Calhart Barracks was a barracks in name, but in reality, it had already become a sizable town.
It had thick city walls and a commercial street lined with shops. Apart from a restricted area in the center, it was no different from the other towns Qin Ran knew in Landon. In fact, those places were not even as prosperous as this one.
As for why?
One look at the patrolling squads, who resembled both soldiers and police, told Qin Ran the answer.
Since entering Calhart Barracks, he had not seen any of the gang members he had encountered in other towns, let alone street thugs.
Everything was so... peaceful.
That was the word Qin Ran finally settled on to describe the Calhart Barracks he saw.
Clearly, the Otherkind were putting real effort into running this town.
But...
How much of it was real?
And how much was false?
Or was the whole thing merely a facade?
Having only just arrived, Qin Ran could not yet judge.
"Sir, the room is ready!"
Reinhard emerged from the inn as he spoke.
"Mm."
Qin Ran nodded and walked inside.
Reinhard had recommended this inn.
It was hardly luxurious, but it was clean and tidy. Most importantly, its cook was exceptionally skilled.
Inside a small suite decorated mainly in white, one section of a semicircular window stood open. Sunlight streamed in, bathing the floor in brightness.
Dust swirled and danced in the light, while the faint scent of lemon lent its movement a touch of cheer.
Holding a sliced lemon, Qin Ran carefully squeezed it, drizzling all its tart juice over the grilled fish before him.
With a deft movement, he pressed his fork into the fish's back and slid off a large piece of flesh.
Rather than putting it straight into his mouth,