Colin slept until noon the next day.
When he opened his eyes, his room seemed deserted, sunlight filtering through the windows and bathing the room in a golden glow. He rose with a heaviness in his limbs, as if he had fought against something invisible all night long.
He brushed his teeth, bathed quickly, and put on clean clothes, preparing to face the day. Still, he felt a strange tension, as if something important were about to happen.
Brighid and Safira returned shortly after, carrying bags full of fresh fruit and other supplies. "So you're awake!" Safira set the bags on the counter and hugged Colin warmly. "We brought some fruit, in case you're hungry."
Colin stroked Safira's hair; she was beaming, while Brighid also placed her bags on the counter. There was something different about her today, a vibrant energy he couldn't quite explain.
"The capital is buzzing!" she exclaimed. "People are excited for tomorrow. There are even folks from other principalities here!"
Expectation charged the atmosphere, as if the entire city were on the verge of something grand.
"Looks like it's going to be big," said Colin. "Want to go out to eat? We can go to that restaurant from last time. We don't need to skimp on the dishes; we have plenty of money now."
Safira pulled his arm enthusiastically. "I thought you'd never ask! Let's go!"
They left the inn on a sunny morning. The bustle of the capital's streets was evident: merchants announced their wares loudly, citizens came and went in a constant flow, and a pulsating energy seemed to emanate from every corner.
Colin felt the weight of the stares, knowing that rumors of his recent mission had already spread through the city. The people in the streets didn't shy away from looking at the trio that had returned from a successful journey. His deeds were known by many, and Colin could feel the admiration and, perhaps, even a little envy in the looks they received.
They walked through the cobblestone streets, passing a series of establishments. Merchants sold clothes embroidered with mystical symbols, magical objects that emitted a faint glow, and a variety of other interesting products.
Safira was visibly enchanted by the city's atmosphere, her eyes shining as she observed everything around her. Brighid, on the other hand, maintained a more reserved posture, analyzing the faces of the people who crossed her path, as if looking for something specific in the crowd.
But Colin let his attention wander to a brothel as they approached. His eyes fixed on the women outside, trying to attract customers with seductive smiles and provocative outfits. He felt a momentary impulse of interest, quickly interrupted by Brighid's piercing gaze, having noticed his distraction.
However, Brighid said nothing. Instead, she continued walking beside him, keeping a gentle silence, while Safira, distracted by a colorful stained-glass window in a nearby shop, didn't notice the momentary tension.
The trio headed to the restaurant. There, they settled at a table beside one of the windows, allowing the sunlight to illuminate the space. The decor was cozy, with white tablecloths and dark wooden chairs.
A friendly waitress approached, smiling warmly. "Good afternoon! What would you like to order today?"
Colin, excited, looked at the options on the menu, but then smiled at the waitress and said, "We'll try the 'House Special' today."
The waitress took the orders and withdrew, promising to return soon with the drinks. "This city really is incredible..." said Safira, her eyes shining. "It's always so vibrant and full of life... There's so much to see and do... it's hard to believe Ultan is behind it..."
"It's true," agreed Colin. "We haven't visited everything yet. I'm starting to like it here."
"And the beautiful women too, right?" said Brighid, her voice holding a slight hint of irritation.
Colin nodded, missing the jab. "Ah, you got me," admitted Colin, laughing. "But don't worry, I just look, I don't touch. But what about you, Brighid? What do you like most about the city?"
Brighid thought for a moment before answering. "I like the architecture and the diversity of things to do... I'm curious to know what the university is like."
"Day after tomorrow, you'll know."
The waitress returned with the drinks, placing them carefully on the table. There were three mugs of wine. "Here are your drinks," she said, smiling. "I hope you enjoy them."
"Thank you!" the three said in unison, picking up the mugs.
"The food will take a little while, but it's worth the wait," she said, winking at them. "The house special is the best in town."
"We look forward to trying it," said Safira, excited. "I'm sure it'll be great!"
"Bon appétit!" joked the waitress, walking away.
"How long has it been since we drank like this?" asked Colin. "Since the Bakurak village, right?"
"I think so..." answered Brighid. Colin raised his glass for a toast. "To the selection test."
"To the selection test!" repeated Safira and Brighid, clinking glasses.
They took a sip of the wine, feeling the cold liquid slide down their throats. The conversation flowed easily, ranging from memories of past battles to expectations for the future. When the waitress brought the food, placing three steaming plates on the table, the irresistible aroma of the meat stew with vegetables and herbs made everyone's mouth water.
"Here is the house special," she announced proudly. "I hope you enjoy it."
The three picked up their silverware and began to eat, savoring every bite. The meat was tender and juicy, the vegetables cooked just right, and the herbs gave a special touch to the sauce. It was a delicious meal, perfect for recharging their energy.
After finishing the meal, they walked through the city, observing the increase in guards on the streets and the presence of nobles from other principalities, escorted by armed men.
The products being sold were more expensive, precisely because of the foreigners, and some merchants spoke openly about selling directly from the Well, an underworld beneath Ultan, while others didn't bother to hide that their goods were stolen.
Just as the afternoon passed quickly, night arrived, and they returned to the One-Eyed Dwarf. Safira went to sleep early, before 8:00 PM, while Colin and Brighid remained awake.
Sitting on the bed, she read a cookbook, taking a break from novels, while Colin ate an apple at the table. His feet were propped up on the bed, and he rocked slightly, staring at the ceiling.
Brighid seemed focused, and Colin watched her in those white pajamas, clinging to her body, accentuating her curves. He stared at that beautiful face, those gentle features, and fragments of his previous battles began to invade his mind. He imagined himself with Brighid, claiming her as his own. He imagined his hands sliding over her soft skin, their bodies merging into one. But, instead of something calm and gentle, he imagined something brutal and violent, something that made him feel a strange mixture of desire and repulsion.
His intent became so strong that Brighid felt that predatory gaze, causing Colin to quickly look away.
"I'm going for a walk," he stood up, putting on his slippers.
"Where are you going?"
"For a walk. No need to worry, I won't fight anyone, I just want to walk a bit... I think this test is making me anxious... you should sleep."
She nodded. "I will..."
Colin left, leaving behind a Brighid who still felt the weight of his gaze, as if something in him were about to explode.