When he woke up the next day, he was already back in his own room. He didn't think much of it, figuring the innkeeper had carried him back while he was asleep. At this age, he really did sleep deeply—he hadn't felt a thing.
After washing up, he spent 10 Oren on a luxurious breakfast with meat. He probably wouldn't need lunch.
"Mel, are you going out adventuring again today?" the landlady asked.
"No. I won't be adventuring for a while. I found a teacher in the west side of the city, so I need to go learn from her."
"Oh, that apothecary?"
"How did you know?" Mel was certain he had never mentioned it to the innkeeper. Had she seen him reading? Had she guessed it?
Before he could let his imagination run wild, the innkeeper spoke. "I was chatting with the woman from the laundry before, and she mentioned that there was a child asking around all day about where to learn magic. I thought that had to be you."
"I wasn't asking around all day. I only asked once. The rest of the time, I was just drying my clothes." Mel immediately refuted her. He really had only asked once, and it had been that dwarf he asked.
Older women really loved gossip.
"Mm, go on, then. There aren't many children as eager to learn as you. You practiced very diligently in the backyard yesterday." The landlady smiled and encouraged him.
Mel was naturally pleased at being acknowledged. He continued according to plan, heading for the apothecary in the west side of the city.
The morning air had not yet grown too hot, but the sun was already out. He could faintly feel the air warming, and it was no longer as refreshing as it had been