Shade looked out the window. The hazy fog was normal for Tobesk at the turn of autumn and winter. After all, the steam factories and Gas Company were entering their peak operating season.
"I'll probably be busy making a batch of Holy Water No. 4 soon, but I don't know whether releasing such a large quantity into the Local Black Market will attract The Church's attention."
The old man spoke worriedly.
"Are you short on money lately? I can lend you some."
Including the 1,000 pounds from the foreign princess that he had yet to collect, Shade's savings had now exceeded five figures.
"No need to lend me any. I need to repay a debt—I still owe Schneider 3,000 pounds."
The priest said this, and only then did Shade recall the matter. It was the cost of the materials for the Order of Spiritual Cultivation's door-opening ritual.
Mentioning this, Priest Augustus smiled and asked:
"Still, what exactly did Schneider invest in to earn so much? You were rather vague last time. I can ask him when we bring him his gift later. Come to think of it, exam week seems to be approaching again. With the end of the year near, the church has to audit its accounts, prepare reports, write the year-end summary, and plan for the next year. Why does it feel like I'm even busier than you young people?"
Shade only hoped that even if Doctor Schneider revealed where the money had come from, he absolutely would not mention that Shade had also participated in the betting.
"If you're worried about selling the holy water, I can take it to the black markets in Coldwater Port and Middlesburg. With such scarce goods, there's no need to worry about finding buyers. If we spread out the supply, we