's likely raking in far more money than an ordinary person could dream of, which explains why she didn't hesitate when buying me expensive clothes—and why she doesn't even blink at the Diamond Tier cabin's price.
