I quickly rushed over to console her, but in the end, she burst into sobs. Because of that, I had no choice but to spend meaningless time trying to calm her down. Of course, it was my fault, but still, Vivienne clung to me and complained for over an hour.
"What did I do wrong…? Why is it always me…? Ughhh…."
"I really tried my best… I really did… Did I ever ask to be treated like a child…? I'd be satisfied if you were just a little kind to me, so why do you keep being so mean…? Waaah…."
I broke into a cold sweat trying to soothe her. At one point, Shin Sang-Yong walked in, only to find Vivienne sobbing miserably in my arms while I patted her comfortingly. (For the record, he politely bowed his head and then quietly shut the door again.)
"Kim Su-Hyeon. Do you hate me? You don't, right? Huh?"
"Of course not. I think of you as someone really dependable, Vivienne."
"Sniff… Waaah…."
That's what I told her when she asked between hiccups, but honestly, it wasn't the truth. Yeah. Whenever I see you, I just want to tease you and make you cry. So be prepared—this is going to happen a lot. Cry a lot for me.
"...."
But of course, I couldn't actually say that out loud. So, after barely managing to wipe away her tears, I let out a sigh and stepped out of the Modest Lady Inn. Another deep sigh escaped me.
How did I end up like this? Had spending so much time with these people started to affect me? Even if I denied it, I couldn't ignore the fact that I was slowly turning into some kind of pervert.
Shaking off those thoughts, I quickened my pace, cutting across the streets of Mule and passing through the plaza. My destination for today was a jewelry shop. I stepped into the crowded shopping district where various stores lined the streets. My only errand this morning was at the jeweler's. The tasks I had to take care of in Mule would cost a considerable amount of money, so I needed to secure some funds.
Of course, I had plenty of time. But even with time on my side, dragging things out was simply not my style. I preferred to get things done quickly so I could enjoy my leisure time later. The only problem was that after finishing one task, I'd inevitably find another.
Frontier cities always ensured a minimum number of players resided there. It was extremely rare for a place like this to feel so deserted. This current emptiness was undeniable proof of how much attention the Golden Lion Clan's Iron Mountain Expedition Plan was receiving. The Babara Inn was probably packed to the brim, with not even a spot to stand.
If they succeeded, it would be a massive jackpot. Securing a safe passage between the southern cities and Atlanta would bring unimaginable wealth. However, having personally taken part in an expedition to the Iron Mountains, I had absolutely no regrets about staying out of it this time.
I could guarantee it—the expedition force would lose at least a quarter of their troops within just two days of entering the mountains. And even after suffering such heavy losses, they would recklessly push forward, only to be utterly annihilated within five days. I had seen it with my own eyes—the survivors returning as little more than beggars, broken and defeated.
Clans that accurately assessed reality and anticipated the future had already begun to rise. They had been quietly gathering their strength all this time. By the time I will return from the Cave of Wailing, a lot would have changed. That's exactly why I had deliberately saved the easiest dungeon for last.
As these thoughts ran through my mind, I occasionally spotted players searching for caravans. Ignoring them, I soon found myself in the bustling marketplace district. I slowed my pace, letting my gaze wander over the tangle of shops on either side.
For a newcomer, this place would be a complete maze—there was no clear structure yet, as expected of a frontier city. Even I felt slightly unsure for a moment, but after recalling my past visits, I managed to locate my destination: the jeweler's shop.
"I wonder if the old man's doing well."
Before stepping inside, I instinctively reached for a cigarette but then waved the thought away. The old man I knew hated the smell of tobacco. Clicking my tongue, I looked up at the store's sign.
No matter how many times I saw it, the name still made me cringe. Shaking my head, I pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Inside, I spotted a player examining a gemstone under the light. His white hair, deeply wrinkled face, and sharp gaze made him look like someone you'd call a grandpa back on Earth.
Feeling a spark of curiosity, I quietly activated my Third Eye.
*
Name: Lee Man-Seong (6th Year player)
Class: Jewel Certified Public Appraiser (Rare)
Nation: Babara
Clan: -
True Name · Nationality: "One Who Desires Seclusion" · Republic of Korea
Gender: Male (67)
Height · Weight: 173.7cm · 51.2kg
Alignment: Neutral · Moderate
[Strength: 18] [Resistance: 26] [Agility: 34] [Vitality: 28] [Magic Power: 86] [Luck: 78]
Value Seeker (Rank: B +)
Jewel Crafting (Rank: A +)
Rapid Casting (Rank: D +)
Item Appraisal (Rank: C +)
A Rare-class player. His stats were somewhat ambiguous.
However, after seeing his True Name, I understood his intentions. As expected from someone of his age, he had little ambition. Though he possessed a decent level of skill, he had chosen a quiet life in a small town, seemingly preparing to live out the rest of his days in peace.
Still, with his abilities, it wasn't like he had no place to go.
His unique ability, "Value Seeker," wasn't combat-related, but it was perfectly suited to his profession. It made sense. From what I remembered, he wasn't a bad person either.
Despite the sound of the door opening, Lee Man-Seong remained focused on the gemstone in his hand. It was only when I stood still, silently watching him, that he finally spoke in his wrinkled voice.
"…Are you here as a customer?"
"Yes."
"Then speak up if you're here. Why are you just standing there?"
"You seemed focused, so I didn't want to interrupt."
"Hmph."
At my response, he carefully set the gemstone down and turned to face me. After a brief moment of silent observation, he gestured for me to come closer.
"Hmph. It's been a while since I've seen… Anyway, come sit."
"Thank you."
I definitely had power. But I had no intention of abusing it.
As far as Hall Plain was concerned, I was still a Year 0 player, and I needed to act accordingly. Besides, maintaining a good relationship with the old man in front of me could only be beneficial.
"Alright. Are you here to buy jewels, or to sell?"
This old man hated unnecessary talk. In that case—
"I'm selling. The gemstone is ruby, and I have a total of eight."
"Good. Take them out."
Among players, Lee Man-Seong didn't have the best reputation. His strict personality played a part, but the real reason was his unyielding appraisal style. He never entertained haggling. Anyone trying to push for a higher price would get a sharp-tongued scolding and a flat-out rejection.
Some hot-headed players had even tried to pick fights with him, but they quickly learned the hard way that a magician's stats weren't to be underestimated.
But he and I got along just fine.
He despised wasting time with pointless chatter and always appraised gemstones quickly and accurately—qualities I appreciated. Other players who shared my mindset also frequented this shop for that exact reason.
And while he wasn't completely heartless, if he took a liking to someone—or if they were a regular customer—he would subtly offer slightly better prices.
Without hesitation, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the pouch containing the rubies, placing it in front of him.
Without a word, he flipped the pouch over. With a crisp clinking sound, eight brilliant red rubies tumbled out, gleaming under the shop's light.
These were the gemstones I had found on the first floor of the Ruined Laboratory.
With practiced ease, he picked up the nearest ruby and examined it.
Turning it this way and that, he scanned its surface, giving it a few light taps with his fingers. But I could see the magic calculations happening in his eyes—proof that his Unique Ability was in action.
Value Seeker.
He repeated the same process for each ruby, assessing them one by one.
The appraisal didn't take long. Within five minutes, he had evaluated all eight gems. Lining them up neatly, he tapped each one with his finger as he spoke.
"From left to right.
108 gold, 112 gold, 102 gold, 117 gold, 136 gold, 122 gold, 147 gold, 101 gold.
Total: 945 gold.
And just so we're clear, I don't do negotiations. That's the exact price. If you don't like it, walk out—"
"Sounds good."
"…Huh?"
At my immediate response, he lifted his gaze, his eyes briefly glinting with curiosity.
This was exactly why players misunderstood him.
At first glance, it looked like he was just eyeballing the gemstones and throwing out numbers. But I had already estimated each ruby to be worth around 100 gold beforehand. And after checking his player stats, I knew for a fact that his appraisal skills were second to none.
After a brief pause, he fixed his gaze on me and finally spoke in his husky voice.
"…You're not going to haggle?"
"I was referred to you by someone. They told me you're an expert in appraisal. I also believe in a craftsman's pride."
"Hah. Not many people talk about me like that. You're an odd one—both you and whoever told you that."
"Haha."
His tone was gruff, but there was a faint smile at the corners of his lips.
As I chuckled, he cleared his throat repeatedly, trying to hide his reaction.
"Ahem! I don't know where you got these… But normally, I rarely pay over 100 gold per gemstone.
Still, these are of high quality—large, well-formed, and some have an exceptionally clear luster. Despite the years, their magical purity remains intact. These are dense, high-concentration gems—exactly the kind that mages love."
"I don't know much about gemstones. But I think the price is fair."
When I agreed without any objections, he gave me a look like I was some kind of anomaly.
It made sense.
For me, finding gemstones in a dungeon was as easy as picking up pebbles on the roadside.
But for rookie players, looting gemstones from monsters was a rare stroke of luck.
Especially in the early stages, when money was tight, most players would do everything they could to sell at the highest price—even if it meant arguing for a better deal.
Still, this whole situation was just as usual for me.
During my first life, every time I came here, it was the same routine—hand over the jewels, take the money, and leave.
Sometimes, if my pouch felt a little heavier than expected, I'd just assume he threw in a little extra and move on.
We had barely ever spoken.
Yet now, for the first time, Lee Man-Seong had struck up a conversation first—and with a first-time customer, no less.
At my polite response, he casually rummaged through a drawer before tossing a pouch onto the counter in front of me.
"That's a 1,000-gold pouch. I added an extra 6 or 7 gold per gem."
"Oh—! You really didn't have to…."
Surprised, I hesitated and raised my hands in refusal, but he insistently pushed the pouch toward me.
…Did this old man eat something weird today?
"It's just this once. Getting gems of this quality isn't easy, and business has been slow lately. Everyone's too busy running off on expeditions and whatnot… Tch. Just take it. And—"
"Thank you."
Refusing any further would just be rude, so I accepted the pouch with a pleased smile.
I had expected to make around 800 gold at most, but I ended up walking away with an extra 200 gold in profit.
Considering the insane amount of money needed to officially establish a clan, this was a very welcome bonus.
I had already planned to use GP to bring in more funds later, but hey—free money is free money.
Lee Man-Seong watched as I readily pocketed the pouch and spoke again.
"…Drop by often. And don't bother going across the street. I'm the better choice."
"Of course."
"Hmph. If you're done with your business, get out."
He snorted at my easy going reply, then turned his attention back to the gemstones.
…Was he embarrassed just now?
I chuckled at this unexpectedly fresh side of him and stepped out of the jewelry shop.
The weight of the gold-filled pouch in my pocket felt reassuring.
Now, it was time to head to the temple.
I needed to report my expedition and get it officially recognized for my record.
And…
By now, Seraph had probably called for me at least once.
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