2026-09-03 01:46:20I took a seat at the table, a modest dining arrangement with four simple chairs. We had shared our home with another woman, Agness, who had left a week ago upon hearing news of the war. She had always been a quiet presence, keeping mostly to herself.
As I held Jolt on my lap, I could feel her restlessness. Her cries for her mother grew louder, and it was clear she was hungry. I tried to soothe her, but she continued to struggle.
Mother soon entered the room, carrying a bowl of steaming porridge in one hand and a loaf of bread in the other. She set the bowl down in front of me and began to cut the bread into halves. The moment the bread was divided, she handed me one half with a gentle smile.
The porridge was just the best. Mother had a way of making it that always seemed to infuse it with warmth and flavor, even though I couldn't quite pinpoint what made it so addictive. The aroma wafting from the bowl filled me with hunger and made me drool as a lift to have a sniff.
Mmmmmmmmh!!!
I quickly reached for the spoon and scooped a hearty portion of the porridge, the creamy texture still steaming in the cool morning air. The first bite was pure bliss, the flavors rich and satisfying. I took another spoonful, and then another, each one confirming that this was exactly what I needed. My gaze wandered to Mother, who was holding Jolt, the baby contentedly nursing at her breast. I noticed her serene expression and how Jolt seemed to be enjoying her milk, but my breakfast was simply divine in comparison.
Mother glanced at me, a warm smile on her face. "Help yourself to more if you want," she said gently.
I didn't need to be told twice. I sprang up from the table and hurried to the kitchen. With a quick pour, I refilled my bowl with more of the delicious porridge, the rich aroma filling the room once again. Returning to my seat, I devoured the new portion with renewed enthusiasm, each bite more satisfying than the last.
"Mmm," I sighed contentedly, a broad smile on my face. "That really hits the spot!" There was nothing more perfect than starting the day with Mother's porridge.
She smiled warmly, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she tended to Jolt. By now, she had both breasts fully exposed, and Jolt, nestled contentedly, shifted between them as if savoring a variety of flavors from each.
"Tristian," she spoke with her melodious, angelic voice, "I need you to run to the market today and pick up a few things for me."
As if attuned to the conversation, Jolt pulled away reluctantly and fixed me with an earnest gaze, her wide eyes silently begging to be included.
"Big brother, I want to come with you!" her eyes seemed to plead.
My mother, sensing the unspoken request, turned to me with a soft, encouraging smile. "She can go with you," she said gently.
I strapped the wooden cradle, lined with straw, onto my back, making sure it was snug and secure. The cradle was covered with a soft cotton blanket. Mother had imbued it with her cooling magic to shield Jolt from the sun's heat and keep her comfortable. The magical fabric adjusted its temperature, ensuring Jolt was kept at just the right warmth, regardless of the weather. Her delighted giggles and playful noises accompanied us as I set out along the dusty road, my brown boots crunching against the dry earth.
Wearing rugged brown pants and a simple grey shirt, I followed the familiar path to the town of Igdel. Unlike the polished capitals with their paved streets, Igdel was a quaint settlement of dirt trails and modest homes. The entrance was marked by a grand gate with a banner fluttering in the breeze, welcoming visitors. I presented my pass to the guards, who nodded in recognition and let us through. This pass was the reason Mother trusted me to travel alone; it was a symbol of the town's security.
Under the current leadership, Igdel had a strong security system, with elite knights patrolling the streets and ensuring the safety of traders and townsfolk. I had never heard of serious incidents—apart from the occasional petty theft by street children or the homeless. With this reassurance, I made my way to the market, which was alive with activity.
Before diving into the market, I made a quick detour to the Adventurer's Guild, the largest building in town, always buzzing with life. Inside, adventurers rested, sought out new tasks, and shared stories of their exploits. The guild had always fascinated me, and I dreamed of one day stepping inside and perhaps joining their ranks.
As I turned away from the guild, I accidentally bumped into a group of adventurers. They were an impressive sight: a towering figure, likely the team's tank, stood out with his imposing presence. Two knights in shining iron armor flanked him, while a magician and two women, probably healers, completed the group. Their varied gear and purposeful demeanor marked them as seasoned adventurers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already bustling market scene.
"I'm so sorry," I quickly apologize, but one of the ladies from the adventurer group simply smiles as she steps behind me. She bends down and gently pats Jolt, who is nestled comfortably in her cradle. Instinctively, I pull Jolt away and glare at her.
"What a good brother you are," she says with a warm smile. "You'll need to keep that up. As she grows, you'll have to protect her no matter what." Her words linger in my mind as she walks away, leaving me puzzled. What did she mean? I glance at Jolt, who is now softly snoring, having drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Shaking off the encounter, I focus on my list. I pull out the note my mother gave me:
"Two packets of flour, rice, some chiles, and a baby lotion."
The currency system here is straightforward, which made it easy for me to understand. Here's a quick breakdown:
Bronze Coins (Lowest Value)
Usage: For everyday purchases like bread, basic vegetables, or small services. 100 Bronze Coins = 1 Copper CoinCopper Coins (Second Lowest Value)
Usage: Suitable for a meal at a modest inn, buying a decent tool, or purchasing several market goods. 100 Copper Coins = 1 Silver CoinSilver Coins (Mid-Range Value)
Usage: Used for significant transactions such as buying a horse, renting a house for a month, or purchasing a quality weapon. 100 Silver Coins = 1 Gold Coin.Gold Coins (High Value)
Usage: Reserved for the wealthy, used for acquiring property, paying soldiers, or luxury goods. Essential for major trade deals between merchants and noble families. 10 Gold Coins = 1 Gold BarBars (Highest Value)
1 Bronze Bar = 1,000 Bronze Coins 1 Copper Bar = 1,000 Copper Coins 1 Silver Bar = 500 Silver Coins 1 Gold Bar = 10 Gold CoinsBars: are used for very large transactions like buying land, funding armies, or settling substantial debts. They are typically stored in secure vaults and not carried around. The value of each currency type could vary depending on the region, the rarity of the metal in that area, or political stability. For instance, gold- might be more valuable in a region where gold mines are scarce, whereas, silver might hold more weight in areas rich in gold deposits but poor in silver.
After about an hour of shopping and marveling at the market's new offerings—more exotic goods and impressive weapons—I make my way toward the exit. Taking a final look around, I wonder when I'll return to this bustling place again.
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