Balin stayed in the end.
The old dwarf and the mind flayer stood together, talking calmly. The sight was so extraordinary that Renato could not help wanting to record it.
Unfortunately, he could not sketch, and Ereel had no cameras.
The old dwarf knew a true dragon? Something that only happened in novels and illustrated storybooks was actually happening right beside him?
Renato knew it was rude to eavesdrop, but he still could not help straining his ears, hoping to catch a few words.
Unfortunately, they were too far away, and Madra's voice drowned out their conversation.
"Hey, sorcerer!"
Little Deepforge's voice brought him back to reality. The young duergar noble folded his arms across his chest and glared at him in irritation.
"Do you still want your payment or not?"
Renato had no choice but to look away and resume packing away the coins.
He counted the gleaming gold coins into the Griffon Coin Purse one by one. A full thousand, each heavy in his hand, clinking together with a pleasing sound.
His wealth had grown considerably, yet Renato had long since lost the joy he had felt when struggling to earn money back in Brekka Town.
Legends, ninth-level spells, true dragons...
The information kept running through his mind. After hearing so many staggering terms in a single day, gold coins seemed utterly bland by comparison.
But he was only the one receiving the money. For the person paying, parting with that gold still hurt.
Madra muttered curses beside him, and through shadow energy, Renato could sense the young noble's reluctance.
"Balin, that damned mad old fool..." Madra grumbled. "We had an agreement, and then he changed his mind..."
Tucking the Griffon Coin Purse inside his breastplate, Renato could not help trying to persuade him.
"Madra, why don't you