An elderly voice rose from near Kael's feet.
Looking down, he saw an elegant old man with a handlebar mustache, leaning on a small cane and standing no taller than knee height.
The old man stroked his neatly trimmed mustache, straightened his slightly crooked red top hat, and craned his neck to scrutinize his late-night visitor.
A Gnome... or perhaps Earth Spirit would be more appropriate.
Though resembling goblins with long ears, Spirits have no fixed appearance. They are earthly manifestations of the Gods, most lacking self-awareness and rarely appearing in the mortal realm.
However, there are exceptions — particularly the Earth Spirits. Over the long ages, they have fully integrated into human society, using their miracles to provide commercial services while earning their own rewards.
For instance, the most famous is the Gnome's Great Library in Orario.
Among these Gnomes, this shop's owner Bom Cornwall was one of the most distinctive personalities. His ability was 'Appraisal,' and he made his living by buying low and selling high — which was exactly why Kael had come.
"I hear you've been very helpful to my fellow Familia members." Rather than getting straight to the point, Kael tried to establish a connection.
"Fellow members?" Bom's mustache-stroking paused for a beat before he slapped his forehead, "Ah, did little Lili send you?"
The shop's location was very difficult to find. Being involved in fencing goods, it was a grey market business that wouldn't normally serve those without a personal introduction.
Kael only knew of this place because he remembered a certain "colleague" in the Familia.
"Where's Lili? Isn't she here?" He followed the Gnome into the shop, pretending to glance around casually.
"She doesn't live here. Come to think of it, I haven't seen her much lately. Do you know where she's gone?"
Though Bom's tone seemed casual, Kael caught a hint of probing in his voice.
His heart sank as he realized he might have overlooked something crucial...
Had Lili ever revealed her identity to this shopkeeper? No — with her Cinder Ella ability, she wouldn't have shared her true identity with this fence. Even after seven years, they should have remained merely shopkeeper and regular customer!
Perhaps there was just a touch of sympathy for a familiar face? No, that wasn't right.
Reading into the shopkeeper's words, Kael wondered: Did he know Lili was being bullied by the Familia? Was he trying to determine if Kael was pursuing her?
This seemingly detached Spirit still showed favoritism toward Lili. He might have even guessed her true identity!
As expected of Fianna's reincarnation. Even Spirits instinctively protected her. This world's nature was truly complex.
Kael chose his words carefully, "She's probably still pursuing her dreams. But I'm not here to look for her."
"Oh?" The Gnome climbed onto his chair and asked casually, "Then customer, you are..."
"Since you're calling me customer, I'm obviously here to do business. I heard you have some special items, and I'd like to see if you have what I urgently need."
"Hoho, so you really are a customer! Come, come this way..." Bom's wrinkled face relaxed at these words.
Kael followed him to the back warehouse. The shopkeeper tapped his cane on the floor in a pattern like Morse code, and an underground passage appeared before them. Bom tapped the floor once more, and magic stone lamps illuminated both sides of the dark passage.
He turned his head, "What kind of merchandise are you looking for? I have quite a few good items."
After a moment's thought, Kael asked, "Do you have any black robes specifically for Magicians? Preferably ones that can conceal the face."
The Gnome's lazy eyes lifted slightly, "Oh? That's quite a rare item. No wonder you sought me out."
In this world, Magicians were an extremely rare profession. Unlike common Mages or Magic Users who could wield magic naturally, Magicians were scholars dedicated to studying magical arts and researching magical techniques.
This profession was uncommon in hero cities like Orario where fame and great deeds were pursued, though they flourished in magic-focused nations.
Kael was trying his luck, "I didn't expect you'd actually have one."
"Indeed I do. Follow me." Bom led him into the passage.
As his palm tapped in a rhythmic pattern, the room's grid shifted like a complex Rubik's cube, revealing a wooden door carved with intricate patterns.
Bom blew the dust off the handle, pulled out a handkerchief to gently grip it, and turned. With a click, the wooden door opened.
"Wait here, I think that item should be..."
The sounds of rummaging came from inside, and soon Bom emerged with two gift boxes.
"Found them. These are the two — see if they suit you."
Kael took the boxes from him and opened them. One contained an extremely ornate robe, studded with various Gnome jewels and showing exceptional craftsmanship. Even as a novice, he could clearly sense the faint magical fluctuations within.
Bom explained, "This was acquired from a Master Magician who passed through ten years ago. In terms of value and performance, it surpasses half of Second Class (Level 3-4) Adventurer equipment, not only reducing most magical damage but also blocking fairly powerful curses."
"This... must be expensive." Kael looked constrained.
"Just V$50,000,000. I'm only offering this discount because Orario lacks customers for this sort of thing."
Just that much... really?
"What about this one?" Kael's gaze turned to the other, more modest cloak.
It was entirely black without any distinguishing features, its edges frayed and tattered from age, resembling something pieced together from old fabric scraps.
"This one..." Bom stroked his chin thoughtfully before speaking with deliberate vagueness, "I can't quite remember anymore — it was so long ago that I've forgotten who sold it. Must be hundreds of years old by now. Despite its worn condition, it would still command a handsome price from collectors in the magic nations."
An unexpected find! This time-worn cloak was exactly what Kael had been hoping for!
Noticing Kael's modest demeanor, Bom asked, "What's your budget?"
Kael considered briefly. Since he couldn't afford more anyway and desperately needed the disguise, he decided to be honest:
"V$5,000,000."
"Deal!"
"...Huh?"
Did I... get ripped off?
Catching his expression, Bom stroked his mustache with a knowing smile, "Young man, these two items weren't selling at all. Truth be told, I'd have accepted any price you offered. But your offer isn't bad — take it to a magic nation and you could easily double your money."
You crafty old man...
"How much did you originally pay for it?"
"Can't remember, ah... I'm getting old. You know how we Gnomes are like dragons — we love collecting treasures. Maybe I just happened to pick it up when I was younger..."
"You found it?"
"Hell no!"