The most bustling section of Herard Commercial Street was undoubtedly the East Street closest to Jadecrest Academy.
The sun hanging high in the sky had nearly dipped behind the distant mountains, casting the entire street in a golden glow like a river of light.
Students out for a weekend stroll and workers just off shift moved along its luminous path.
Amidst the crowd walked Tianxia, cradling a cup of coffee milk in both hands.
She sipped it like a kitten, small mouthfuls at a time.
Perhaps it was her striking looks—or the dark dress, uncommon in Ober—that drew so many glances her way.
However, those curious gazes quickly retreated the moment people caught sight of the tall man walking behind her, a scowl plastered on his face.
That guy looks so angry his eyebrows are the only thing visible… Is he planning to mug her?
If it weren’t for the strong security presence on Herard Street—and the fact that the girl seemed somewhat close to him—some righteous young men with black hair might have already leapt out to play hero.
“This part of Herard Street is the general goods district. You can find anything you need for school here.”
Sheffil walked a step and a half behind Tianxia, sighing as he wiped the shadow off his face and began dutifully introducing Jadecrest Academy.
“If you just need a weapon, you can buy one directly on this street.”
He gestured toward a side road on the right.
“But if you’re looking for something like a wand or enchanted artifact, you’ll need to head left toward the magical workshop district and place a custom order with a specialist.”
The essential difference between a wand and a sword lay in the magical inscriptions and the rare metals used to facilitate the flow of mana.
Engraving those rare materials and inscribing spells that could simplify magic casting were no simple tasks.
Even basic star-grade wands were typically created by a team working in tandem—and even then, the cost and labor fees were more than what most citizens could afford.
Dorothy’s wand, which could transform into a broomstick, had only been possible to buy through a combination of academy scholarships and a grant from the Witch’s Association.
Even then, it was only a moon-grade wand—one level higher than the basic star-grade.
Most magical students had to make do with the academy-issued iron-grade wands.
Many who gave up on deepening their magical studies did so simply because the costs were too overwhelming.
Not to mention the bottomless pit of rubies needed for high-level spellbooks—the price of a decent wand alone was enough to crush most students’ dreams.
“If you need help, I can recommend some trustworthy shops,” Sheffil offered, glancing at her.
After a moment’s pause, he added, “Dorothy shops at them often too.”
“But looking at your background… I doubt you’ll need the student-tier stuff.”
“With a recommendation from both you and Dorothy, how could I say no?”
Tianxia tilted her head at him with a smile, casually brushing past the barbed words hidden in his sentence.
From today’s interactions, she was already starting to understand the kind of person Sheffil was.
Like now—though he was oddly wary of her, there was no real dislike in his demeanor.
At most, he just tossed a few sarcastic jabs her way.
That made him much easier to deal with.
“Well then, let’s go.”
Seeing her unruffled expression, Sheffil felt like he had just punched a cloud.
He shrugged and began leading the way.
The tour proceeded smoothly.
Sheffil, perhaps too lazy to keep up the mental chess match, instead focused on earnestly introducing various well-known and lesser-known shops that could be of use to a student.
Not a petty man—broad-minded.
That was Tianxia’s second impression of the tall man.
Sheffil even took the time to mark useful shops on a portable map he carried with him.
He pointed out places that sold quality female essentials and clothing, all selected by Dorothy, though he quickly added he wouldn’t be held responsible for the quality.
For Tianxia, who was new to town and had a rather uninvolved guardian, Sheffil’s help had been invaluable.
Putting aside her actual intentions for approaching him, she found herself genuinely enjoying the day.
And honestly, the food at that Hunter’s Tavern? Surprisingly good.
“Hehe…”
Thinking of this, Tianxia unconsciously rubbed her stomach with a goofy smile.
Watching from the side, Sheffil shivered slightly, frowning as he wondered what kind of mental episode she was having now.
Before he knew it, he had spent the entire day roaming with this strange girl—and bought quite a few things with her.
Well, she bought them.
He just ended up carrying everything.
Looking at the many bags in his hands, Sheffil began to question his life decisions.
Why was he carrying her stuff again?
Wasn’t he just a guide?
Whatever.
He’d sweet-talk Jianle tomorrow and have Dorothy take over dealing with this troublesome woman.
As he walked beside Tianxia, Sheffil mentally sorted through his plans for tomorrow.
But as the thought crossed his mind—that he was walking with one woman while planning around another—he suddenly felt like a total scumbag.
The thought nearly made his expression crack.
“Mr. Sheffil, why are you making such a disgusting face?”
“Tianxia, every time I try to get along with you, you open your mouth and ruin it.”
“Has anyone ever told you you’ve got a venomous tongue?”
“No. You’re my first.”
“I’m honored.”
“Nothing works on you, huh?”
Sheffil shot a glare at the girl beside him, but Tianxia merely responded with that same faint, aloof smile.
Whatever snide remark he had on his tongue, he ended up swallowing it instead.
Ending the day like this… wasn’t so bad.
“Ahhh, if it isn’t junior Sheffil!”
But the heavens didn’t seem to want to let his day end so peacefully.
Just as they were about to leave Herard Street, a blond man waved at him from afar, a smirk on his face that practically screamed trouble.
Beside him stood a black-haired girl in thick-rimmed glasses.
“Ugh. Luther.”
Tianxia raised an eyebrow at the sudden change in the man beside her—he had just spoken in the coldest voice she’d heard from him all day.