The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1
The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Contents
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE The Nature of Nobility
Overview
With two talents in hand, Kvothe restores his appearance and dignity. He works for a bath, adopts a noble’s airs to secure proper clothes cheaply, and reclaims his supplies. Choosing progress over drudgery, he asks directions to Drover’s Lot, committing to travel north toward the University.
Summary
With two talents newly earned, Kvothe buys a hidden purse and treats himself to a real breakfast, then recognizes his filthy state is drawing attention. Weighing options, he works off the cost of a bath by scrubbing the hearth and doing dishes, then washes thoroughly, discovering he looks like a young noble when cleaned.
Seizing the chance, Kvothe leaves in a towel, adopts the persona of an imperious noble’s son, and browbeats a clothier, Bentley, into serving him immediately. He sustains the ruse with a fabricated tale about a whore stealing his clothes, keeps Bentley compliant, and purchases plain but well‑made garments, paying a talent and receiving small change.
Dressed and inconspicuous, Kvothe returns to the inn, where the innkeeper barely recognizes him. He declines his old rags, retrieves the pens, ink, and receipt he had left, and explains he intends to go to the University. Realizing his time is better spent moving forward than washing dishes, he asks for travel advice. The innkeeper directs him to Drover’s Lot up Hillside, past the mill on Green Street, and, pleased by Kvothe’s courtesy, refuses payment.
Resolved, Kvothe sets his course to find a northbound caravan, advancing his plan to reach the University.
Who Appears
- KvotheNewly funded, he cleans up, cons a clothier while posing as a noble’s son, buys clothes, and commits to traveling north to the University.
- BentleyClothier bullied by Kvothe’s aristocratic act; fits and sells plain clothes, yielding slight change from a talent.
- Waterside InnkeeperTrades bath for work, safeguards Kvothe’s items, offers travel directions to Drover’s Lot, and refuses a tip after Kvothe’s compliment.