The capital was alive—louder, larger, and more colorful than Kai could have ever imagined. Every street pulsed with people, power, and promises. Vendors shouted deals, knights marched with pride, and the smell of fresh street food tickled his nose.
Kai clutched the small bag of coins Sir 8 had given him. He had to be smart. Sir 8 warned him not to blow it all in one place, and despite Kai's carefree nature, he had started to take that advice seriously.
Until he smelled it.
Golden, fluffy, warm, cheesy goodness that floated through the air like a siren's song. His stomach roared. His feet moved before his brain caught up. The sign above the small tavern read:
"The Golden Crust: Home of the Legendary Cheese Bread."
Inside, the air was even richer—sweet bread, molten cheese, and savory herbs wafting from the oven. People were crowded around a single table, devouring the golden, pillowy rolls with reckless abandon. Kai peeked up at the menu.
Legendary Cheese Bread - 15 copper coins per basket.
His whole allowance was barely 50 coppers.
Kai swallowed. "Just one," he muttered.
But one became two. Then he saw they had a triple-cheese variation. Then a spicy one. A garlic-glazed version? He couldn't resist. Each bite was heaven, like a hug from a celestial goddess.
When Kai finally leaned back in his seat, groaning with joy and regret, his money pouch felt dangerously light.
"Forty-two coppers," the waitress said, eyeing him with amusement.
"Wha—?! That's more than I... I thought—"
"You added a drink. And a dipping sauce platter. And two extra baskets to go."
Kai's stomach churned—not from the food, but from the realization. "Sir 8's gonna kill me..."
As he walked out, clutching his paper-wrapped leftovers, he sighed. "Was it worth it?"
He took one bite.
"...Absolutely."
But deep inside, he knew this was a lesson. Sir 8 had warned him: in this world, hunger wasn't the enemy—impulse was.
Kai walked on, face smeared with crumbs, heart full of mild regret, and mind beginning to understand the weight of choice.
To be continued...