The sun was at its peak when they left Daypan’s workshop, its heat beating down on the cobblestone streets. Eira squinted, raising a hand to shield her eyes. "The sun is so intense today. My skin actually stings a little."

  Dain, familiar with this district, nodded toward a side street. "There's a tavern nearby. We can get lunch and cool off."

  “Hm.” Eira nodded quickly, grateful for the idea.

  This wasn't Fina's bustling adventurer hub; this establishment was quieter, frequented by inner-city residents and off-duty royal guards. It was a place Dain knew well.

  Eira’s gaze drifted toward the palace spires visible over the rooftops. "We're so close to the palace... It's strange to be in a part of the city so near where I lived, yet I've never walked these streets." Her voice faded into a whisper.

  "After we eat, I'll give you a proper tour," Dain promised.

  An older, muscular woman with a kind, weathered face greeted them at the door. "Welcome!"

  Eira offered a shy nod in return.

  "Table for two," Dain said.

  The woman guided them to a spot by a window that offered a stunning view of the grand palace and handed them simple menus. "Adventurers in the inner city? That's rare," she remarked pleasantly. "Any business here?"

  "Nothing official," Dain answered smoothly. "Just shopping for equipment."

  The woman studied him, her head tilting. "Have I met you before? You look terribly familiar."

  "Impossible," Dain said, a little too quickly. "We only arrived in the capital three days ago. Must be someone who looks like me."

  "Probably... yes," the woman mused, tapping her chin. "He was a royal guard, I think. Came in here a few times."

  Trying to steer the conversation, Dain asked, "Do you remember what he usually ordered?"

  "I think... the extra-large steak."

  "We'll have one of those, then," Dain said, eager to move on. "And for you, Eira?"

  She pointed to the menu. "I'll try this Napolitan, please."

  "Anything to drink?" the woman asked.

  "Water is fine for us," Eira confirmed.

  "Very good. Your food will be out shortly." With a final curious glance at Dain, she retreated.

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  "That was close," Eira whispered once she was out of earshot. "Someone recognized you."

  "She might have seen me during a break, when my helmet was off," Dain whispered back, his shoulders tense. "It's not safe to linger. We eat quickly, and then we go."

  Eira nodded. "Let's go to the library after."

  They finished their meal and left the tavern with purposeful speed. As they walked toward the city's grand library, the heat still pressed down on them. A merchant's stall, shaded by a colorful awning, caught her eye—specifically a wide-brimmed hat made of supple, dark leather. It was elegant enough for a mage yet practical for everyday travel.

  "How much for this hat?" Eira asked as she tried it on.

  "It suits you wonderfully, young lady!" the merchant beamed, falling into the well-practiced rhythm of his trade. "For you, a special price, only 500 Peri."

  Eira glanced at Dain, her eyes silently pleading.

  “That’s too expensive. 200,” Dain countered immediately.

  "I couldn't! Look at the craftsmanship; the leather is treated to resist water and sun. It will last you years," the merchant argued.

  "250."

  The merchant sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. For you, 350. My final offer."

  Eira turned her wide, hopeful eyes back to Dain.

  He scratched the back of his head in resignation. "...Fine. We'll take it."

  Both Eira and the merchant broke into triumphant smiles.

  "Young lady, if I may," the merchant said, his voice dropping to a confidential tone. "Are you by chance a mage?"

  "I am."

  "Then allow me to show you my newest item." He produced a curious object: a slender metal tube with a glass lens at one end, capped by a small, grassy frond that held a tiny magic stone in place. “This is our new magic tool, the flashlight.”

  He then presented a wooden box with a small hole cut in one side. "Here, take it. Point it inside the box. It's dark in there, yes?"

  Eira peered in. "Hm."

  "Now, channel just a flicker of mana into the tube from your palm."

  Eira focused, and a moment later, a bright, concentrated beam of light shot from the lens, illuminating the box's interior.

  "See?" the merchant said proudly. "It's perfect for adventurers! Far more mana-efficient than a sustained light spell or a fireball, and the beam can reach into the deepest shadows. Imagine exploring a dark cave!"

  "Whoooaaa! This is incredible!" Eira exclaimed, turning the device over in her hands, her mind racing with the principles behind its design. She had never considered focusing light in such a way.

  "We don't need that," Dain said firmly, plucking the flashlight from her grasp and handing it back to the merchant. "You can cast light magic. That's more than enough." In his mind, he was tallying their expenses: 10,000 for the weapons, 350 for the hat, lunch... their funds were dwindling fast.

  "If you change your mind, I'll be here," the merchant said, his shoulders slumping slightly.

  Eira's face fell, her lower lip jutting out in a clear, disappointed pout.

  "Eira," Dain said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We cannot afford things we do not strictly need. We were fortunate with the goblin emperor's magic stone and with meeting Daypan. A quest might take us days to complete, and we have very little Peri left. We must be responsible. Understood?"

  "'Kay," Eira mumbled, properly chastised, her gaze dropping to the ground.

  But a moment later, she looked up, the disappointment replaced by genuine gratitude. She placed the new leather hat on her head. "But... thank you, Dain, for this. It's really pretty, isn't it?"

  A small, reluctant smile touched Dain's lips. "It suits you."

  "I shall name her Hatty!" Eira declared, patting the brim. "And my rod shall be 'Rudy'!"

  "Please stop giving your possessions such terrible names," Dain groaned, but the sound was lost to their shared laughter.