Chapter 38:

What Is Essential Is Invisible

> The currency of the Empire is rooted in the precision inherited from the Thallic system, adopted after their conquest. The gold coin, valued at one hundred silver, and the silver at one hundred copper, maintains a carefully regulated weight, within a narrow margin of error. This standardization allows for seamless transactions across the provinces. The Empire’s economy, like much of its legal and cultural structures, is an appropriation of Thaliric practices, refined for imperial governance. The coinage, though styled in the Empire’s image, bears the weight of its conquered past."

>

> — Report on Imperial Coinage by Magister Heron of the Magisterium's Department of Economic Antiquities

Godfrey and his friends found themselves strolling down the cobblestone streets, laughter and conversation filling the night air. They had just left The Gilded Gryphon, an upscale restaurant renowned for its exquisite cuisine and impeccable service. Godfrey had convinced the group that he didn't need the Respital's healing; what he truly needed was a hearty meal. Adrian was more than happy to oblige, seizing the opportunity to celebrate his friend's victory in style.

The Gryphon had lived up to its reputation. The establishment's opulent interior featured chandeliers crafted from crystal, walls adorned with intricate tapestries, and tables set with fine china and polished silverware. They had dined on succulent roast pheasant, seasoned vegetables, and freshly baked bread. The highlight, however, was the wine—a vintage so exquisite that its rich flavors lingered on the palate long after each sip. Godfrey, unaccustomed to such luxury, found himself delightfully lightheaded as the evening progressed. The gnawing hunger that had accompanied him earlier had been thoroughly sated.

As they exited the restaurant, the cool night breeze was refreshing against their flushed faces. The streets were alive with activity—street performers entertained passersby with music and acrobatics, while vendors sold late-night treats from colorful carts illuminated by lanterns.

Thyra adjusted her cloak, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Well, that was an experience," she admitted. "But we should probably call it a night. Training resumes early tomorrow."

Adrian waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, come now! One last stop before we retire. There's a tavern nearby—The Laughing Lion. It's famed for its spiced cider and lively atmosphere. What do you say?"

Riella glanced at Godfrey, noting his cheerful demeanor. "I don't know, Adrian. We've already had quite the evening."

Godfrey grinned, his eyes bright. "I think one more can't hurt. Besides, it's been a while since I've felt this relaxed. Why are all these places named after animals?"

Thyra sighed softly. "It’s because most people can’t read. One drink, Adrian," she said as she turned to the offending man.

"That's the spirit!" Adrian declared, leading the way.

The Laughing Lion was a stark contrast to the refined elegance of The Gryphon. The tavern was warm and inviting, with rustic wooden beams, a roaring fireplace, and walls adorned with trinkets and memorabilia from travelers and adventurers. The air was filled with the hum of lively conversations, clinking mugs, and the melodic strumming of a bard in the corner.

They found a cozy table near the hearth. Adrian ordered a round of the tavern's famous spiced cider, and soon, steaming mugs were placed before them.

"To Godfrey," Adrian toasted, raising his mug. "The man of the hour!"

"To Godfrey," Riella and Thyra echoed, lifting their drinks.

Godfrey chuckled, a slight flush coloring his cheeks. "I’ll get this round, I suddenly find myself flush."

"Nonsense," Adrian replied. "No friend of mine pays for drinks after fighting a pitched battle."

They settled into easy conversation, the earlier tensions of the day forgotten. Godfrey felt a warmth—not just from the cider—but from the camaraderie shared among them.

"So, how does it feel to be the one who bested the Bone Breaker?" Riella asked, her eyes reflecting the flickering firelight.

He shrugged modestly. "Surreal, honestly. I didn't go in expecting to win. I just...acted on instinct."

Thyra regarded him thoughtfully. "Your instincts served you well. But you took quite a risk."

"Perhaps," he conceded. "But sometimes risks are necessary."

Adrian leaned back in his chair. "Well, it certainly made for an unforgettable evening."

The bard in the corner began a new tune—a lively melody that had patrons tapping their feet and some even dancing. The atmosphere was infectious.

Riella smiled. "I love this song."

Adrian stood abruptly, extending his hand to her. "Care to dance?"

She laughed lightly. "Why not?"

They moved to the center of the tavern, where the bard had just begun a lively tune. The melody was infectious, and soon Adrian and Riella were fully immersed in the rhythm. Their dance was exuberant—swooping, laughing, tossing—each movement more spirited than the last. Adrian spun Riella around with flair, the folds of her dress swirling gracefully. They covered nearly the entire dance floor, their energy and enthusiasm drawing attention from all corners of the room.

Other patrons watched with a mix of amusement and mild annoyance as the pair's expansive movements encroached on their space. A couple attempting a quiet dance found themselves stepping aside to avoid a collision. The bartender glanced over, shaking his head with a wry smile. Despite the occasional grumble, it was hard not to be entertained by their sheer joy.

Back at the table, Godfrey and Thyra observed the spectacle.

"They certainly know how to make an entrance," Godfrey remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Thyra sipped her cider, a subtle smile tugging at her lips. "They seem to have taken over the dance floor."

"That's Adrian for you—never does anything halfway," Godfrey said, shaking his head fondly.

An amiable silence settled between them. After a few moments, Thyra spoke again.

"You surprised me today," she admitted.

He glanced at her. "In a good way, I hope."

She met his gaze. "Yes. You showed determination and skill. It's commendable."

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Godfrey took a sip of his cider, then glanced at Thyra. "Can I ask you something?"

She met his gaze, her expression neutral. "Of course."

He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Earlier today, you seemed... distant. Standoffish, even. I couldn't help but wonder why."

Thyra looked slightly uncomfortable, her fingers tracing the rim of her mug. She took a deep breath. "I suppose I owe you an explanation."

"I'm just trying to understand," he said gently.

She nodded, her eyes focusing on the flickering flames in the hearth. "It's not anything you did, Godfrey. The truth is, I'm not used to being around people of lesser means."

He raised an eyebrow, surprised by her candidness. "What do you mean?"

She sighed softly. "In my experience, when people learn of my family's status, they often start to ask for things—money, favors, introductions to influential individuals. It's... tiring. So, I tend to keep my distance."

Understanding dawned on Godfrey. "You thought I might do the same."

She glanced at him apologetically. "I didn't want to assume, but old habits die hard. I realize now that I misjudged you, and for that, I'm sorry."

He offered a reassuring smile. "I appreciate your honesty. And I understand how that could be frustrating. But I assure you, I have no intentions of exploiting our friendship, if that is what you would like for us to be."

She met his eyes, nodding once. "I believe you. You fought tooth and nail for a meager sum instead of asking for help, which in some ways is ill-advised, but I understand it completely."

Godfrey blanched momentarily. Fifty gold, a meager sum?

There was a comfortable silence between them before Thyra spoke again. "I hope we can move past this. I'd like for us to be friends."

He nodded. "I'd like that too."

Just then, Riella and Adrian returned to the table, slightly out of breath and flushed from their spirited dance.

"That was exhilarating!" Riella exclaimed, her cheeks rosy.

Adrian grinned widely. "I think we might have stolen the show."

Thyra raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eye. "You two practically took over the dance floor. Some of the other patrons didn't seem too pleased."

Riella laughed lightly. "We may have gotten a bit carried away."

"A bit?" Godfrey echoed playfully. "You nearly sent a couple flying."

Adrian waved a dismissive hand. "All in good fun! Besides, a little excitement livens up the place."

Feeling the warmth of the spiced cider and emboldened by the convivial atmosphere, Godfrey turned to Riella with a smile. "Riella, would you like to dance?"

She looked pleasantly surprised. "I'd love to," she replied.

Godfrey stood and offered his hand. "Shall we?"

Taking his hand, Riella allowed him to lead her back to the dance floor. The bard had shifted to a softer, more melodic tune, the gentle strumming of the lute creating an intimate ambiance.

As they began to dance, Godfrey felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. "I have to admit," he said softly, "I'm not as skilled a dancer as Adrian."

Riella smiled warmly. "Oh? So you are not good at everything, then?"

He chuckled. "I'm afraid you've witnessed the full extent of my talents. From here on out, it's uncharted territory."

She tilted her head playfully. "Well, I suppose it's my duty to guide you through these treacherous waters."

"Consider me at your mercy," he replied, his eyes twinkling.

They began to move in time with the music, Riella subtly leading to compensate for his hesitation. "See? You're doing just fine," she encouraged.

"That's because I have an excellent partner," he said, his tone warm. "You make even a novice like me look good."

She laughed softly. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Sir Godfrey."

"Is that so?" he mused. "In that case, I must confess that you're the most graceful dancer I've ever seen."

"Careful," she teased. "Keep that up, and I might think you're trying to charm me."

He met her gaze, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "And if I am?"

Riella's cheeks flushed ever so slightly. "Then I might not mind."

They shared a moment of comfortable silence, the world around them fading as they focused on each other.

"You know," she said thoughtfully, "I was surprised when you volunteered to fight the Bone Breaker tonight."

"I was surprised myself, but truly, the money will help."

She raised an eyebrow, a hint of concern in her eyes. "You did it for the money?"

He nodded, his expression turning more serious. "Fifty gold pieces can make a significant difference for me. It wasn't just about the challenge."

Riella's gaze softened. "I hadn't realized... I suppose I take such things for granted."

He offered a reassuring smile. "It's not something I usually talk about. But opportunities like that don't come around often."

She tilted her head slightly. "You could have been seriously hurt."

"Perhaps," he admitted, "but I weighed the risks. I trusted in my training."

She looked into his eyes, searching. "You're braver than I gave you credit for."

He laughed lightly. "Or more foolish."

She shook her head. "No, brave. It takes courage to face such odds, especially for something important."

Godfrey shrugged, but accepted the praise in the spirit it was given.

They continued to sway gently to the music, a comfortable silence settling between them. After a moment, Riella glanced up, curiosity shining in her eyes.

"There's something I've been meaning to ask you," she began tentatively.

"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Do you remember that night at that tavern a couple of weeks ago?"

Godfrey grew uneasy, his hands stiffening slightly in Riella’s soft grip. "Yes, I recall. It was a lively evening."

She noticed his reaction and tilted her head slightly. "You left right after. I wanted to tell you how beautiful it was, but you were gone."

He looked away briefly. "I needed some air."

She searched his eyes. "Is everything alright? You seem uncomfortable."

Godfrey took a deep breath. "It's just... the last time I sang to a crowd, bad things happened. I'd rather not go into it."

Riella glanced at him, concern evident in her expression. "You have a beautiful voice."

He shrugged lightly. "We all have our talents."

She reached out and gently touched his chest, causing them both to stop, and Godfrey’s heart to start racing. "No, Godfrey." Her eyes searched his. "I don't know what that was, but it was amazing. I felt... at peace, as strange as that sounds. Will you promise me that you'll sing it again someday? For me, if not for a crowd.”

He looked at her, surprised by the sincerity in her gaze. The memory of the song flickered in his mind, a mix of warmth and uncertainty. "Maybe," he said softly.

She smiled, and the skin around her eyes crinkled. "I'll hold you to that."

A comfortable silence settled between them as they resumed dancing. The music seemed to wrap around them, the rest of the tavern fading into the background.

As they danced, Riella looked down at Godfrey, a playful glint in her eye. "You know," she teased, "I could probably rest my chin on your head if I wanted to."

Godfrey raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Well, it’s easier to dodge attacks when you’re more... compact."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Compact? Is that what we’re calling it?"

He grinned. "I prefer 'strategically sized.'"

Riella laughed again. "Strategic or not, I could barely see you during the fight."

With a playful shake of her head, she looped her arm through his and started pulling him toward their friends. "Come on, before Adrian and Thyra think you’ve run off to prove your 'strategic size' in some other arena."

Godfrey’s eyes widened and he spluttered for a moment, thinking of a witty response, but the drink and the company slowed his thoughts.