It was around eleven in the morning as we left the library, much the opposite of what I imagine back in my own world would be. If I still had my phone with me I could’ve checked but of course, it didn’t end up coming with me. I figured nothing of mine had come with me since my clothing had even been changed.

The bustle of the town had started to pick up since earlier and the chill of the morning had subsided just a tad, despite the suggestion of summer on the horizon.

"Gurgle"

A light groan came from my stomach. I hadn't eaten since my last break during studying and did plan to eat once I got back home. But unfortunately, those plans didn't come to fruition.

"Somebody's hungry," Caius said as he replied to my stomach as we stood outside the library looking aimless.

Now how would I make some quick cash? I could nick something from one of the street vendors, but that could take a turn for the worse and it's not like me to do that. I do tend to think that I’d do anything to achieve success but am much more hesitant when it comes to breaking the law.

I started along the path down towards some of the new shops hoping to find something to light a bulb in my head. Still, with the faint footsteps behind me that I shouldn't acknowledge I could hear scruffy following me. He could offer me some advice and I'd be on my way.

"Ya know, I kinda owe you after earlier," Caius said on a whim.

I had just turned to question Caius and he had already started babbling nonsense.

"Actually food can be on me today, in fact, I know my way around here really well. I can get you anything so long as it's not too expensive. I can’t go broke yet heh" Caius continued on looking quite chuffed with himself.

He doesn't need to pay me back, it was my stupid mistake to not take care of my new belongings. I'd rather owe it to myself to be better next time than get free handouts like that from him.

"I don't need your handouts, I can sort that out myself," I replied with a sigh.

"Suit yourself."

I paused in thought. I may not need food from him but a bit of information would do no harm.

"Do you know where I could sell a few things? A pawn shop, a marketplace, anything of the sort?" Surely I could sell my wallet at this point, it has no money, nor even a name inside. The only thing I’m keeping is the golden brooch.

"Yeah, I know a place. Down the street straight from the library and about a block past the bakery on Albon Street. I know the guy that works there, maybe I could tag along and show you around," Caius said enthusiastically.

Now that's a start, no need for this scruffy-haired kid anymore. I turned down towards my destination and started pacing along a little quicker to try and shake my tail.

“Hey, where’s my thank you?”

Tap, tap, tap. Light footsteps still followed me as I went on my way, why can't he just take a hint and leave me be?

I never used to have this issue back home. The only time people really went out of their way to interact with me was at University, asking me questions only to benefit themselves. I wouldn't mind as that's how I believe it should be, always got to look out for number one.

As I approached a row of shops along the way, Caius stepped up to stand beside me more and reached to point out one of the stores.

'Sticks and Stones' the sign read above the entrance door. How tacky.

Stolen story; please report.

The shop looked more worn down than the watch shop from earlier today. The entrance displayed a shade of dulled tan and needed a fresh coat of paint, it's probably been bleached from the sun over the years of exposure.

"This looks to be the place."

I went in without taking in whatever Caius was saying, only focusing on the quiet sound of the store and the bell chime as the door opened.

A waft of dusty metal, leather, paper and cloth entered my nose. Stacks upon stacks of books without support lined the walls up to the ceiling, and shelves of glassware, knickknacks and metallic items dominated the interior space.

The room was so cluttered I could barely make out the counter at the back, with the broker leaning over riffling a deck of cards.

"That's the Broker 'Ewan', don't worry he knows me well," Caius whispered from beside me.

"Shit" I exclaimed under my breath, quiet so even Caius wouldn't hear. I hadn't realized he came in behind after and shocked me. I should've expected that.

"Caius!" Ewan bellowed enthusiastically. His voice was gravelly and very deep like a thunder of footsteps storming a beach, but still kind and soft when calling out to Caius. "It's good to see you, how've you been doing?"

"Well, you know me, great as always," Caius chuckled as he walked over to the counter. "Did ya manage to get what I asked for?"

"Sure did, a pair of unworn shoes and some really nice gloves was it?" Ewan replied as he grabbed them from under the counter and gave them to Caius.

"They're perfect, thanks so much," Caius said with a huge smile on his face.

Ewan glanced over to see me, "Now who's the new face?"

"This is my friend Eli, I think he was looking to sell something."

My face scrunched up at the mention of being friends with him.

"Well, any friend of Cai is a friend of mine." Ewan reached out his hand to shake mine.

I didn’t respond with a handshake but settled with just my name. "Elias," I replied.

"Not a shaker, that's ok.” Ewan exclaimed.“So what've you come to show me?"

I took the wallet out of my pocket and placed it on the counter between Ewan and myself. If I want to make some good money fast, I won't mind parting with it. "How much do you think a wallet like this would go for? There’s nothing inside, of course."

Ewan picked it up carefully to inspect it, caressing the leather between his fingers. I waited in silence as he slowly scanned it from top to bottom, watching him mutter a few hmms and ahhs.

Still looking at the wallet, Ewan spoke, "It's really well made, such a good quality leather. I haven't seen anything like it down here in Leode. It looks to be made in the capital."

That sounds promising.

"I would be happy to take it off your hands for about fifteen silver, maybe even almost seventeen. You'd be lucky to get even half that anywhere else, but you made the right choice coming to me. Nobody would be able to recognise this fine craftsmanship."

Bah, well I hope that’s a good amount of money but I’ll honestly take anything at the moment. I leaned into Caius to ask if it was any good, but I didn't even have to speak and he already knew that I was going to ask.

Caius whispered to me, "That's a really good deal for an empty wallet, considering its high quality."

How dare he poke fun at my expense after trying to even take my things from me? But at least I now know I'm getting a decent deal, although I think I'd instead accompany Ewan more than scruffy beside me. He seems more put together and it's something I can respect.

I looked up to reply to Ewan, "Sounds like a good deal to me."

"Well, it's settled. You can have it for sixteen silver and four coppers. Pleasure doing business with ya!" Ewan seemed elated at our deal, I probably could've haggled a bit and got more but it's not like I'd know if it was any good. I still don't even know how this world's currency works.

Ewan took out a handful of coins in varying shapes and sizes and handed them to me; 4 square silver coins comprising of 3 large and 1 smaller, and 4 small triangle-looking coins with a full copper tinge.

I put the coins into my inside jacket pocket since I didn't have a wallet to use anymore. I'll have to get another one again eventually. That was rather stupid of me, although now I actually have something I could spend.

With no other business needed here, I went to leave the cluttered building. Caius then thanked Ewan and we both left with a ring of the store bell.

Finally, I could actually have something to eat.