Leonard moved with careful precision as he retrieved the books from the tall cupboard behind him. The soft rustling of pages and creak of polished wooden shelves filled the quiet corner of the merchant guild. Kazien watched him like an eager child watching candies being placed into a bag.
When Leonard returned, he set five thick volumes on the counter with a soft thump.
Five? There were that many alchemy grimoires? Or were some of them merely recipe books disguised as magic tomes?
"Sir," Leonard said with a polite smile, "these five books are all related to alchemy magic."
"May I have a quick look?" Kazien asked, eyes sparkling.
"Of course."
With the enthusiasm of someone who had waited his whole life for this moment, Kazien picked up the first book. His fingers tingled as he felt the embossed silver lettering on the cover.
The moment he cracked it open, the scent of old parchment and faint herbal traces filled his nostrils.
Wow! This explains how to make basic healing potions… and even includes the magic formula used to process the ingredients.
His eyes darted across the pages, devouring information like a starved scholar. Then he turned the page and froze.
Wait. The formulas for processing plants and minerals… they're different? I thought the magic circles were all the same as long as you knew the materials!
Alchemy was far more complex and elegant than he had ever imagined.
"How is it, sir?" Leonard asked, leaning politely over the counter. "Are you interested in the books?"
"I am!" Kazien replied immediately. "How much are they?"
"With tax included—300 silver pieces, each book costs 3 gold pieces and 300 silver pieces."
"I'm buying them all!" Kazien declared without hesitation. "Here's the money!"
Before Leonard could even blink, a cascade of gold and silver coins materialized from Kazien's storage dimension, clinking onto the counter like rainfall.
Leonard's jaw dropped. "A-Are you able to use storage dimension magic?"
"Of course! You think I can magically make money appear out of nowhere?"
"Hahaha, fair point," Leonard chuckled, shaking off his surprise. "Then please allow me to count everything."
While Leonard meticulously sorted and stacked the coins, Kazien happily resumed reading, his mind already racing with possibilities—potions, elixirs, enchanted oils, protective talismans…
Soon Leonard spoke again, bowing slightly. "Sir, all the money is in order. Is there anything else you need?"
"Do you sell magic crystals?" Kazien asked immediately.
"We do. Various types and sizes. If you are looking for—"
Before Leonard could finish speaking, the enthusiastic Kazien immediately interrupted him.
"The best ones! How much for the best magic crystal you have?"
"A… A 5-centimeter crystal costs 4 gold pieces."
"I'll take ten! Please prepare them immediately!"
Leonard's eyes widened, and before he could even react—
Clink!
Forty gold pieces landed on the counter.
Who exactly is this boy?! Leonard thought in disbelief. He didn't even hesitate! I should confirm his identity… if I don't, and something goes wrong, I'll be the one held responsible!
"Excuse me, sir," Leonard said carefully. "Before I proceed, may I see your ID card for registration?"
"Of course!" Kazien replied. "Here's my adventurer license!"
The moment Leonard read it, his expression changed completely.
Is he the fifth son of Duke Elgard Altavis?
He's an S-rank…? Already? At hus age?! Leonard swallowed hard.
If he had treated this boy casually or—gods forbid—rudely… He would have been executed socially, if not literally.
He returned the license with both hands—respectfully.
"Everything is in order, Young Master. I will retrieve the crystals and record all purchases formally."
"That's fine," Kazien said. "Proof of transaction helps us both."
Leonard nodded, impressed despite himself. This child spoke like a seasoned merchant.
Unbeknownst to him, Kazien was equally impressed. Leonard is so professional. He even asked for my ID just to validate the transaction… He'd make a great right-hand man for Brother William.
Moments later, Leonard returned with a cloth pouch tied securely with rope. When he opened it, bright crystalline light spilled onto the counter.
Kazien's eyes sparkled.
"The quantity is perfect, and the purity is amazing! Thank you so much for your service, Leonard."
"That is my duty, sir. Do you need anything else?"
"No, thank you. This is more than enough!"
After exchanging farewells, Kazien stepped outside—feeling like he was walking on clouds.
I can't wait to read these books… I have to start immediately! The day after tomorrow, we head to the Vorusan region…
Then he practically sprinted home.
********
The moment Kazien burst through the mansion doors, the servants jumped.
"Everyone!" he shouted dramatically.
"Please don't disturb me until I come out of the library! I'm studying all this alchemy magic!"
A small gasp came from behind him. "W-What about me…?" Alvin asked sadly. "Do I have to sleep alone tonight?"
Kazien winced. That hit him in the heart.
"I'm sorry, Alvin… but once I finish, I promise I'll never let you sleep alone again."
Alvin's lips trembled in a pout. The maids exchanged worried glances.
"Are you serious, Kazien?" Duchess Larina asked sternly. "Look!—Alvin is about to cry!"
"Mother, I have to study! If I don't lock myself in the library, I'll get distracted!"
"And you call Alvin 'distraction'?" she responded sharply.
"N-No! That's not what I meant!" Kazien panicked. "I just… need to focus!"
Alvin looked up at him with big, watery eyes.
"…I will be lonely," he whispered. "That room is so big and cold without you."
Kazien knelt down, cupping Alvin's cheeks.
"Just for today and tomorrow. Alvin, I can't live without you either. But if I don't finish learning this magic quickly… I won't be able to support us in the future."
"Support… us?" Alvin blinked. "What do you mean?"
Kazien smiled gently, brushing his thumb along Alvin's cheek. "I want to use alchemy magic to become our source of income. For our future. For our life together."
Alvin froze.
His eyes trembled.
His heart fluttered wildly.
He's… thinking that far ahead…? For us? For me?
If Kazien was dreaming this big… How could Alvin ever stand in his way?
Alvin lifted his face and smiled—bright, warm, full of love.
"I allow you," he said softly. "I'm sorry… for being selfish and trying to hold you back."
Kazien's shoulders relaxed, and relief washed over his face.
"Then…" Alvin added shyly, "when we finish and leave for Vorusan… I want to sit on your lap the whole trip. And you must let me hug you."
Kazien laughed softly. "Of course. Anything for my cute prince."
Alvin's smile widened instantly, glowing like sunlight.
Kazien stood up.
"I'm heading to the library now. Please—don't disturb me. Alchemy magic is sensitive. Even the smallest mistake could ruin everything."
"Yes, my dear! Good luck!" Alvin said proudly.
As Kazien disappeared down the hallway, Duchess Larina blinked in confusion.
"What in the world is he planning?" she muttered.
And so, with determination burning bright in his chest, Kazien entered the vast mansion library—unaware that the path he was taking would change not only his own future…
…but the future of everyone tied to him.