Chapter 15
The first rays of morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the small but cozy inn room. A soft knock echoed on the wooden door before it creaked open gently. Marie, with her auburn hair tied neatly behind her head and a bright smile on her face, stepped inside. In her arms, she held a small folded towel and a pitcher of warm water.
"Young Master Lucien, it's morning. Time to eat some breakfast before we depart," she said gently.
The boy on the bed stirred under a thick wool blanket. His silver hair peeked out, shining faintly in the morning light, and his one red and one gray eye fluttered open, squinting from the drowsiness still clinging to him.
"Mmm... already?" Lucien groaned, stretching his small limbs. The joints in his arms popped softly as he let out a long yawn.
Marie chuckled. "Yes, already. You slept quite soundly last night. Come, I'll help you freshen up."
A few minutes later, the two of them made their way downstairs into the common dining area of the inn. Though the sun had barely climbed the sky, the inn was already bustling. A few adventurers lounged around tables, drinking early ale and eating slabs of roasted meat while exchanging loud stories of last night's ventures.
Lucien and Marie found a quiet table near the window. A serving boy with a stained apron approached and handed them a slightly crinkled menu card. It listed a variety of travel-ready meals—grilled beast sausages, barley porridge with spice, roasted root vegetables, and warm buttered bread.
Marie glanced at Lucien. "What would you like, young master?"
Lucien scanned the options before pointing at the sausage and porridge set. "That one. And some tea too, please."
Marie nodded and placed the order with the boy, who hurried off toward the kitchen. Not long after, steaming plates arrived. The sausages were thick and juicy, the porridge creamy with a drizzle of honey, and the bread still warm. The tea came in a clay cup, fragrant and soothing.
Lucien dug in, savoring every bite. Marie ate as well, her etiquette sharp despite the rustic setting. Around them, the other patrons barely paid attention, focused on their own affairs.