After being warmly invited by Merikso, though astonished, Brune did not refuse and followed him into the Insula Apartment.
However, he did not stay long. After drinking two cups of hot ginger juice in the security room and meeting Gashkour, who had returned from the workshop, he got up to leave.
The abrupt enthusiasm of Merikso initially wanted to have Brune stay, but upon hearing that he was going to dinner at another Hundred Households Captain's house, he immediately let him go.
Stepping out of the cramped courtyard and onto the main street, Brune continued walking with his head up, as was his habit at the new soldiers' camp.
Despite the approaching New Year Festival, on the rooftops of Insula Apartments in various districts, there were still many country folk repairing and reinforcing the apartments.
They stretched their bodies out of windows, placing boards slanted against the walls, while some rode on beams, laying ancient Elva roofing that was still intact.
