“Whew, no wonder he’s from the Mizumi Clan—his manners shine like polished jade, while those so-called nobles can’t even flatter without kicking up dust.”
Watching Yumigawa Sumeragi’s group fade like lantern light down the street, the weapon-shop owner sighed, a breeze of awe stirring his chest.
“Right? Lord Yumigawa and his party were gracious from start to finish, warm as spring sun, not like those idle young lords who strut like peacocks.”
The clerk by the counter chimed in, bitterness like old tea on his tongue, clearly used to noble brats tossing their weight like stones.
“And when our stock didn’t meet their eye, Lord Yumigawa didn’t scowl—he tipped us twelve Purplegold Coins that rang like moons, a generosity rare as snow in summer.”
The shopkeeper spoke like a man weathered by storms, the contrast carving lines in his voice—next to the Mizumi Clan, the rest felt like dry reeds.
“I always thought the higher the pedigree, the stiffer the neck, like cranes preening above the clouds. Meeting the Mizumi Clan, I learned what true poise feels like.”
“Maybe that’s the gulf between them and us mortals—a calm like still water, a humility like pine in winter, beyond common reach.”
“Not just heirs of the world’s hegemon, but he himself’s a dashing, broad-hearted youth. If I had a daughter, I’d have presented her like a pearl on a tray.”
“Oh, please. Didn’t you see those twin fairy-sisters and the golden-haired beauty at his side? They’re starlight and mist; our village lilies wouldn’t catch that gaze.”
“Fair point. Still, to tie even a thread with the Mizumi Clan would be a blessing like rain on parched fields.”
“Dream on, that’s moon-in-the-water stuff—pretty to see, impossible to hold.”
“Anyway, Kvedon, I’m jealous—your shop got their visit, and you walked away with twelve Purplegold Coins that gleam like harvest moons.”
“Twelve Purplegold Coins—that’s a month of our forge’s sweat, and coming from the Mizumi Clan, each coin’s weight is worth a mountain.”
“Heh, don’t overthink it. I’ll treat these twelve as heirlooms, like sealing a family incense, because receiving them from Lord Yumigawa is honor itself.”
“Exactly. Looks like Moonhundred City’s smithing scene will orbit your shop like stars around a pole.”
“I wouldn’t dare. We advance and retreat together like boats on one river, so please keep an eye on me.”
“Listen to you, Kvedon—modest as bamboo in the wind.”
“…”
Unnoticed, more voices flowed in like a tide. Opinions differed like leaves in a stream, yet one current ran true—the Mizumi Clan’s courtesy had won their hearts like a gentle rain.
…
On a broad, quiet street, the paving stones lay cold as a river of slate.
“Didn’t expect the outside world to use such low-tier gear,” Lingxiao said, her tone drifting like a bored cat’s yawn.
“You’d snub it even if it were artifacts,” I sighed first, a wry smile blooming after, then pinched her soft-as-snow cheek.
With her mood like a cloud lightening, the shop tour felt like fireworks after dawn—pretty, but pointless.
“As dear brother said, at best we’d find mid-grade artifacts,” Lingxiao answered, matter-of-fact as frost on eaves.
“In short, no more gear shops,” Lixue said, her voice cool as moonlight. “We’d only waste time chasing shadows.”
“So where next? The apothecary?” Lingsaki asked, voice light as wind through chimes, remembering Nalu’s earlier note.
“No. We’re neither hurt nor ill—an apothecary feels duller than cold porridge,” I said, calm first, then reason. “Besides, you two carry plenty of Divine Elixirs.”
“Yup. We packed loads when we left home, like squirrels storing nuts,” the twins said, their nods in sync like twin ripples.
“On the Central Continent they grow like stars in a thicket. Better to bring more than let them wither unseen,” they added, practical as mountain paths.
“Oooh! As expected of the Mizumi Clan—you talk about Divine Elixirs like roadside grass,” Lanxia breathed, eyes bright as deep seas, envy pure as spring water.
“It’s not that our gear is low,” Nalu said, a helpless smile like a tilted umbrella. “Your bar sits higher than a cliff. That shop’s stock ranks top in the Ice Rock Empire.”
“Ordinary folks can’t even buy it,” she added, tone steady as stone. “But to you, it’s a drop in the sea.”
“At home, nothing falls below the Divine,” I said plainly, the truth landing like a white feather.
“…”
“…”
Stunned into stillness, Nalu and Lanxia floated in silence like reeds in a windless pond, then blinked and found their footing.
“I get it now. Common sense wilts around the Mizumi Clan,” Nalu said, working her breath smooth like a flute’s line.
“You’ll get used to it,” Lixue soothed, her words warm as a brazier. “On the Central Continent, only the Mizumi Clan stands, and artifacts and Divine Elixirs dot the ground like stars.”
“Half the Dragon Kin’s resources come from the Mizumi Clan,” Lanxia said, awe flaring like dawn on snow. “That’s why we treasure your friendship like a dragon guards pearls.”
“If I could visit the Central Continent, I’d die content—this wish burns like a beacon in my heart.”
“That’s a small matter,” I said, the promise gentle as rain, firm as bedrock.
“Yumigawa, w-what did you say?” Nalu’s surprise fluttered like a startled sparrow.
“If there’s a chance, I’ll take you home to the Mizumi Clan, Lanxia,” I said, easy as handing over sunlight. “Consider it a reward for being our mount—hey, why the tears?”
“Mm—wuuuu!” Lanxia burst like a stormcloud and threw herself into my arms, hugging tight as ivy. “Thank you, Yumigawa! I’ll be your mount for life!”
“I’ll just offer myself to you instead!” she blurted, cheeks glowing like embers.
“Hey, hey! You silly dragon—who asked for that?” Lingxiao snapped first, jealousy sparking like flint. “Let go of my dear brother!”
“Hugging brother by sneaking in is forbidden,” Lingsaki said, eyes cool as a blade’s edge.
“Ah-haha…” I laughed, helpless, the sound drifting like wind-bells in a passing breeze.
…
