Chapter 175: Shopping with the Family (2)

There were silk fabrics from the Eastern Lands, luminescent crystals from the Deep Caverns, and even a small cage containing a blue-feathered bird that, according to the merchant, could imitate the human voice.

Judite was fascinated by the bird, but Clavor refused firmly.

"We don’t have room for any more animals," he said, casting a meaningful glance toward Lukas.

Lukas couldn’t help but laugh. He knew his parents had already made plenty of concessions regarding his animals, Prata, the giant spider, Tilbo, the colossal ant, and now Astra, the eagle.

As the sun began sinking toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of crimson and gold, they decided to have dinner at a restaurant near the main square. The establishment, called "The Iron Goblet," was well known for its homemade food and welcoming atmosphere.

Rows of dark wooden tables filled the dining hall, and a fireplace crackled along one wall, spreading warmth and light throughout the room.

The food was simple but delicious. Herb-roasted meat, steamed vegetables, freshly baked bread still warm from the oven, and wild berry juice that Judite praised repeatedly.

As they ate, they talked about lighthearted topics, the latest news in the city, their plans for the coming weeks, and the preparations for the approaching winter.

No one mentioned the Awakening. No one mentioned the conversation in the hall.

It was as though they had all silently agreed to leave that subject for another time.

Like an invisible elephant in the room, the topic lingered over them, but no one dared bring it up. Lukas noticed it, yet followed his parents’ example, keeping the conversation on safe and familiar ground.

Late that night, beneath the glow of the waxing moon shining over the city, they returned to the Stone Shield Inn. The inn was comfortable, with airy rooms and soft beds. Ronan, the owner, greeted them with a warm nod and asked whether they had enjoyed their day.

"Excellent," Clavor replied with his usual courtesy.

"The city is just as vibrant as I remembered."

Ronan smiled, revealing teeth yellowed by time.

"There’s always something new around here. Always something new."

...

It had been a long day.

As soon as he entered the room, Lukas took a quick bath in a basin of warm water that the inn’s attendants had prepared. The water carried a faint scent of lavender, and he felt the day’s tension slowly melt away as he rinsed himself.

He lay down on the bed, the soft linen sheets against his skin. For a few moments, he stared at the wooden ceiling, where shadows danced beneath the flickering light of a candle.

A smile naturally appeared on his face.

He had finally awakened.

He closed his eyes.

Within minutes, he was sleeping soundly, dreaming of brilliant lights and unknown paths.

...

It was still dark when he opened his eyes again.

The first rays of sunlight were only beginning to appear on the horizon, painting the clouds in shades of pink and peach. The birds had already begun singing to welcome the new day, and the cool morning air drifted through the half-open window.

He sat up in bed and immediately realized that Clavor and Aurora were no longer in the adjoining room.

’They must be getting the carriage ready.’

He thought to himself as he stretched his arms above his head with a lazy yawn. Beside him, in the neighboring bed, Judite remained completely wrapped in her blankets, with only a single lock of dark hair peeking out from the tangled cocoon of fabric.

Lukas smiled.

He quietly walked over, his bare feet making almost no sound against the wooden floor.

"Judite..."

No response. Only an indistinct mumble from beneath the blankets.

"Judite."

She merely muttered something incomprehensible as she rolled onto her other side.

Lukas chuckled softly, amused by his sister’s resistance.

"It’s time. We’re going home."

The girl pulled the blankets even tighter around herself, burrowing deeper into her cocoon of fabric.

"Five more minutes..." Her voice came out muffled, almost inaudible.

"You said that last time."

She let out a small groan of protest, like a child reluctant to leave behind a pleasant dream.

"Just five more..."

"No."

After complaining for several more minutes, mumbling grievances about the cruelty of fate and the tyranny of her younger brother, Judite finally gave up.

She sat up in bed completely disheveled, her hair forming a messy halo around her face as she rubbed her eyes with clenched fists.

"You’re evil..." she muttered sleepily.

"A tyrant. A despot. A..."

"A brother who wants to get home before nightfall," Lukas finished, still laughing.

"Come on, Judite. Father is probably already getting the carriage ready."

A short while later, the two of them were ready. Judite had managed to tame her hair with a quick brushing and had put on a light blue dress. Lukas wore a simple leather tunic and comfortable trousers, ready for the long journey.

They went downstairs to the inn’s main hall.

Clavor and Aurora were already waiting for them, seated at the table where breakfast had been served. Ronan, the owner, moved between the tables, making sure all of his guests were satisfied.

As they ate bread with butter, fresh cheese, seasonal fruits, and a bowl of oatmeal porridge, they talked about the return trip and the days ahead.

Clavor mentioned that he needed to inspect the winter supplies and that several administrative matters were waiting for him at the manor. Aurora spoke about her plans for the garden and the need to hire a few more servants before the cold weather arrived.

Judite remained curious about the training Lukas was about to begin, asking indirect questions in an attempt to discover what he knew.

"Do you think you’ll train with a sword? Or a bow? Or maybe magic?" She asked the questions as though they were casual, but her eyes shone with genuine curiosity.

Lukas could barely hide his anticipation. Every question Judite asked was like another spark feeding the fire of his own excitement. What would he learn? What would the training be like? The questions bubbled through his mind like water on the verge of boiling.

As soon as they finished their meal, they headed toward the carriage. Ronan was already waiting for them outside, his sturdy figure silhouetted against the morning sky. The sun had climbed higher, spreading light and warmth across the awakening city.

The man broke into a broad smile, once again revealing his yellowed teeth.

"So, the time has come, Clavor."

Clavor shook his hand firmly.

"Thank you for all your hospitality, Ronan. The inn has truly become one of the finest places to stay in the city."