After breakfast, Kashu set off with Riveria, heading deeper into Northwest Street in search of a magic item shop called Witch's Hideaway.
The dim alley twisted and turned, as if leading people into another world.
When they pushed open the creaking wooden door, a gloomy, murky atmosphere washed over them. The shop's decor was truly hard to compliment.
It was Kashu's first time seeing a shop in Orario with such a hometown-like atmosphere. He clicked his tongue in wonder and looked around curiously.
Riveria, who was walking ahead, hurried to the counter, tapped the tabletop with her knuckles, and softly called toward the curtain behind it.
"Leno, it's me, Riveria. Is it convenient for you to come out?"
There was no response from behind the curtain for a long while. Kashu also stepped up to the counter and signaled with his eyes.
Riveria frowned slightly, her tone uncertain.
"She may be busy with something else. Let's wait a little longer."
Kashu had no objections and continued wandering around the item shop.
As his gaze swept around, he really did spot several magical materials emitting unusual fluctuations.
But once he saw the staggering string of zeros on their price tags, he decisively shook his head.
"What, young man? You look down on this old woman's treasured goods?"
An aged, hoarse voice, as though mixed with ancient dust, drifted faintly from the full-length oval mirror on the left.
Kashu turned toward the sound and saw an old woman in a floor-length robe, her body hunched over, slowly emerging from the mirror's shadow.
Kashu narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone probing.
"Is that... a spatial teleportation item?"
Grandma Leno waved a hand dismissively and explained in a low voice.
"It's just a little trick to fool amateurs. Otherwise, someone who recognized its value