Colt returned to the inn. He still had no idea what had happened to that shop or who the old man really was, but he had no way to track them down.
If his powers weren't sealed, maybe he could've sensed something at the time.
Still, he had a feeling he'd find out eventually.
By the time he arrived, it was already dinner. So he headed straight to the reception.
"Hi, I'd like to order something."
"Ah, hello," said the sparrow beastwoman at the desk. She looked around, then frowned slightly. "Hmm… all the tables are full at the moment.
But if you don't mind sharing, I can find a spot for you. Or you can wait a little for one to open up."
"I don't mind sharing," Colt said.
She nodded and disappeared into the dining area. Two minutes later, she returned, cheerful as ever.
"Found one. Come with me."
They walked over to a table where only one person was seated.
The gray hair caught his attention instantly. He'd seen it before—during the exam, and in the black market.
"Miss Niter?" Colt asked, blinking in surprise. "I didn't know you were staying here too."
Though the inn wasn't outrageously expensive, it wasn't the kind of place most commoners chose. Prices were fair, but the service made it a cut above the usual.
"Ah, you two know each other?" the beastwoman chirped, not waiting for Niter to respond. "Perfect, then. I'll leave you to it."
She walked off without even taking Colt's order, already assuming he'd ask for the same as always: one of everything.
This time, though, Colt had wanted to tone it down—especially in front of a classmate.
But it was too late now.
"So," Colt began, "is it okay if I sit with you?"
Niter gave a small nod and kept eating.
He thanked her and took the seat across from her. "Um... I'm sorry if I offended you before the written exam. I greeted you out of nowhere."
He was referring to the time he'd said hello and she'd just turned away.
"It's okay," she replied flatly, not looking up.
It was the first time he'd actually heard her speak—maybe the second, if he counted when she'd shouted at him to move in the black market.
Still, since she wasn't brushing him off now, he decided to keep the conversation going.
One of the reasons he hid his powers was so he could live a different life here in Arte.
A quieter one. He wasn't that same Colt anymore—he was an Artean now. And he wanted to live this life to the fullest.
If he had to fight, he would. But until that time came, he wanted to enjoy a normal life, especially with Seila.
And if he could make a few friends and stumble into some lighthearted drama along the way, he wouldn't mind that either.
"So, did you pass the exam, Miss Niter?"
"Just Niter," she replied.
"Ah, okay. You can call me Colt, too." He paused, wondering why she'd ignored him back at the academy, but didn't seem to mind him now.
"Did you pass the exam, Niter?"
"I did. You?"
Colt blinked. He'd been the top scorer, brought up to the podium in front of everyone. How did she not know that?
Still, he didn't mind. "Yeah, I did. Um... Weren't you in the waiting area when they announced the results?" He tried not to sound like he was bragging.
"No. I had something to take care of. Someone else checked my results for me."
"I see."
As they talked, the food arrived—the usual spread Colt hadn't actually ordered this time.
He handed the receptionist ten silver coins for the extra dishes, then paused as he felt a pair of eyes on him.
I knew it. It is weird to eat three portions alone...
People thought he was just a level 66 mage, so no one knew he didn't need food or sleep. He only ate for fun.
If he were at least a warrior, this much food would be passable. But as it stood, he just looked... odd.
He glanced up to meet the stare, only to realize the gaze wasn't on him, but on the food.
Huh?
"Ah, they brought my usual order," he said. "But I'd already eaten today. Would you like to share, Niter?"
She looked at him for a moment, her face unreadable. Then she nodded.
Colt let out a breath, relieved. At least she probably wouldn't go around telling people he ate like a pig after eating his food.
Of course, that wasn't the reason he offered to share his food. Niter was only level 53, which was fairly normal for a commoner.
The highest-level commoner in the exam had been level 56. It was hard for them to compete with nobles.
Since her level was low, she still experienced hunger like any regular person. Actually, with how much she possibly trained, she probably needed more food than most.
But even though she was staying at this inn, she likely couldn't afford to pay five silver coins for extra food.
Seeing her hesitate, Colt said, "You can choose whichever one you like. I don't mind."
With three dishes in front of her, she glanced between them. He left the choice entirely up to her.
She reached for the one closest to her—either because it was convenient, or because it was the one she'd wanted all along.
Niter was on the shorter side, though they were all still young, and she might grow taller with time. Her hair was long, tied back in a rough, loose knot.
Not particularly tidy, but not a mess either.
Other than that, she looked like any normal girl.
But her performance in the exam told a different story. She was trained, that much was clear.
Thinking back to when he saw her in the black market... she probably wasn't the victim in that scene.
Still, he didn't know for sure. So, he held off on judging.
But it wouldn't be a surprise if she turned out to be a trainee assassin mage.
"What?" she said suddenly.
"What?" Colt blinked, startled.
"Why are you looking at me?"
"Ah, sorry. My mind wandered." He hadn't even realized he'd been staring.
There was something familiar about her.
A strange sense that he knew her, but not from his past life. Her name didn't ring a bell, so she probably hadn't been anyone famous back then.
He pushed the thoughts aside and focused on his food. If she followed the same path she had in his past life, he'd learn more soon enough.
When she finished eating, she stood up and turned to leave.
"Ah, you're heading out already?" Colt asked.
"There are new customers. I'm done eating, so I shouldn't hog the table."
"I see. Well, goodbye. See you at the academy next week."
She gave a small nod and headed toward the upper floor.