30 A Quiet Living (1/2)

Unlike last night, my back did not lock up today.Did my improved strength and constitution from yesterday's training allow me to endure the equally rigorous training this afternoon?Or was it the relaxing bath at the bathhouse that soothed my aching body and allowed me to completely recover?Regardless, I predict that I will be a frequent visitor to the bathhouse—if my business deals come to fruition.

I decided to stay in the common room for my evening meal.I sat at my usual table in the back of the room.I took the seat that my bodyguard had taken during lunch.When I saw that I had a decent view of almost the entire room, I became appreciative of how Sister Maisen watched my back during lunch.I quickly checked my pop-up message, which read, ”Magic detection SUCCESSFUL.+50 XP.”The check was from examining Captain Li's armor.

Once I dismissed the message, I looked around the room and saw a few furtive glances in my direction.I tried to make eye contact with the more adventurous common folk but alas, none dared to meet my eyes or attempted to engage me in a friendly manner.Well, that wasn't quite correct . . .

My angel suddenly appeared before me with a worried expression on her face.”Milord, I heard you were summoned to appear as a witness for the trial of Ebenthal tomorrow morning.Unfortunately, my duties at The Noble Lady prevent me from coming with you,” Amelica said and grabbed my left hand for a reassuring squeeze.”Please promise me that your bodyguard will attend the trial with you,” she requested.

I squeezed her hand firmly and smiled.”Yes, Maisen will be there and Kalistra, too.The cat girl did intervene in my street fight with Ebenthal and she will be a witness for the trial,” I reminded Amelica gently.

The beautiful maid breathed a sigh of relief at the reminder.With the best swordswoman in town appearing at the trial, Amelica had no doubt that I will be well protected if anything happens tomorrow.She cleared her throat and put on her professional face.”Milord, what would you like for dinner?” she asked.

I tilted my head for a moment.The chicken was burned last night and I wasn't interested in eating it again.”What's on the menu for tonight?” I asked.

”Tonight the chef is offering half-chicken, mutton stew, or meat pie with a side of wild rice and carrot, cole slaw, or mashed potato with gravy,” Amelica quickly recited the menu.

”I'm in the mood for something new.So, I'll try the meat pie with cole slaw, please,” I ordered.

”And your drink, sir?” the maid asked.

”I think honey mead will be fine,” I replied.

Amelica nodded and walked back into the kitchen to place my order with the chef.

Suddenly, someone took the seat across from me on the table.I looked at my new dinner companion and saw a familiar, pretty human face with light freckles, dazzling green eyes, and fiery red hair.She wore a dark gray robe and an oak wood staff was placed on the table to her left.

”Do you remember me?” the newcomer asked shyly.

”Yes, you're Rijana from lunch yesterday,” I smiled.

Rijana's face lit up with delight.”Look, I heard about your street fight with Ebenthal yesterday.I just want you to know that I am NOT friends with that scoundrel.Nor are those twin elves who sat with us,” she explained.”Ebenthal happened to join our table a few minutes before you did.If we knew that he was a robber, we would have left the table immediately.You see, we're travelers and just passing through Tregome,” she added as her face lined with worry.

I held up my right hand.She was worried about her reputation.If I accused the trio of being part of Ebenthal's gang, they would be declared outlaws by the Watch.Fortunately, I believed her, not because she was pretty (and she was) but because Rijana seemed sincere when she gave her explanation.”I don't think ill of you or those elves.I'm new in town myself and I was looking to make friends, too.I don't think you harbor ill will toward me and vice versa,” I said calmly.

Rijana breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that she wasn't under suspicion from me of being the condemned's collaborator.

Before I could continue, Amelica placed my platter of food on the table.As she placed my honey mead down as well, she deftly leaned her upper body over the table so that my line of sight to Rijana was broken.”Be careful,” she breathed and quickly got back up.

”Thank you,” I smiled at Amelica as she stared deep into my eyes.

”Please let me know if you require anything else,” she said and then turned her face toward my companion.”Milady, what would you like?” she asked.

”Oh, I'm not really hungry.I'll have a mug of honey mead, too,” Rijana replied.

Amelica nodded and quickly walked toward the bar.She returned with the drink in less than a minute.After putting it down, she slowly sauntered back to the kitchen.

Rijana looked at the retreating figure with her eyebrows raised but kept silent for a moment.Finally, she turned her attention back to me.”Anyway, my companions and I are staying in town for another day or two to hunt game and make some coins before we continue heading east.We usually hunt in the small forest just outside the town wall.If you're interested, you could join us tomorrow after the trial,” she offered.

I politely shook my head.”I just enrolled in The Butterfly School of Swordsmanship.After the trial tomorrow morning, I will need to return to the school to continue my training,” I replied.