The wind from the Falte Mountains drifted softly across a small town on the border of the Kingdom of Ledoira. The sounds of mammals and the calls of birds began to fill the morning air. Shepherds led their livestock in search of fresh grass. The ground was still damp, for rain had fallen over the region the night before.
Zhang Xuan, who had been sleeping soundly, awoke with a start at the noise of trickling water mixed with pebbles striking his rooftop.
"Again, that foolish bird," he muttered irritably.
As was its habit every morning, a crow had taken to throwing small stones onto the roof of Zhang Xuan's coffee shop.
Reluctantly, Zhang Xuan rose from his bed. He sat for a moment before standing straight and walking with measured steps toward the washroom. He brushed his teeth with herbal plants, then rinsed with clean water.
His brow furrowed. His gaze fixed on the flow of water that was steadily weakening. He suspected there might be an issue with the water machine. He quickly examined every part of it but found no fault.
Suddenly, his eyes widened. He remembered that today the so-called "Crested" Oswin was supposed to come. Sure enough, a loud knock echoed at the front door, accompanied by a booming voice,
"Mr. Zhang! Oh, Mr. Zhang! Your bill is still unpaid!"
With irritation, Zhang Xuan stepped out of the washroom. He took the key, turned it in the lock, and opened the door. Standing before him was a man of about thirty-two years, sporting a light blue crest of hair. His attire was somewhat eccentric, though not nearly as outlandish as that of Baron Philip.
In his right hand, Oswin held several small notes along with a bill. Zhang Xuan sighed and gestured for the man to enter.
Oswin stepped inside but declined the chair offered to him. Instead, he chose to sit near the service counter. Zhang Xuan did not mind. He went into his room and opened his worn-out wardrobe. In the top left drawer lay his receipt of payment, while the drawer beside it, whose wood was beginning to decay, held his savings. That money would be sufficient to last for several more years, provided inflation did not take its toll.
He took out a few silver and bronze coins, then returned to Oswin. They sat across from each other. Oswin handed over the bill, and with a small smile he said,
"For the past three months you have only used one industrial magic stone. The total comes to one silver coin and sixteen bronze coins, Mr. Zhang."
Zhang Xuan reached into the pocket of his trousers. His hand closed around several coins, which he then spread out before Oswin.
"Count them."