The Time Keeper

Chapter 19 - Babysitting

Reaching Caius' shabby abode, I entered to find him bustling about in the kitchen, the smell of spices and herbs wafting through the air.

"Ah, Elias, you're back," he said cheerfully. "Dinner will be ready shortly. Take a seat."

Had the afternoon gone by already? I lay the suit bag over one of the empty seats and asked, "Did you get this at the markets earlier?"

Caius brought over a large metal tray with a steaming roast to the table. "Yup," he smiled. "It wasn't that cheap since it's not locally farmed. That's why the seafood here is pretty well-priced. Did you know Leode is one of the best places to be for good quality fish?"

I had already figured that out. In the books I had read, Leode's known to be a bustling port city, famous for its thriving markets and seafood caught straight from the docks. There are many places for boats to dock and unload their goods from far-off lands. The city serves as a major trading hub, connecting routes to the west and south and the waters surrounding the city are abundant with a variety of fish.

"Yes, I believe you might've said that already."

Caius dished up a place of dinner for us each, the aroma filling my nose and it steamed. This was more like what I would've had back in my old world. I nice home-cooked meal waiting and ready for when I got home from studying all day.

We both ate in silence while the slight clang of utensils could still be heard. Upon finishing we cleaned up and I headed up to my room to do some more reading. I had brought a book back from the library and I planned on reading more history before dosing off. The book continued to go on about the city of Leode and its various shops, markets and churches.

Finally, once it started to get darker, I washed up and headed off to bed, but I couldn't shake the eagerness of tomorrow. What did the boss have in store for me and what was this scouting mission? If I wanted to make a good impression I would have to try extra hard, not only because I wanted to rise in the ranks quickly but because it wasn't a job I was used to. Me? A bounty hunter? Who would've guessed heh? With that, I dozed off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up early and put on the new suit I had purchased yesterday, along with the sash that matched my hair. The suit once again fit me perfectly and had a soft cotton fabric. I couldn't help but feel a sense of confidence as I dressed, knowing that I was prepared for whatever lay ahead.

I left Caius's house and headed to the bakery to grab a coffee. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee beans filled my nostrils as I entered, and I was greeted by the sight of a cozy little shop with a few patrons sitting at the counter. I ordered a coffee, paid a couple of dirs and headed back out to the road to catch a carriage over to Argyle Lane.

"Welcome back Eli, nice suit you're wearing. Must've cost a pretty penny," Jean said as I entered The Den. Jean was still sitting behind the lobby counter still. Had he been there since yesterday I wonder?

"It wasn't too expensive thankfully, managed to get a complimentary discount from Darius heh,"

Jean chuckled slightly, "Boss, is in his office by the way. He wanted to see you when you arrived."

I nodded my thanks and made my way to Darius's office. As I entered, I saw him sitting behind his desk, looking as imposing as ever.

"Good morning, Elias. I hope you had a good night's rest," Darius said, his voice low and steady.

"I did, thank you," I replied.

Darius gestured for me to take a seat in front of his desk. "I have your bounty hunter's badge and license here. I apologize for forgetting to give it to you yesterday."