The morning after their return from the fortress, a baker leaned out of his doorway as Unbound passed.
"Heading out again, Lord Black?"
"After breakfast."
"Then you've come to the right place!"
Blossom had already stopped beside the window.
"Master, those have meat inside."
"Even I can smell that."
"Blossom thinks we should buy some for the journey."
The baker brought out a tray while Quinlan reached for his purse. Behind them, a carter hurried to pull his wagon closer to the curb, giving the women room to gather around the shop.
"Are you taking the eastern road?" he asked. "My brother's been waiting to bring his wool in."
"That's where we're going."
"Thank the Goddess. They've been dragging people off their carts out there."
Ayame accepted a hot pastry from Lucille, blew on it, and looked toward the gate.
"Then we'd better eat quickly."
Quinlan paid the baker and followed her. Between bites, he opened his status.
[Level: 67 ➣ 68. XP: 104,812,640 / 4,307,294,877]
