Bitter snack

The locals of Orcus Town enjoyed the feast Michael had thrown for them the entire day.

Toward the end, a young girl shyly walked up to Michael and thanked him for his gifts with a gift of her own.

She had brought out all sorts of trinkets she had kept to herself all this time, picked up from the rubble and the ruins of the previous tenants of Orcus Town.

"It's not much, but… it's all that I have," she said. "I hope it's enough to pay for all the food you gave us, mister!"

Michael felt touched and accepted the presents. He was given rusted jewellery, dirtied but colorful buttons from clothes, wooden charms of the goddess, combs, and other such bits and pieces that used to hold a significant value during the time of the Golden Road.

He appreciated them even though they held no actual value.

"Thank you," he said warmly, accepting her gift.