"Well, here we are. Thank you once more for doing your business with me, Kit."
After Kit had taken Mykal to the building where he stored the lumitra, the merchant had been shocked by how much the man and Isaac had been harvesting since he was there last. It was so much, in fact, that the merchant hadn't brought enough carts in his caravan to transport it all. Thus, they had loaded up as much as possible, and the short man had made a mental note to bring more wagons next month. They were currently standing by where Mykal had parked his personal carriage. Emryn and Elyse had gone into the house to make lunch, but not before Emryn had gotten several long looks at the gilded wagon currently on display, along with the four white steeds pulling it. She had been completely gobsmacked, and hadn't uttered a single noise the entire time.
"Likewise. Looking forward to seeing how much more you will decorate that carriage of yours next time."
The two shook hands, and out of the carriage came a large man in light armor, presumably a guard, with a sizable bag of coins. He came up behind the merchant and handed it to him. Mykal, in turn, took it and passed it over to Kit, a smirk forming on his face.
"Ah, yes. Here's your cut from last month. I do hope you'll put it to good use."
Kit nodded and took the sack. He opened it, quickly scanned its contents, and put his hand in. Once his hand emerged once more, it was clutching a handful of coins, which almost shimmered in the sunlight.
"Here, Isaac. These are yours."
A bit taken aback, Isaac hesitantly took the coins and studied them. Flipping them in his hand, they felt a bit heavier than he had expected from coins of such size.
Is this silver? I wonder how much it is worth. They look sort of... valuable.
True enough, the coins seemed to be made of some silvery material. Although the coins weren't exactly polished, they all looked relatively new. One side depicted the head of a woman, and on the other was a marking Isaac didn't recognize.
Perhaps the ruler of the empire and the coat of arms?
"Thank you, Kit..."
As he was still studying the coins, Isaac could feel eyes on him. He looked up and saw that Mykal was looking at him, his eyes displaying confusion.
"Say, boy. This isn't the first time you've seen money, right?"
"No, It's not that. I've just never seen this form of currency before."
"Really? You must be from another country, then. Still, I wonder how you ended up this deep in Rikarian territory without seeing a single coin..."
Oh no. Is he gonna start asking questions about where I'm from or something? Why did I blurt out something that stupid?
Contrary to Isaac's concern, however, the short merchant instead went in a different direction.
"Those are just called Rikarian silvers, or just silvers in these parts. The head is that of Empress Oriana, and the tail is, as you can probably tell, her house symbol. The silvers in this nation are always decorated with the current ruler and their house. However, the more valuable coins, the golds, are only ever decorated in the face of Thallos Rikaria, who created the empire at the end of the last era. There are also the coppers, which are below silvers. However, they're decorated depending on where they were minted, usually depicting the head and house of the ruler of said region."
"So... How much is one silver worth?"
"Well, it's quite simple. One gold is worth twenty silvers, and one silver is worth twenty coppers. As for how much each coin can get you... I reckon you can get a decent meal and room at an inn for around five coppers a day, so you can live comfortably with around ten silvers per month."
Oh wow. Kit and his family are probably sort of rich then, at least compared to other farms. Still though, if they make this much, why don't they own any luxuries? Is it just that they don't have much interest in that sort of thing? Or maybe they're saving up for something.
"I see... Thank you for explaining."
"Of course, no problem at all. Different countries have different currencies, and as a merchant, one needs to know these things about every place one wants to do trade in, and then some."
Mykal put his hand in his pocket and fished out two objects. He put one in his other hand and held both of them up as if he wanted Isaac to compare the two.
"These are two different coins from two different nations. Can you tell me which you think is worth the most?"
Mykal did use the term coin, but the two objects didn't fit the traditional description of one. The first object was flat and rectangular with rounded edges, and had a dark blue-green tint. The material was crude as if it was made of stone, and was roughly the size of a playing card. It was carved with what looked to be that of some reptile. The second object looked almost like a small gemstone. It was shaped like a flat cylinder, and had a pale blue translucent core, with a thin metal ring surrounding it. A symbol of sorts was etched into the opaque mineral.
Visually, the gemstone looked much more valuable than the stone coin, so Isaac pointed at it.
"I think it's that one. It looks as if it was made with much more care and precision than the other one."
At Isaac's answer, Mykal smirked and shook his head. He lowered the stone coin and focused on the gemstone-looking one.
"This coin may look ornate at a glance, but that is by design. Contrary to that, however, It is possibly the least valuable coin I possess."
He then handed it to Isaac to study. It was incredibly light, and when Isaac looked closer, he could see that what he first thought looked like crystal, more resembled slightly colored plastic.
"That right there is a Vitra from the sea elf kingdom. It is made to look more valuable than it actually is, since sea elves do much trade with other races. That coin is worth one-fifth of a Rikarian copper."
Then, Mykal took the Vitra from Isaac and handed him the stone coin. Whatever material it was made out of, it was much denser than Isaac had first anticipated.
"And this here is a Drexi from the Isle of Dragons. Dragonfolk usually deal in favors, and only use coins when their purchases are too big to be repaid in such a way."
Wait... did he say what I think he said? So there are even creatures like that in this world?
"An island full of dragons? there's a place like that?"
At this, Mykal was quick to correct Isaac.
"Dragon-folk, not actual dragons. Although it is believed dragons originated from that island, only one remains there. The island is volcanic and mostly barren, so no other animals live there. The only reason why the remaining dragon is still around is that the dragonfolk see her as a guardian, and give her food as payment for her protection. And as I guess you can figure, a dragon is not something ordinary people can ever hope to defeat."
"So she can just laze around all year and get all the food she likes for free?"
Mykal nodded:
"Correct. No one knows how long she has lived. But the Isle of Dragons has never once been invaded in the last three eras of recorded history, and it is believed that her power is the main reason for why that is."
Truly an ancient creature, then... I can't even begin to fathom how old this dragon must be.
"So, anyway, back to the coin. How much is this worth?"
Mykal looked back at the Drexi. He smirked and answered proudly:
"That coin is worth the same as three Rikarian golds. You can live comfortably through an entire winter with that coin alone, and still have money to spare."
Woah...
After a few seconds, the trader snatched the coin back from Isaac's hand and put it in his pocket.
"Of course, finding someone this far from the isle of dragons who would be willing to buy it for that amount would be nearly impossible. But these are the things you need to know if you want to be a merchant. Knowing that what you sell may be worth more in a different location is the basics of commerce, after all. No use having a valuable gemstone if no one in the area is willing to pay you for it."
"That makes sense to me. I guess you've been all across the world, then. Seeing as you have so many types of currencies in your possession."
Mykal shrugged.
"To be honest, I haven't ventured much outside the human continent. Thanks to all the profits I have gotten through Kit's trade deal, I've made a good enough living by just staying within Rikaria and its neighbors. Most of these coins were given to me by my mentor. Even with my charisma, I don't think a halfling such as myself would survive long on the isle of dragons."
"Wait, you're a halfling?"
"Huh?"
A pause lingered. It seemed like Isaac caught Mykal completely off guard with his question. He had been talking so confidently this entire time, this abrupt shift in his voice and body language was completely contrary to Isaac's impression of him. It only lasted a moment before Mykal regained his composure and answered.
"I mean, of course I'm a halfling. What did you think I was?"
Although the tone of his voice didn't indicate it, Isaac was afraid he might have offended the merchant, so he hurriedly tried to explain.
"No, I just meant... uh... I guess I always assumed halflings would look... different."
Though he has the stature of one, the halflings I know have curly hair, elf-like ears, and big, hairy feet. Don't understand why I thought the literature from my world would translate to the reality of this one.
"In any case, thank you for teaching me this, it's good to be aware that a country's currency might be completely different from what I'm used to."
"Right you are! Say, what sort of medium do you trade with where you come from?"
Well... I doubt they have credit cards in this world, so I better stick to cash, even though almost no one uses that anymore.
"In my country, we use notes made from paper. I think we used to have coins, but I haven't seen any being used for many years."
At his reply, Mykal's eyes lit up. Whatever emotion he was feeling, it was clear he had not expected that answer. He clapped his hands together, and leaned towards Isaac, almost as if in anticipation. As soon as he began speaking, though, it was clear he was excited.
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"Paper money, you say? As far as I know, there is nothing like that anywhere close to the Empire. However, I do believe I've heard rumors of such things existing on the far eastern part of the continent."
"Really? You're that far away from home, Isaac? I had no idea."
The deep manly voice coming from his right reminded Isaac that Kit was still around. Before Isaac could say another word, however, he could hear the big man mumble to himself:
"Although now that I think about it, that does explain some things..."
Huh? It does? Well, the less I have to improvise the better.
The merchant seized Isaac's attention once more. He hadn't even seemed to acknowledge Kit's bewilderment just then.
"Tell me, boy. Do you happen to have any of that paper money on you? I will of course compensate you for it, and even add another ten, no, twenty percent of its value!"
"Huh? Oh, no, I don't. Sorry."
When he heard Isaac's answer, his shoulders drooped, and he looked down to the ground, clearly disappointed.
"Why are you so interested in my money anyway?"
"Ah, let's just say I have a thing for acquiring different currencies. It's sort of like a hobby of mine."
I see how it is. So what he's saying is that this paper money would add a fine addition to his collection, huh?
Mykal then kicked a small pebble on the ground, clicked his tongue, and looked back up with newfound confidence.
"No matter! I'm sure I'll find an excuse to head there someday. In fact, maybe I'll make an expedition to the east next month!"
The merchant turned his head and looked at the man standing next to Isaac.
"I'm assuming that won't be a problem, considering the festival and everything?"
Isaac looked at Kit, who nodded affirmatively.
"As usual, we'll be taking the week off during the Summer Sun. Thinkin' Emryn's finally old enough to come along as well."
Mykal nodded and smiled.
"Great! Then, in that case, we'll go with the same arrangement as last year. My next visit will be in two months."
Kit nodded in turn. It seemed the two had an understanding.
"Wait, Summer Sun? What's that?"
The farmer turned and answered the boy.
"Well, it's a holiday."
Isaac was expecting Kit to go on, but when he didn't, Mykal took over.
"The festival of the Summer Sun, also known as the Farmer's Festival, is one of the big celebrations that farmers around the world partake in."
"Elyse and I usually take a trip to the nearby village to join the festivities there and take a week's break from work. We usually send Emryn to a nearby farm where some kids gather, but this year we were thinking of surprising her by bringing her with us. Of course, we'll bring you as well, if you're interested."
Isaac took a moment to think about it.
On one hand, them leaving the farm for a couple of days would leave me alone at the farm. I could spend that time power-leveling my Gravity without any interruptions or risks of Emryn catching me. It seems like only Kit leaves the farmstead regularly, so I won't get that many opportunities to train so freely.
Isaac then turned his head and looked at the kitchen window, where the mother and daughter were preparing food. He couldn't see them, but muffled, he could hear Elyse's gentle voice along with a childlike commotion coming from the other one.
On the other hand, I'd get to see a new place. And on top of that, I'd get to see Emryn experience one of her big wishes. With Kit inviting me like this, how could I even refuse? Besides...
"Of course! That sounds like a lot of fun!"
He had made his choice. This would be his first holiday in the world he now found himself in, and he was now waiting for the day in great anticipation.
Kit nodded happily.
"Alright, that settles it! Although, before then, there is one other thing we need to celebrate."
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Today was Earth's day, and the twenty-fourth day in the month of Ember's Embrace. Although the day marked no holiday, the family still decided to do a little celebration. On this day one month ago, a new member had joined their household.
The sun was shining bright, and there were few clouds to be seen. Isaac looked out at the farmstead from the forest entrance. The place looked a little different from the one he had seen a month ago. The field of gold was ever as vibrant but had shrunk a little in size in the places he and his paternal figure had been harvesting them.
Time seems to have flown by so quickly. Each day back on earth felt like a chore and proceeded at a snail's pace. Meanwhile, here, it feels like I can blink and an entire week has passed.
"We're ready now, Isaac."
He turned around at the womanly voice's call. The three he had grown accustomed to were sitting on a picnic blanket, the same one Isaac had found himself covered with when he had awoken. They were looking up at him, smiling cheerfully. Even the woman's expression seemed genuine. It was one he hadn't seen in over a week.
Isaac approached the three and sat down at the spot they had made for him. On his right sat Elyse, and on his left was Emryn. Kit, who sat across from him, prostrated himself, and began speaking:
"To think, it's already been a month since you came to stay with us. I think it's only right to say that you're officially a part of our family now, Isaac."
Family.
Isaac looked at Kit. The man smiled and grinned, and for once it wasn't his obnoxious smile, but a gentle one. He then looked at Elyse, who nodded affirmatively. She thought the same. Finally, Isaac's eyes landed on Emryn's. She seemed a bit shy as she copied her mother by nodding as well.
These three see me as a part of their family after only so long. Is that... appropriate? Sure, we've spent almost all day together for the past thirty days, so I've grown accustomed to seeing their faces. But is this what a family feels like? Am I not supposed to feel... closer?
The conflicting emotions within Isaac didn't seem to accept the word. He didn't know what he was supposed to feel towards these people. He cared for them and didn't want to see them upset. But was that feeling enough to consider them family? Isaac didn't know. Nevertheless, he put on a smile for the three.
"Thank you."
The three nodded again.
"Before we start eating, there is one thing we should get over with first."
Kit stood up and walked towards a tree. Resting on it was a bag he had carried with him. He rustled through it, and produced three objects, trying his best to hide them from Isaac. The mother and daughter stood up and approached him, taking one object each, which they hid behind their back. Then, they returned to their seats and sat down.
Kit was the first to hand his gift to Isaac.
"Here, Isaac. This is for you."
Isaac recognized the shape of the object instantly and grabbed its handle. It wasn't the same one currently decorating his bedroom, and in fact, it looked like it had been made recently. Its varnishing helped give it a slight glossy look and overall made the object look like a decent piece of woodworking. Isaac wondered if the man had made it himself as Kit continued:
"It's more of a symbolic gesture if anything, but I'm counting on you to help me take care of these two," he said as he gestured to his wife and daughter.
"I'll, uh, do my best. Thank you."
Isaac held the wooden sword in his hand, feeling its weight. Its handle was so smooth, he guessed it was so fine he wouldn't get a splinter even if he tried to. It was surprisingly heavy, but had a good weight to it. Kit nodded and continued in a cheerful half-joking tone.
"Also, if you ever want to join the imperial knights in the future, A wooden blade is as good of a place to start as any I reckon."
Imperial knights? As in the military? I'll have to give that some thought. Never really felt the drive to 'fight' before, but it's not like I'm opposed to the idea.
Isaac noticed movement in his peripheral vision and looked to see Emryn. Her expression seemed glum all of a sudden. The manly voice spoke once more, this time more hastily.
"No need to worry, Emryn. I was just making a little joke. Here, why don't you give Isaac your present next?"
Emryn's pouty face only lasted so long. The moment she heard it was her turn to present her gift, she almost jumped in nervous excitement. Sheepishly, she revealed the object in her small hands, which grew closer and closer to Isaac. Graciously, he took it with his free hand with great care.
"I... h-hope..."
That's all she managed to say, though Isaac knew what she was trying to say. He gave her a genuine smile and replied:
"I will. Looking forward to it."
Emryn averted her gaze even more, and her cheeks flushed red in an adorable smile. The toy figure she had given Isaac matched the horse and princess she usually played with. It seemed to resemble an armored warrior, holding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other, while striking a heroic pose.
Guess she finally found the courage to ask me.
"Why don't we play later this evening?"
Emryn didn't answer, she only nodded eagerly.
"Then I guess it's my turn. Could you turn around, Isaac?"
Isaac rotated his head to look at the womanly voice who had spoken up.
"Of course," he said as he did as she asked.
He heard her approaching him, and before long, something small entered his vision from the top and traveled down to his neck. It then drew closer to him, as he felt Elyse's fingers graze the back of his neck. Looking down, she had given him a pendant of sorts. As with the other gifts, this one was also carved out of wood with a glossy varnish.
Wait, don't I recognize this marking from somewhere? It sort of reminds me of my own symbol in a very vague way. However, I'm pretty sure I've seen this specific symbol somewhere...
"There. Now we match!"
He turned around to Elyse, who had just spoken. She gestured to herself, who also wore a pendant bearing the same symbol, though hers was in metal.
Right. It's the symbol of Othrys, the Human god. He seems to mean a lot to Elyse, which makes sense since she used to be a priest in his temple.
"With all the help you've given me, I want to return the favor somehow. If you ever need anything, let me know, okay?"
Isaac nodded and gave her too a smile. She continued:
"And who knows? Maybe that symbol will come in handy one day. Holy symbols carry weight, remember."
That's right, Elyse told us in one of her lectures that to draw a divine symbol in vain is considered taboo, so only people with a connection to the gods tend to utilize them. If I ever take Kit's advice and visit a temple in the nearest city, maybe this necklace could help me with getting an audience with the priests or something.
At this, Kit piped up:
"Well, that's enough gifts for now. How about we eat?"
----------------------------------------
The children had both gone to bed, and the mother sat alone at the dinner table, staring out the window. This day had been one of the better days for her this year, despite everything the past week had thrown at her. She had already decided that she had to stay strong for her daughter, and with the help of the boy who now lived with them, she had managed to do so. Even still, now that things had quieted down, her unsettling speculations had started creeping back. Isaac had helped her rationalize her thoughts, and the hope that remained in Kit had found its way to her as well. Still, that hope was not immovable, and at times, such as now, she still struggled to think positively.
"You're still thinking about it?"
The manly voice behind her caught her attention, and part of her fears subsided slightly. Kit had just returned after tucking Emryn to bed, and he had found her where she sat.
"I am."
She didn't blame her husband for not fearing as she did. However, she couldn't bring it upon herself to call her fears irrational. The helplessness that lingered in her soul kept popping back up, and she knew all she could do was pray and wait.
"Don't you think we could ask him to help? He is blessed, after all."
At Kit's question, Elyse snapped back, more forcefully than she intended to.
"Don't be silly. Do you really want to ask more of him than what he's already doing for us?"
"No, of course not! I know he already does plenty, including keeping you company when your fears get the better of you."
The man went quiet after that last sentence, clearly ashamed of his inability to comfort his wife. Nevertheless, he continued.
"Still, couldn't we at least explain the situation to him? He came from that same place, so maybe he knows something we don't?"
"No. I've told you before, Kit. He doesn't deserve that burden. I want him to be happy here, and not feel pressured into helping any more than he already is."
This was not the first time they had had this conversation, and they always repeated the same arguments and responses. Kit sat down next to his wife and put his hand around her.
"I understand. If that's your decision, I won't bring it up anymore"
Elyse rolled her eyes. This was also a promise he had made the last couple of times they had talked about this topic, and he would likely break it again. Even so, she couldn't be mad at him. She knew he only suggested it out of concern for her.
She reached her hand behind his back and hugged him. They sat like that in silence for the rest of the evening, until they both got tired and headed to their bed.