Before the city gates closed, Ang successfully returned to Pat City. He casually found a clean, tidy-looking inn to stay in. After a quick rest, he went to the counter and struck up a conversation with the owner.
"Boss, if I wanted to recruit some craftsmen, where should I go?" Ang's tone was casual, yet carried a hint of seriousness.
The innkeeper was a middle-aged man with a thick beard. Hearing Ang's question, he set down his ledger and gave him a careful look. "Craftsmen? What kind do you need?"
"Carpenters and stonemasons," Ang replied.
The owner stroked his beard and thought for a moment. "Then you can go to the east side of the city tomorrow. Craftsmen often gather there, and there are quite a few skilled ones. Ask around, and you should find the people you need."
Ang nodded and remembered the location. After resting for the night, he got up to leave at first light. As he passed the street vendors, a fragrant smell caught his attention. He bought a Pat City specialty wheat cake and a cup of milk as well. As he walked and ate, he found the crisp, delicious cake paired with milk had a unique flavor. Ang thought to himself that prices in this city were fairly reasonable; this simple breakfast had cost only three Copper Wacks.
By the time he reached the eastern district, the place was already bustling. The broad open-air market was packed with noise and people, stalls lined up in neat rows, and many people haggled while leading livestock around. Quite a few stalls also specialized in brokering employment. Ang looked around and felt a little overwhelmed. After asking around, he confirmed that this was indeed where craftsmen gathered.
To make recruitment easier, Ang borrowed a table and obtained