Kael stepped back toward the counter and picked up a pen. "Seris will record your nas and team details. I’ll have identification tokens made for you within the week. Until then, no official duties. Just stay alert, stay nearby."
Bram bowed again. "Understood."
The shop’s doorbell chid again.
He looked up.
Several n in polished armor entered, their boots clicking on the wooden floor. Their presence brought a chill of formality with them, a sharp contrast to the casual energy of adventurers browsing snacks and gear. Behind the guards ca two figures: Mayor Lysandra and a tall young man with golden hair.
Everyone in the shop turned to look.
Kael’s eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the visitors. The young man moved with confidence, his posture straight and proud. The aura of noble blood was unmistakable.
The noble looked around with a faint smile, as if mildly impressed.
"Ah, so this is the shop I heard about," he said, his voice even and composed.
Mayor Lysandra gave a small bow and stepped forward. "Yes, young master. Allow to introduce you."
She turned to Kael, gesturing politely. "This is the owner of this establishnt—Master Kael."
Kael stepped around the counter, expression calm and neutral. "Mayor, it seems you’ve brought an honored guest."
"Indeed," she said. "This is Lord Leonard Matgorat, second son of Marquis Matgorat. He was curious about your shop, so I thought it best to bring him personally."
Then Kael thought to himself. Ah, the Marquis’ son. This is a very good thing for . If I can please him, maybe he can give a lot of money as a reward. Also, since he is the Marquis’ son, if I build a good relationship with him, it will not only be within the Western Region but also within the entire kingdom with his help.
Although I hate to do this, since he is a very powerful man, I have to win his heart and maybe I can get the rest of my money from him by selling items.
He stepped forward, voice more energetic.
Kael gave a slight bow. "It’s an honor, my lord. Please, co in."
The change in Kael’s tone didn’t go unnoticed. Seris raised an eyebrow. Alenia blinked. They were surprised to see Kael’s such a flattering side.
Leonard’s gaze drifted across the room. The walls were clean and well-lit. Shelves held goods neatly arranged: soaps, lanterns, notebooks, and unfamiliar tools and utensils. The air slled faintly of lavender and oil.
"The design is unusual," Leonard said. "Much higher ceilings than most Ginip buildings. It feels... open."
Kael smiled. "I wanted a place that felt different—clean, spacious, and easy to navigate."
Leonard nodded once, then noticed the adventurers gathered near the side. Alenia, Seris, and mbers of both the Red Band and the newly joined Sand Hunters watched quietly.
"You seem to have a strong relationship with adventurers," Leonard said.
"Yes," Kael replied. "Many of my products are made with them in mind—tools for survival, healing, and convenience. They were among my first custors."
Kael studied Leonard’s reaction carefully.
"My lord. Please, allow to show you what I have. I promise, so of these items will surprise even soone like yourself."
Leonard, for his part, looked mildly amused.
"Yes, I’ve heard much about your goods. So call them magical. Others say you’re a craftsman unlike any seen before."
He stepped toward a nearby shelf, lifting a flashlight. He examined the tal casing, the glass lens, the switch on its side.
"What does this do?"
Kael took the flashlight gently, clicked it on, and aid the beam at the floor. A bright, focused light cut through the shop’s ambient lighting.
Leonard’s eyes widened slightly. "So small... yet so bright. And no fla?"
"No fla. No heat either. It’s safe, efficient, and lasts hours."
Leonard turned it over in his hands. "This alone would change night patrols."
Kael didn’t respond directly. Instead, he gestured toward another row of products—each one chosen carefully.
"This is a water purifier. Drop one tablet in a filled flask, wait fifteen minutes, and it’s safe to drink—removes parasites and toxins. Over here are bandages treated with a healing compound. And this—"
He lifted a sealed tin. "—contains compressed food. Lightweight, durable, and lasts over a year without spoiling."
Leonard listened in silence, visibly intrigued.
"You made these?"
Kael nodded. "So I craft myself. Others I’ve... sourced from unique suppliers."
Leonard glanced toward the mayor. "Have you seen anything like this elsewhere in the region?"
Lysandra shook her head. "Nothing even close."
Leonard returned his attention to Kael. "Tell , how is it that you ca by this knowledge?"
Kael paused. "Experience, my lord. And necessity."
Leonard gave a faint smile. "A good answer."
He set the flashlight down and walked toward a shelf lined with notebooks and pencils.
"You’re bringing change to this town."
Kael simply said, "That’s the goal."
At that mont, Seris walked over, holding a small item. "Kael, should I show him the heater stone?"
Kael nodded. "Yes. My lord, this might interest you."
Seris placed a small flat disk on the table. "This warms up when you twist it. Perfect for cold weather—lasts a few hours per charge. Reusable."
Leonard tried it himself. As he twisted the edge, a gentle warmth spread from the center of the disk.
"Incredible," he muttered. "No fire, no smoke."
He placed it down slowly.
"Do you sell these to anyone?"
"To those who can afford them, yes."
Leonard remained silent for a mont, eyes lingering on the heater stone. Then he stepped back and surveyed the entire shop once more.
"These things," Leonard said, "they’re decades ahead of anything I’ve seen in the Western Region."
Kael inclined his head slightly. "They are designed to make life easier, safer, and cleaner."
Leonard returned to the table, tapped the flashlight once more, then picked up the water purifier tin and a box of the heater stones. "I’ll take these. And the bandages, the food rations, and a set of these clean-cut razors." He glanced at the soap shelf. "And your best-scented soap."
Seris moved quickly to prepare the items, wrapping and boxing them with practiced hands.
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