Chapter 7 A Night in Altheria
After leaving the Adventurers Guild, I wandered the streets of Altheria as twilight deepened the sky into rich shades of indigo and violet.
The once-bustling town softened into a serene hush, illuminated by the warm, flickering glow of lanterns suspended from curved iron posts.
Each one clicked to life in sequence, casting pools of amber light that danced across the cobbled roads.
Shops began to close for the night, but their glowing windows still offered cozy glimpses of the lives inside-tailors folding fabric, bakers dusting flour from their hands, and innkeepers lighting the last of their hearths.
I passed by one open bakery, where the scent of freshly baked cinnamon bread drifted into the street, mingling with the smoky aroma of grilled meat and the faint perfume of night-blooming flowers.
Somewhere down the road, a bard played a gentle violin tune that curled into the air like mist. His music was slow and wistful, threading into the sounds of quiet laughter and conversation from nearby taverns.
I breathed deeply and muttered under my breath, "It's... beautiful here."
This world was alive in ways my old one never was. Back home, city lights were harsh and cold, buzzing neon signs over endless concrete. Altheria, by contrast, felt warm and magical. It didn't feel like a place that was just lived in-it felt like a world that breathed.
I passed a florist cart still open late, its owner whistling as he packed away bundles of unsold blooms. A small girl tugged her mother's sleeve, pointing with wide eyes at a floating crystal lantern above a nearby bakery.
It shimmered with soft light, rotating slowly like a star suspended in midair.
My steps slowed.
This world... had charm. Even after all the danger, the goblins, and the battles-I was starting to see the heart of it.
Eventually, I arrived at a narrow lane lined with old timber buildings.
Nestled between a potion shop and a tailor was a humble inn.
Its wooden sign swung gently in the breeze, etched with the symbol of a steaming cup and a feathered pillow.
Above the door, amber light leaked out from latticed windows, and the scent of roasted vegetables and pinewood wafted from inside.
I pushed the door open.
The inn's warmth wrapped around me instantly.
The air was thick with the scent of firewood, baked potatoes, and herbs.
A few patrons lounged near the hearth, quietly talking or sipping mugs of what smelled like mulled cider.
A lute hung on the wall next to a tapestry of a mountain landscape, and the gentle hum of a song floated in from another room.
Behind the desk stood a young woman with honey-brown hair tied in a loose braid. Her apron was dusted with flour, and her smile was soft and practiced.
"Welcome to The Restful Flame!" she said, voice cheerful. "Looking for a room?"
"Yeah," I replied. "Just for three nights."
"That'll be three copper coins."
I handed her the coins from my pouch. She took them with ease and plucked a key from the wall behind her.
"Room twelve," she said, setting it on the counter. "Second floor, down the hall, left side."
I took the key, its edges worn smooth by use. "Do you deliver food to the rooms?"
"We do. Would you like something sent up tonight?"
"Yeah. Just a simple meal."
"That'll be two more coppers."
I paid her and gave a polite nod. "Thanks."
"Your meal will be up shortly," she said. "Get settled in. Let me know if you need anything else."
I made my way up the stairs. Each step creaked underfoot, but the sound was oddly comforting. The hallway was dimly lit by lanterns affixed to the wooden beams, and Room 12 was tucked into the far end, slightly removed from the others.
The key turned easily in the lock, and the door opened with a soft groan.
Inside was a modest but cozy room. A wooden bed stood against the wall, covered in thick quilts. A small dresser sat in one corner, a simple chair in another. A round window overlooked the street, offering a view of the glowing lanterns below.
I sighed and let myself fall onto the bed.
"Finally... a real bed."
The mattress was firm but comfortable. I stared up at the wooden ceiling, letting the tension of the day melt from my shoulders. My limbs were heavy, still sore from the goblin fight, but my spirit felt lighter.
A knock at the door broke the stillness.
I stood and opened it to find the same girl from the desk holding a wooden tray.
"Dinner," she said, smiling.
"Thanks," I replied, taking the tray.
Back inside, I sat at the small table near the window. On the tray was a bowl of vegetable stew, a thick slice of dark bread, and a steaming cup of cider.
I took a bite of the stew. It was... bland. Nutritious, but flat.
With a smirk, I activated my [Online Shop] skill and browsed quickly. I ordered a small bottle of soy sauce, some chili flakes, garlic salt, and a vial of sesame oil.
A few drops here. A shake of spice there. The aroma shifted instantly-more savory, more vibrant.
I stirred the bowl and took another bite.
"Mmm. That's better."
As I ate, I watched the street below. The bard was still playing, now accompanied by someone with a flute. A couple strolled hand in hand, their laughter rising softly into the night. A baker extinguished the lights in their window, while a street cleaner pushed a broom with methodical patience.
This world didn't just have danger. It had life. Peace. A rhythm I hadn't known in a long time.
After I finished the meal, I set the tray aside and sat on the bed. I unlaced my boots and stretched my legs out.
My thoughts drifted to the loot from the Goblin King's lair. I had yet to sort through it all-monster cores, herbs, coins, trinkets that shimmered with faint magic. I'd probably need to visit a blacksmith and an alchemist soon.
"I'll do that tomorrow..." I mumbled.
Yawning, I lay back and pulled the quilt over me.
The pillow smelled faintly of lavender.
And before I knew it, I was asleep.
---
Morning arrived with golden light spilling through the round window, accompanied by birdsong and the hum of early market traffic.
I sat up slowly, blinking the sleep from my eyes. My body still ached, but the pain had dulled into something manageable.
After washing up and equipping my gear, I headed downstairs. The innkeeper girl stood behind the counter again, wiping it clean with a cloth.
She looked up and smiled. "Good morning! Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah," I said, rubbing my eyes. "First proper sleep in a while."
"I'm glad to hear that. You heading out for the day?"
"Yeah. Got errands to run."
"Well, good luck-and if you need the room longer, just let me know."
I gave her a nod and stepped outside.
The morning air was fresh, carrying the scent of dew-soaked earth and warm bread.
The town was already alive again. Vendors set up stalls, shouting cheerful greetings.
A paperboy ran by, waving the latest edition of the town gazette.
A pair of knights in silver-and-blue tabards passed me, speaking in hushed tones.
I adjusted the strap of my sword and headed off.
Time to find a shop-and take the next step in this new life.