Leonard stepped out of a restaurant as if he had gone through a rebirth again.
He had just finished eating. His belly was protruding, his smile was big, and most importantly, he was full.
’Alright, ti to work again!’
When he arrived at the market, it was already busy. The stalls were opened with people shouting and townsfolk crowding the streets with baskets on their arms.
Leonard headed straight to the sa open space he used yesterday. The little spot was in the middle of the street, so it had good foot traffic and, more importantly, it was surrounded by people.
Leonard dropped his things on the ground casually. He dragged his table, set up his stool, and placed the dice on top. When he was done, he flashed his trademark grin.
"Step right up, folks! You win, you double your coins. You lose, well... that’s life! Wanna test your luck today?"
He said those lines out loud.
To his surprise, he didn’t need to shout twice. As soon as they heard his voice, people started walking towards him. They were more than yesterday.
That ans the word must’ve spread overnight.
’Haha, this is good! I can earn more today!’
He also noticed that there were familiar faces, too. They were mostly the ones who won yesterday, and so who lost. They must be here to try their luck again. Now, they were back with coins clutched tightly in their palms.
Leonard could feel the anticipation in the air.
So of the onlookers from yesterday have now decided to join. They don’t know it yet, but slowly, they were being lured by Leonard to gamble and risk their money.
’Damn, they look so excited.’
Leonard’s eyes road around. Everywhere he looked, he was greeted by eager faces that were ready to gamble. It was a sight that made his heart pound in excitent.
"Looks like my business is booming," he muttered under his breath, grinning wider.
He asked people to line up, which they excitedly did. And just like that, the ga began.
Cheers erupted when soone won, groans and curses followed when soone lost. Every victory sparked more people to step up, and every loss only seed to ignite the fire of those desperate to try again.
By mid-morning, Leonard had a crowd around him. Coins were filling his pouch faster than yesterday.
In there, he just thought that he was right where he belonged. He was in the center of chaos, smiling like a devil as his dice decided the fate of every man and woman bold enough to gamble with him.
Gamble without them knowing.
After a few more hours of gambling, Leonard finally raised his hand.
"Alright, folks, that’s it for today!"
The crowd who were still with him groaned in protest. So of them were even clutching their last silver coins as if begging for another chance.
"It may not be your ti today, but who knows next ti? Don’t worry, my friends. I’ll be back tomorrow. Save up those coins until then." Leonard only smirked and packed up the dice, slipping them into his pocket like they were made of gold.
"Damn it! Just one more round, I was about to win back my losses!"
"You said the sa thing ten rounds ago."
"I doubled mine again! Ha! Drinks are on tonight!"
"Tch. Beginner’s luck."
"Mark my words, next ti it’s my turn."
"See? Told you it wasn’t rigged! You just gotta know how to play it smart!"
"I won a lot today!"
"See you tomorrow!"
"That boy’s a devil with dice."
"Tomorrow, sa spot?"
"I’ll bring more coins next ti."
So cursed, so laughed, and others muttered that they’d be waiting for him. Either way, Leonard knew he had them hooked.
"Alright, alright. I’ll be expecting all of you." Leonard waved his hands to bid goodbye. Others bid goodbye to him, too, before he slipped off.
This ti, though, he wasn’t heading back to that shady wooden guesthouse anymore. Leonard wanted comfort. He wanted a bed he could sleep on without worrying about anything.
After asking around, he found a sturdier-looking guesthouse down a quieter street. The sign out front was freshly painted, the windows weren’t cracked, and most importantly, it slled and looked clean inside.
Just as he was about to step in, the door swung open. A couple walked past him, their hands tightly clasped together.
The girl giggled while the man leaned close and whispered sothing into her ear.
"Don’t worry, darling. I’ll keep you safe tonight."
"Mm, you always say the sweetest things."
"Of course, for you, my love."
"Hehehe, you’ll be getting a reward with that sweet tongue of yours."
They stopped just by the steps, gazing into each other’s eyes like no one else existed.
’It seems like soone is getting cracked tonight...’ Leonard just stared at them and silently sighed. ’And it’s obviously not .’
’Anyway...’ Leonard shook his head and walked past them. He pushed the door open with a bit more force than necessary to disrupt the two who were still flirting on the stairs
The two obviously got startled.
"Hey— "
"You—"
He closed the door before he could hear their complaints.
When he stepped inside, the innkeeper greeted him politely instead of glaring at his purse. He also looked friendly, and there was a genuine smile on his lips.
"Hello there, gentlen. Are you looking for a room? Our most common room is five silvers a day, but if you want extra special, we can also provide one for you," the man said directly, not trying to sell his rooms, but accommodating Leonard’s preference.
"I see..." Leonard handed over the coins with zero hesitation. "I’ll take five days."
"I’ll lead you the way."
The room he got wasn’t fancy, but compared to last night’s dump, it was like a royal suite. The sheets didn’t sll, the door had a working lock, and the bed looked sturdy enough to handle... well, anything.
He even got a desk and a wardrobe on the side.
"This is perfect," Leonard muttered, tossing his things on the table.
"That is fortunate then. I will be leaving now, so you can take a rest. If you have any requests, you can just call downstairs."
"Alright."
As soon as the innkeeper left, Leonard carefully secured his money pouch beneath the mattress. He also set aside his able and stool on the side. Then, with the dagger at his hip and dice in his pocket, he stretched his arms.
"Alright. My money’s safe, and I got a place to stay... it’s ti for the bullshit part of my day."
A translucent screen flashed in front of him, reminding him of the dreaded list of things he needed to follow.
[Daily Training – Day 1]
- Run 2 miles.
- 50 push-ups.
- 50 sit-ups.
- 50 squats.
- Stretching routine for recovery.
Leonard clicked his tongue.
"Alright, world. Ti to see if I can survive day one without collapsing."
And with that, he headed off to start his training.
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