Chapter 249: A Shopping Date

Our journey had brought us to a country aptly named Wizard.

Usually, I navigate the world wearing two different masks—one as a noble and one as an adventurer—but for this trip, I was technically neither. My primary goal was information gathering. I needed to find the Spring of the Strong, and for that, I had to keep my head down and my ears open.

Entering the country under my noble title and then operating as an adventurer once inside was the path of least resistance.

"Ho, this place is actually quite prosperous."

"It is also known as the City of Mages, I believe," Cynthia added.

Just as she said, the city was practically overflowing with magic. It was a bizarre sight; people were casually drifting through the sky on staves as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Unlike the high-speed transit back in Carta, they moved at a leisurely pace, likely thanks to a local Magic Barrier.

According to the Original Story, this country is permeated with a special kind of mana that stabilizes mana particles.

Apparently, this environmental quirk was designed to boost the efficacy of Life Magic. Unlike the state-of-the-art facilities at Noblesse, this place was still technically "developing." Boiling water would normally be a massive chore here, but thanks to the local magic, they managed just fine.

"I’m starting to get a little excited! Come to think of it, Cynthia-san, I’ve been wondering... do you not use a magic staff?" Lilith asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"I do have one, for the record. See?"

With a casual gesture, Cynthia caused a staff to materialize out of thin air. It was the same trick Sierra used—a specialized storage spell that allowed one to summon a weapon by consuming a fixed amount of mana.

"However, I prefer to rely on my own agility. I used to use it more often, but when a battle gets intense, the staff usually just ends up getting in the way."

"I see... But it’s still useful for things like Flight Magic, right?"

"Of course. I use it for travel. Though, if you factor in the mana consumption, taking a carriage is usually more efficient."

Most veteran wizards kept a staff specifically for transportation. Personally, I felt like my own two legs offered better fuel economy, but Flight Magic was a high-level discipline that demanded incredible technical skill. Even Eva used a staff whenever we had to cover long distances. There was no denying their convenience.

"In that case, do you want one, Lilith?"

"Eh? You mean... for me?"

"Yeah. I don't know if you'll need it immediately, but it’ll be a good tool to have in your arsenal eventually. I have one myself, but I’ve been thinking about picking up a newer model anyway."

"I’d love one! Ah, but... I wonder if I have enough saved up..."

Lilith pulled a cute little coin purse from her pocket and began frantically counting her change. I made sure she received a proper salary from House Fanscent, but the Noblesse Magic Academy was, predictably, an unpaid gig. Since she didn't come from a wealthy family, her liquid assets were likely pretty slim—unless she started taking on high-rank adventurer contracts full-time.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Well, um... maybe I should hold off for now," she mumbled, looking dejected.

"I’ll buy it for you. I’m not exactly hurting for cash, you know."

Lilith tried to refuse, as she always did, but I stayed firm until she finally gave in with a polite "thank you." Honestly, does she not realize how much she does for me? If anyone’s the one being 'looked after' here, it’s me.

As I watched Lilith, I noticed Cynthia looking at us with a hint of envy. No, "hint" was an understatement—she looked like she was radiating longing. It wasn't that she couldn't afford a staff; she was likely jealous of the gesture itself.

"Cynthia, I'm buying one for you, too."

"...Fufufu. In that case, I shall be the one to buy yours, Weiss."

"Then the whole point of me treating you guys is lost, isn't it?"

"Not at all. It’s the sentiment that matters. Don't you agree, Lilith?"

"Yes! The feelings are the most important part! In that case, I'll... um... I'll find us the best shop in town!"

Before I could even process what she meant, Lilith had vanished. She was using high-speed movement to zip between passersby, charm offensive in full swing as she asked for recommendations on magic broom and staff shops. Only someone as bold and naturally amiable as her could pull that off.

Within minutes, she had narrowed down the options and came racing back with a plan.

"Apparently, Beeland Street is the place to go! There are rows and rows of shops there!"

"Then let's head over."

"Thank you, Lilith," Cynthia said with a smile.

The Original Story mentioned that the Spring of the Strong was hidden deep within the mountain forests. Once we secured our new staves, I figured we might as well take them out for a test drive.