"Are those people from the Mizumi Clan? Figures—they radiate a different world, like moonlight cutting through fog."

"Yeah. That’s what noble looks like—cold starlight, not loud fireworks. Those cocky noble brats are nothing next to them."

"Exactly! Those girls—Mizumi blood shows. I’ve never seen faces like that, like goddesses carved from ice and dawn. If I could—hey, why pinch me?"

"Idiot. Where’d you get the guts to gossip about the Mizumi? Want to die?"

"...thanks. Cold sweat’s pouring like rain. If I kept blabbing, trouble would sprout from my mouth."

"Good. Now shut it. Huh? They’re heading this way. Stand tall; greet them like your life’s on a thread. One mistake, you answer with your life!"

"Understood!"

…

Staff in every shop kept stealing glances, whispering like wind among reeds. Their fear made me sigh; they looked at us like mountain ghosts.

"Welcome, honored sirs and ladies. You must be from the Mizumi Clan! Such grace, like jade under moonlight. Please, come in. May our humble wares catch your eye."

We entered the gear shop Nalu recommended. A middle-aged owner greeted us with deep bows, his patter flowing like a river of praise.

I skimmed the shelves. The range was complete—weapons, armor, magic jewelry—plenty, and the craftsmanship clean as cut stone. But the materials were low-grade, like bark and tin; at home they’d be beneath our trash.

Even our brooms back home are carved from god-tier sacred woods; their sweep runs like spring water—half the effort, twice the shine.

With cleaning tools like that, the furniture speaks for itself. On the Central Continent, divine-grade timber is as common as leaves.

Naturally, I had no interest in these cheap things, however neatly made.

Lanxia yawned, clouds drifting from her voice. "So ordinary. This dragon could tear them apart with a casual grip."

Lingxiao shook her head. "Not exactly ordinary. The materials are so low-level I’m seeing them for the first time. I’m honestly surprised."

Lingsaki nodded in agreement, like a bell echoing a bell.

The words left Nalu and the owner speechless; even Lanxia fell quiet.

My thoughts matched the sisters’, but saying it here felt like dropping hail on a paper roof.

"These pieces aren’t that bad, Lingxiao, Lingsaki. At least the craftsmanship’s honest."

"You’re right, my lords of the Mizumi Clan!" The owner wiped sweat like dew and grabbed the lifeline. "I apologize our stock disappointed you. As for workmanship—through all Moonhundred City, we claim second. No one dares claim first."

Lixue spoke, cool as shaded water. "Got anything to recommend? We’re not interested in that gear."

"If equipment doesn’t tempt you, perhaps accessories? We’re one of Moonhundred City’s four great gear shops—and the number one for accessories."

"Really? Show us."

A small spark lit in me, like a lantern catching. Girls love adornment by nature; Lingxiao and Lingsaki did, and even Lixue’s eyes brightened.

"Right this way, honored guests."

Led by the owner, we entered a wide, lavish hall, the air thick as honey. Accessories gleamed everywhere, like an art exhibit under noon sun.

"…Cheap feel. Disappointing."

"Same here. The looks are fine, but like before, the materials are too low-level."

I understood. Watching the owner hold back tears felt cruel, like rain beating a kiln he’d just fired.

My take matched theirs, but we couldn’t judge by Mizumi standards. That way we’d never buy anything, though nothing here stirred me anyway.

Lixue lifted a few pieces, weighing them like pebbles. "The base is poor, but the work is decent. Do you have anything better?"

"Of course! I’ll have them bring our treasure of the shop. Please wait."

About half a minute later, a clerk returned, cradling a jeweled box like a newborn. Inside lay an exquisite necklace, above the hall’s offerings.

But however fine, it couldn’t hide what it was to our eyes: low-grade.

I cut off the owner’s budding speech. "Sorry. I grew up in the Mizumi Clan. Low-end pieces like these just don’t move us."

"You speak too harshly, my lord! Our wares are mortal things. It’s normal you’d look down on them. Your time here is honor enough."

"Glad you think so. Still, we’ve taken your time and bought nothing—that sits poorly. Consider this a fee."

I signaled Nalu to hand over some Purplegold Coins.

"Purplegold Coins! …Twelve of them! My lord of Mizumi, this is too generous—I can’t accept."

"Keep them. On the Central Continent, Purplegold Coins are like stones by the roadside—pretty, but useless. They’re yours."

"Then I won’t refuse courtesy. Thank you again for your generosity and your visit."

"We’ll be going now."

There was no need to linger. Under the owner’s respectful send-off, we drifted out through the doors like leaves on a quiet stream.

…