Kapitel 57: Chapter 57 - Conversations Over Dinner
The knock on the door came softly but was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear it. Edwin rose first, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword as he moved to open the door.
The warm light from the hallway spilled into the dim room, revealing the innkeeper's familiar ginger hair and friendly smile.
"Dinner's ready downstairs."
She said, her tone polite but tinged with curiosity.
"It's complimentary tonight. I thought you might like to join the other guests."
Edwin glanced back at Seraphina, who nodded after a moment of thought.
"We'll be down shortly."
He replied simply and closed the door as the innkeeper descended the stairs.
Seraphina stretched as she stood, adjusting her cloak.
"We need to stay visible enough not to draw suspicion. This could be a chance to listen in and gather more information."
Samuel yawned as he rolled out of bed, grinning as he stretched his arms above his head; his injury had almost completely healed at this point, and he was feeling much more lively.
"Or a chance to eat some good food. Either way, I'm in."
Edwin simply nodded his usual silent agreement.
The three of them made their way downstairs to the lively common room, the warm glow of lanterns spilling over a scene of animated conversation, clinking mugs, and the faint strum of a lute from a corner of the room.
The innkeeper greeted them as they entered, her sharp eyes flicking briefly to Seraphina before settling on the group as a whole.
"Good to see you all. Take any seat you'd like, and I'll bring over tonight's meal. It's a hearty stew and fresh bread— on the house tonight. With ale of course."
Seraphina gave a polite nod and led the way to a quieter table near the corner, where they could observe the room without drawing too much attention.
As they sat, the innkeeper disappeared briefly before returning with three steaming bowls of stew, a loaf of warm bread, and mugs of ale.
"Enjoy."
She said with a smile, her gaze lingering on Seraphina for just a moment longer than necessary before she moved on to another table— of course, Seraphina didn't miss that she just didn't address it.
The stew was simple but rich, its warmth spreading through Seraphina as she ate slowly, she actually quite enjoyed the meal, she loved it; it almost reminded her of the meals she had at home.
Samuel, on the other hand, tore into the bread with gusto, his energy contrasting sharply with Edwin's quiet means of eating.
The inn was bustling with a mix of travelers and locals, their conversations were loud, overlapping which created a symphony of noise that had a healthy feeling.
At the table nearest to theirs, a pair of adventurers spoke loudly about a recent job, their boisterous laughter drawing occasional glances from other patrons.
"New in town?"
One of the adventurers asked as he approached the group, a burly man with a thick beard and a longsword slung across his back. He glanced at everyone at the table, noticing their cloaks but saying nothing.
"Don't think I've seen you around before."
Samuel, ever quick to respond, grinned and leaned back in his chair.
"Just passing through. The city's got a lot to offer."
"Plenty to offer, sure but plenty to take, too. You lot seem capable. Traveling together?"
"Something like that."
Edwin replied plainly, avoiding giving away any information, his tone discouraging further questions.
The adventurer's companion, a tall woman with a scar running across her cheek, leaned forward with a sly smile.
"Word of advice."
She said, her voice low enough to be nearly drowned out by the noise of the room.
"Keep your business quiet in Vesta. More ears and eyes here than you might expect and some of them belong to the wrong people. I can tell you got something to hide."
Seraphina nodded slightly, acknowledging the warning, but offered no further comment. The adventurers eventually returned to their drinks, though their occasional glances toward the group didn't go unnoticed.
As they finished their meal, the innkeeper approached again, carrying a pitcher of ale to refill their mugs. This time she didn't leave right away, instead she lingered near the table and spoke.
"You've got the air of someone who's got secrets."
She said casually, her tone light but probing.
"Travelers like you usually have stories. Care to share one?"
Seraphina hesitated for a moment because she didn't understand why the innkeeper was being so odd— at first she thought maybe she had recognized her, but now she wasn't sure.
"Not much to tell. Just wandering around, experiencing what there is to experience."
The innkeeper raised an eyebrow, her smile softening.
"Aren't we all? This city's good for that— if you know where to look. But it can chew you up if you're not careful."
"And you'd know about that?"
Seraphina asked, her tone now curious as to where this conversation was going.
"I've been running this place since my father passed, but I haven't always been here, in fact, I took over when he died, before that I wandered around."
The innkeeper replied, her gaze steady.
"You learn a lot about people when you pour their drinks."
She studied Seraphina for a moment before she spoke again.
"Take you, for example. You've got the look of someone carrying more than she lets on."
Seraphina held the innkeeper's gaze, her expression calm.
"And you've got the look of someone who knows more than she says."
The innkeeper chuckled softly, her laughter light but genuine.
"Touché. Let's just say this city's full of secrets. You'll figure that out soon enough."
Before Seraphina could press further, a commotion near the door drew their attention. A group of dockworkers had entered, their voices boisterous as they filled a table near the bar, they talked loudly of trade disputes, the state of the docks, and a recent brawl that had left several men injured.
"The undercity's been stirring again."
One of the dockworkers said, his voice carrying over the room.
"Saw some of those apprentice knights hanging around last night. Up to no good, if you ask me."
"Nothing new, that place is always trouble. But the boss down there— whoever they are— they've got pull. Even the guards don't poke their noses in too much."
Seraphina listened carefully, filing away the information, she glanced back at the innkeeper who spoke to her.
"Duty calls, I must go. It was fun talking, thanks for joining the dinner. And if you ever need advice— or anything else— just ask."
Seraphina nodded, watching the innkeeper retreat to the bar before turning back to Edwin and Samuel.
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