[ 22 items were sold for 1,320 points. You have a total of 14,520 points. ]

Is this how it feels like? From utterly broke to filthy rich over a few days. It's certainly a welcomed feeling, even if I couldn't spend any of my wealth yet. I was limited to the shop’s merchandise since all my money is in points.

Enchanted items, artifacts, and the like were out of my range still. My last remaining haven was Skills, and ever since I discovered item descriptions, I came across some interesting information. Most skills were divided into several stages, depending on how advanced they were; the price increasing progressively.

Attempting to buy a skill of a ‘beginner’ stage one was fruitless. Not because I did not have enough points, but since I already owned most of them; mana-manipulation, meditation, and a couple more.

Yeah, I’m a certified wizard, so to speak.

With nothing more to squander my money on, I continued my gourmand consumption of expensive herbs and plants, even included more of the steeply-priced kinds.

“Edward?” Hana called out.

“Ah, sorry. I spaced out.” I’m starting to develop a bad habit of staring at nothing, admiring my newly acquired capital.

“Did you hear anything of what I just said?” She asked, unamused.

Recalling any part of the conversation came out blank. Hana noticed and spoke.

“I got a message from Ivan. He’ll be back in a week or two.” She paused. “And once he’s here, we’ll call back the servants to reopen.”

It caught me by surprise. I’m conscious about my current freeloading state, but I did forget that there was a deadline.

“That’s fine. Thank you, Hana. I’ll be out before then”

She did not look thrilled; nonetheless, she nodded.

“That reminds me, actually. I wanted to share a few recipes with you today if you’re not busy.”

She all but flinched. It took me a second to consider the situation. “I’m not trying to haggle with you, Hana. We’ll both be C-ranked adventurers very soon. I can take care of myself. A few days to sort things out are more than enough.” I shrugged. “I was going to share them with you, regardless. It’s the least I can do, at least for now.”

Hana still seemed uncertain. I feigned a look of indifference. “However, if you’re not interested, that’s fi-”

“Of course not. Your gratitude is always appreciated.” She tried to hide it, but I could clearly make out the merchant-like grin forming.

What followed was a few hours of cutting, preparing, and putting various dishes together. I don’t particularly enjoy cooking, but I don’t hate it either. It’s simply a means to an end, a cheaper form of sustenance. Take out and delivers rack up, eventually.

I came here intending to impart a single recipe; however, that was not the case. I’ve been staying here for about two weeks now; I was fed, sheltered, and nursed unconditionally. My debt was adding up by the day.

“And that’s it. You dip the meat and fry it.” I explained, planting the seed for possibly the first chain fast-food restaurant, at least locally.

Odd enough, it was not a new concept. As more heroes were summoned, more of our culture and advances were transferred with them. Hana heard about most of the dishes I described, even claiming to have eaten a few in foreign lands, clearing any apprehension I harbored towards revealing my otherworldly state.

I wiped my hands on the apron and looked up, greeted by two pairs of eyes—staring intently at me. Luna did not even bother looking away as I glanced her way. I raised a brow as I handed Hana the apron.

The Innkeeper coughed in her hand. “I didn’t take you for a cook.”

“I’m not. I lived alone mostly and picked up a few things here and there.”

Hana was about to ask something, but Luna interrupted. “Is it ready yet?”

This is probably the second time she had directly addressed me. Eyes shot to the floor as I turned to her. Not quite there yet. Holding a sigh, I spoke. “I don’t know. How about you get it so we can check?”

A second later, a bowl was held in front of me with two horns behind it, impatiently shuffling. I grabbed a spoon and scooped some of the green slush.

“It needs a bit more time, but you can give it a try.” I had no idea how freezers in this world worked.

In a swift motion, a spoon appeared in her hand. Full it disappeared, reappeared empty, and again disappearing.

“Wait-” I was, unfortunately, too late. A face of absolute delight, quickly changing to a grimace.

Clutching her head, groaning, Luna sat down, hugging the bowl to her chest.

“That’s a brain freeze. You’re supposed to eat it slowly.” It might have been her teeth too.

Hearing snickering, we both turned to the culprit. Hana was holding in her laughter, and as Luna glared at her, she erupted.

“Sorry, sorry.” She replied in between wheezing breaths. “Wish you could have seen your face.” Falling back into a fit.

Ice cream is one of the few Earthy desserts Hana had before. Luna’s glare did not lessen; however, that was not enough to stop the spoon from resuming its journey, albeit slower this time.

Footsteps interrupted the cold war ensuing. “What’s going on?” Valeriana walked in.

As both turned to the interloper, the now enemies turned allies—mother and daughter had a mischievous glint in their eyes. Luna innocently presenting the oblivious girl the bowl and sat down next to her partner in crime. With bated breath, they watched the silverware slowly descending and ascending.

However, the outcome they desired did not come to fruition. Valeriana was eating with a serene yet distant expression.

Recognizing the look, I called out. “Val?”

“Hmm?” Noticing everyone’s gaze was on her, she blushed. “This is delicious. How did you make this? I’ve only had sweet-snow before.”

“That’s from up north, right? Crushed snow with fruit wine?” Hana questioned.

Valeriana nodded. “Yes, I used to eat it all the time back home, but I like this much more.” She took another spoonful. “This is really amazing, Hana.”

“I didn’t do anything, actually. Edward made it”

“Really?” Valeriana asked incredulously.

“Yup.” Hana affirmed, placed both hands on her hips, and stood up. “And speaking of which.” Looking at me. “You can sit down now, young man. I’m taking over.”

Shrugging, I complied. The bowl was split between the two girls. The kitchen buzzed into action. Hana dragged Luna and started doing her own thing, occasionally asking me a question or two.

Done with her portion, Valeriana asked. “What are we doing today?”

“Nothing.” She looked confused. “We’re ranking-up tomorrow. There is no point in doing quests until then.”

I glanced at the pair not far from. “There is something I wanted to talk to you about, actually.”

She grumblingly agreed.

“Hey, Hana.” I called out. “I’ll be in my room if you need me.”

Her gaze passed between me and Valeriana. Grinning, Hana gestured for me to come closer. “I’ll keep Luna here, so don’t worry about being loud.”

Releasing my long overdue sigh, I went back to my room accompanied by Valeriana. With both of us seated, I stated. “The rank-up is tomorrow. I’m almost sure we’ll be C-ranked by tomorrow, but Alice refused to tell me anything related to the promotion process. So just be ready for anything.”

Leaning back, I continued. “Now for the main topic. The Crimson Wolves.” Her ears twitched at the name, but I was not sure if that counted as recognition. “Do you remember them?”

“Yes?” She replied dismissively.

“Well, they approached me again. At least one of them did.” My fingers drumming. “I found very little about them. Alice warned me to keep away, but she wouldn’t elaborate further. The few people who agreed to talk to me either never heard of them or shunned me completely after mentioning the name.”

She took no notice of what I was saying. “In short, they’re bad news. My hypothesis is that they somehow know about our eight rabbits haul. ” A smug grin surfaced but was snuffed out as I pointed at her. “ Or they want you.”

Utterly befuddled, she asked. “What!?”

Scratching my head, I explained. “Well, their boss has a bad reputation around the guild when it comes to attractive girls, especially the newer ones.”

“And?” She questioned.

“Maybe he sends his goons to recruit? Maybe they did it on their own to score some points? I don’t know. It’s just a thought.”

“No, why would he want me?” She asked, seemingly oblivious.

Do I have to spell it out? “Well, you see when a man likes a woman very much, he-”

“Shut up.” My mouth snapped shut. “You said he’s after pretty girls. Why would he be after me?”

She looked me in the eyes, awaiting an answer. A few seconds go by, my teeth were clenched. She finally realized what’s going on. “Ah... you can speak.”

I stretched my jaw. “Because you’re fucking gorgeous?” Some anger escaped me. “Did you glue my jaw for a fucking compliment?”

I turned away from her stunned expression. Anger was not new to me, but it was uncommon. Usually, I can hold it in and act accordingly, but the interaction with the bunny bitch was still fresh in my mind. I contemplated how to handle this. All this time invested, the trust built, all wasted over something so stupid. I was about to swallow my pride and apologize; however, Valeriana interrupted my thought process.

“Why is the bathroom glowing?” Valeriana abruptly asked.

I looked at the bathroom entrance and back at her. She was holding the glass piece I made. Recollection quickly dawned on me, and a chuckle escaped.

“That’s my kitchen.” Her head tilted.

“It’s traces from the mana-imbued items I make. I’ll clean it up later.”

As she was admiring the mana changed solid scattered on the floor, an intriguing idea hit me. I could, hypothetically, douse someone in charged charcoal, and—looking through the lens— they would light up like a Christmas tree. Continuing this train of thought, I came across another interesting thought.

I created the familiar link and closing my eyes in focus, I directed mana through it; dense enough to be distinguishable from the ambiance. I guided the mana into an arrow-like shape. I could not see the result myself, but I imaged a few poorly drawn arrows just sprung on the floor.

Valeriana's line of sight slowly declined. Leaning forward, she gaped at the drawn figures. A few seconds later, the mana dissipated. Mouth wide open, she turned to me. A grin confirmed her suspicions; however, before she could voice any inquires, I closed my eyes in concentration.

Valeriana stood up and walked to the center of the room, her head hung downwards, looking through the lens. I was going to create a more complex shape, but I opted for something different. Sensing her position through the link, I traced a line where her weight was located. The area under her flickering. Every step she took left a mana signature, the outline of her boots glowing.

Again, I could not see it myself, but judging by the bright smile and the increased and more complex footwork, it was working.

“This is amazing.” Valeriana finally stated.

The spectacle continued until my mana was dry, so not for long. As the steps flickered out and did not reappear, Valeriana looked at me.

“Sorry, out of mana.” The emptiness in my manapool spreading a feeling of wrongness.

Instead of disappointment, Valeriana released a pleased sight and laid down on the bed. We sat in comfortable silence as my mana slowly regenerated. The uneasiness fading as more mana is recovered.

“What are you going to do now?” I asked.

She yawned. “I don’t know. I already finished my training. I have nothing to do.”

Standing up, I warned. “You can stay here if you want. Just don’t touch any of the glowing stuff.”

Raising herself on her elbows, she asked. “Where are you going?”

“I’m buying a few things.” She stared at me. “Do you wanna come with?”

“How far away is it?” Valeriana asked for the third time. She suggested hiring a wagon, but I reasoned otherwise. Brock’s shop wasn’t that far, and for some reason, I did not feel comfortable without ground under my feet.

“A few minutes, now.” I answered. Valeriana seemed anxious, her tail swinging irregularly.

Silence enveloped us again, but Valeriana was quick to break it. “Did you really mean what you said?”

I almost tripped. I thought we had gotten over this already. It was best to tackle it now.

“Valeriana. I am literally incapable of lying to you.”

She peeked at me for a second, her tail’s movement even more frantic.

No words came after. “Valeriana.” I said clearly. “I am the only person you can be absolutely certain won’t reveal a secret. So, say the order and spill it.”

She narrowed her eyes at me. Her tail whipped in my direction but ultimately missing. “Fine. You won’t speak a word of this.”

“Of course, mistress.”

She rolled her eyes, some of the tension melting away. “If I’m pretty then, why don’t other people think so? Why don’t I feel it?”

“Well, that doesn’t make any sense.” I stated. “You can practically count the heads turning as you walk by. If you stopped a random passerby, they would tell you the same thing.” Pausing for a second, I added just to be sure. “But I wouldn’t advise you to do so. You would be sending the wrong message.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.” She replied, frustrated. “Why has no one told me then!? And the one time-” She took another glance at me, sucked in a breath, and continued. “The one time someone did, he was just trying to get to my sister.”

Ouch. I treaded as carefully as I could. “So, let me get this straight. Growing up, your sister would get all the attention, and the one time you did, you think you were lied to.”

She slowed down, carefully observing my half-covered face. “I do not think.” She spat. “I know.”

I looked forward, disregarding her intense stare. I am not a therapist. Anything I say could very likely backfire. Taking a minute to arrange my thoughts, I asserted. “I haven’t seen your sister before, but regardless of how she looked, it wouldn’t make you any more or less beautiful.”

We were barely moving now, walking at a snail’s pace. Her face was a blank mask. “Your situation is a bit weird, though. Is she the older than you one?” She nodded, her ears twitching. “Wouldn’t that make sense then?” A second, I added. “Considering your mother’s position, doesn’t it make sense for some to approach her first? Doesn’t the older sibling carry more influence, at least politically?”

“Th-that’s not how it works.” She mumbled.

I shrugged. “You can explain it to me later. What happened to the guy that tried using you?”

A smile graced her face, although lopsided. “My sister got really angry when she found out. Both his arms were broken. She was going to castrate him too, but his family interfered.”

I did not want to meet her sister. A shiver ran down my spine, and some of my thoughts leaked. “No shit you were banished.” A deep frown hung on her face. I fucked up. “I mean, from an outsider’s perspective—the only guy who approached you got his beaten up and was almost a eunuch. That is not exactly an invitation.”

The frown did not lessen. Fortunately, Brock’s shop appeared in the distance.

“Look. We’re here.” A most tactical diversion.

The bell rang twice as announcing our arrival.

“Hood. Edward.” Brock spoke.

“Hello, Brock.” I greeted.

He grunted in response. “What can I do for you?”

“I need a sack of charcoal.”

He hummed deeply. “I don’t know if we have any left. I’ll have to check.”

Brock turned his head to the door entrance behind him and yelled. “JOHNNY! Take care of the counter while I am gone.”

Johnny appeared as his father disappeared inside. “Ah, Sir Edward.” He bowed.

Valeriana raised a brow. Johnny noticed her presence and his eyes almost popped out. Valeriana shot me a look, uncomfortable at the attention.

“How are you doing, Johnny?” I asked.

“I-I am great, sir.” He mumbled.

“This is Valeriana, my party leader.” I added.

“Ah, h-hello.”

She waved back.

Johnny had a certain glint in his eyes. It was a weird mixture of envy and reverence. I could almost feel a pedestal beneath me.

“The last one we have. I’ll be restocking tomorrow if you need more.” Brock returned with a sack in hand.

“This will do. Thank you, Brock.” Turning to Valeriana, I asked. “Do you want anything?”

She shrugged and picked up two pear-looking fruits. Johnny took the blemished bag from his father and stood at the door.

I handed Brock the money, and before we left I asked. “Hey, Brock. Do you know a house nearby I could buy?”

He stroked his beard. “I haven't heard of any houses for sale nearby. Head to the bank, they'll have any houses available listed.”

“Thanks again, Brock.”

He grunted back as we headed outside, Johnny ahead of us. I stretched my hand for the sack, but he hesitated. “Sir Edward. Can I talk to you for a second?”

We took a step away from Valeriana’s curious eyes. His eyes darted to Valeriana and landed on me. “Can you please… teach me?”

I blinked. “Teach you what exactly?”

“Uh… to be an adventurer?” More of a question than a statement.

“I don’t know…” His ears flattened against his head as he hunched over. An ox imitating a kicked puppy.

“How old are you, Johnny?”

“I’m 16, sir."

I hummed, placing both hands behind my back. Ignoring the crunch and the amused snort behind me, I spoke. “You see, Johnny; you don’t actually have to become an adventurer to be an ‘adventurer’.”

I ignored his confused look. “Adventuring is a dangerous and fruitless job. Very few make it before they perish by some monster.” He deflated again. “Thankfully though, you’re on the right track. You’re a merchant’s son.”

“B-but I want to fight monsters, sir.” He mumbled.

“I never said you couldn’t.” He looked me in the eyes, uncertain. “You could buy a few enchanted items, and stroll through the monsters. Maybe hire a party and fight with them? Or just have them there as backup? The possibilities are endless.”

The cogs in his head slowly turning. “So, for now, I want you to help your father with the shop. Help with the sales, memorize the prices, and study the trade routes. Educate yourself, Johnny.”

“But I can’t read, sir.” He muttered.

“Well, there is your first task. Goddess-speed my young padawan.”

“Thank you, si- no, Master.”

I walked back to Valeriana and was met with two raised eyebrows. “What?”

She snorted, throwing away the fruit’s core.

“One more stop?” I asked and she shrugged. I looked around for a passerby to ask about the bank’s location, but a whistle stopped me.

“We’re taking a wagon.” Valeriana scoffed.