Chapter 54: House Hunting
The morning sun slipped through the cracks of Inigo’s curtains, casting soft light across the wooden floorboards. He woke before the usual knock from the innkeeper, his internal clock sharp from years of waking early—whether in his old world or this one. For a brief moment, he lay still, staring at the ceiling, letting the quiet of the morning settle over him like a second blanket.
Then he sat up, stretched, and got ready.
Amber’s Hearth smelled of baked bread and tea as he made his way downstairs. The innkeeper, more awake this time, greeted him with a nod and pushed a cup of steaming tea across the counter.
"Guild heroes get free breakfast today," she said.
Inigo chuckled. "Then I guess I’ll have to get used to fame."
She rolled her eyes fondly. "One breakfast. Don’t push it."
After a quick bite, he stepped out into the street, where the bustle of the city had already begun. The stalls were open again, hawking everything from woven cloaks to spiced sausages. But he wasn’t headed to the market today.
As promised, Lyra arrived just before midmorning, wearing a simple traveling cloak and a neatly tucked blouse and pants combo—functional, but sharp.
"You’re actually on time," she said as they met outside the inn.
"I didn’t want you to make all the decisions without me," Inigo replied.
"Too bad. I’m already leaning toward a house with a garden."