Chapter 188 – An Equivalent Exchange and a Friend
Chapter 188
An Equivalent Exchange and a Friend
Date : Day 2 of Frostfall 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Archbishop Sherine finally spoke.
"This weapon would be truly exceptional for any practitioner of Light Magic."
A gentle smile graced her lips.
"If I still spent more of my time out in the field..."
Her voice trailed off as she carefully reached for the mace.
She held the Luminescent Cudgel with both hands, almost as if she were handling a sacred relic rather than a weapon. Its pure white surface reflected softly beneath Silver Luna's pale light streaming through the window.
"I would have loved to wield this myself."
Hyoren nodded in understanding.
"That's exactly why we brought it here, Sherine."
He smiled wryly.
"Maybe one of your Templar Knights could make better use of it. As for our party..."
He lightly scratched his cheek.
"We don't have a priest."
Sherine gently returned the mace to the table.
She took care to place it down without the slightest sound, showing it the same reverence she would offer a holy artifact.
"You two truly are good people..."
Her smile blossomed once more. This time, it was noticeably brighter than before.
"And for a moment… I almost thought Goddess Luminara herself had guided you here."
She let out a soft chuckle.
"The timing is simply too perfect.”
Elise tilted her head, causing her long silver hair to cascade gracefully over one shoulder.
"Perfect timing?"
Hyoren also raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean, Sherine?"
He thought back briefly before continuing.
"Goddess Luminara hasn't spoken to me for quite some time."
He glanced at Elise.
"The last time was when she guided me to you… So you could heal Elise's wound."
Sherine laughed softly.
"I suppose… Perhaps it truly is only a coincidence."
She leaned back comfortably against the sofa. The cushions sank slightly beneath her weight.
"To tell you the truth… The whole Luminara's Church has been searching for a suitable conduit for Light Magic."
She folded her hands neatly atop her lap.
"Preferably one that could also function as a proper weapon."
Hyoren's brows rose once again.
The coincidence truly was uncanny.
As far as he knew, Luminara hadn't guided him this time. And according to everything he had heard—dungeon loot was fundamentally random. No god or goddess could interfere with the workings of a dungeon.
Those domains belonged solely to Demon God Gidol.
Still… It was truly…
Hyoren quietly dismissed the thought. There was little point dwelling on speculation. Perhaps, his luck had simply been unusually good. And this really was nothing more than coincidence.
"I see..."
He smiled faintly.
"That really is quite the coincidence."
Sherine smiled warmly.
"It truly is. Perhaps Goddess Luminara has simply blessed both of us."
She gently gestured toward the Luminescent Cudgel resting on the table.
"This weapon fulfills everything we were hoping to find. A conduit capable of greatly enhancing Light Magic. And one sturdy enough to be wielded as a blunt weapon."
She crossed her legs gracefully.
"And this one… surpasses even our expectations."
Hyoren nodded.
"True. It increases the effectiveness of Light Magic by fifty percent. And even reduces Aethell consumption by thirty percent."
He looked toward Sherine.
"So… Luminara's Church has been searching for a weapon like this?"
A curious smile appeared on his face.
"If I may ask… Why?"
Sherine tucked a loose strand of golden hair behind her ear.
"Because Saint Sophia has requested a new weapon."
She smiled helplessly.
"She says her current one is no longer satisfactory. Luminara Church's treasury possesses many excellent Light Magic conduits. But… Most of them are traditional staff. They aren't designed for close combat."
Hyoren's eyes widened slightly.
Sophia Harvengald. Light Saint personally chosen by Goddess Luminara herself.
From Arianna's stories, he also remembered another side of her. A woman infamous enough to have earned an almost blasphemous nickname—Whore Saint.
Yet despite the countless rumors surrounding her personal life, the Church had never withdrawn its support.
The reason was obvious. Goddess Luminara herself had publicly declared Sophia to be Her Saint. And despite her unconventional private life, she had always fulfilled every one of her duties flawlessly. That unwavering divine acknowledgment outweighed everything else.
Hyoren slowly nodded in understanding.
"I see..."
His gaze drifted back toward the Luminescent Cudgel. Its elegant design. Its immaculate white mithril. The crown-shaped head crafted with remarkable artistry.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"This weapon… really is worthy of being wielded by Luminara's Saint."
Beside him, Elise quietly nodded in agreement.
Across from them, Sherine's warm smile deepened slightly, her sapphire eyes resting upon the holy mace.
***
Sherine leaned forward slightly. The warmth in her sapphire eyes never faded.
"Will you entrust this weapon to Luminara's Church?"
A gentle smile rested upon her face.
"I should also be honest with you."
She folded her hands together.
"The Church can't immediately determine a proper monetary value for a weapon like this."
A faint, apologetic smile appeared.
"Moving Church funds requires a great deal of bureaucracy. Especially when the amount involved reaches this scale."
She lowered her head in a small, sincere bow.
"But… I promise your party will be compensated appropriately."
She slowly raised her head again.
"I have authority over a portion of this church's treasury. So, without needing the Pope's approval… I can personally grant your party an artifact from our treasury."
Her voice remained calm yet resolute.
"I'll make sure its value exceeds that of this weapon."
Hyoren immediately waved both hands.
"Please, Sherine. There's no need to go that far."
He smiled gently.
"We've been fortunate enough financially. So we aren't in particular need of further compensation."
His gaze shifted toward Elise, who sat quietly beside him.
A warm smile naturally formed on his face.
"Think of this as my way of expressing my gratitude… To you… To the Church. And to Goddess Luminara herself."
His smile softened even more.
"After all… Elise was saved because of you."
Those words reflected his genuine feelings.
From the very beginning, he had intended to leave the weapon in the Church's hands if it could truly be put to good use. Freedom Party's finances were already more than comfortable. Compared to the kindness they had received—offering the Luminescent Cudgel as a gesture of gratitude felt only natural.
Sherine quietly looked at Hyoren.
A gentle smile gradually bloomed across her face.
"You truly are generous."
She slowly shook her head, causing her long golden hair to sway softly across her shoulders.
"But..."
Her smile remained unchanged.
"It wouldn't be right."
She spoke with quiet conviction.
"Neither I… nor Luminara's Church… could ever accept such generosity without giving something in return."
Her graceful fingers rested lightly atop her lap. The kindness in her eyes remained unwavering.
“It won't do. Both the Church and I will still compensate you."
She looked directly at Hyoren. The determination in her gentle expression made it clear that, much like Hyoren earlier. She had no intention of yielding on this matter.
***
Hyoren smiled wryly. It seemed refusing Sherine was just as difficult as persuading her.
"I suppose… We'll accept the compensation then."
Sherine's face immediately brightened.
"Good."
She clasped her hands together once.
"I like good children who listen."
A cheerful giggle escaped her lips. Despite the dignified robes she wore and the graceful aura she naturally carried, her childish side surfaced once again without the slightest hesitation. It was a contrast Hyoren still hadn't gotten used to.
Sherine rose gracefully from the sofa.
"Wait here for a moment, okay?"
Without waiting for an answer, she walked toward the office door. Her long golden hair swayed elegantly behind her with every step. The wooden door closed softly behind her.
The room fell quiet.
With Sherine gone, the atmosphere immediately became much more relaxed.
Hyoren let out a small breath before turning toward Elise.
"I really didn't expect things to turn out like this..."
Elise nodded in agreement.
"Neither did I. It really was too much of a coincidence."
Her gaze drifted toward the Luminescent Cudgel resting quietly upon the table. After a brief moment, she looked back at Hyoren.
Their eyes met. Her emerald eyes reflected his dark ones.
"But… I think this is for the best."
She smiled gently.
"An artifact of this caliber deserves to be wielded by someone like a Saint. It'll be put to good use."
Hyoren slowly nodded.
"You're right."
He looked at the pure white mace as well.
"It would be a waste if it simply stayed inside our storage bag collecting dust."
His voice became quieter.
"If it can help save countless lives… Then that's probably where it belongs."
A warm smile appeared on Elise's face. She tucked a strand of silver hair behind one of her pointed ears.
"Exactly. From what Arianna told us… Despite her rather infamous nickname… Saint Sophia has always fulfilled her duties faithfully."
Hyoren leaned back against the sofa. His gaze wandered toward the large window. Beyond it, Silver Luna quietly illuminated the church grounds.
"Saint Sophia, huh…"
A faint smile crossed his face.
"I wonder if we'll ever meet her. She is originally from Harvengald, right?"
Elise covered her mouth with a soft giggle.
"Fufufu. I think that'll be rather difficult, Hyoren. As a Saint, she should be traveling constantly. Healing people. Helping villages. Saving those in need."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Even if she originally came from the neighboring territory… She could easily be somewhere on the other side of the kingdom by now."
Hyoren chuckled.
"That's true."
He absentmindedly looked out the window once more.
"She might even be one of humanity's cornerstones in the war against the Demon Army. Maybe that's exactly why she needed a new weapon."
He smiled helplessly.
"There's no way a small adventurer party from the stick like us would ever meet someone like her."
Elise nodded with a smile.
"Right...?"
For a brief moment, they looked at one another. Then both of them laughed.
Their quiet laughter gently filled the Archbishop's office, making the already warm room feel even more comfortable as they waited for Sherine to return.
***
Not long afterward, the office door opened once again. Sherine returned carrying a small, pure white box in both hands.
She walked over to the sofa and carefully placed it upon the table before taking her seat once more.
Hyoren and Elise immediately looked toward the object with curiosity.
The box itself was exquisitely crafted. Although entirely white, its surface was adorned with delicate engravings and intricate ornamental patterns that gave it a majestic appearance. It was small enough to rest comfortably upon one's palm.
Sherine noticed the curiosity in their eyes and smiled softly.
"This is called the Sanctuary."
She gracefully crossed her legs.
"It is essentially a ward stone. But unlike ordinary ward stones, which require four stones placed at each corner… This magical tool only requires a single core. Once activated… It creates a dome-shaped barrier."
She clasped her hands together.
"And the barrier created by this magic tool is almost indestructible."
She added one final word with calm confidence.
"Literally."
Elise's emerald eyes widened.
"Wha..."
Even Hyoren knitted his brows in confusion.
"Wait. Aren't barriers created by ward stones already indestructible?"
Sherine merely smiled.
Before she could answer, Elise spoke first.
"That's not actually true, Hyoren."
She shook her head gently.
"It only appears indestructible because we haven't encountered an enemy powerful enough to destroy one."
She looked toward the white box resting on the table.
"Our current ward stones are certified to withstand attacks from monsters around Level 20. If they receive damage beyond what they're designed to endure… For example, from a Level 30 monster… They'll eventually break."
A thoughtful smile appeared on her face.
"I was actually planning to replace ours soon."
She folded her hands neatly upon her lap.
"If we continue diving deeper into dungeons… We'll eventually encounter much stronger monsters. So I was thinking about buying a set certified for Level 30… Or perhaps even Level 40."
Her gaze returned to the white artifact.
"But… If this artifact truly is nearly indestructible… Then that changes everything."
Understanding dawned on Hyoren.
"I see..."
He slowly nodded.
"I completely forgot ward stones had those limitations."
He smiled wryly.
"Just because we've never seen one break… Doesn't mean they can't."
Sherine nodded approvingly.
"Elise is correct."
She gently tapped the lid of the white box with one finger.
"This artifact differs from ordinary ward stones in more than just its activation sequence. It can also endure attacks from monsters far beyond the capabilities of conventional ward stones."
She paused briefly.
"It has never been fully tested… So I can't say where its true limit lies."
Her expression grew slightly more serious.
"But… I believe only catastrophes on the level of a Shadowden Collective’s Warlock… An apex monster such as a Dragon… Or a Demon Apostle… would have any realistic chance of breaking through it."
She then gestured toward the small white box.
"And unlike ordinary Ward Stones, whose barrier size is fixed… The barrier produced by Sanctuary can be adjusted each time it's activated. It can form a dome as small as five meters in diameter… Or expand all the way to thirty meters."
Hyoren's eyes widened.
Thirty meters. That was an enormous area. Large enough to shelter multiple adventurer parties. Or even a sizable expedition force.
He looked down at the pure white box resting on the table. Its elegant craftsmanship alone was enough to tell him it was no ordinary magical tool.
He looked back at Sherine.
"Are you sure it's alright to give us something this valuable?"
Sherine smiled gently.
"It certainly is a powerful artifact."
She rested one hand lightly on top of the white box.
"But the Church possesses several of them."
Her gaze softened with nostalgia.
"This particular one accompanied me during my years in the field. I used it countless times before I was appointed Archbishop here in Akela.”
She chuckled quietly.
"Nowadays… It's been sitting in our treasury for quite a while."
Her eyes shifted toward the Luminescent Cudgel beside it.
"And what you've entrusted to us… is worth even more."
She gestured toward both items.
"So rather than letting Sanctuary continue collecting dust… I'd much rather see it accompany someone who'll actually use it."
She smiled warmly.
"Consider it a token of appreciation for entrusting us with the Luminescent Cudgel."
She softly clapped her hands together.
"And even then… I still don't think the exchange is equal."
She placed a finger against her cheek.
"Hmm..."
For a few moments, she quietly pondered. Then her eyes brightened.
"Ah. I almost forgot."
She looked toward Hyoren.
"You mentioned you were studying Light Magic, didn't you? I have something else for you."
She rose from the sofa and walked toward the tall bookshelf behind her office desk. After scanning several shelves, she carefully pulled out a thick volume.
Returning to the table, she placed it before Hyoren before gently sliding it across.
Hyoren looked down at the book. Its cover was beautiful. Silver leather reinforced with elegant golden decorations that shimmered beneath Silver Luna's light.
Surprisingly—there wasn't a single word written on the cover. No title. No emblem. Nothing.
He tilted his head.
"Sherine. It's true that I've been training my Light Magic… But… What exactly is this?"
Sherine smiled proudly.
"It's an advanced collection of Light Magic runes. It contains numerous rare and uncommon runes that aren't included in ordinary beginner spellbooks."
She leaned comfortably against the sofa.
"This book is closely guarded. Only high-ranking members of Luminara's Church are permitted to study it."
She smiled knowingly.
"I doubt even most Light Magic scholars at the academy know many of the runes recorded within these pages."
Hyoren's eyes widened.
"What… Are you really sure it's alright to give us something like this?"
Sherine let out a cheerful giggle.
"Hehe. You're one of Luminara's Favored."
She smiled without the slightest hesitation.
"I believe even the Pope would approve of my decision."
Hyoren slowly accepted the book with both hands.
Its weight felt reassuring. The leather cover was smooth beneath his fingertips. The Sanctuary alone had already exceeded his expectations.
Now, he had also been entrusted with a collection of secret Light Magic runes.
With knowledge like this, he could construct far more advanced and sophisticated spells than before.
Unable to suppress his curiosity, he carefully opened the cover. His dark eyes immediately scanned the first few pages. Every page was filled with beautifully organized Runic Arrays and explanations. Even after only a brief glance, he could already tell this book was priceless.
Beside him, Elise smiled warmly.
"You're really happy, aren't you? Fufufu."
Hyoren gave an embarrassed smile without lifting his eyes from the pages.
Sherine nodded with satisfaction.
"I'm glad you like it."
She gently clasped her hands together.
"With this… I hope the Church hasn't undervalued your contribution."
Hyoren finally closed the book.
"For me… It honestly feels like the exchange favors us."
He looked at the Sanctuary before looking down at the silver tome in his hands.
"We received a powerful artifact… And an incredibly rare spellbook. In exchange… We gave away a weapon we'd never have used."
Sherine smiled knowingly.
"And that weapon you would never use… is exactly what we desperately needed."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Doesn't that make it an equivalent exchange after all?"
A soft giggle escaped her lips.
Hyoren paused for a moment. Then he laughed.
"Haha… Now that you put it that way… I suppose you're right."
He carefully set the book down before giving Sherine a respectful bow.
"Once again… Thank you. For both the artifact… And the spellbook."
He smiled sincerely.
"We came here intending to donate the weapon without expecting anything in return. And yet… We're leaving with two precious treasures."
Beside him, Elise also offered a graceful bow.
Sherine returned the gesture with one of her own.
"Likewise. On behalf of Luminara's Church… Thank you for your generosity."
Her gentle smile carried both gratitude and blessing.
"May Luminara's light always shine upon you… Her Favored…"
A quiet silence settled over the office.
Both sides had gained something they genuinely needed. It was not merely a trade of valuables—but an exchange of trust, gratitude, and goodwill.
With that, their meeting with Archbishop Sherine came to a peaceful conclusion.
***
Outside the grand cathedral of Luminara, the crisp winter air welcomed them once more.
The official business that had occupied their morning was finally over.
Hyoren let out a small, satisfied breath before looking at Elise.
"Our official business is finally concluded."
A grin spread across his face.
"How about we start our date now? Haha."
Elise smiled softly. A faint blush colored her cheeks.
"Fufu. Do you already have somewhere in mind?"
Hyoren tapped his chin as he began thinking.
"Hmm… What about a café, Elise?"
He looked ahead toward the streets leading back to the commercial district.
"Coincidentally… The book I ordered from Dandi should have arrived by now."
He smiled.
"And he told me a newly opened café near his bookstore has become quite famous. They apparently serve an excellent parfait."
He turned toward Elise.
"What do you think? Wanna go?"
Elise's face immediately brightened. Her emerald eyes sparkled with excitement.
She happily nodded once.
"That sounds wonderful."
She clasped her hands together for a moment.
"We can pick up your book… And then spend the afternoon relaxing at the café. Fufu."
Without another word, she gently slipped closer and wrapped both hands around Hyoren's arm. Her long silver hair brushed softly against his shoulder as she nestled comfortably beside him.
"Lead the way, Hyoren."
Hyoren couldn't help smiling.
"Then let's go."
The two of them began walking side by side through the church grounds.
Their footsteps echoed quietly across the white stone path as they passed beneath the cathedral's towering archway.
With every step away from Luminara's Church, the weight of official matters gradually lifted from their shoulders. Their errands were finished. The dungeon rewards had been settled. Their meeting with Archbishop Sherine had concluded.
Now—the rest of the day belonged entirely to the two of them.
A rare and precious opportunity to simply enjoy each other's company without worrying about monsters, quests, or responsibilities.
***
The two of them leisurely walked through the streets of Akela City.
Leaving the quiet Administrative’s District behind, they gradually entered the Merchants’ District. The scenery changed once again. Unlike the Adventurer's District, where armored adventurers and noisy taverns dominated every street, the Merchants' District possessed a more refined atmosphere.
It was still bustling.
Merchant wagons rolled steadily along the stone roads, their wooden wheels clattering rhythmically over the pavement. Well-dressed men and women strolled from shop to shop, examining fabrics, jewelry, and countless other luxury goods displayed in elegant storefronts.
Despite the lively surroundings—neither Hyoren nor Elise paid much attention to any of it.
Hyoren simply continued leading the way.
Elise remained happily linked to his arm, matching his pace without complaint. Every now and then, the corner of her lips curved upward into a contented smile.
Not long afterward, Hyoren slowed his steps.
"There."
He turned into one of the side streets branching away from the main avenue. Merchants' 4th Avenue.
After walking for another few minutes—a familiar storefront came into view.
The bookstore Hyoren visited whenever he had free time. The shop owned by Dandi. A wolf-clan beastkin. And, in many ways, Hyoren's very first friend in Akela City.
Above the entrance hung a carefully carved wooden sign. Gentlemen's Knowledge.
Hyoren stopped in front of the familiar shop and smiled.
"Here we are."
Still holding onto his arm, Elise looked up at the sign before smiling warmly.
"Good. It's time to pick up your book, Hyoren. Fufu."
Hyoren nodded.
Without letting go of each other's company, the two stepped toward the entrance. The wooden door swung inward as they entered the bookstore.
***
The small bell above the entrance gave a cheerful clink as the door swung open.
Warm air immediately greeted them.
The familiar interior of the bookstore hadn't changed since Hyoren's last visit.
Behind the counter, the Wolf-clan Beastkin owner looked up from the thick novel he had been reading as the entrance bell chimed.
His refined appearance suited the bookstore perfectly. He wore a neatly tailored dark suit that fit him impeccably. Combined with his well-groomed gentleman's mustache and composed demeanor, he resembled an elegant butler more than a bookseller.
He carefully closed his book before placing it on the counter.
A broad smile spread across his face.
"Well, if it isn't Hyoren. Welcome back."
His gaze naturally shifted toward the silver-haired elf affectionately holding Hyoren's arm.
"And this must be Elise. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Elise gently released Hyoren's arm before offering a graceful smile.
"It's nice to meet you too, Dandi."
She let out a soft giggle.
"Though… Hyoren has already told me quite a lot about you."
Dandi's dark wolf ears twitched.
"Oh?"
He thoughtfully stroked his gentlemanly mustache before slowly twirling one end.
"I wonder what kind of rumors Hyoren has been spreading about me."
A playful grin appeared.
"Although… He talks about you quite often as well."
His eyes became noticeably more mischievous.
"Especially about this… And perhaps that..."
Elise immediately turned toward Hyoren.
"Hey! What exactly have you been telling your friend about me?"
She narrowed her emerald eyes.
"I hope it wasn't anything embarrassing..."
Hyoren quickly waved both hands.
"No, Elise! I promise! I only talked about you normally!"
Elise remained unconvinced. Her emerald eyes narrowed even further.
"Really? You're not lying?"
Hyoren nodded repeatedly.
"Yes! Just normal conversations!"
Then he noticed Dandi's increasingly amused smile.
Hyoren immediately pointed accusingly at him.
"You. Fix this! This is all because you said something unnecessary!"
Elise also turned toward Dandi. Her expression clearly demanded an explanation.
Dandi couldn't hold back his laughter any longer.
"Hahaha! Fine, fine. It's true. Most of our conversations were perfectly normal."
He gave Hyoren an innocent smile.
"They mostly consisted of Hyoren telling me how much he loves you."
Hyoren's expression instantly froze. Dandi continued without mercy.
"How he keeps saying you're always beautiful, Elise. How he can never take his eyes off your ethereal appearance. How your silver hair shines so brilliantly beneath the light. And..."
He thoughtfully rubbed his chin.
"Oh yes. How nice you smell whenever you're standing close to him…"
Before he could finish another sentence—Hyoren lunged forward.
"HEY!"
He grabbed Dandi by the front of his neatly pressed shirt.
"STOP! That's completely unnecessary! Damn it, Dandi!"
Meanwhile—Elise had completely frozen in place.
Her face turned scarlet within seconds. Not only her cheeks, Even the tips of her pointed ears and the back of her neck had become bright red.
She hurriedly covered both cheeks with her hands.
"W-Waaah… W-Wahhh… W-What was th-that..."
Embarrassed, incomprehensible muttering escaped her lips.
For several long moments, Hyoren couldn't bring himself to look at Elise. She continued mumbling incoherently with her face burning bright red. And across the counter, Dandi laughed so hard that he had to hold onto it just to keep himself standing.
***
After a while, Dandi finally managed to stop laughing.
He straightened his neatly tailored suit before smoothing the wrinkles Hyoren had left on the front of his shirt.
"Sorry, sorry."
He raised both hands in surrender.
"I couldn't help teasing you. This guy is simply too embarrassed to say those things to his lover himself. Haha."
Hyoren shot him a sharp glare.
"That was completely unnecessary!"
By now, Elise had finally recovered from her embarrassment.
She took a slow breath. Then another. The redness on her cheeks had begun to fade, although the tips of her pointed ears remained adorably crimson.
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"But… I think you're right, Dandi."
She glanced fondly at Hyoren.
"Hyoren has slowly become more assertive."
Her smile turned teasing.
"But… He's still far too embarrassed to say those kinds of things directly to me."
Hyoren let out a defeated sigh.
"I try… But..."
His words gradually faded away. Dandi burst into laughter once again.
"Hahaha!"
Hyoren immediately pointed an accusing finger at him.
"I'll remember this, Dandi."
The Wolf-clan Beastkin merely shrugged.
"I only told the truth. Haha."
He rested one elbow casually upon the counter.
"Anyway… What brings the two of you here today?"
His eyes wandered between them before another mischievous grin spread across his face.
"Don't tell me you only came to brag about your BEAUTIFUL and SMELLED GOOD lover."
Hyoren slapped the wooden counter.
"Damn it! No! I just came to pick up my book!"
He sighed dramatically.
"Bringing Elise here was a mistake."
Dandi laughed yet again.
"Hahaha! Alright, alright. I'll stop teasing you. So… Your order, right?"
He snapped his fingers.
"Perfect timing. It arrived yesterday. Wait here for a moment."
With that, he disappeared into the back room, leaving the flustered couple alone.
A brief silence followed.
Elise finally found her voice again. Although her ears were still tinged red, the blush across her cheeks and neck had mostly faded.
"You're really close with him, aren't you?"
Hyoren answered immediately.
"No. I dislike him."
Elise covered her mouth with a soft giggle.
"Fufufu. From what I can see… You two are actually very close."
She looked toward the doorway where Dandi had disappeared.
"Didn't you notice? The two of you remind me of Oria and myself."
Hyoren blinked.
A moment later—realization dawned upon him. Elise and Oria constantly bickered. They casually called each other ridiculous nicknames like Pipsqueak and Cow Tits.
Yet despite all that, the two of them shared an incredibly close friendship. They cared to each other. That teasing was simply the way they expressed it.
Hyoren scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"Well… Now that you mention it..."
Elise smiled warmly.
"Fufufu. I'm just happy you've found a good friend too."
Before either of them could continue—the back-room door opened. Dandi returned carrying a thick tome in both hands. He set it down proudly upon the counter. The book landed with heavy sound.
"There. Your order."
He crossed his arms with satisfaction.
"It was honestly quite difficult to obtain. I had to call in a few favors. So you'd better be grateful."
Hyoren's eyes lit up.
"You actually found it… I honestly wasn't expecting much."
Dandi shrugged.
"It is an old edition. Definitely around two hundred years old. So some information is probably outdated. But… For general knowledge… It should still serve you well."
Both Hyoren and Elise leaned closer.
The tome was thick. Its cover showed the marks of age, yet remained remarkably sturdy. The leather binding had been crafted to last generations. Unlike modern books printed on fine white paper—its pages were made from aged yellowish parchment. Simple. Practical. Durable.
Stamped across the front cover were only four words. The Geography of Kresneger.
Dandi lightly tapped the cover.
"This book covers the geography of the world. As I said… It's roughly two hundred years old. So plenty of villages, towns, and even cities may have changed since it was written and drawn."
He looked at Hyoren.
"But… The broader geography should still be accurate."
Hyoren slowly nodded. This was exactly the kind of book he had been searching for.
Ever since arriving in Kresneger, he had wanted to understand the world. One day, when he eventually began traveling across the world, he wanted to be prepared.
Beside him, Elise smiled.
"Hoo. You've always said you wanted to learn more about the world."
She laughed softly.
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you much. I don't know that much either. About geography of the world… other than my hometown, Silentwood Enclave, and Akela City…”
Her fingertips lightly brushed the book's cover.
"But with this book, now you can. I'm happy for you, Hyoren."
Hyoren smiled and nodded.
"Yeah. I've always been curious. About other towns… Other nations… And even the other continents. But... It seems the geography and map of the world seems to be close guarded secret..."
Dandi nodded.
"Because those are mostly military secret, yeah..."
Hyoren looked toward Dandi. The irritation from earlier had long since disappeared.
"Thank you, Dandi."
Dandi answered with a satisfied smirk.
"Always happy to help a fellow book lover."
Hyoren nodded.
After paying for the tome, he carefully placed it inside his storage bag. Once he confirmed it was safely stored away, he looked back at Dandi.
"Alright. Thanks again. We'll be going now."
Then, deliberately lifting his chin, he declared with exaggerated dignity,
"We're going to continue our DATE."
Dandi immediately burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Look at that. Now you're finally being honest. Good for you."
He then looked toward Elise.
"And good for you too, Elise."
Elise smiled happily as she tucked a strand of silver hair behind her pointed ear.
"Fufufu. Yes. I like it when Hyoren becomes more honest and assertive."
She gave Dandi a grateful nod.
"Thank you."
Dandi simply folded his arms and nodded back.
"Likewise. Now go. And enjoy your date."
Hyoren waved one last time.
Then, remembering Dandi's earlier teasing, he silently steeled his resolve.
Without hesitation, he turned toward Elise and confidently offered her his arm. If he wanted to become someone worthy of standing beside her—he needed to stop being embarrassed over every little thing.
Elise's smile blossomed.
Without the slightest hesitation, she gently wrapped both hands around his arm once more. Her silver hair brushed softly against his shoulder.
Together, arm in arm, they left Gentlemen's Knowledge.
The small bell above the door chimed cheerfully once again as they stepped back into the winter streets of Akela City.
To the continuation of their quiet afternoon date.