The North Street of the Royal Capital was located between the academy district and the central plaza. It wasn't the most bustling area, but it made up for it with a high density of shops and a complete variety of goods.
From silk shops to spice stalls, from alchemy material stores to tailor shops, the signs changed every few steps.
Most importantly—
All kinds of people were here.
Nobles, merchants, adventurers, and occasionally even a mercenary or two carrying a greatsword, squatting by the roadside chewing on fruit. Compared to those stuffy salons and tea parties in the noble district, this was a much better place to relax.
Our leisure time in the cafe had already wound down.
And yet, it was only eleven o'clock.
There was still an hour before lunchtime.
I had no choice but to start wandering around the Royal Capital with Misha, walking down the most bustling commercial street, with Shirune following by our side.
After all, that was the excuse I had used to invite Misha out in the first place—to see the local customs and culture of the Royal Capital. I really couldn't back out now.
To be honest, I had never gone shopping with a girl like this before. The only memory I had that was even close was probably with my younger sister, going to those game stores together to grab a new release on its launch day.
Anyway, what I wanted to say was, this feeling didn't seem too bad?
Under the bright sunshine and amidst the bustling streetscape, the young girl walking ahead turned back and said excitedly:
“Miss Loris, look at that!”
One moment she was pointing at a candy shop on the street corner hung with colorful silk ribbons and gasping in awe, and the next she was crouching at the entrance of a flower shop, marveling at the blue gentian flowers that had just been brought out of the greenhouse.
“They're gentians! We have wild ones on the mountain behind our house, but they've never bloomed this beautifully.”
I leaned against the doorframe of the flower shop, watching her bright, excited face. After a moment of thought, I reached out, picked a small blue flower, and held it up against her hair to compare.
Wow, truly beautiful.
“It suits you quite well,” I blurted out instinctively.
Misha seemed to have been hit by a pause button. Then, she quickly pulled the flower down from her head, stammering shyly:
“No, no, no, it doesn't suit me at all...”
Only then did I realize what I had done. I felt a bit embarrassed, but fortunately, I was able to keep my expression under control. I waved my hand with a feigned, casual air of noble arrogance.
After browsing a few more shops, Misha ultimately stopped dead in her tracks in front of the window of a clothing store.
The storefront of that shop wasn't very large, sandwiched between a small shop selling magic crystals and a used bookstore. Only two spring outfits were displayed in the window—one was a light green dress with very fine beige lace at the collar, and the other was a smoke-purple short jacket paired with wide-leg pants. The fabric looked very soft.
Speaking of which, was browsing clothing stores considered common sense when beautiful girls went out to play?
Personally, I would have preferred to find a place to sit down.
Misha stared at that light green dress for a long time. I thought she was going to say something, but she said nothing, probably because she was short on cash.
Compared to mine, Misha's family background was like cloud and mud. She was good-looking and deserved to wear something better. Should I pay for it out of my own pocket? But I didn't know if that would seem too intimate.
Well... but I would need her help with something this afternoon.
Consider it an advance payment for her favor.
“Do you like it?” I asked straightforwardly.
“N-No,” she shook her head quickly. “I don't particularly like it. It's just that the color is very pretty—ah, no, let's go, Miss Loris. There are still many shops ahead...”
Before she could finish, I gave Shirune a look.
The wind chime at the door jingled. The shopkeeper was a woman in her early thirties, dressed in a plain navy blue robe, sitting behind the counter organizing a newly arrived roll of silk thread. Hearing the noise, she looked up and put on a professional smile.
Shirune walked in and gestured briefly.
“Welcome. Are the three of you just browsing, or...?” The female owner came out to greet us.
“The light green one in the window,” I pointed outside. “Get her size and have her try it on.”
The shopkeeper's gaze lingered on Misha for half a second, then moved to me. She paused, and then her smile deepened.
Without asking any questions, she turned and took the dress down from the rack, then deftly grabbed a few pins and a tape measure before walking over. The three of us entered the shop. Misha was still a bit flustered, but she was already pushed onto the low stool in front of the fitting mirror by Shirune.
Her entire body froze like a cat being scruffed by the neck.
“M-M-M-Miss Loris—” She was filled with shame, steam practically rising from her head.
“Don't move.” I maintained a firm attitude. Otherwise, she definitely wouldn't accept it.
Then I sat down on a nearby armchair, crossed my legs, and took a sip of the lemonade the shopkeeper had just poured, using the rim of the cup to hide the upward curve of my lips.
Wow, a blushing expression is so interesting.
Misha.
In the end, Misha still changed into that light green dress. When she came out of the fitting room, she didn't even know how to walk anymore. She was completely dazed, her fingers clutching the hem of her skirt.
The shopkeeper took two steps back, sized her up, and said with a smile, “Just a quick adjustment at the waist and it'll be perfect. This color really suits this young lady's temperament.”
“We'll take this one, then.” I snapped my fingers.
When we came out of the clothing store, Misha was holding the paper bag containing her new dress. She chased after me shyly and guiltily, asking in a low voice, “How much was the dress? Miss Loris, I can pay you back slowly...”
“No need.”
“You are really too good to me... I, I don't know how to repay you...”
Actually, there will be plenty of times I'll need your help in the future... I thought to myself.
We continued shopping like this for a good while.
After another ten minutes or so of browsing, it occurred to me that only Misha and I were enjoying ourselves. Having Shirune follow us every step of the way seemed a bit unfair. Maybe I should buy her something too?
Over the past two years, I felt our bond had grown deep enough. Giving a gift today was just the right excuse, and I could do it on her behalf too.
So, a moment later.
I picked out a new sword tassel for her.
It was woven from light silver thread, with a tiny obsidian bead dangling at the end. Shirune took it, weighed it in her hand, and simply nodded lightly, her tail wagging.
It seemed she was very satisfied too.
By the time we reached the end of this street, both of them had a few more things in their hands: Misha was holding the paper bag, and Shirune had tucked the sword tassel into a small pocket at her waist.
As for me, having them on my left and right had already exhausted me.
So this was what it felt like to go shopping with girls. My legs felt like they were filled with lead, yet I still had to maintain a calm and effortless expression befitting a young lady of my status. If my younger sister knew I was doing this kind of thing right now, she would probably laugh so hard she'd roll off the sofa.
Fortunately, the next stop was a place I actually wanted to go.
Mephisto Magic Materials Shop, one of the top luxury magic material shops in the Royal Capital.
The first floor sold finished magic items and high-grade potions, while the second floor was said to be for custom materials, only catering to established, prestigious patrons.
Although it wasn't in the plan initially, time had to be spent anyway. I figured by the time we got back from here, it would be about time to eat and savor some of the Royal Capital's delicacies.
The clerk behind the counter was a young woman in a deep red uniform, with Mephisto's star and moon badge pinned to her collar.
“Welcome. How may I help you?” Her voice was standard, carrying just the right amount of politeness.
“Glowstone powder, purity above ninety-five percent.” I placed a list I had written beforehand on the counter, tapping the paper with my fingertip. “Also, a set of matching silver-engraved array base plates. The specifications are written on there.”
Glowstone powder was a material needed for a certain refinement magic I had read about in an ancient book. Recently, I had also been practicing mid-tier magic.
The female clerk picked up the list and scanned it, her eyebrows rising slightly. “This quantity and purity... Glowstone powder itself isn't rare, but the purity you're asking for is very uncommon on the market. We'll need to retrieve it from the warehouse.”
“And this amount you're asking for—” She paused. “I'm afraid it will take some time to prepare.”
“About how long?”
“At the earliest, by two in the afternoon.”
That was fine. I nodded and said, “Two o'clock then. I'll pay the deposit first.”
The female clerk quoted a figure that made Misha, standing behind me, gasp softly. Glowstone powder might not be rare, but with the purity this high, the price had multiplied several times over. Plus, I had requested it to be sealed in a special crystal container, and the crafting fee for that container alone was enough to feed an ordinary family for a month.
One hundred and fifty large gold coins.
As a side note, the currency system of the Kingdom of Barton was one gold coin equal to one hundred silver coins, and one silver coin equal to one hundred copper coins.
In terms of modern purchasing power, one gold coin was roughly ten thousand yuan.
In other words, these things cost me one and a half million.
Magic really is a money sink.
Without changing my expression, I took the coin pouch from Shirune, counted out the corresponding number of gold coins, and placed them on the counter. The female clerk accepted the deposit and handed over a reservation receipt stamped with a magic seal, which had the pickup time and order number written on it.
“Please keep this safe.” She bowed slightly.
As we pushed the door open to leave, the crystal wind chime rang once more.
“Miss Loris, that... glowstone powder is so expensive.” Misha walked beside me holding her paper bag, finally unable to resist whispering.
“It's fine,” I replied casually.
The Aldheim family's industries spanned the entire kingdom. As the eldest daughter of the Duke, my monthly allowance was probably equivalent to half a year's income for a viscount's family. Besides, buying materials was for the sake of survival; no matter how much it cost, it was worth it.
Finally, what I wanted to say was, we could go eat now.
While shopping earlier, I had caught a particularly delicious aroma from a shop around the corner. It seemed to be a place making grilled skewers. I wondered if I would be criticized for lacking etiquette if I snuck a bite.
Supposedly, they were marinated with a special sauce and grilled fresh over charcoal.
...
—Royal Capital. Magic Materials Shop—
On the other side, about twenty minutes after the three of us left Mephisto Magic Materials Shop.
The crystal wind chime on the shop door rang again.
Four boys walked in. The one leading them had a blue Goddess's Tear gem sparkling in the sunlight pinned to his chest. His light brown short hair was combed neatly, though a few strands still stubbornly stuck up.
Klaus Heller, the eldest son of a mining baron's family, was talking to the companions beside him with a natural air of grand ambition.
“This is the shop I always talk about, Mephisto, the best magic materials shop in the Royal Capital. Whatever you guys want to buy, just pick it out. My treat.”
He stood with one hand on his hip, the gem on his chest flashing even more brilliantly under the shop's magic lamps as he blew at his bangs.
Three of his classmates followed behind him.
The tallest one, a blue-haired boy, was named Erich. His father was a tax official in a northern county, barely scraping the edge of the noble circle.
Another brown-haired boy with a round face was Leander. His family was in the leather business; though wealthy, they weren't well-received by traditional noble circles.
The last, thinner one was named Felix, from a baron's family. He had just barely passed his mana test in the weekly assessment a few days ago.
These three were people who had gradually gathered around Klaus after he enrolled, and they had become close over time.
Although everyone poked fun at this nouveau riche young master more or less, they couldn't resist his generosity. He never let anyone else pay when they went out to eat.
“Young Master Heller is in a great mood today.” Leander rubbed his hands together, grinning as he leaned in.
“Of course.”
Klaus rubbed his nose and chin. Although he had lost to that terrible woman Loris in yesterday's weekly assessment, he had unexpectedly gained popularity in class. Things like being able to stand in front of the Demon King without his legs shaking—that was too amazing.
Besides, the teacher had said his foundation was very solid.
Surely, in a while, he would be admired by the other girls in class as well.
The clerk was still the young woman in the deep red uniform. When she saw the gem on Klaus's chest, she frowned slightly. Although the Goddess's Tear was precious, in the eyes of those who truly knew their stuff, such an inappropriately large ornament actually seemed a bit intentionally nouveau riche.
However, money is money. She quickly put on a standard smile.
“Welcome to Mephisto Magic Materials Shop. What can I do for the four of you?”
Klaus strode over to the counter with a swagger. He first looked around at the magic items displayed in the shop, then cleared his throat.
—Moonstone ground into powder, salamander scales sealed in resin blocks, star dust displayed individually in small velvet boxes.
Each item was marked with a staggering price.
Silence filled the room for a moment as he looked over the wares.
Finally, he spoke.
“I want a batch of glowstone powder, of the highest purity. Also, a set of silver-engraved array base plates. The specifications—” He paused, about to reach into his pocket, only to realize he hadn't done his homework beforehand. He pointed randomly at a sample hanging on the wall behind the counter. “Just go with the largest one there.”
Whether the quality was good or not didn't matter; he would just pick whichever was most expensive.
This was the lesson his dad had taught him.
“Oh, and bring out a few of your best wands for us to look at,” he added, then turned back to grin at Erich and the other two. “Since we're here, we might as well buy the wands too, so we don't have to make another trip next week.”
The three classmates behind him were practically ready to swear brotherhood on the spot, like the Oath of the Peach Garden. Oh, he was just too loyal.
“Klaus, you're too good!”
“We're best friends for life!”
Klaus felt a bit lightheaded from the praise. He rubbed his nose in embarrassment and smiled. “We're friends, it's a small thing.”
The female clerk, however, was slightly taken aback.
Glowstone powder? Why was this thing suddenly so popular today?
“Young Master Heller,” she bowed slightly. “The glowstone powder—the batch with the highest purity—was just reserved by a customer. We only have the slightly lower purity version left. If you need it, I can show you.”
The smile on Klaus's face faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered and coughed.
“It's just a reservation, not like they've paid in full.”
He couldn't lose face in front of his classmates.
“I'll discuss it with that customer and pay them some extra money to compensate them.”
“I'm sorry.” The female clerk's voice remained polite, but carried a bit more firmness. “That customer has already paid a deposit and agreed to pick it up at two in the afternoon. Mephisto has always operated on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot cancel reservations at will.”
“Uh, first-come, first-served...”
Klaus had a headache and hesitated for a second.
After all, this was the Royal Capital, not his hometown's mining district where he could throw his weight around however he wanted.
Any student or customer in this shop could be a relative of some count or viscount. Although his father was rich, it really wasn't enough to boast about in the Royal Capital.
So he decided to test the waters first.
“That customer, what's their background?” he asked in a lowered voice.
The female clerk: “...”
“The customer was very low-key, wearing plain clothes without any family crests, and their carriage was parked quite far away.”
Klaus let out a sigh of relief. It seemed the other party had no title, no crest, and even parked their carriage far away. Traveling so low-key meant they probably had no prestigious name to speak of.
They shouldn't be one of those grand nobles who could make the Royal Capital tremble with a single step.
Normally, he might not have pushed it, but today he had come out with three newly made friends. He had to show off his wealth to win them over.
He was absolutely going to play the ultimate main character today.
Rate on N.U.
