58. Day in Torak

Chapter 58: A Day in Torak

I finished the last bite of my breakfast, the massive plate of steak, soup, and bread now nothing but crumbs and an empty bowl. The food at the Mikaelson Inn was always hearty, and today was no exception. The steak was perfectly seared, the soup rich and flavorful, and the bread warm and crusty. I leaned back in my chair, patting my stomach with a satisfied grin.

"Damn, that hit the spot," I muttered to myself, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. I glanced over at Mr. Mikaelson, who was busy polishing glasses behind the counter. "Thanks for the meal. I'll be back for dinner."

He gave me a nod, his expression as stoic as ever. "Don't be late. Elara doesn't like it when her food gets cold."

I chuckled, standing up and stretching. "Wouldn't dream of it."

With that, I headed back upstairs to my room. The day was still young, and I had a lot to do. First order of business: a bath. After days of roughing it on the quest, I was starting to feel like a walking pile of dirt and sweat. I needed to feel human again.

I entered my room and immediately spotted the large wooden basin I'd brought up earlier. It was big enough to fit my entire body, and I'd already filled it with cold water from the well behind the inn. Now, all I needed was the warm water to make it bearable. I grabbed the massive bucket I'd left by the door and headed back downstairs.

The kitchen was bustling with activity, but I managed to snag a bucket of warm water without getting in anyone's way. The bucket was nearly as big as I was, but with my strength, carrying it up the stairs was no problem. I poured the warm water into the basin, the steam rising as the cold and hot water mixed. Perfect.

I stripped down and stepped into the basin, the warm water enveloping me like a cocoon. I leaned back, letting out a long sigh as the tension in my muscles melted away. This was exactly what I needed. I closed my eyes, letting the warmth soak into my skin, and for the first time in weeks, I felt truly relaxed.

About an hour later, I stepped out of the basin, feeling like a new man. I dried off and dressed in fresh clothes, the rough-spun fabric soft against my clean skin. I ran a hand through my damp hair, grinning at my reflection in the small mirror on the wall. "Looking good, Kaizen," I said to myself. "Looking damn good."

With my spirits high and my energy renewed, I grabbed my pouch of coins and headed out into the city. The streets of Torak were bustling with activity, the air filled with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares and the clatter of horse-drawn carriages. I had a list of errands to run, and I was determined to get them all done before the day was over.

First Stop: Vado's General Goods

Vado's shop was as cluttered as ever, the shelves packed with everything from rope to flint and steel. The scrawny shopkeeper looked up from behind the counter, his balding head gleaming in the sunlight streaming through the windows.

"Well, well," Vado said, a grin spreading across his face. "If it isn't Kaizen Vale. Back from the dead, are we?"

I smirked, leaning on the counter. "Not quite. Just back from a quest that nearly killed me. You know, the usual."

Vado chuckled, shaking his head. "You're a madman, Kaizen. What can I get for you today?"

"I need some rope, a couple of water flasks, and… let's see…" I glanced around the shop, my eyes landing on a set of collapsible metal rods. "Those cooking spits you showed me last time. I'll take them."

Vado raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Finally coming around to my suggestions, are you?"

"Don't get too excited," I said, tossing a pair silver coins onto the counter. "I'm just feeling generous today."

Vado laughed, gathering up my items and handing them over. "You're a strange one, Kaizen. But I like you."

"The feeling's mutual," I said with a wink, slinging the rope over my shoulder and heading out the door.

Second Stop: Greta's Alchemy Hut

Greta's shop smelled like death and peppermint, as usual. The grizzled old woman was behind the counter, her gray hair tied in a tight bun and her sharp eyes narrowing as I walked in.

"Kaizen Vale," she barked, slamming a tray of small vials onto the counter. "You're late. Again. Did you come to ruin my day or actually buy something this time?"

I grinned, leaning against the counter. "You know me, Greta. Here to lighten your shelves and your mood."

She snorted, pushing the tray toward me. "Healing potions, strength boosters, and something new I've been working on—a stamina draught. Perfect for someone who thinks they're invincible."

I picked up one of the vials, holding it up to the light. The liquid inside shimmered a deep red, and I could already feel the energy radiating from it. "I'll take two of each," I said, pulling out a gold coin.

Greta's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly masked her surprise with a scowl. "About time you started paying what my potions are worth."

"Don't get used to it," I said with a smirk, stuffing the vials into my satchel. "I'm just feeling flush after my last quest."

Greta muttered something under her breath as I left, but I could tell she was pleased. Greta might act tough, but she had a soft spot for me. Or maybe she just liked my money.

Third Stop: Turo's Butcher Shop

Turo's shop was a welcome change from the cluttered chaos of Vado's and the sharp smells of Greta's. The burly butcher was behind the counter, his arms the size of tree trunks and his booming laugh filling the room.

"Kaizen!" he called out as I walked in. "You're back. And looking cleaner than usual. What's the occasion?"

I chuckled, leaning on the counter. "Just had a bath. Felt like a new man. Now I need some of that venison jerky to keep me going."

Turo grinned, grabbing a bundle from behind the counter. "Got fresh stock just this morning. And some spiced boar strips you might want to try."

I picked up a strip of the spiced boar, tearing off a piece and popping it into my mouth. The flavor was rich and smoky, with just the right amount of heat. "Damn, that's good," I said, grabbing a few more strips. "I'll take both."

Turo laughed, slapping me on the back hard enough to make me stumble. "Still as stubborn as ever, but at least you've got good taste."

I handed over a few dozen or so copper coins, stuffing the jerky into my pack. "Thanks, Turo. You're a lifesaver."

Fourth Stop: Mila's Supplies

My final stop was Mila's shop, a quaint little place run by a bubbly young woman who always greeted me with a smile.

"Kaizen!" she chirped as I walked in. "It's been a while. What can I get for you today?"

"Sleeping gear," I said, leaning on the counter. "Something lightweight but sturdy."

Mila nodded, pulling out a compact bedroll and a waterproof tarp. "These are new," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Lightweight, durable, and perfect for someone who's always on the move."

I inspected the gear, running my hands over the fabric. It was high-quality stuff, and I could tell Mila had gone out of her way to find it for me. "I'll take them," I said, tossing a few gold coins onto the counter.

Mila's eyes widened, but she quickly recovered, handing over the gear with a smile. "You're too kind, Kaizen. Come back soon, okay?"

"Count on it," I said with a wink, slinging the bedroll over my shoulder and heading out the door.

By the time I finished my errands, the sun was high in the sky, and I was feeling better than I had in weeks. My cash reserves were a little lighter, but my pack was full, and I was ready for whatever the next quest threw at me. I walked through the streets of Torak, the warm sun on my face and a spring in my step. Life was good.

And as I made my way back to the Mikaelson Inn, I couldn't help but smile. Today was a good day.