Capítulo 8: Ch 8: Morning strolled and Guild quest
As the first light of dawn peeked through the window, Gray slowly stirred awake, blinking against the gentle morning rays filtering into the room. His mind still clouded with remnants of sleep, he instinctively reached out to the side of the bed, but his hand met only the empty sheets. Startled, he quickly sat up, scanning the room for Vanisa. Her dress, which had been draped over a chair the night before, was gone too.
"Where could she have gone?" Gray muttered to himself, a slight sense of worry creeping in. He swung his legs out of bed and hurriedly dressed, fastening his shirt and tugging on his boots. The soft creaking of the wooden floorboards under his feet echoed as he made his way to the door.
Descending the stairs to the inn's common room, the scent of fresh bread and the murmur of early morning patrons greeted him. The inn had a warm, rustic charm to it. Low wooden beams overhead, flickering lanterns still hanging from the previous night, and a fire crackling in the hearth gave the room a cozy, lived-in feel. The stone floor felt cool underfoot, contrasting the warm atmosphere of the room.
The innkeeper, a stout woman with rosy cheeks and an amused glint in her eye, spotted Gray immediately. She leaned against the counter with a teasing grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Good morning, mister! I heard you had quite the time last night. Felt good, didn't it?" she quipped, her voice low and teasing.
Gray's face turned beet red. "We were just… uh… jumping! Jumping upstairs," he mumbled, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks as he avoided her gaze, trying desperately to come up with an explanation that didn't sound ridiculous. His thoughts jumbled together as the innkeeper raised a brow, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
"Oh ho! Jumping, you say?" She chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand as she blushed herself. "I don't know what kind of jumping that was, but I'll take your word for it."
Gray, still flustered, shifted his weight awkwardly from one foot to the other. "Have you seen a girl with light green eyes and green hair?" he asked, trying to change the subject. His tone had a sense of urgency now. "She was with me last night."
The innkeeper's teasing expression softened into something more helpful. "Oh, you mean your lovely companion, Vanisa? She said if the young man will search me just till him to wich i headed she said." she asked with a knowing smile. "She headed out earlier. Said something about buying clothes or supplies, something like that."
Gray let out a small sigh of relief, though his thoughts still swirled with questions. "Thanks," he muttered as he hurried toward the door.
"You're welcome, handsome," the innkeeper called after him, winking as she watched him leave. "You two make a cute couple, by the way."
Gray, blushing again, pretended not to hear her as he stepped outside into the village streets. The morning air was crisp, and the sky above was a pale blue, with only a few wisps of clouds dotting the horizon. The village was already beginning to stir, with shopkeepers opening their stalls and villagers going about their daily tasks. He scanned the bustling streets for any sign of Vanisa, determined to find her.
Gray wandered through the village streets, his gaze sweeping across each shop with a growing sense of urgency. The morning air was fresh, and the sun had fully risen, casting a warm glow on the cobblestone streets. People moved about, haggling with vendors, chatting with friends, and preparing for the day ahead. The faint clatter of a blacksmith's hammer echoed in the distance, while the smell of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery.
After some time searching, Gray finally spotted Vanisa through the window of a small clothing store, her green hair standing out like a beacon among the shelves of neatly folded garments. Breathing a sigh of relief, he hurried inside, the soft chime of the doorbell announcing his arrival.
"Vanisa! There you are!" Gray called, making his way toward her.
Vanisa turned, her face lighting up as she smiled at him. "Oh, Gray, I didn't mean to worry you," she said, holding up a simple white blouse. "I just thought we might need some new clothes for the road ahead."
Gray let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "I've been looking everywhere for you," he said, though his tone was more relieved than accusatory. "Where did you get the money for all this?"
Vanisa smiled, her purple eyes twinkling playfully. "I always carry a bit of pocket money with me, just in case," she explained. "It seemed like a good time to use it. We don't know what's waiting for us out there, and it wouldn't hurt to have extra clothes in case ours get damaged."
Gray couldn't argue with that. He nodded, glancing around at the various clothes on display. "You've got a good point," he agreed, giving her a smile.
Vanisa giggled softly, pleased with his response, and continued browsing through the clothes. She picked up a light, sturdy dress made of durable fabric, while Gray found a green tunic and a new pair of leather boots that seemed perfect for traveling.
After making their selections, they approached the counter. As Gray handed over the silver coins for their purchase, he glanced out the window. The sun was now high in the sky, casting long shadows on the bustling streets outside. "It's probably around 7:30 by now," he muttered absently.
Vanisa looked up, confused. "7:30? What do you mean?"
Gray blinked, realizing he'd spoken aloud. He scratched his head awkwardly. "Uh, it's… a way to tell time. It's something I picked up… somewhere." He fumbled for words, careful not to give away too much.
Vanisa tilted her head, clearly intrigued. "That's interesting. I've never heard of anyone telling time like that before."
Gray gave her a small smile, trying to play it off casually. "Yeah, it's not something you see every day." He was relieved when she didn't press further.
Vanisa nodded, her curiosity fading as they stepped outside with their purchases. She clutched her new dress with a smile, clearly excited for their next adventure. Gray, on the other hand, couldn't help but feel a little anxious, wondering how long he could keep his secrets hidden from her. But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the warmth of the morning sun and the comforting presence of Vanisa by his side.
As they stepped out of the clothing shop, the village square was alive with the mid-morning buzz. Merchants hawked their wares from market stalls, and the scent of freshly cooked food wafted through the air. Gray and Vanisa weaved through the crowds, their new clothes tucked neatly into Gray's bag. The sounds of clinking coins, lively chatter, and the distant rustling of the wind filled the streets, creating an atmosphere of bustling life.
Just then, Vanisa's stomach let out a low growl, loud enough for Gray to hear. She instinctively placed a hand on her abdomen, her cheeks reddening with embarrassment. "Excuse me, Gray," she said, offering him a sheepish smile.
Gray glanced over at her, concern flashing in his eyes for a moment before softening into a smile of his own. "Looks like someone's hungry," he teased gently. "Come on, let's get you something to eat."
Vanisa's face brightened instantly, her eyes sparkling as she practically bounced in place. "Yehey!" she exclaimed, her smile wide with excitement.
Without hesitation, they made their way to the tavern they had visited the night before. The wooden sign above the door swung gently in the breeze, creaking with age. Inside, the tavern was warm and filled with the scent of roasted meats and baked bread. The long wooden tables were packed with villagers and travelers alike, their laughter and conversations filling the space with a vibrant, bustling energy. The sound of clattering plates and the occasional cheer punctuated the lively atmosphere.
Gray held the door open for Vanisa, who practically skipped inside, her excitement evident. They found a small table near the window, where sunlight streamed in and illuminated the room in a golden hue. The waiter and a chief from the previous night spotted them from across the room and gave a knowing smirk before disappearing into the kitchen.
Vanisa's eyes darted around the room, clearly enthralled by the lively ambiance. "It's so busy in here," she said, her voice filled with wonder. She then added with a mischievous grin, "I guess everyone's as hungry as I am."
Gray chuckled, watching her with amusement. "I think so. Let's make sure we don't miss out on the food, then."
Soon, the waiter reappeared with a tray of steaming bread, hearty stew, and freshly cut vegetables. Vanisa's eyes widened at the sight, and she clapped her hands together in delight. The aroma was enough to make Gray's own stomach grumble, though he tried to ignore it as he watched Vanisa eagerly dig in.
The first bite seemed to melt Vanisa's worries away as she sighed with satisfaction. "This is delicious!" she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with happiness. She glanced up at Gray with a mouthful of food and gave him a thumbs-up.
Gray chuckled softly, feeling a warmth spread through him at seeing her so happy. He took a bite of the bread and found it soft and freshly baked, the perfect complement to the savory stew. The meal was simple but comforting, a perfect reflection of the village's charm.
Around them, the tavern remained lively, the energy almost infectious. The fire in the hearth crackled gently, casting a warm glow across the wooden beams of the ceiling. The sounds of people enjoying their meals and laughing with friends filled the air, but for Gray, everything seemed to fade slightly as he focused on the contentment in Vanisa's expression.
As they ate, Vanisa continued to chat between bites, her voice light and cheerful. "I can't wait to see what our next adventure brings," she said with a grin, her excitement palpable.
Gray nodded, though his mind wandered momentarily. There was still so much he didn't understand about this world, but for now, sharing this meal with Vanisa felt like enough. The uncertainties of his journey could wait, at least for a little while longer.
He glanced out the window, watching as the village continued its busy morning rhythm, and allowed himself to relax, if only for the moment.
As they stepped out of the tavern into the bustling village square, the sun was now fully risen, casting a warm light over the cobblestone streets. The morning chill had given way to a comfortable warmth, and the energy of the town felt lively and inviting. Vanisa stretched her arms above her head, letting out a contented sigh. "I'm so full!" she exclaimed with a smile, glancing at Gray with her eyes closed in satisfaction.
Gray smiled back, but a shadow of seriousness crossed his face as his thoughts drifted. My silver reserve is running low, he realized. It reminded him of the games he used to play, where no matter how much he earned, he always seemed to burn through his resources faster than he could collect them.
Suddenly, the system's voice echoed in his mind. 「How about going to the guild? You can take on jobs there—slay some monsters, goblins, orcs, and many more. It's a good way to earn some coin.」
Gray considered the suggestion, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. It's a good idea... but how can I make sure Vanisa is safe? The thought weighed on him. He didn't want to drag her into dangerous situations without ensuring her safety first.
While he was lost in thought, Vanisa's light humming broke through his concentration. She tilted her head, noticing his distracted expression. "What are you spacing out for, Gray?" she asked with a soft giggle.
He blinked and quickly composed himself, offering her a reassuring smile. "Oh, nothing," he replied, scratching the back of his head. "I was just planning what we should do next in our adventure."
Vanisa's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, I can't wait! Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll have fun." She twirled slightly as she walked, the joy in her movements contagious.
Gray chuckled, though his mind remained partially focused on the next steps. The system had suggested the guild, and while that sounded like the perfect opportunity to replenish his silver, the responsibility of keeping Vanisa safe gnawed at him. He didn't want to risk her well-being, but he also knew that standing still wasn't an option.
As they walked through the village streets, Gray glanced at the people bustling around—vendors setting up stalls, children laughing as they ran past, and adventurers passing by, chatting about their latest quests. The atmosphere was peaceful, but Gray knew that beyond the village's borders, danger lurked. Goblins, orcs, and worse. He had to be prepared.
He turned to Vanisa, who was still humming and smiling to herself, seemingly without a care in the world. Her trust in him, her unwavering joy, made him feel both protective and determined. No matter what, he would figure out a way to keep her safe and make sure their adventures were filled with more smiles like today.
"Let's head to the guild," Gray said finally, his voice steady with resolve.
Vanisa glanced up, her curiosity piqued. "The guild? What for?"
Gray smiled. "It's time we take on a new challenge. Something that'll make sure we're ready for whatever comes next." His heart swelled with a mixture of excitement and responsibility. We'll face this world together, one step at a time.
Presentes
-- Presente
recebido Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder