Jin entered first, followed by Reiko, Hope, and Lordtoss.
"Heh..."
The shop was elegantly decorated, its white-themed furnishings adding a touch of class that accentuated the jewelry displayed on backdrops of black and navy-blue velvet.
While Jin had initially wondered if the store catered exclusively to women, he saw several male customers browsing as well. It was the kind of place where one could look for gifts or souvenirs for family without feeling out of place.
As expected of a tourist destination, Jin mused as he browsed the displays.
"There are a lot of silver-based accessories here."
On Ars, the unit price of silver was roughly one-tenth that of gold.
In modern Japan, gold was once valued around 4,900 yen per gram while silver sat at roughly 67 yen. This massive gap was largely a result of total global reserves. On Ars, the production ratio of gold to silver was roughly one to ten, which meant gold was significantly less scarce here than it was on Earth.
(On Earth, it is estimated that there are 150,000 tons of gold compared to over 1,000,000 tons of silver.)
As a side note, there was a very brief period in Earth's history where silver was actually more expensive than gold. This was likely because gold, which does not easily oxidize, can be found in its pure state as "native gold"—placer or lode gold—whereas silver is far more prone to oxidation and sulfidation, making native silver deposits rare.
In other words, the market value of a metal is heavily influenced by the availability of refining technology.
Planet Ars was rich in underground resources, and the production of gold and silver ores was high. However, to prevent the value of precious metals from plummeting, it seemed the various nations managed state-owned mines to control the volume of circulation.
But that was a thought for another time.
"It looks like these have been treated to prevent oxidation and sulfidation."
This was easily achieved through magi-craft—distributing free ether between the metal atoms on the surface to create a protective barrier that inhibited chemical reactions. Since silver is prone to turning black from sulfidation, Jin found the application of such a treatment quite impressive.
(...Then again, I don't really have anyone to give a gift to right now.)
He recalled with a pang of nostalgia how he used to look at things like this and wonder what would suit Hanna or Elsa.
"Jin-san, which one do you think is better?"
Lordtoss’s voice snapped Jin back to reality. The man seemed to be struggling to choose between a green pendant and a purple one.
"Let's see..."
Jin was well aware that his own fashion sense was nothing to brag about.
"If it’s to match silver hair, I think the purple one would be better."
"I see. You're right."
Furthermore, since Vita had red eyes, Jin figured that green—being a complementary color—might be a bit more difficult to coordinate.
Upon hearing that, Lordtoss decided, "I'll take this one, then," and headed to the counter to pay.
While he waited, Jin wandered aimlessly through the store. Since Reiko was at his side, no one gave him strange looks even when he ventured into the women's section.
"Trendy designs... though I wouldn't really know."
He noticed that very few items were over-decorated; most were elegantly simple.
"I suppose even these things go in and out of style."
Reiko spoke up beside him. "Father, it looks like Lordtoss-san has finished his business at the counter."
"Oh, right."
"Jin-san, sorry to keep you waiting."
"No, it's fine."
Just as the group was about to exit the shop, a voice called out to them.
"Um... please wait a moment."
Jin turned to find a refined woman in her twenties standing there. She was wearing an apron embroidered with the shop's name, marking her as an employee.
"Er, you’re the gentleman who just settled his bill, correct?"
"Ah, yes," Lordtoss nodded.
"I am terribly sorry, but we accidentally overcharged you by one hundred Toll. We would like to apologize and issue a refund. If it isn't too much trouble, could you please come to the office?"
"Oh, if that's the case, certainly."
Jin didn't know the exact price of the item, but he felt a sense of goodwill toward the shop for being honest enough to chase them down over a hundred Toll mistake.
"I'll go with you," Jin offered.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience," Lordtoss said, looking apologetic, while the clerk bowed politely.
"Your companions are welcome to join us as well. Please, this way."
The clerk led Jin, Lordtoss, Reiko, and Hope toward the back of the shop, where they entered through a service door.
"Down here, please."
As the clerk led them down a set of stairs, Jin wondered if the office was in the basement. It felt a bit suspicious. He stole a quick glance at Reiko.
Reiko immediately understood what he was thinking. Since she could use her Peeping Telescope—or "Peeper"—she had already performed a lightning-fast sweep of the basement with Jin's safety as her priority.
(There are no traps or hidden mechanisms.)
"I see," Jin murmured, feeling a bit more at ease.
At the bottom of the stone stairs stood a heavy wooden door.
"Please, go right in."
The clerk opened the door and ushered them inside. Once everyone was in the room, the clerk entered as well and shut the door behind her.
Jin heard the distinct click of a lock.
Before he could even process the suspicion, a voice rang out from within the room.
"Welcome. We have been expecting you."
Jin and Lordtoss immediately braced themselves.
Standing there was another refined woman, likely in her late twenties or early thirties. She had light brown, shoulder-length hair and gentle brown eyes. She rose from her chair and gave them a deep, polite bow.
Jin sensed no hostility or ill intent from her.
"I am the behind-the-scenes manager of this establishment."
"Behind-the-scenes manager?" Lordtoss repeated the unfamiliar term.
"Yes. The manager out front oversees the accessory workshop. I am Liira Madagas, and I handle the organization's affairs. You are Lordtoss-sama, I presume?"
"Yes. I am Lordtoss."
"Splendid. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
Lordtoss and Jin took the offered seats. Lordtoss turned back to the woman who had introduced herself as Liira.
"How do you know who I am?"
"It is quite simple."
Given that he was a graduate of Avalon and had made a name for himself even on the West Continent, it wasn't surprising that people knew of him.
"...I was instructed by a certain individual that if you should ever visit, I was to treat you with the utmost hospitality and bring you to meet them."
"And who is this 'certain individual'?"
Liira lowered her head slightly. "I cannot disclose that at this stage."
"..."
Jin sat in silence, thinking. In this era, Lordtoss was far more famous than he was. It made sense that he would be a person of interest for some organization. The question was their motive.
"May I ask something?" Jin broke in. "Does your organization have a name?"
Liira gave a small nod and answered clearly.
"Yes. We are called 'Nostalgia'."