Chapter 8: Right On Time
I woke up to the sound of horseshoes clacking on cobblestones.
"Wake up, Master Rin," I heard my driver yell. "We’ve arrived at your destination."
The rays of the morning sun hurt my eyes as I tried to open them. But in time, I lifted up my head and glanced out my carriage window.
Before us was a large alehouse and inn, two floors high, with wooden doors and windows, built to house nobles and rich commoners alike.
Visible in the distance, was the Imperium Magic Academy.
"You need to prepare, Master Rin, the entrance examination is in three hours."
Yes, the examination!
I jumped down from the carriage and marched towards the inn door, my men quickly following behind me.
As soon as we opened the door, a sudden hush fell upon the room.
Most of the tables were already filled, save for a few empty seats. I half-expected the alehouse to be empty this time of the morning, but it seemed the people of Viridale had different customs.
I navigated past the seated men, enduring their weird stares as they wondered what a silver-haired noble was doing with a bunch of bandits.
Walking straight to the wide-eyed brown-haired innkeeper, I gave a brief smile and tossed her a gold coin.