When He Xi came downstairs, Ms. Cassandra greeted him warmly. "Mister Galen, I forgot to ask earlier—have you had lunch? I baked some meat pies. Would you like to try one?"
He Xi's stomach gave an approving growl right on cue.
He took a steaming-hot meat pie and bit into it.
The crust was baked to a crisp, golden brown, and gave a soft crackle when he bit down.
The filling was tender and juicy, fragrant with onions and herbs. Hot juices burst across his mouth.
He ate several in a row before his hunger began to ease and he felt a little embarrassed. "It tastes wonderful, Ms. Cassandra. Please let me pay you."
Ms. Cassandra had been about to wave away his offer, but seeing how sincere he was, she said, "How about this? I have to prepare three meals a day anyway. If you don't mind eating with me, just add two Silver Scales per person each month."
Two Silver Scales worked out to less than seven copper nails a day. Even the cheapest Black Bread would cost three copper nails a day outside.
And Ms. Cassandra's cooking was far better than that.
"Sure!" he mumbled, still chewing on a meat pie, and pulled six Silver Scales from his purse to set on the table.
"Hey, why so many?"
"There's Bruce's share, too."
He pointed to the dog with its face almost buried in its food bowl.
"Oh, this little one doesn't need to pay. It doesn't eat much."
He glanced down at Bruce, who was already working on his third meat pie. He opened his mouth, about to say something.
But Ms. Cassandra was looking at Bruce fondly. "Just look at the little fellow. So full of energy."
He could only let it go. He couldn't refuse