☀️ Arselia and Akonia

While everyone is still awake, Kenichiro discusses unforeseen difficulties with his companions.
—It seems we all got a little carried away with our equipment expenses. If His Majesty doesn't help us, we'll have to seriously cut back, but even that might not be enough, and we'll have to contact the guild. Or the arena. Even if we all live in one room, we still have expenses for a guide and logistics. Oh well. The details will be decided after talking to the king. In the meantime, I think it would be a good idea to present him with the Sekira of Sartek as a gift. It's not very practical, but it's presentable and has a history, and it would be awkward to come to an important person without a gift. I should check with Karim, but I think such elements of etiquette are universal.

—We got carried away, that's for sure," Alaria agreed unenthusiastically, mistakenly considering the money they were given as "preparatory" funds. —I think we really will have to take on some local work and hope that they pay well. But even if we weren't so constrained by our, uh, financial circumstances, it would still make sense to go there. And to the arena, too. If an abomination turns out to be its main "attraction." As for the axe, the idea of a gift is a good one—it will help us make the right impression on His Majesty.
Tanarsia didn't say this out loud, but the idea of giving the king something that "isn't very useful" struck her as quite amusing, even though Kenichiro had said this only among themselves.

—We are already in your debt twice, Kenichiro," Klin nodded in gratitude. —I also fully support the idea of a gift. As for the rest...
The knight paused for a moment, wondering how ironic it would be if they were ultimately cut down with the "gifted" axe.

—You don't have to be a great sorcerer to feel whose aura has thickened over Barsia like storm clouds. His Majesty's support will definitely not hurt us, but who knows, maybe an unholy force has already penetrated the royal pyramid. This will reveal our cards to the enemy, so I will not bore you with talk about maximum vigilance—I think you are much more experienced in travel than I am.

—As for the funds, we should take care not only of a roof over our heads and food, but also of finding a ship for the return journey. In case of an unforeseen departure, we need to be ready in advance. I think our need will play into our hands. No one will ask too many questions if tourists who spend a lot of money start wandering around the city in search of mercenary work in order to save money for the road. As the elder of my village used to say, "there is no better secret than a sincere truth." As Alaria rightly noted, the guild and the arena are our primary goals, but we should not discount the market either. If my theory is correct, the spawn of evil are not necessarily allies, but they are subconsciously drawn to each other, so be prepared to face not only our trio, but also other unexpected guests.

—In the morning, we will first go to meet the king, and after that I plan to go to the port, wait for the raven to return, and find out about a ship to Margel. Without this, our actions make no sense. We will discuss further plans after the audience with His Majesty. For now, I am ready to listen to your suggestions, dear friends, if you have any.