“Hmm… That works too. Knowing the price of the magic book will give us a clearer idea.”

Hushang paused in thought, then said to Suran, “Maid Sister, shall we meet at the Bobo Tavern before noon tomorrow?”

“Alright.” Suran nodded slightly.

“Then we’ll take our leave. See you tomorrow!”

They exchanged farewells and went their separate ways.

“Suran, shall we head out now to check the magic book prices?” Lyasis hopped lightly in place, urging her on.

“Miss, I didn’t expect you’d be so eager about buying a magic book,” Suran smiled. “Earlier, you were saying we’d get one through the secret realm and see what type fate brings.”

“Magic books from the secret realm? Their type is uncertain—it’s all about fate,” Lyasis said. “Buying one? Might have many choices, might have few. Still fate. No real difference.”

“True… This *is* the Arcane Dominion. Magic books change hands daily,” Suran mused. “We should hurry. If we’re slow, the right one might be gone.”

“To hurry up…” Lyasis gave a meaningful smile, tiptoed, leaned close to Suran’s ear, and whispered, “Just carry me~”

Suran’s ear tingled from Lyasis’s warm breath. A faint blush dusted her cheeks. She cleared her throat twice.

“Then… please hold on tight.”

In one smooth motion, Suran swept Lyasis into a princess carry—arm around her waist, the other supporting her slender thigh. Lyasis naturally looped her arms around Suran’s neck.

The next second, Suran activated her assassin skill [Phantom Step], gliding through Lobet City at high speed without stirring a breeze, leaving only a faint afterimage trail.

…

Soon, following Ruby’s directions, Suran brought Lyasis to Lobet City’s Free Market.

What was the Free Market?

As the name suggested: a place where anything could be traded. Stalls and shops were rented out for selling or buying—highly convenient.

Of course, even here, a line existed: nothing threatening public safety.

That’s why members of the Solflare Legion patrolled the area.

*Thud.*

Suran set Lyasis down. Light as a feather, her landing was barely a whisper—perfectly matching a mage’s graceful descent.

“So many people,” Lyasis murmured, glancing around. “Suran, when you gathered supplies before, did you go to places like this?”

“Similar, but this one’s far larger, with far richer variety.”

Suran scanned the bustling scene: gear stalls, jewelry, raw materials, even monster parts displayed as collectibles.

“Hello there, ladies~”

A curvy older sister approached with a warm smile. “I’m a guide here. Buying? Selling? Just say the word.”

“Need help finding a stall or shop? Or renting a spot to sell? I’ve got you covered.”

“What’s the service fee?” Suran asked.

“New faces! First time here? Then half-price for you—just 500 copper coins per trip~”

*So the usual is 1,000 copper… one silver coin,* Suran calculated. *Same as a Bobo Beer. Worth it for time saved—and half-price today.*

She paid. “Please take us to the magic book stall.”

“Right this way!” The guide swayed ahead gracefully.

After weaving through the market, she halted and turned.

“Here we are, ladies~”

Ahead stood a large tent-shaped stall, eerily resembling a witch’s fortune-telling hut.

“One heads-up,” the guide added with a knowing wink, “don’t get startled inside. Happy shopping~”

*Don’t get startled?*

Suran raised an eyebrow.

Nothing in that tent could scare her or Lyasis. The warning only sparked curiosity.

They exchanged a glance, lifted the flap, and stepped inside.

The moment they entered, floor candles flickered to life as if sensing guests. Light revealed the interior: a counter upfront with a magical hat resting atop it; behind it, a towering bookshelf packed with volumes—undoubtedly magic books.

*So many…? I thought they’d be nearly sold out…*

Suran glanced around. *No shopkeeper in sight.*

Just as she opened her mouth to call out—

The hat twitched.

A hand emerged from beneath it.

Yes. Just a hand.

It floated upward, “saw” them, and with nimble fingers traced fiery script in the air:

“Oh my! Two lovely ladies! I was napping and forgot to dress—so undignified! Forgive me. One moment!”

It vanished behind the counter. Rustling sounds followed. Then it reappeared—now wearing a crisp white glove—bowing elegantly like a refined gentleman.

*The shopkeeper… is a hand?*

Suran wasn’t startled (as warned), but wonder bloomed. *This world’s magic… a sight I missed back when I was just a “player.”*

“Allow me to introduce myself, dear ladies,” the gloved hand wrote while bowing smoothly:

“I am the right hand of Aland—the most imaginative mage, last disciple of the great Archmage Ohama Oster—and proprietor of this ‘Magic Bookshop.’”

“So… what would two beautiful ladies like to buy today?”