Morning sunlight crept through the gaps in the curtains, filling the room with a soft golden glow. I slowly opened my eyes, then sat up in bed, taking a deep breath. The distant murmur of the market had begun to echo faintly, a sign that the day had truly begun.
My second day of rest.
I glanced toward the table in the corner of the room. There, the giant boar meat I had preserved last night was wrapped neatly in several layers of cloth to maintain its aroma. I had checked it again before bed, and the results were satisfying the color was darkening nicely, and the scent of salt and pepper had begun to seep in. But the curing process would still take a few more days, so today... I could take it easy.
I got out of bed and opened the window to breathe in the fresh air. The morning breeze carried the scent of flowers and firewood from the townspeople’s kitchens. In the distance, I saw wisps of smoke rising from chimneys, and children’s laughter blended with the rhythmic footsteps of early pedestrians.
I figured... today would be good for a stroll. Maybe just wandering around the city with no set destination, letting my feet take me wherever they wanted. And well, maybe it was finally time to buy some new clothes. Since the day I arrived in this world, I had only worn a long black dress practical, yes, but also... monotonous.
I went downstairs to the inn’s lobby and greeted the owner. He nodded at me, looking friendly despite being busy wiping down tables already filling with customers enjoying their breakfast.
"Out early, miss?" he asked.
I smiled. "Just going for a walk."
He chuckled. "Walking’s good for the mind. Just don’t get too relaxed, eh? This town might look peaceful, but there are corners that... well, aren’t so friendly."
I nodded in understanding. "Thanks for the warning."
As I stepped out of the inn, sunlight welcomed me warmly. This town truly came alive in the morning. The streets were filled with all kinds of people werewolves or lycans, dark elves, demons, vampires, and even a few beastkin, though the beastkin’s island was far from here.
First stop: the clothing market.
After walking for a few minutes and asking a kind old woman for directions, I arrived at an area full of colorful little shops. Their displays were packed with dresses, cloaks, tops, trousers, boots, and accessories in every color and material imaginable. Compared to my old world, the fashion here was a bit more medieval with a touch of fantasy flair.
I entered a boutique that looked fairly upscale. Its owner, a beastkin with fox ears and long black hair, came up to me with a professional smile.
"Welcome! Oh wow... pale skin, red eyes... you must be undead, huh?" she said casually, as if it were no big deal.
I nodded. "Correct. But I’m not a vampire."
"No problem. We welcome all races here! Please feel free to look around. Can I help you with anything?"
I explained that I was looking for something comfortable and practical, but also stylish something I could wear while traveling, but nice enough to step into a guild or a restaurant without drawing awkward looks.
After trying on a few pieces in the changing room, I decided on:
An adventurer’s outfit: a white long-sleeved top, a gray leather vest, black trousers, and tall boots.
A long hooded coat in deep wine red perfect for traveling or cold weather, though I didn’t really need it, being immune to the cold. I bought it anyway because it looked cool and elegant.
The shopkeeper wrapped everything neatly and handed it to me with a smile. "If you ever need anything custom-made, we take commissions as well."
"Thanks. If I end up staying here longer, maybe I’ll come back."
After storing the clothes in my inventory which thankfully had plenty of space I continued walking, this time toward the food market. I still had enough ingredients back at the inn, but it felt nice to buy something just for fun. Maybe a new spice, or some local vegetables.
At the food market, I found a few interesting things:
A leaf that looked like rosemary, but with a spicier aroma.
A dark purple, round vegetable called "karven," said to turn sweet when roasted, maybe it’s like a potato or eggplant .
Small green fruits, which, when dried, could be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar.
I bought some of those and also a small bottle of herbal cooking oil.
By the time I returned to the inn, the sun had risen high in the sky. The streets were still lively, though not as packed as they were that morning. Along the way, I passed an elven street musician playing a soft tune on his flute. Children ran around a fountain nearby. A sweet aroma wafted from a nearby drink stall maybe honey wine or sweetened mead.
And amidst it all, I just kept walking slowly. Enjoying each step, each scent, each sound.
It had been a long time since I felt... this peaceful.
Maybe today wasn’t about grand adventures, deadly battles, or world-saving missions. But perhaps it’s days that give everything else meaning. I’ve spent long enough living in fights, long enough chasing after something. And now, for a little while... I could pause.
By the time I returned to the inn, the sky had already begun to shift soft blue giving way to a gentle amber glow, signaling the arrival of dusk. The city’s hustle and bustle had started to fade, replaced by the sound of water splashing into buckets as vendors packed up their stalls. The scent of charcoal and grilled meat drifted through the air from food stands that were beginning to light their lanterns.
I went back to my room, placed the groceries I’d bought on the table, then sat in the chair near the window and pulled the curtain slightly aside. From there, I could see the main street now softly lit by magical lanterns gentle golden light hanging from wooden posts every few meters, not too bright, just enough to feel warm and safe.
My fingers played with the edge of the wine-red coat I’d bought earlier. The fabric was smooth, a bit thick, and as I touched it, I felt... I don’t know why, something warm inside. Not the temperature of the cloth, but maybe because it was the first thing I’d bought for myself not out of necessity, not for a mission, but simply because I wanted it.
I smiled quietly to myself.
Today was simple, yet it felt important.
I figured I didn’t need to cook tonight. I’d had enough of the delightful smells and flavors from the market earlier. Maybe I would just order a warm herbal tea from the inn’s staff, sit by the window, and read a book I borrowed from the small shelf in the lobby.
Yes, tonight didn’t need to be rushed. No attacks, no strategies to plan. Just... stillness, letting time pass on its own.
And who knows? Maybe tomorrow I’ll try cooking something with those new ingredients. Or maybe... I’ll start exploring again. But not tonight.