"Unbelievable! We made it to the capital in less than a week!" Mark exclaims as he passes through the large gates with a greeting to each guard.
Licht hums and shields his eyes from the sun, "Sure. Very lucky indeed." He pans out unamused. He had hardly gotten a moment's rest. They were so close to encountering a sea load of monsters, thankfully Licht had an intimidation-type skill.
Mark laughed silently at Licht's tired expression. The kid definitely didn't look thirteen, "If yer lookin' for a gud place te rest, I know da best place." Mark says as he chuckles to himself.
"Really?" Licht looks up from the improvised map, as he gives a second glance to the worn-down building. "He said it was cheap, but..." Licht trailed off doubting the safety of the building.
He takes a deep breath to compose himself and walks in. The door opens with little effort and a bell chimes in response. "Hello?" He calls out.
A girl no older than seven walks out wearing a gray dress and an apron. She had her straight dark hair open in a ponytail, and she smiled widely but her blue eyes looked tired.
"Welcome to 'Silver Princess Lodge'. My name is Carte, how can I help you?" She asks with a timid bow. Licht raises his brow, "I'm here for Miss Anne. Mark made a reservation for two rooms about a month ago." He says as he hands her a silver coin.
Her eyes widen and her hands tremble as she stares at the piece, "I'll go bring your change right away, sir!" She exclaims.
Licht yawned, "No need. Just get me a room." She nods quickly as she walks, eventually directing Licht to his room. The room was old, sure. But it was obvious that it was well and meticulously kept. In a place like this, Licht could actually get some rest.
"I'll be back with-"
"Don't bother. If I don't come out from my room, please do not come in." He orders. The little girl nods vigorously, his presence was close to that of a king and it instantly demanded respect and submission from her.
She scurries out and closes the door with a soft thud. Licht immediately falls to the bed, and in no less than a second, Licht is already asleep.
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"I can't believe I'm meeting you after a week and a half! What have you been doing in that room?! You haven't come down to eat once!" Anne chastised as she pulled on Licht's ear.
She didn't care that he was the son of a noble. A child is still a child at the end. Though she tries to use force to get him to realize his mistake, Licht doesn't even flinch.
"I see no reason to apologize. I didn't get enough sleep on the cart, so it's only natural." Anne growls in reply and lets go of his ear with a 'humph'.
"Still, your payment is incomplete. You paid for lodgings, but not your food." Anne says as she watches Licht scarf down his food. He hadn't eaten in a whole week so it was to be expected.
"Ah. Do I have to pay in cash?" Licht begins, wiping his mouth. Without waiting for a reply, Licht brings out the boar from his item storage without a second thought.
"Whaaa-" Anne stares at the giant animal that appeared out of nowhere. "Oh, and you can keep the change," Licht assures with a satisfied burp, before leaving.
"Where are you going?! It isn't time for the exam yet!" She yells out behind him. "It's at noon, right? I'll go out for a short walk before the noon bell rings."
Anne frowns, rolls her eyes, and stomps back into the inn. The kid was charming, but he had little to no respect for others, not even his elders. She sighed, a kid like him gets into trouble easily in the capital. Sighing once again, she gives a short and simple prayer; "Oh god and goddesses above, please keep him safe. Etiam."
Licht weaved through the crowds, occasionally stopping at street vendors to try some food. Licht chewed at his piece of meat. It was incredible and warm. It was worth it, paying a silver coin. If his parents saw him splurging now, they would scold him and take away his allowance.
Licht took another bit and shivered in delight. He was about to take another bite when a young man wearing a familiar robe bumps into him. Licht stood firm, but unfortunately, both the man and his snack fell onto the floor.
Licht sighs, "What a waste." he said, leaving the young man seething in fury. "Do you know who I am?" He yells, but Licht was nowhere to be found.
The man's face turns red with fury, as he grits his teeth.