Heading Out Again

With these thoughts in mind, Matthew prepared to pack up and head out.

Matthew changed into a clean, neat black robe and lightly draped a cloak over his shoulders. He then stood in the center of the room and rechecked his belongings as was his habit.

His storage ring, money pouch, a few spare magic stones, his Blue-quality longsword, and the Blood-Veined Rapier he had recently acquired.

Matthew's gaze lingered on the black long case for a moment.

The scenes of yesterday's sword trial replayed in his mind. That unprecedented smoothness, the feeling as if the sword had become an extension of his own body, and finally, that alarming bloodthirsty impulse.

With this in mind, he didn't hesitate to place the long case back into his storage ring.

He was only going out to look around today, so there was no need to bring it. Being able to control it did not mean he could be reckless. There was never any harm in being cautious.

He hung his Blue-quality longsword back at his waist. Matthew patted his hip lightly to ensure it wouldn't hinder his movements, nodding in satisfaction.

Then, he walked to the door.

He was in no hurry to step out. Instead, he checked if the windows were locked, if there was anything unusual about the door, and even scanned the placement of the items on the table.

These actions had long since become instinctual.

When he had first transmigrated to this world, he didn't have such habits. But as he traveled and experienced more, he gradually understood that in this world, many dangers would not warn you in advance. Being a bit more careful often meant living another day.

After confirming nothing was amiss, Matthew finally opened the door.

The hallway was very quiet, the thick wool carpet absorbing almost all of his footsteps. Occasionally, only a server pushed a dining cart past, moving softly. They would even actively stop and bow slightly to Matthew.

“Good morning, Lord Matthew.”

Matthew nodded gently. “Morning.”

Then, he walked to the neighboring door and knocked twice.

Knock. Knock.

Footsteps quickly approached from inside, and the door opened.

Aidan had already changed his clothes. It was clear that his mental state today was much better than yesterday.

Yesterday, entering the royal capital for the first time, running around with Matthew all day, and then being startled by the Blood-Veined Rapier at night had left him looking quite exhausted. Now, after a night's sleep, his complexion had noticeably recovered.

Seeing Matthew, Aidan immediately stood up straight.

“Brother Matthew.”

Matthew smiled. “Let's go.”

Aidan nodded. “Alright.”

The two of them walked down the broad wooden staircase one after the other.

As soon as they reached the lobby, a faint aroma of fresh bread wafted over.

The inn lobby was as spacious as it had been yesterday. Morning light filtered through a row of tall glass windows, illuminating the space brightly.

Many guests had already begun dining. Some spoke in low voices, some flipped through newspapers, and a few merchants sat together, discussing business over breakfast. The entire lobby felt lively but not noisy.

The inn manager was organizing his ledgers behind the counter. Seeing Matthew walk down the stairs, he immediately set down his quill and came forward with a smile.

“Lord Matthew, were you satisfied with your rest last night?”

Matthew nodded. “Very much so.”

These words were not mere politeness. Whether it was the room or the service, there was nothing to complain about. Since the Fiery Lion family could expand their business to the royal capital, they naturally had the confidence to back it up.

The manager's smile grew even warmer. “That is wonderful to hear. If you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to ask.”