Dinner Time

With a Wizard level and Spell Slots, he could naturally begin moving from theory to practice.

Because the magical theories of the two worlds were highly similar, some spell models differed by less than five percent, while others even had identical names and effects.

Thus, with his solid theoretical foundation, Raymond learned remarkably quickly.

In just a few hours, he had mastered a whole series of Cantrips: Resistance, Detect Poison, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Daze, Flare, Light, Ray of Frost, Shocking Grasp, Thunderclap, Disrupt Undead, Mage Hand, Message, Launch Bolt, Arcane Mark, Prestidigitation, and more.

Although his proficiency was still low, he could at least cast them while maintaining concentration.

And while these spells consumed little magical power and possessed almost no ability to seriously injure or kill anyone, they were extremely practical.

The most typical examples were detection spells, as well as Message, Mending, and Amanuensis, all of which could bring considerable convenience to daily life.

After learning Detect Poison in particular, Raymond no longer needed to have his summoned soldiers taste-test poison for him.

After casting the spell, it became immediately obvious whether food or water contained poison.

As for Shocking Grasp, Flare, Acid Splash, Thunderclap, Ray of Frost, and Daze, although they could not kill anyone, they could still make opponents suffer.

This would slow the enemy's approach and attacks, buying time for whatever came next.

Launch Bolt could even fire a crossbow bolt like a light crossbow, striking targets no farther than twenty-four meters away.

After learning this spell, all he needed was to carry a bundle of crossbow bolts and hide in the shadows to launch sneak attacks.

If he coated them with some deadly poison, the effect would naturally be even better.

"Not bad. It seemed this book, From Apprentice to Wizard: Cantrips You Should Master, was truly worth the price. It actually included so many Cantrips."

Raymond set down the somewhat heavy book in his hand, a thoroughly pleased expression appearing on his face.

Although Cantrips themselves were not particularly valuable, and even the lowest-ranking Wizards could master several or even more than a dozen of them, he still felt that the money had been well spent.

Just as he was preparing to turn his attention toward the more difficult and powerful first-level spells, his stomach suddenly let out a rumbling growl.

When he looked up through the window, he realized that night had fallen without him noticing.

Immersed in practicing magic, Raymond had gone nearly six or seven hours without eating anything, drinking only a little of the locally distinctive mint tea.

"Master, it is time for dinner," the soldier took the opportunity to remind him.

"Fine. Let us fill our stomachs first."

Raymond nodded and swiftly stuffed all the books spread across the table, along with his own notes, into his shoulder bag.

Given how bold and rampant Calimport's Halfling thieves were, he did not dare leave such valuable things in his room.

Otherwise, if he returned to find that thieves had paid him a visit, he would not even have a place to cry.

After packing up, the two quickly left the room and descended the creaking wooden stairs to the first-floor hall.

At some point, the place had already become bustling with noise.

Large numbers of sailors who had just disembarked from ships, along with workers who had spent the day laboring, gathered in groups.

They drank cheap watered-down beer while eating simple set meals that cost two copper coins each.

This so-called "set meal" was basically a plate of cold cuts that had been sitting around for who knew how long but had not yet spoiled;

a bowl of stew made with unpeeled dried shrimp, seaweed, and small clam meat;

two of the cheapest, not particularly fresh herrings;

and finally, a chunk of hard black bread that could practically be used as a brick.

If it was not soaked in soup first, it would surely chip someone's teeth.

The cheap watered-down beer cost an additional copper coin.

This was the truest reflection of the lives of Calimport's lower-class citizens, aside from those in the slums and the slaves.

Their lives were not good, and they could not save much money, but at least they had enough to fill their stomachs.

The moment he saw Raymond coming downstairs, the innkeeper immediately rushed out from behind the counter, bent over, and gave him a deep bow.

"Good evening, esteemed Lord Soros.

What would you like to eat tonight?

We have just received a batch of fresh oysters.

They are delicious whether eaten raw with sauce or grilled with garlic, minced ginger, and other spices.

In addition, today's specialties are steamed Spanish mackerel and peppered mutton soup.

I guarantee that the Spanish mackerel was pulled from the sea only this afternoon, and the mutton came from sheep slaughtered fresh at noon. It is absolutely clean and sanitary."

Clearly, the reason for his attentiveness was entirely due to the instructions of Aipuke, the leader of the Thieves' Guild.

Although the innkeeper did not know what relationship the two had.

From Aipuke's attitude when they had eaten together last time, however, he knew that whatever their relationship was, neither of them was someone he could afford to offend.

"Bring me several portions of grilled oysters, a large platter of steamed Spanish mackerel, a steaming pot of peppered mutton soup, and some soft, fresh white bread.

Remember to add plenty of chopped scallions!

The bread must be soft enough!

No alcohol for drinks. Bring some freshly squeezed coconut juice or lemon juice with honey.

Also, prepare the same dinner for the gentleman in the room next to mine and deliver it to him. Have whoever brings it feed him.

Finally, bring enough fresh meat and fish to feed my pet."

With that, Raymond directly took out a gold coin and handed it over, then walked straight toward the window seat reserved especially for him.

Seeing the golden gleam radiating from the coin in his hand and feeling its weight, heavier than any other metal of equal volume, the innkeeper immediately beamed with delight.

He raised his voice and roared at his employees, ordering them to move faster.

Especially the kitchen—even if they had to put down what they were doing, they absolutely had to prepare and serve Raymond's order within fifteen minutes.

As for those paupers who could only afford two-copper set meals and one-copper cups of watered-down beer, they could wait.

After all, the innkeeper knew very well whose needs should take priority: customers who spent only three or five copper coins on a meal, or customers who could spend an entire gold coin on one.

Soon, amid the astonished, envious, and jealous gazes of the others, several large plates of enticingly fragrant food were brought out.

The oysters grilled with garlic, minced ginger, and spices in particular made those who had never tasted spices before restless with desire.

And since Raymond looked like nothing more than a boy of around ten, some people even considered taking the risk and robbing him.

Before long, however, they were forced to come to their senses.

The soldier had drawn the short sword at his waist halfway, its blade glinting coldly, while his sharp gaze swept across the hall.

"Damn it! Which noble or wealthy merchant's young master is this? He even brought guards when he went out."

A middle-aged man with a full beard and a face of thick flesh cursed under his breath.

A similarly ugly-looking man beside him rolled his eyes and sneered, "You want to pull a job?

Keep dreaming!

I heard that a few days ago, many people saw this boy enter this inn with Leader Aipuke, and they even had a meal together.

I guarantee that if you rob him, then regardless of whether you succeed, your corpse will be hanging on a wall to dry within a few hours."

"That is right! Be careful that you do not earn money only to lose your life."

Another younger man nodded in firm agreement.

In Calimport, knowing not to provoke the Thieves' Guild was common sense.

Other than the time the Drow Ranger Drizzt Do'Urden brought several powerful companions and successfully crushed a Thieves' Guild, no second person had ever been able to leave safely after provoking one.

A few months earlier, a Paladin of the God of Justice had come into Conflict with a Thieves' Guild in order to save a child forced into slavery for being unable to repay a debt.

Only three days later, the Paladin's corpse had been found in the sewers.

This showed just how powerful the Thieves' Guild had become in this city; even the temples could do nothing about them.