Oak Tavern.
The back-left corner near the enormous oak tree in the middle.
This was Greck's favorite spot.
Ever since returning from Trout Town, he had spent several days in a row at this spot.
Although Oak Tavern was the liveliest place in town, the prices really weren't that high.
Patchy, the shrewd goblin owner, was greedy, but he also knew how to make money steadily over time.
After all, if he emptied these penniless adventurers' pockets all at once, who would come back for a drink tomorrow?
Greck had earned nearly one and a half Gold Shields on his recent trip. As long as he kept his old gambling habit in check, it would be enough to see him comfortably through the cold winter, with a treat now and then to boot.
"Hey, Greck, it's your turn! You can rub that card all you want, but it won't change."
Greck snapped out of it and realized he had been unconsciously rubbing the worn corners of the ordinary card in his hand.
"What's the rush? I've got bad luck, so I'm not even allowed to think about my cards?"
"Give it a rest! I saw it." The thin man beside him, skinny as a bamboo pole, snorted. "That card's got three attack points, and that's it."
Greck lowered his head and took a long swig of ale.
This corner of the tavern hall was set aside for gamblers.
Several wooden tables had been pushed together, and familiar and unfamiliar adventurers sat around them, playing "Adventure Cards," a game that had recently become popular in Rose Town.
The card game featured monsters, equipment, and famous figures from across the Lola Continent. It was popular among low-level adventurers and a good way to kill time—and spend copper nails.
"If you ask me,