"I'm not," Rayven said quickly. "At least, not really… My family runs a merchant house. I just want to get back to them."
"Merchant's son, huh?" Miki nodded.
Aside from being part of the military or accomplishing heroic deeds, the closest position to being promoted to a noble was being a rich merchant.
After all, they had a chance of buying a low-ranking noble title… Although it could not be inherited by children most of the time, it was still close.
Of course, if you're a Mage who wasn't part of nobility, it would be an exception.
"That explains the good posture and the way you keep watching prices."
Rayven froze mid-sip of his tea.
"…You've been tracking market prices in your head since we left the smithy…" she said. "Saw you eyeballing the copper weight on the blacksmith's scale."
It was a habit that Rayven had developed as someone who was taught about market prices since he was a child.
Nara gave him an impressed look. "Are you secretly rich?"
"No," he said too quickly.
"Definitely rich," Nara whispered to Miki.
Rayven sighed, putting down his tea. He certainly had some gold coins with him, more than any of the villagers could imagine, but that wasn't something he was willing to withdraw for obvious reasons.
'At this rate, they'll think I'm a walking coin pouch.'
He would have to be careful about how much he showed… and how much he spent.
Still, even if he was frugal, he had to be. Every skill, every spell in that Coinbound System costs gold. Real, hard-earned gold, not silver or copper coins…
Actually, he had tried to deposit his silver and copper coins, but they were not accepted by the system.
The deposit feature only works with the Gold coins! Needless to say, he also couldn't withdraw coins other than the gold ones.
Thankfully, the system was smart enough to produce the gold coin recognized by the place he was currently at.
"We will be leaving tomorrow… So, please complete your preparations today." Rayven said as he also had to purchase some food.
He'd probably look for jerky, biscuits, and other dried food or preserved meat that could last for a long journey.
Getting to Hesa City was just the start. He doesn't have enough gold to purchase new abilities. And if even a basic Common skill or spell started at 500 gold, then saving up would be a nightmare in a tiny village like this.
'Right… Let's take it easy… I need to get back to Hesa. Reunite with my family. Secure some kind of income stream. That's when I can start growing stronger. Quietly.'
He knew that he could not show off being a Mage with so limited money and only one Spell.
After all, he might be asked to show his Spell or practice his Spell, and instead of helping him… That would just make him spend money for unnecessary reasons.
Perhaps, if he had a steady source of income, he wouldn't mind showing off from time to time.
But for now?
He stared at his tiny coin pouch and his nearly empty bowl of stew.
"I have to be frugal for now…" He muttered with a self-deprecating grin.
"What was that?" Miki asked while raising a brow.
"Nothing," Rayven smiled, brushing his hair back. "Just thinking of how I'm definitely not paying for dessert."
***
The next morning came, and Rayven stood by the carriage, tightening the straps of the bags he had packed the night before.
Miki and Nara had also just arrived and brought all the things they needed.
Just as they were about to leave, Farah actually approached them.
It seemed that her eyes were a little red from lack of sleep or perhaps something else.
"I guess… this is goodbye… I couldn't even thank you properly." she said while forcing a smile.
Rayven already had an idea of what she had gone through and gave her a soft look.
Still, he wanted to lighten the mood. "Well, you can come with us if you want."
He said with a chuckle. "You've got decent hands. You might be useful on the road."
However, Farah just shook her head lightly.
"No. I'd only slow you down."
There was a small pause before she added more. "But I'll become the best tailor. I promise. And someday, if you need me… if your cloak rips or your clothes need patching, don't hesitate to come find me."
Rayven nodded with a gentle smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
With a quick, shy wave, Farah stepped back and watched as the cart began to roll out of the village.
On the other hand, Miki and Nara just exchanged knowing glances and didn't say a word.
***
The road out of Dollen Village was surprisingly tranquil.
They had covered nearly fifteen kilometers without a single hitch. Occasionally, they passed travelers or farmers with oxen carts going the opposite direction.
They just all offered a wave or nod of acknowledgment.
Rayven leaned back, glancing at the calm expressions of Miki and Nara, who sat nearby, watching the road silently…
They didn't have much to say at this point.
'It doesn't seem as dangerous as I thought…' Rayven mused as he eyed the peaceful surroundings. 'Maybe I didn't need escorts after all.'
As if on cue, he noticed that Miki's expression changed while looking ahead...
Rayven followed her gaze, and he confirmed that just past a bend in the path, a lone figure was walking down the road.
It was an old man who was hunched slightly, wearing a tattered blue robe that might have once been elegant.
However, what surprised them was that a long wooden staff tapped the ground with every other step of the old man.
It was not just a walking stick but a Mage Staff!