Chapter 59 – New Home
The moment they stepped inside, the air shifted. Gone was the vibrant atmosphere of the city outside—inside, everything felt muted. The lobby was dimly lit and sparsely decorated. A few wooden chairs lined the walls, a dusty rug stretched across the stone floor, and a narrow staircase wound its way upward. The walls were bare save for a single mounted lantern that flickered faintly. It was a far cry from the grandeur of the city streets.
Behind a counter near the back of the room sat an old man slouched lazily on a stool. His beard was a cascade of white, long enough to brush the floor, and his bald head gleamed under the dim light. He didn't seem to notice them at first, lost in his own world.
But then, his eyes sparked to life.
"Oh my! Welcome!" he exclaimed, springing from his seat with surprising energy—only to vanish behind the counter entirely.
There was a brief silence. Then, his head popped back up… though not quite as high as expected.
