"Alright, Uncle. I agree with the price you offered," I said, clenching my fist with excitement.
"Just a moment, I'll go get the money."
The old man turned around and walked toward the cashier desk in the corner of the shop. Elfea and I waited silently, the sound of his light footsteps tapping against the slightly worn wooden floor.
Before long, he returned, carrying a heavy-looking cloth pouch. With a wide smile, he placed it on the wooden table in front of me.
"Here's the money. Feel free to count it," he said kindly.
"Thank you, Uncle," I replied with a smile.
My hands were already busy opening the pouch. Inside, the silver Piah coins sparkled, their glow amplified by the crystal lamp overhead, making them look more beautiful than ever.
"Uncle, if I may ask... what's the name of this stone?" Elfea asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
"Hmm? I forget exactly," he said, scratching his head. "But we can look it up in my notes. I've got tons of references about stones from the Alvarian Forest and the Orland Valley. Not just ones gathered from monsters, but also those found through exploration."
He moved toward a large cabinet behind the counter, pulling out a thick, leather-bound book. Elfea followed him closely, her eyes filled with curiosity as she stared at the book.
Page after page flipped open. His rough fingers traced the illustrations carefully until finally...
"This is it!" he exclaimed, pointing at one of the drawings.
"This first one is called Luminara. It comes from a forest creature called the Wargwood. Usually, it's used for crafting pendants," he explained, pausing for breath before continuing.
Elfea nodded slightly, though from the look on her face, I could tell she only understood part of it.
"And this second one, Terracite. A stone from the Scorvath. It's usually used for bracelets. That's the one you brought earlier."
He closed the book and returned it to the cabinet.
While they were busy discussing, I remained completely absorbed in counting the coins on the table. My fingers moved quickly and carefully.
"Eleven... twelve... thirteen..."
"He's really focused on that money, isn't he?" Uncle Barun chuckled.
"Just let him be, Uncle. That's just how he is," said Elfea, then turned slightly and asked confidently, "By the way, you're Barun, aren't you?"
"That's right! You must've seen the nameplate out front, huh?"
"Yes, Uncle. Oh, and nice to meet you. I'm Elfea. And that one over there, obsessed with counting coins... his name is Rey Elaxdor."
Her tone dipped a little when she said my name. Somehow, I felt like she was downplaying me. But honestly, this world had turned into paradise ever since I laid eyes on that pile of silver. Everything felt wonderful, and for a moment, I completely forgot about Elfea and Barun.
"Do you have anything else to sell, Elfea?" Barun asked, this time more seriously.
"Actually... there's one more item, Uncle. A flower."
"A what?!" Barun's eyes widened in shock. His expression changed drastically.
"What kind of flower are we talking about?" he asked quickly. "You have to be careful—especially with the owner of the plant shop across the street..."
His tone grew darker, and the cheerful look on his face faded into concern.
"What is it, Barun?" Elfea asked, worry creeping into her voice.
"Just make sure Rey stays calm, alright..." he said with a nervous smile, giving Elfea a thumbs-up.
"What do you mean, Uncle?" Elfea pressed, her voice flat but probing.
Barun sighed and replied in a lower tone, "That woman... she's obsessed with flowers and plants."
"Hmmm..."
Elfea rubbed her chin, studying Barun as if she were plotting something. Then she asked, "But why are you telling Rey specifically to stay calm?"
Barun simply smiled. But it was an odd smile—his eyes narrowing, beads of sweat trailing down his temple—as though he were hiding something dreadful.
"I can't explain right now. But you'll understand soon enough."
Elfea raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. She turned to me.
I was still counting.
"Four hundred and one... four hundred and two..."
Elfea walked over. I didn't even notice until a soft PLAK! landed on the top of my head.
"Ouch! Elfea! What was that for?!" I clutched my head, wincing.
"Are you done yet?" she asked sternly, arms on her hips, face dead serious.
"Just a little more, be patient," I muttered as I resumed counting the money.
If I lost count now and had to start over, it would be her fault. This money was important—vital for our survival, and maybe... for a good meal and some new gear.
Barun chuckled, rubbing his belly as he watched us. "You two make such a funny pair. Very entertaining."
I glanced up at him, one eyebrow raised. "A pair? Wait a sec—"
"Oh, come on! That's not what he meant, Rey!" Elfea cut in quickly, her cheeks tinged pink. "We're just... travel partners!"
"Yeah, partners who slap their teammates on the head," I grumbled under my breath, loud enough for her to hear.
She shot me a glare. I quickly looked back down before my cheek became the next target. A few more coins, and—finally!
"Six hundred!" I declared triumphantly. "Perfect. It's all here, Uncle."
Barun nodded with satisfaction. "Excellent. That settles everything, then?"
"All done," I said, tying up the pouch tightly and stashing it in my backpack. It felt like I had the whole world's treasure on my back. If this wasn't luck, I didn't know what was.
But my joy didn't last long.
"Alright then, let's go check out that flower," said Elfea.
Our steps out of Uncle Barun's shop should've felt ordinary, but her words lingered in my mind.
Why had Barun looked so concerned? Who was the owner of that plant shop? And more importantly... how crazy could someone be over plants to the point where I needed to stay calm?
Outside, the atmosphere shifted. Sunlight filtered through the leaves hanging from shop awnings, but the air felt... tense.
Barun stood at his doorway, arms crossed, watching us with a grim expression—like he was sending us off to battle.
"Whatever you do, don't mention where the flower came from," he warned. "Only say what's necessary. If she starts acting weird, just play dumb. Promise me."
Elfea and I exchanged a glance.
"...Alright," I replied at last. "But I still don't get it—who is she, really?"
Barun stared straight at a grand building across the street. The place was overflowing with plants trailing from the windows and balconies, nearly covering its sign: Vanisa's Flower & Plant Shop.
"Her name is Vanisa," Barun said softly. "The most famous florist around here... and the most terrifying."
A thin smile crossed his lips—not warm, but resigned.
"She can identify a flower just by its scent. She knows if it grew on the northern or southern side of a forest or valley."
I gulped.
Elfea said nothing.
Barun continued in a near whisper, "And worst of all, she can recognize forbidden flowers. If yours is one of them... well, let's hope you still make it home safe."
"What?!" Elfea and I blurted at the same time.
"Good luck," Barun said, slipping back into his shop and quietly closing the door... click.
We stood frozen outside Vanisa's Flower & Plant Shop, a gentle breeze carrying a sharp, floral scent through the air.
"So... are we really going in?" I asked quietly.
Elfea took a deep breath, then stepped forward without hesitation.
"Of course. We've come this far, Rey. Don't tell me you're scared now."