Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 49
As Roel walked along the mountain path, she pondered how she would manage to live on her own. The answer wasn’t easy to find.
She knew very little and lacked the confidence and courage to live independently. After reaching the next village, she was unsure where she would stay or what work she could do; her future seemed utterly uncertain.
‘I can manage somehow.’
Roel tried to muster courage in her shrinking heart. Though the courage burst in fleeting bubbles, she had to remind herself that she could only rely on herself now.
The sound of horse hooves approached from behind.
“Move aside!”
The clattering of a light cart suggested it was a caravan returning from selling goods in the village. Roel quickly waved her hands and called out.
“Where are you heading?”
“Huh? To Mountain Goat Village.”
The man reined in his horse as Roel did not move aside.
Mountain Goat Village was a bit further than the village Roel had intended to visit. It was halfway up the mountain and the capital, so it was known as a stopover for caravans and travelers.
Further was better for her, given she had no specific plans.
“I’m really sorry to ask, but I’ve hurt my ankle. Could I ride in your cart?”
Seeing Roel’s limping figure, the man nodded readily. His cart was empty after selling his goods, so there was plenty of room.
“Hop in the back.”
Roel smiled with relief and climbed into the cart. It was filled with empty crates. She sat on one of the crates, and once settled, the man set off again.
The merchant had started early in the morning because he had a long way back. A half-day’s ride lay ahead, and he seemed pleased to have company.
“Where are you from?”
“I’m from the valley village.”
“My, that’s quite a walk, especially with an injured leg. Could’ve been in big trouble.”
“Yes.”
Roel smiled awkwardly.
“What’s your destination?”
“I think I’ll go as far as Mountain Goat Village for now.”
“Do you know anyone in the Mountain Goat Village?”
Roel’s eyes rolled uncertainly. It would be awkward if her lie about knowing someone there was exposed, as merchants are well-connected and often meddle more than necessary. Avoiding any slips was best.
Suddenly, Roel said something unplanned.
“Actually, I need to go to the capital. I thought I’d stop by Mountain Goat Village and then look for a way to get to the capital.”
“How do you plan to reach the capital with an injured leg?”
“That’s a good question…”
“Are you going to the capital to look for a job?”
“Yes, I need to find a job.”
“That makes sense. The capital offers more job opportunities and better pay than these backwoods.”
Her vague plans seemed to take shape as they spoke. While it might be hard for Roel to settle in a rural village dominated by locals, the bustling capital should have places for drifters like her.
‘I’ll need to check the job agencies once I get to the capital…’
Roel thought, recalling how her father used to get work from the mercenary offices.
She didn’t have much money, so staying at an inn for long wasn’t an option. Finding a job with accommodation would be ideal….
Roel worriedly glanced at her ankle. If it didn’t heal, she might get turned away from potential jobs for being unable to work properly. The job agencies might even refuse her if they noticed her limp.
She resolved to quickly mend her injuries and secure employment.
The cart rattled on for a long while.
By late afternoon, as their journey continued and her back and hips ached from the constant jolting, the merchant pointed to a distant location.
“There’s Mountain Goat Village.”
As they crossed the mountains, a vast plain came into view.
The village appeared far on the horizon, as large as she had heard. Around it, numerous roads branched off, with many houses and buildings closely packed together.
Roel exclaimed softly in awe at the open view.
“Let’s hurry before the sun sets.”
The merchant whipped the horses to quicken their pace. Roel fumbled in her pocket and pulled out a coin.
“Sorry, I don’t have much money.”
“It’s alright, keep it. I was heading this way anyway.”
“But I’m really grateful.”
“Really, it’s fine.”
After a couple of refusals, the merchant reluctantly accepted the coin with a resigned look. His light humming indicated that he appreciated the gesture after all.
Cheered by the small token, the merchant started giving Roel various pieces of advice.
“You need to be careful, miss, especially around offices marked with this kind of symbol,” he said, holding up his index and middle fingers to illustrate the sign she should avoid.
“Why should I avoid that symbol?”
“Aha, you didn’t know? That could have been bad.”
He clucked his tongue in disapproval.
“This is why country girls shouldn’t just wander into the capital. They don’t know how dangerous the world can be.”
“…”
“That office is full of thugs. They recruit girls for brothels, promising them lots of money and easy work. Many women are deceived by these offers.”
Roel blinked innocently.
“But isn’t it good if the job pays well and is easy?”
“What part of my explanation did you listen to? They’re selling them into brothels!”
