I was wrong, accepting the situation didn't make things any better. The only thing that changed was that instead of just talking a lot about a million different things, sometimes the dwarf would ask Alexius questions. Of course he didn't really answer most of them. He had given a very vague story about us for a good reason, it's not like the both of us want people at large to know we are two nobles traveling around. It really attracts trouble. The dwarf should know, he claims he was stolen from multiple times and that was the biggest reason why he ran out of money.

“So anyway, what business do the two of you have in Probium? As I've already mentioned, I'm traveling to prove the power and effectiveness of this new way of fighting I'm developing. Problem is that I've run into a few difficulties... Money is just one of them, you see?”

The more I listen to this dwarf, the more I realize two things: Alexius is probably right when he calls him an honest person. It is also clear that his mind doesn't quite work like a regular person's. At first I thought he was being shady, trying to confuse us, but it just seems like he just leaps and bounds ahead, leaving a lot of holes in his speech. It is pretty difficult to follow exactly what he is referring to at any one point. I frankly have to give it to Alexius, how he can carry a conversation with the dwarf without asking him to repeat himself every few minutes is beyond me.

“Hmm, I see. Well, I don't think our objectives in Probium are that different. Although I'm not really developing anything like you are.” I almost laugh as Alexius talks as if he knew what exactly is this thing that the dwarf says he is developing. “We want to mostly visit the town, perhaps have a look at the shops that offer magical items, but ultimately I think it would be the best possible result if we could challenge and clear the dungeon in the city.”

That was it, although I would have liked something more certain myself...

“Ah! The dungeon! Yes, it would have been a really good test. Actually, accessing the dungeon was one of my problems. You see, I'm not really one for really planning out things, so I left Tharaz Eron excited, with all of these dreams in my head. Among other things, I thought about how impressive it would be if I conquered the Eternal Testing Grounds by myself. Then, everyone would realize that I was right all along! Alas, you con only enter it in a group of at least three people...”

Three people? Was there such a requirement for the dungeon? Did Alexius tell me about such a thing? I don't really remember... As I turn to question him I realize that he looks embarrassed and unsure of things. He probably didn't know about it... I suppress a sigh and try not to think about how much worse it would have been if the two of us had shown up at the dungeon and they discovered that we couldn't enter with less than three people. I might have died of embarrassment.

“So you want to try the dungeon as well! That's good, the two of us were considering hiring a small party of adventurers to fill the required number, but if you come with us, then I guess that won't be needed. How about it?”

That was awfully sly of Alexius... Acting as if we already knew about the number requirement. Still, the invitation he extended to the dwarf was quite natural considering our situation. It's a shame, but I guess I should start getting accustomed to traveling as three instead of just me and Alexius.

“Of course! It would be an honor! And it would be quite lighter on your pockets. Those darned adventurers, they treated me like I was some kind of stupid tourist that just wanted to see the inside of the dungeon. Just because I am a noble they think they can charge some preposterous prices. They were trying to take advantage of me, I tell you. I'm sure I could handle myself inside that thing. How hard can it be?”

So he was being underestimated by adventurers was he? I wonder how wrong could they be... If he really has some kind of revolutionary power in his hands, as he would say, they wouldn't it be easy to demonstrate it?

“Why didn't you show them your new technique or something? I'm sure you could convince them that you're not dead weight then.”

He turned to me, looking dead serious.

“With all due respect, miss, but it's not that simple. First of all, to merely activate it, I expend quite a large amount of mana, so it's not something that I want to use just to show off and convince some cretins that can't take someone at their word. If I'm going to activate it, then I better be fighting something or someone in the near future to justify it. Besides, it's not a party trick.”

I almost clicked my tongue at that weird mix of arrogance and seriousness the dwarf exuded when it came to that one topic. It was good that I was educated to be able to hide my displeasure. Fortunately, a new topic came up as we realized that increasingly the lands around us were cultivated. That could only mean one thing: We were reaching Probium, which was just as well, since the sun was starting to set.

“Look! The city's walls!”

After almost two days of near constant walking, it was quite a relief to finally arrive at our destination. Of course, the urge to look around was strong, but first we should secure a place to stay in the city. Inquiring about it with someone who was already staying in the city was probably a good idea.

“Do you have any recommendations for where we could stay?”

The dwarf scratched his beard as he looked for the answer.

“Well, I'm not sure if I'm the best person to ask... I first stayed in a high-class but really expensive inn, but then, when the money was starting to get really, ahem, sparse, I changed to the complete opposite and was staying in a not very good place. I don't think either are what the two of you are looking for.”

Me and Alexius looked at each other.

“Saving money might not be a bad idea, and we can always spend some mana and activate the bug ward...”

I smiled my best “no way” smile.

“I am not staying in such a place. Okay?”

Fortunately there was no questioning of my decision. I was not going to sleep in a rundown dirty place just because it was cheap. I refused to.

“Okay... A reasonably priced nice-looking place, like the one we stayed at in the capital?”

I nodded.

“That would be perfect.”

Saving money is good after all, within constraints of dignity of course. Hopefully, there I will be able to take an actual bath and not depend on magic.