NOVEL WEB Chapter 53: Norwyn [3.]
The two of them continued with the tour, Adrias leading the way while Elias followed behind. Adrias pointed out streets, buildings, and landmarks, adding short explanations as they went. For someone his age, he moved fast and talked a lot, weaving confidently through the streets of Norwyn like he'd walked them all his life.
But after a while, Elias started noticing something.
The boy's pace had slowed down. He still pointed and spoke, but his breathing was becoming heavier. His voice sounded slightly raspy, and his steps were slower. It made sense—they had been walking for a long time without stopping, and Adrias was still just a child after all.
Elias raised a hand. "That's enough for now," he said.
Adrias stopped and turned to him, looking a bit surprised.
"But I haven't shown you everything yet," he said.
Elias gave a light chuckle. "Kid, Norwyn is huge. Even if we walked all day, we wouldn't see it all, besides I'm not leaving anytime soon so there's no rush."
That made Adrias pause.
"You're staying here for long?" he asked, his voice quieter now, like he wasn't sure if he should ask.
Elias nodded. "For a while. I've got things to take care of in the city. That means we have time. No need to rush."
There was a short silence.
Then Adrias's eyes lit up. He looked up at Elias, speaking in a soft voice like he wasn't sure if it was okay to ask. "Does that mean… you'll hire me again? For the next few days too?"
Elias chuckled again. "Yes. I'll need someone to keep showing me around. And you clearly know the city."
Adrias broke into a wide smile, but quickly narrowed his eyes and tried to look serious again.
"My fee is still ten copper coins per day," he said. "No discount."
Elias smiled. "How about this—if you do as good a job as you did today, I'll pay you thirty copper coins per day."
Adrias's eyes widened.
"Thirty?" he repeated.
That was the same as three days' pay in one go. People like Elias didn't show up every day—people who were willing to hire someone like Adrias not to talk of even offering extra pay. Normally, he had to run around all morning just to earn five copper, sometimes even less. Thirty copper for one day's work? That was a big deal.
A huge smile spread across his face, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't hide it. His fists clenched slightly from excitement.
Elias noticed and let out another small laugh. "Aren't you hungry?"
Adrias's smile faded a little. He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well…" he muttered, looking a bit uneasy with the question.
From his reaction, Elias could already tell—he was definitely hungry. But from what Elias had seen so far, Adrias didn't seem like the type to accept anything he didn't think he had earned.
So Elias said, "Think of it as part of the bonus. I'm happy with how you did today. Let me treat you to a meal."
Adrias didn't say anything at first. But then Elias added, "Besides, I'm alone. It'd be nice to have someone to eat with."
That worked. Adrias frowned slightly for a moment, but then nodded.
"Okay," he said. "What kind of place do you want to eat at?"
"Nothing fancy. Just somewhere with good food and a calm atmosphere," Elias replied.
Adrias grinned. "I know just the place. Follow me."
Once again, the boy took the lead, moving with more energy than before. Elias followed behind at a steady pace. They walked through the city again, but this time slower and more relaxed. After some time, they stopped in front of a modest-looking building.
A plain wooden sign hung over the door, carved with the name Stone & Timber.
It wasn't anything fancy. The outside was clean but simple—just a well-built structure made of solid wood and stone. Adrias stepped ahead and pushed the door open.
A bell chimed as they entered.
The smell hit Elias the moment he stepped inside—rich stew, warm bread, and roasted meat. His stomach rumbled quietly, and he glanced around. The place was calm and quiet. A few people sat at wooden tables, speaking softly or eating in peace. Sunlight came through the windows, casting a warm glow. The tables and benches were plain but clean, all neatly arranged.
Adrias led them to a table near the window, and they both sat down.
Soon after, a young woman came over. She looked to be in her early twenties, with her hair tied back and an apron around her waist. She carried a small tray and smiled warmly, as if it came naturally.
"Good evening," she greeted. "What can I get you two?"
Elias gave her a small smile in return. "I'll take the stew and some bread."
She nodded, then turned to Adrias. "And you, sweetheart?"
Adrias looked a bit unsure. "Do you have meat pie?"
"We do," she answered with a smile.
"Can I get one? To go, please."
"Of course. I'll wrap it for you."
Before she walked off, Elias added, "Make that two. One for here, one to go."
Adrias blinked in surprise. "But—"
The server was already nodding and heading toward the kitchen.
Adrias turned to Elias, confused.
Elias just shrugged. "Told you, I'd rather not eat alone."
Adrias looked like he wanted to argue, but stopped himself. Hunger seemed to win over pride, so he stayed quiet.
They waited in silence. A few more people entered the place. Through the open window, Elias could hear the street outside—carts rolling over cobblestone, footsteps, and far-off chatter.
Eventually, the server returned.
She placed their order on the table—two bowls of thick stew packed with meat, carrots, and potatoes, along with a basket of warm bread. Then came a hot meat pie, golden on top, and a small cloth-wrapped bundle.
"This one's for later," she said kindly, handing the wrapped pie to Adrias. "It should stay warm until you get home."
Adrias gave a quick nod. "Thank you."
"Enjoy," she said, then walked away.
Elias didn't say anything. He simply picked up a spoon and began to eat. Adrias followed, digging into the pie like he hadn't eaten all day.
It was a quiet meal—simple, warm, and satisfying.
When they finished, the server returned to clear the table.
Elias took out a silver coin and handed it to her. "Will this cover it?"
Her eyes widened slightly. "Yes, sir! This is more than enough."
"Keep the change," Elias said.
Her smile widened. "Thank you very much!"
Just as she was about to leave, Elias called her back and pulled out three more silver coins from his inventory.
"Actually… can you help me change these into copper coins?"
She blinked, surprised. "Are you sure, sir?"
"I'm sure."
She nodded and quickly went off to get the change.
A few minutes later, she came back with a small pouch and handed it over. Elias checked the contents, then gave a nod.
"Thanks."
The server gave one last smile and returned to her work.
Elias stood, and Adrias followed, holding the wrapped meat pie tightly like it was something precious. From how carefully he cradled it, Elias could tell the food meant more than just filling his stomach. A meal like this wasn't something Adrias got every day, and Elias was glad he could help.
Once they stepped outside, Adrias turned to Elias.
"Where to next?"
Elias looked up at the sky. It was starting to darken. "It's getting late. Take me to an inn. Somewhere quiet, away from the busy areas."
Adrias smiled. "I know just the place. Follow me."
This time, Elias noticed something different in the boy's walk. His steps were lighter, with a bit more energy. A small bounce.
Must be the food, Elias thought.
They left the busy center and walked into a quieter part of the city. The streets here were calm. Fewer people passed by, and those who did kept to themselves.
Eventually, they reached a three-story building.
A sign above the door read Brickfire Inn.
Adrias stepped forward and opened the door. A small bell chimed. Behind the wooden counter stood a woman in her late sixties. As soon as she saw Adrias, her face lit up.
"Well, if it isn't Adria-boy," she said warmly.
Adrias grinned. "Aunty Ann!"
She chuckled. "Looks like you brought me another customer."
Adrias turned proudly to Elias. "Mister, this is Aunty Ann. She was my mom's friend. She owns this inn."
Elias looked at the older woman and gave a polite nod. "Nice to meet you. I'm Elias."
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