Dorothy's Advancement Ritual

Tonight, Dorothy was to hold a ritual in Shade's attic, advancing from the low-ring Fourth Ring to the middle-ring Fifth Ring. Therefore, Shade had no plans to go to Middlesburg this Sunday.

But after breakfast, Shade first went to Old John's pawnshop. Since he arrived too early, Old Dad John had only just opened the door and had not even put out the small sign from outside.

"Coming here so early—are you looking to buy something?"

The white-haired old man finished greeting his neighbor before standing in the doorway with a yawn and asking Shade, who was walking along the street. Tobesk was so peaceful in the early morning, especially for those who did not need to struggle for a living.

"Detective, help me bring the padlock from the door to the counter."

"Sure, but Old Dad John, is the steam pipe by your door leaking? Why have you put a basin here to catch water?"

Shade asked curiously.

"I've already notified the pipe company to fix it. This can't be delayed, or it'll freeze and crack when winter comes. Speaking of which, what exactly are you here for?"

The two entered the shop together. The morning light was poor, so the Gas Lamps inside were lit.

"Do you have Moonstone?"

"Of course. Your first purchase of the day is this small? Detective, how much do you need?"

As he spoke, the old man rummaged beneath the counter for the inventory list, checking how much stock he still had.

"A small piece will do. One of my Thaumaturgies needs Spellcasting Materials, but it only consumes a tiny amount each time. A small piece of Moonstone will last me a long while."

"Carrying stones in your pocket all the time must be inconvenient, right? And easy to lose."

Old John glanced