First Step in the new World

James and Ofelia spent the day wandering through the bustling marketplace, scanning stalls for anything of interest. Despite James's sharp eye and Ofelia's quiet assistance, they found absolutely nothing. Most items were either boring or overpriced, and nothing stood out as particularly valuable or underappreciated. James suddenly stopped at a stall displaying an assortment of second-hand clothing. The merchant, a wiry man with sharp eyes, greeted them with a practiced smile, gesturing to the racks and folded piles of garments. After sifting through the options, James selected three sets of sturdy, gently worn clothes for himself—well-patched trousers and tunics that looked fit for travel—and three simpler but serviceable outfits for Ofelia. The muted colors and soft fabrics seemed practical for her, though they showed signs of careful mending. Finding to set of pyjamas and he also get some more underwear for himself and Ofelia.

Moving to the smaller items on display, James added two toothbrushes like objects, crafted from wood with bristles made from animal hair and a smooth wooden hairbrush for Ofelia, its handle carved with pretty plain swirls. Lastly, he picked out a small leather satchel with reinforced stitching, ideal for her to carry whatever belongings she might need.

"That'll be six silver coins, sir," the merchant said, rubbing his hands together as James counted out the money.

James handed over the coins without hesitation and packed the items. Ofelia remained quiet, her gaze lingering on the medium size satchel and the neatly folded clothing he began placing inside the bag—clearly too small to fit everything, yet somehow, it all fit perfectly. When James handed her the smaller bag, already containing the hairbrush, she held it delicately, as though it were a treasure. "It's yours now," he said with a small smile before turning to continue their walk. She hesitated before following, her expression a mix of surprise and growing gratitude.

By mid-afternoon, they paused for a quick meal, purchasing two stuffed bread roll for 8 copper coins each . The warm, savory pastries were satisfying, if unremarkable.

While strolling through the crowded streets, snippets of conversation reached James's ears. People spoke in hushed but excited tones about the upcoming auction at the auction house. Words like luxury magical item, rare ingredients, and bidding wars floated through the air. James's lips curved into a small smirk. Looks like Mason's been busy.

The enthusiasm in the air was contagious, and James couldn't help but feel a growing curiosity about the auction. Seeing how effectively Mason had stirred up interest, he decided it might be worth attending. "What do you think, Ofelia?" he asked casually as they walked. "Should we see how this auction turns out?"

"As you wish, Master James," Ofelia replied softly, her hands clasped in front of her. Though her tone was neutral, there was a hint of apprehension in her eyes. She wasn't sure what to expect but trusted his judgment.

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The auction house buzzed with energy, the excitement palpable as attendees filled every corner of the grand hall. Chandeliers cast a golden glow over the crowd, highlighting polished wood and richly upholstered furniture. Merchants, adventurers, and craftsmen mingled on the main floor, their hushed voices blending into a hum of anticipation. 

James entered through the side door, his steps steady and purposeful. Mason, ever the professional, was already waiting near the main staircase, a confident smile on his face.

"Mr. James," Mason greeted with a slight bow, ignoring Ofelia as if she weren't there at first. "Perfect timing, since I tough you would be interested, I took on myself to reserve seat for you and your "friend" here. The auction is about to begin. So shall we go ?"

James nodded following him, Mason's movements were smooth and deliberate as he guided James through the side corridors. The energy of the main hall grew louder with each step, a symphony of murmurs and the occasional clink of coin purses. Mason led James to a reserved booth for the employee along the side of the hall, offering an excellent view of the stage and audience.

James settled into a plush chair, his eyes scanning the room. The nobles in their balconies sipped wine and whispered among themselves, their air of superiority evident, their silks and jewels gleaming as they surveyed the growing crowd below. On the main floor, a mix of warriors, mages, and craftsmen stood shoulder-to-shoulder. The warriors, many in armor bearing signs of battle, eyed the crowd warily, while mages in flowing robes exchanged quiet words, their gazes sharp and calculating. The craftsmen were perhaps the most animated, pointing and gesturing as they discussed potential purchases.

Ofelia sat beside James, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She kept her gaze lowered, her presence quiet and unobtrusive.

The auctioneer, a tall man in a tailored suit, stepped onto the stage, his polished shoes clicking against the wooden floor. He tapped the silver gavel against the podium, and the room fell silent.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth and commanding, "welcome to tonight's auction. We have an extraordinary selection of items prepared for you, ranging from the practical to the rare and luxurious. Let us begin."

The first few items were smaller curiosities: trinkets coming from the south, a ring enchanted with minor fire resistance, which sold for 1 gold and 15 silver coins after a spirited bidding war beside warrior and mages, earing made of gold and precious stones and a decorative chalice appealing to the noble who bid one after the other, fetching 2 gold coins. An other item was actually special, it seems like an elongated piece of metal, looking almost like a gun but in so much decay that only the vague form was preserved. The announcer told every one it was uncover in some ruin nearby. The ruined piece of metal was not very popular, a particular noble bought it for 62 silver and that was it. Each sale stoked the crowd's enthusiasm, setting the stage for the more valuable treasures to come.

Finally, it was time for James's items.

Mason, seated nearby, leaned in slightly. "Your moment, Mr. James. Let's see how they fare."

The first of James's items was brought to the stage: a radiant Earthly Shard. The assistants carried it carefully on a velvet cushion, its vibrant yellow glow drawing gasps from the audience.

"Behold the Earthly Shard," the auctioneer announced, his voice rising slightly. "An essential ingredient for crafting certain enchanted weapons and armor, highly sought after by Magic Blacksmiths. Bidding starts at 50 silver coins!"

A craftsman near the front raised his hand immediately. "Sixty silver coins!" he barked, his voice sharp and eager.

"Seventy!" came a counter from another craftsman, his hand shooting up as he leaned forward, his expression tense.

The first bidder glanced at his rival, his lips pressing into a thin line before raising his hand again. "Eighty!"

The bids came quickly now, almost without pause, as more blacksmiths joined the fray. A younger craftsman near the middle of the room hesitated for only a moment before calling out, "Ninety silver coins!" His hand trembled slightly, betraying his nervousness.

"One gold coin!" a booming voice declared. All eyes turned to an older craftsman near the back, his arms crossed confidently over his chest. His expression was calm, but his eyes gleamed with determination.

The room fell silent for a heartbeat before the second bidder raised his hand. "One gold and ten silver coins!"

"One gold, thirty-five!"

The bidding slowed as the price climbed higher, the tension thick in the air. Finally, the older craftsman raised his hand once more, his voice steady. "One gold and forty silver coins!"

The auctioneer scanned the room. "One gold and forty silver, going once… going twice… Sold!" The hammer came down, and a round of polite applause followed.

The next item brought to the stage was a small yet striking Copper Earring. Its polished surface gleamed under the stage lights, and its enchantment radiated a faint but noticeable aura of power.

"Up next, ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer began, lifting the earring with a practiced flourish, "we have a Copper Earring offering a significant Endurance Boost. This versatile item is a favorite among warriors and adventurers alike. And, perhaps, it may prove useful to certain… nobles in other aspects of life." His knowing smile drew laughter and scattered applause from the crowd. "Bidding starts at 1 gold coin!"

The first bid came almost immediately. "Two gold coins," called a noblewoman seated in one of the private balconies. Draped in silks of deep green, she leaned forward slightly, a sly smile playing on her lips as if the earring were already hers.

"Three gold!" shouted a warrior from the center of the hall. He stood tall, his battered armor speaking of countless battles. His voice carried the confident tone of someone who knew the value of endurance.

"Five gold coins," came a calm but sharp voice from another balcony. A stout nobleman in a crimson cloak raised his hand casually, not even bothering to glance at the others. His expression radiated smug superiority.

The bidding gained momentum.

"Seven gold coins!" declared the warrior, his voice cutting through the murmurs.

"Eight gold!" countered the noblewoman in green, her tone still light but her smile faltering slightly.

The stout nobleman smirked, raising his hand lazily. "Ten gold coins."

The crowd gasped at the sharp increase. The nobleman leaned back in his chair, clearly satisfied, his eyes daring the others to challenge him.

The auctioneer scanned the room. "Ten gold coins, going once…"

Another voice broke through the tension, smooth and confident. "Twelve gold coins."

All eyes turned to a younger noble seated in a box opposite the man in crimson. He was impeccably dressed, his demeanor calm as if this bid were a casual game to him.

The nobleman in crimson snapped his head toward the younger bidder, his face twisting into a scowl. His smug air was gone, replaced by simmering irritation. With a sharp motion, he raised his hand. "Fourteen gold coins!" he barked, his voice louder than necessary.

The younger noble smiled faintly, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Sixteen gold coins," he replied smoothly, leaning back in his seat as if to enjoy the show.

"Eighteen!" roared the man in crimson, his face reddening.

"Twenty," came the calm response, the younger noble tapping his fingers lightly on the railing of his box.

The room was electric now, every eye fixed on the two bidders. The nobleman in crimson was visibly fuming, his hand shooting up again. "Twenty-five gold coins!"

The younger noble chuckled softly, shaking his head as he raised his hand one last time. "Twenty-seven gold coins."

The room erupted into murmurs. The man in crimson hesitated, his face a deep shade of red as he clenched his fists. Slowly, his hand lowered, his scowl turning into a grimace as he refused to meet the amused gaze of his rival.

"Twenty-seven gold coins, going once… going twice… Sold!"

The hammer struck the podium, and the younger noble inclined his head slightly, a satisfied smile on his lips. The man in crimson glared daggers at him but said nothing, his chest rising and falling with barely contained rage.

Finally, the star of the evening was brought to the stage. The assistants unveiled the Bronze Brooch, its polished surface gleaming faintly under the lights. A soft, magical aura shimmered around it, subtle yet captivating, drawing immediate attention from the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer began, his voice carrying an edge of reverence, "a truly extraordinary piece. This Bronze Brooch offers an Intellect Boost—highly coveted by mages for enhancing magical precision and power. A masterpiece of magical craftsmanship. Bidding starts at 1 gold coin!"

The room was silent for only a heartbeat before a mage in deep blue robes raised his hand. "Two gold coins!" he called, his tone clipped and confident.

"Three gold!" came the swift counter from another mage seated near the front, his hand darting up as though he feared missing the opportunity.

The bids came fast now, as more mages joined the fray.

"Five gold coins!" shouted a young mage in green, her sharp voice cutting through the murmurs.

"Seven gold coins!" declared an older mage with a flowing beard, his expression calm but focused as he raised his hand deliberately.

The tension thickened as a noble's voice rang out from one of the balconies. "Ten gold coins!" The bidder, a man in a silver-embroidered cloak, leaned forward slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips as he surveyed the crowd below.

The mages hesitated for a brief moment, exchanging glances, but then a voice from the main floor broke the silence. "Twelve gold coins!"

The noble in the balcony raised his brow but wasted no time in countering. "Fourteen gold coins!"

From another balcony, a second noblewoman leaned against the railing, her jeweled bracelets catching the light. "Sixteen gold coins," she called, her tone casual but her expression sharp.

The younger mages began to drop out, the bids rising too steeply for their pockets, but the older mages and nobles remained locked in a fierce battle.

"Eighteen gold coins!" declared the bearded mage, his voice calm but firm.

"Twenty gold coins!" the nobleman in silver retorted, his tone carrying an edge of challenge.

"Twenty-two gold coins!" came the noblewoman's response, her smirk widening as she glanced at her rival in silver.

"Twenty-five gold coins!" shouted the bearded mage, leaning forward in his chair, his fingers gripping the armrests tightly.

The crowd buzzed with excitement as the numbers climbed higher.

"Twenty-eight!"

"Thirty gold coins!"

"Thirty-three!"

The bids became a blur, each new amount punctuated by sharp gestures and determined voices.

"Forty gold coins!"

The room fell silent for a moment at the staggering sum, the bid coming from a nobleman in crimson robes seated at the far end of the balcony. His voice was cold and commanding, his expression unflinching as he locked eyes with the auctioneer.

But the tension didn't hold for long. "Forty-two gold coins!" a mage called from the floor, his voice hoarse but resolute.

"Forty-five gold coins!" snapped the nobleman in silver, his earlier smirk now replaced with a fierce determination.

From her balcony, the noblewoman raised her hand. "Forty-eight gold coins," she said coolly, her gaze darting between the others with a knowing glint in her eye.

The crowd erupted in whispers. Even the wealthiest among the bidders began to waver.

The mage who had bid forty-two sat back in his chair, shaking his head in defeat, while the nobleman in silver clenched his fists, his lips pressed into a thin line.

The nobleman in crimson leaned forward, his knuckles white as he gripped the railing of his balcony. For a moment, it seemed he might continue, but he exhaled sharply, muttering something under his breath as he sat back, conceding the fight.

"Forty-eight gold coins, going once… going twice… Sold!"

The auctioneer's hammer came down with a decisive crack. The noblewoman smiled triumphantly, leaning back in her chair as her steward moved to finalize the purchase. The crowd broke into scattered applause, the sheer scale of the bid leaving many in awe.

Mason turned to James, his expression brimming with satisfaction. "I must say, Mr. James, that brooch stole the show tonight. Forty-eight gold coins… An extraordinary result."

James leaned back in his seat, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'd say it was worth bringing it here."

"More than worth it," Mason replied. "Your final payout will be prepared by morning. For now, I hope you'll enjoy the success of the evening."

James glanced at Ofelia, who sat quietly beside him, her wide eyes betraying her amazement. He chuckled softly. "Not bad, huh?"

"It… was incredible, Master James," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

As they stepped into the cool night air, James's thoughts turned to the future, his mind already spinning with possibilities for his newfound wealth.

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As James settled into his chair, Ofelia remained quiet, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She glanced briefly at the opulent surroundings—the golden chandeliers, the finely dressed nobles, and the polished wood of the auction house. I don't belong here, she thought, lowering her gaze. Even sitting in the reserved booth, she felt out of place, a shadow in a world of light.

When the Earthly Shard bidding began, she couldn't help but steal a glance at James. His expression was calm, his eyes sharp and attentive as he watched the bids climb. Ofelia's thoughts lingered on how easily he carried himself in such a grand place. He looks like he belongs here… but I'm just a burden.

During the bidding for the Copper Earring, her attention was drawn to the heated exchanges between the nobles and warriors. Their confidence, their wealth—it was so far removed from anything she had known. Yet, when James leaned slightly forward, a small, amused smile on his face as the bids escalated, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride. He brought these items here. He made this happen. How does he do it?

As the Bronze Brooch took center stage and the crowd erupted into a frenzy of bids, Ofelia found herself gripping the edge of her seat. The sheer numbers being shouted—gold coins, enough to buy entire lives—left her stunned. She glanced at James, who remained composed even as the price climbed higher. Forty-eight gold… For something that fits in the palm of a hand. I was worth less than one-twentieth of that.

When the hammer finally struck for the brooch at forty-eight gold coins, Ofelia's chest tightened. How can something so small be worth so much? She cast a quick look at James. His calm demeanor remained, but the subtle glint in his eyes told her he was satisfied.

As they left the auction house, Ofelia's thoughts swirled. The grand displays of wealth, the power of the people around her—it was overwhelming. But one thought lingered above all: He's doing all this for us. US. To survive.... But why? Why....? What does he see in someone like me? Why would he want someone like me to continue living ?

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The walk back to the inn was quiet, the cool night air brushing against them as they navigated the dimly lit streets. James walked confidently, his pace steady, while Ofelia followed a step behind, her hands clasped lightly in front of her as was her habit. The flickering lanterns lining the street cast their long shadows across the cobblestones, the bustling energy of the auction fading into a calm stillness.

When they reached the inn, James pushed the heavy wooden door open, holding it briefly for Ofelia before stepping inside. The warm, familiar scent of roasted meat and burning hearth greeted them. A few patrons lingered at the tables, their conversations low and unhurried.

James approached Marlin at the counter. "Evening. Could we get some food and hot water for the room? And some cloth for cleaning?"

Marlin gave a nod, already preparing to relay the order to his staff. "Sure thing. I'll have it sent up in a bit."

James smiled in thanks, and the two made their way up the stairs to their room.

Once inside, James closed the door behind them, the click of the latch barely registering before he spun around, a grin splitting his face. With an excited whoop, he leaped into the air, pumping his fist as his energy spilled over.

"We did it, Ofelia! Forty-eight gold!" His voice was filled with exhilaration, his excitement radiating through the small room as he bounced on the balls of his feet.

Ofelia blinked, startled by the sudden outburst. She had never seen him like this before. Her wide eyes followed him as he moved, his excitement contagious but leaving her unsure of how to respond.

James laughed, pacing the room with unrestrained joy. "Forty-eight gold, for one brooch! Do you know what this means? We're not just surviving anymore, Ofelia. We're building something!"

Her gaze softened as she watched him. The raw happiness on his face—the carefree smile, the bright glint in his eyes—drew her in. It was a side of him she hadn't seen before, and it was dazzling.

She found herself smiling too, though her cheeks warmed at the unfamiliar feeling. That smile… it's so bright, she thought, her heart feeling unexpectedly light.

When James finally noticed her expression, he paused, his energy simmering into a wide, genuine grin. "Sorry. Guess I got a little carried away."

Ofelia shook her head quickly. "No, Master James. It's… it's good to see you happy." Her voice was quiet, but there was a warmth in her tone that hadn't been there before.

James chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "It's been a long day. Let's get cleaned up and rest. Tomorrow's another chance to keep this momentum going."

She nodded, and as they waited for the hot water to arrive, Ofelia's gaze lingered on James's smile, the memory of it etched into her mind. For the first time in what felt like forever, the heaviness she carried seemed a little lighter.

After calming himself a bit, James reached for his bag, setting it on the small wooden table by the window. He opened it carefully, his hands moving with practiced ease as he activated the Item Box skill within. The familiar soft glow of the interface illuminated the interior of the bag, and one by one, he retrieved their belongings.

He placed three neatly folded sets of clothing on the bed—three for himself and three for Ofelia. Next came a pair of light pyjamas for each of them, followed by two simple toothbrushes carved from polished wood. Finally, the hairbrush he had bought earlier, which was tucked securely into Ofelia's small leather bag.

Ofelia watched silently, her gaze flickering between James and the items he placed on the bed. Her expression was hard to read, though there was a faint sense of wonder in her eyes. She still wasn't entirely used to the seemingly magical way he pulled items from his bag.

Not long after, a knock sounded at the door. James opened it to find an inn worker holding a large basin of steaming water, along with clean cloths for washing. "Here you go," the man said, setting the items down just inside the door.

"Thanks," James replied, giving the man a small nod before closing the door.

They cleaned themselves one at a time, James letting Ofelia go first. She worked quickly, her movements efficient as she used the hot water and cloth to scrub away the day's dust and grime. When she was finished, Ofelia changed into her new undergarment and pyjamas —a simple but soft tunic and trousers that fit her slender frame well, after that she stepped aside silently, her head slightly lowered as James took his turn. The warm water was soothing, easing the tension from his muscles as he washed, his mind already wandering to the successes of the day.

While James cleaned himself inside, Ofelia remained outside the room with her bag. She carefully pulled out the new hairbrush he had purchased for her, running her fingers over its smooth, polished handle. It felt sturdy and well-made, far better than anything she had ever used before. Slowly, she began to brush her hair, the strokes steady and deliberate. Each pass untangled the strands, leaving her hair smoother and more manageable. A small, almost shy smile played on her lips as she worked, pleased with how the brush felt in her hand and the difference it made.

By the time James had finished cleaning and stepped out, Ofelia was tucking the brush back into her bag. She glanced at him briefly, her expression neutral, though the faintest hint of contentment lingered in her eyes.

After they both entered the room and the basin of used water was set aside. James as already slip in his own light pyjamas , his movements relaxed.

By the time their dinner arrived—a simple but hearty meal of bread, roasted vegetables, and stewed meat—they were both refreshed. They ate quietly at the small table, the occasional clink of utensils filling the silence. James glanced at Ofelia a few times, noting how carefully she ate, as though afraid of spilling or wasting even a crumb. He said nothing, letting the moment remain peaceful.

When they finished, James stacked the plates neatly and carried them to the hallway, placing them outside the door for the innkeeper's staff to collect. Returning to the room, he stretched his arms overhead and let out a satisfied sigh. "All right," he said, reaching into his bag, "there's one more thing we need to do."

From inside, he pulled out the two wooden toothbrushes he had purchased earlier and handed one to Ofelia. "These are for cleaning your teeth," he explained, holding up his own to demonstrate.

Ofelia tilted her head, staring at the unfamiliar item with slight confusion. "Cleaning… my teeth?"

"Yeah," James said, smiling. "You use this to scrub your teeth clean. It helps get rid of dirt and… well, anything left behind from eating." He mimicked brushing motions with his toothbrush.

She hesitated, her gaze flicking between the brush in her hand and James's demonstration. "I… I've never done that before," she admitted softly.

James chuckled, his tone gentle. "No problem. Here, watch me first."

He brushed his teeth with practiced motions, showing her how to move the bristles across his teeth and along the gumline. "It works best with toothpaste," he added, pausing mid-brush. "But I'll have to look for some tomorrow. For now, this will do. Oh, and soap too. We'll definitely need that."

Ofelia's eyes widened slightly at the mention of soap. "Soap?" she echoed, her voice quiet but tinged with surprise. "That's a luxury. Only wealthy merchants and nobles use it."

James chuckled, his tone light. "Well, if we can sell a brooch for forty-eight gold coins, I think we can afford some soap."

Ofelia nodded slowly, mimicking his actions with her own toothbrush. It felt strange at first—awkward, even—but she copied James's movements as best as she could. Her strokes were tentative, but by the time she finished, she was starting to get the hang of it.

She hesitated for a moment before trying to mimic his movements. "It's… strange," she admitted.

James gave her an approving nod. "Not bad for your first try. It feels a bit weird at first, but trust me, you'll get used to it."

She nodded again, this time with a faint smile. "Thank you, Master James."

When they finished, James set the plates outside and stretched. "All right," he said with a yawn. "Time to rest. Another busy day tomorrow."

Ofelia nodded, her movements quiet as she helped straighten the bed. She slipped onto one side, keeping to the edge, while James lay down on the other. The bed was narrow, but neither seemed to mind.

"Goodnight, Ofelia," James said softly, his voice calm and steady.

"Goodnight, Master James," she replied, her tone equally soft.

The room fell into a comfortable silence, the flickering light of the lantern casting faint shadows on the walls. As Ofelia lay there, her thoughts wandered to the events of the day, but they always seemed to circle back to one thing—James's smile. She closed her eyes, holding onto that memory as she drifted off to sleep.