It was mid-morning when Zaydan and Rehan opened their stall again. The street was busier than usual—word about their Earth-made snacks had spread like wildfire. Children tugged their parents toward the counter, and even adventurers passing through the capital paused, intrigued by the colorful packaging and unfamiliar aromas.
Among the crowd, a man in a finely embroidered cloak, adorned with a family crest of a golden falcon, watched with interest from a distance. His bearing was unmistakable—he was nobility.
"Milord," said a soft voice. His butler, an older man with silver hair and sharp eyes, leaned closer. "That is the stall the others have spoken of. Foreign goods. Strange, but wildly popular."
Lord Alvane's brow rose slightly. "Indeed? Let us greet these merchants. I'm curious."
The crowd parted naturally as the noble approached. Zaydan and Rehan exchanged a quick look, standing straighter behind the counter.
"Greetings, my lords," Zaydan said smoothly, offering a polite bow. "How may we assist you?"
Lord Alvane's eyes drifted across the stall—chocolates, biscuits, vibrantly packaged snacks unlike anything in the kingdom.
"These are... not of this land, are they?" he asked, voice calm but clearly intrigued.
Rehan replied, "They're our own imports, sir. Handmade... across the sea."
Alvane gave a small nod, clearly not buying the vague explanation, but respecting their discretion. His eyes then moved to their clothes—Zaydan's fitted modern hoodie and Rehan's track pants stood out in a world of tunics and cloaks.
"Your attire," the noble said slowly, "is most unusual. Yet… stylish. Functional. I can see why you gather attention."
Zaydan grinned. "Thank you, Lord…?"
"Alvane," he said with a brief smile.
"A pleasure. As for the clothes, well—we're opening a second stall next week. Tailored pieces like these. Comfortable, sleek, adaptable."
The noble raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. Do inform me when it opens. I may commission a few garments for my nephews. Something... different, for the next tournament."
"You'll be our first VIP customer," Rehan said, elbowing Zaydan with a grin.
Lord Alvane chuckled softly. "I look forward to it."
With that, he gestured to his butler, who handed over a large sealed box. The noble said nothing about its contents.
"A gift," he said simply. "For good service. I reward those who surprise me."
He turned and walked away, his cloak fluttering behind him like a banner of quiet wealth.
Rehan stared after him, then down at the box. "What do you think it is? Fancy napkins?"
Zaydan snorted. "Only one way to find out."
They brought the box behind the stall and cracked open the seal. The top lifted off with a soft creak… and their jaws dropped.
The entire interior of the box was lined—no, layered—with gold leaf. Underneath, thick plates of gold, each stamped with the Alvane family crest.
"W-we're gonna need another Vault," Rehan whispered.
Zaydan blinked slowly. "Forget selling snacks. Let's just frame this box."
They both laughed in stunned disbelief, eyes shining.
And in the distance, from a balcony high above, Lord Alvane watched quietly with a smile of satisfaction.