As Rowen finished counting—twenty low-grade mana stones in total. He slid them into the wooden drawer beneath the counter, a small satisfied smile tugging at his lips.
From the counter, Rowen glanced up at them without a word at the A small group of students stepped inside the shop, their eyes darting around the cramped shop. Curiosity was written all over their faces. They exchanged hushed whispers, clearly trying to piece together why Darian's group had come here in the first place.
Shade, who had been lounging lazily on the shelf, lifted her head at the sound. The black cat's tail flicked, and she gave a low, questioning meow, as if noticing the unfamiliar scent of newcomers.
The students huddled together near the entrance, their voices low but excited.
"...That was definitely Darian and Lyra buying something just now."
"And Aria too. If they're spending here, it has to be worth it."
