Arlo's eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the familiar sight of the inn's wooden ceiling. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room. Outside, the sounds of bustling streets and children at play filled the air, a stark contrast to the previous night's silence.

With a languid yawn, he turned to his right, expecting to see Vielle. Instead, he found her bed empty and neatly made.

"Looks like she's already up and about," he murmured, stretching his arms overhead.

As he sat up, Arlo instinctively reached for his grimoire. A quick glance revealed his mana status:

[MP: 68%]

Though not fully recharged, it was a significant improvement from yesterday. With this reserve, Arlo felt confident he could make substantial progress in mastering the barrier spell.

However, a nagging question persisted: Was it too early to attempt ascending to the second tier of his mana core? He had meant to consult Vielle about this but had been too focused on spell practice. Today, he resolved, he would not miss the opportunity to ask.

"Well, time to get ready," Arlo declared, fishing out his toothbrush and toothpaste from his bag.

With a quick incantation, he conjured an elementary water ball spell, using it to rinse as he brushed. Wandering to the window, he took in the lively scene below while continuing his morning routine.

The vibrant sight before him was both familiar and alien – people going about their daily lives in ways both recognizable and utterly foreign. Occasionally, ornate carriages flanked by mounted guards would pass by, a clear indicator of noble presence.

The sight of such obvious displays of status brought to mind his unpleasant encounter with the last noble he'd met. But then, a more positive thought occurred to him.

"Come to think of it, Vielle's a noble too. But she's kind-hearted, always ready to help others. I guess that's proof enough that not every noble is an ass."

After finishing his oral hygiene and changing clothes, Arlo headed for the door. Just as he reached for the handle, it swung open, revealing Vielle on the other side.

"You're finally up," she said, a hint of exasperation in her tone. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"It's morning, right?" Arlo ventured.

"It's nearly noon." Vielle corrected. "You've been asleep for ages. This is what happens when you push yourself too hard and deplete all your mana. Try not to exhaust yourself completely next time, okay?"

Arlo chuckled sheepishly at her admonishment. "Alright. Where are Serena and Sylvia?"

"Downstairs. We've already had breakfast," Vielle replied, leading the way.

"Without me? That's cold," Arlo teased.

"We tried waking you, but to no avail. They gave up after a while," Vielle explained.

"I know, I'm just kidding," Arlo assured her.

As they descended the stairs, Arlo spotted two strikingly beautiful blonde women seated at one of the inn's tables. Serena sported a black tracksuit with a cropped top and sandals, while Sylvia was equally well-dressed. Their appearance drew curious glances from other clients. Upon noticing Arlo, both women's faces lit up.

"Finally decided to join the land of the living, huh?" Serena quipped. "Took you long enough."

"We were starting to worry," Sylvia added, her voice tinged with concern.

Arlo rubbed the back of his neck, offering an apologetic smile. "Yeah, sorry about that. I might have overdone it with practice last night."

"Practice?" Serena tilted her head, with a confused look.

"I've been training to improve my magic skills," Arlo explained. "Nothing too extraordinary."

"But Vielle said you're already doing exceptionally well for a beginner," Serena pressed. "Is there really a need to push yourself so hard?"

Arlo hadn't divulged the full extent of their situation to Serena or Sylvia, and he was fairly certain Vielle had likewise kept the details private. It wasn't a deliberate attempt at secrecy; even though it pertained to Vielle's personal life, the girls were now involved and had a right to know.

However, Arlo struggled with how to broach the subject without causing undue worry. He wanted them to enjoy their time in this new world without the burden of concern, especially considering their stay was likely to be temporary - either until he could acquire a suitable protection spell or the girls could learn defensive magic themselves.

"It's nothing," he said, smoothly changing the subject. "More importantly, we should head to the trading company. We were supposed to be there this morning, and it's already approaching midday."

"Aren't you going to eat first?" Sylvia inquired, concern evident in her voice.

"I'm not particularly hungry," Arlo demurred.

Vielle fixed him with a stern look. "You should still eat something. It's more difficult to replenish your mana on an empty stomach. Don't you want to continue practicing and growing stronger?"

Put that way, Arlo found it hard to argue. While the grimoire had recovered nearly three-quarters of its mana, his own reserves were only half-full. With a resigned nod, he acquiesced to a quick breakfast while the others waited patiently.

As they prepared to depart, they bid farewell to Bifa, who offered a cheerful wave from behind the counter. Once outside, Arlo led the way toward the trading company, retracing the path he'd taken before.

"We should expedite our business at the trading company so we can purchase more suitable attire for them," Vielle suggested, casting a meaningful glance at Serena and Sylvia. "Something to help them blend in better."

"Their current outfits do stand out quite a bit, don't they?" Arlo agreed.

"It's not just the clothes," Vielle elaborated. "Their overall appearance is another matter entirely. They could easily be mistaken for nobility based on looks alone. We don't want them encountering the same troubles you did."

Arlo nodded, well aware of these considerations. He had been vigilant about it the previous day, conscious that it wasn't merely a matter of attire but also their impeccable grooming and refined features. They were a far cry from the average citizen one might encounter on these streets.

"True enough," he conceded. "Though it's odd – nothing untoward has happened so far. Was I just particularly unlucky when it happened to me?"

"No," Vielle said thoughtfully. "I believe the reason nothing has occurred is my presence."

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"How do you mean?"

"Remember what Glams called me? The Witch of Moonlight," Vielle explained. "While I find the title undeserved, it seems to carry significant weight in these parts. My presence likely deters any would-be troublemakers. And even if someone did try something, I've erected two protective barriers around them. As long as they remain close to me, those barriers will hold."

Arlo glanced at Vielle, appreciation shining in his eyes. "You know, I'm really glad you're on our side."

A faint smile tugged at Vielle's lips. "It's the least I can do, especially considering how you chose to stay with me even after learning the truth of my situation."

"Don't say that," Arlo insisted. "You've already done more than enough. I would have stayed regardless."

Their eyes met, a moment of silent understanding passing between them. The moment stretched on until Arlo's gaze shifted to Serena, who was watching them with barely contained glee, her hand barely concealing a knowing grin.

"Hee hee, don't mind me," she giggled. "Please, continue flirting."

Arlo frowned, letting out a long-suffering sigh. "We're not flirting." Beside him, Vielle stifled a quiet laugh.

The lighthearted mood dissipated as they approached the street where Arlo had encountered the menacing butler. He tensed, gripping his grimoire tightly. If the butler reappeared looking for trouble, Arlo was determined to be prepared.

Unlike before, he now had his barrier spell at the ready. Whatever ability the butler had used on him last time, Arlo was confident it wouldn't catch him off guard again. Still, he harbored no illusions about his chances in a real confrontation. His best hope was that the butler simply wouldn't show.

To Arlo's immense relief, they passed through the area without incident, soon arriving at the imposing facade of the Merchant's Guild.

"Wow, so this is the trading company?" Serena marveled, taking in the throng of people and carriages coming and going. "Are they always this busy?"

"It depends on their reputation," Vielle explained. "This particular company is quite well-regarded."

"And you two managed to strike a deal in a place like this?" Serena's eyebrows rose appreciatively. "Not bad. So you really weren't just on a date after all."

"That's what I've been telling you," Arlo muttered as they stepped inside.

The interior was as bustling as ever. Arlo resigned himself to another long wait, but to his surprise, they were immediately approached by two clerks.

"Excuse me, are you Arlo and Vielle?" one of them inquired politely.

"Yes, that's us," Arlo confirmed. "How can we help you?"

"Mr. Myrium has been expecting you. Please, come with us."

Arlo hesitated, glancing at Serena and Sylvia. "Would it be a problem if these two joined us? They're a part of my crew."

The clerks exchanged a look before nodding. "That won't be an issue."

With that settled, they were escorted up the grand staircase and to the same opulent room as before. After a perfunctory knock, they were ushered inside to find Myrium hunched over his desk, quill flying across a sheaf of documents.

Upon noticing their entrance, Myrium's face broke into a warm smile. He rose swiftly, crossing the room to shake their hands with enthusiasm.

"Mr. Arlo, Mrs. Vielle! Wonderful to see you again. I was beginning to worry you might have received a more enticing offer elsewhere."

"Our apologies for the delay," Vielle said, offering a graceful bow.

Myrium waved off her concern. "Not at all, not at all. We agreed on morning, and it's still technically morning. Ah, and who might these lovely ladies be?" he inquired, his gaze falling on Serena and Sylvia.

"Members of my crew," Arlo explained. "The ones I mentioned previously."

"Ah, of course! A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Myrium said, bowing slightly. "I am Myrium, president of this humble establishment, as I'm sure you're aware."

Sylvia and Serena exchanged bewildered glances, looking to Arlo for clarification. He quickly translated Myrium's greeting, then turned back to the merchant.

"I'm afraid they don't speak the local language," Arlo explained. "But they wish to convey that it's a pleasure to meet you as well."

"I see," Myrium nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Well then, to business. Regarding the flashlight – I've confirmed its authenticity. It functions precisely as you described. I'm prepared to purchase your entire stock, as we discussed."

Arlo exchanged a subtle, triumphant glance with Vielle. Their inventory of twenty flashlights was about to pay off handsomely.

"Let's proceed, then," he said, maintaining a professional demeanor.

With ease, Vielle retrieved the devices from her spatial bag. Arlo had meticulously removed all packaging, leaving only the sleek, utilitarian products. As they arranged the flashlights on a nearby counter, Myrium gestured to one of his clerks, who swiftly departed and returned bearing an enormous sack of coins.

This was no modest purse; it rivaled a large bag of rice in size, its contents clinking with the unmistakable sound of wealth.

"Five coins per unit, with twenty units in total," Myrium announced, his tone businesslike yet tinged with excitement. "That brings us to a sum of one hundred coins. Please, do verify the amount."

With deliberate care, Arlo counted each gleaming coin. True to Myrium's word, a hundred gold pieces lay before him. It took every ounce of his self-control to maintain his composure in the face of such a windfall. He was acutely aware of the eyes upon him – Sylvia, Serena, and Vielle watching intently. He wanted to project an image of calm reliability.

Glancing in their direction, he caught Sylvia and Serena staring wide-eyed at the mountain of gold, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief. A surge of pride welled up in his chest, threatening to crack his poker face.

Clearing his throat to regain focus, Arlo nodded. "Yes, the amount is correct. It's been a pleasure doing business with you."

"Oh, please," Myrium beamed, clasping Arlo's hand in an enthusiastic handshake. "The pleasure is all mine. Do keep us informed when you've produced more of these marvelous 'flashlights.' We'd be more than happy to purchase any future stock you create."

"Certainly," Arlo replied with a measured smile. "I'll make sure to do so."

The remaining formalities proceeded smoothly. Vielle carefully stowed the weighty coin sack in her spatial bag, and farewells were exchanged. However, as they prepared to depart, Arlo paused, a calculating gleam in his eye.

"I understand we don't have an exclusive contract," he began, choosing his words carefully, "but I would greatly appreciate if you could inform me about the market demand during my next visit."

Arlo was eager to gauge the 'flashlight's' reception and target demographics. He and Vielle had speculated on its appeal to both commoners and nobility, but questions lingered. Would the average citizen be able to afford such a luxury? If Myrium had paid five gold coins per unit, the retail price would undoubtedly be higher to ensure a profit.

While Arlo lacked the leverage to demand such information outright, he sweetened the proposition: "In exchange for this insight, your company will have first access to the next product my crew and I develop."

Myrium's eyebrows rose with interest. "You have something else in the works?"

"Indeed," Arlo confirmed. "It should be ready within a week's time."

"Well then, I eagerly await the details," Myrium said, his enthusiasm palpable. "And rest assured, I'll keep you apprised of the 'flashlight's' market performance."

"I'm glad to hear it," Arlo replied, satisfaction evident in his tone.

With final pleasantries exchanged, they took their leave, escorted by the clerks. As they passed through the bustling reception area, Arlo spotted Miro diligently working behind the counter. Not wanting to disrupt the man's concentration, Arlo refrained from greeting him, instead leading his group outside.

Once on the street, Serena and Sylvia turned to Arlo, their eyes still wide with amazement.

"Wow... one hundred gold coins?" Serena breathed, her hands trembling slightly. "That's... that's a fortune, right?"

Sylvia stood equally stunned, their reactions mirroring the shock they'd displayed upon learning of Arlo's bank account back home.

"It's a very respectable sum," Vielle confirmed, proceeding to explain the intricacies of this world's currency system to the awestruck women.

As Vielle enlightened Serena and Sylvia, Arlo found himself lost in thought, pondering his next move. The flashlight deal had exceeded his initial expectations, netting him a cool hundred gold coins with relative ease. Compared to the sixty silver coins he had earned from hunting shadow wolves as an adventurer, the difference was staggering.

'It seems that pursuing the path of a merchant was the right choice after all. Why work as an adventurer when the returns on my investments as a merchant are so much higher? And depending on the purity of the gold in these coins, I could even trade them back in my world... the opportunities are endless.'

His gaze drifted to his companions, and he gave voice to a more immediate concern: "Shall we go get you two some new clothes now?"

"We'll be getting some for you as well," Vielle interjected, eyeing his well-worn tracksuit as they set off towards the shopping district.