LOM: Lord of Mysticism

As Klein walked down Zouteland Street, he realized he only had three pence of change. If he returned to Iron Cross Street via public carriage, it would cost him four pence, and if he were to hand over a one-gold pound note, it would be akin to using a hundred-dollar bill to buy a bottle of water.

Klein decided to buy something appropriately priced to get some change. He made up his mind, turned around, and entered the clothing shop, Wilker Clothing and Hats.

"Sir, may I help you?" A male salesperson dressed in a white shirt and red vest asked.

In the Loen Kingdom, rich and powerful gentlemen of high standing enjoyed wearing black suits consisting of white shirts matched with black vests and trousers.

In contrast, ladies and mistresses wore dresses of all kinds in glamorous fashions. As such, maidservants would wear black and white.

"A cane. Something that's heavy and hard." Klein said. The kind that can crack the skulls of others!

The salesperson led him into the store and pointed at a row of canes in the corner. "That cane inlaid with gold is made of ironheart wood. It's both very heavy and hard and costs eleven soli seven pence. Do you want to give it a try?"

"Alright." Klein nodded.

He took the cane and tried moving it, but he could not sway it smoothly. "It's too heavy." Klein shook his head.

The salesperson took back the cane and pointed at another three canes.

Klein tried each one of them. "I'll take the one made from ebony wood." Klein pointed at the cane with the silver inlay.

"Sir. It will be seven soli six pence." The cashier said.

"Alright." Klein handed the note.

Klein walked out of the store and swung around his sidearm as a test. Klein nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad. This cane is perfect for swinging."

He extravagantly spent six pence by taking a short-distance carriage before reaching home.

After closing the door, he found the bronze revolver. Clink! Clang! Five brass bullets fell onto the table as Klein inserted the silver demon hunting bullets into the revolver's cylinder. The remaining rounds were placed together with the five ordinary bullets in an iron case.

Tap. Tap.. Klein heard the sound of nearing footsteps and the sound of a key.

"Klein, I'll heat up the leftovers from last night. Benson will likely be home tomorrow." Melissa said after entering.

"No, let's eat out." Klein said.

"Eat out?" Melissa questioned.

"How does Silver Crown Restaurant at Daffodil Street sound? I heard they serve delicious food," Klein suggested.

"B-but…" Melissa hesitated.

Klein grinned. "To celebrate my new job."

"You found a job?" Melissa's voice rose unknowingly: "B-but, isn't the Tingen University interview tomorrow?"

"I got accepted for another job." Klein took out the stacked notes from the drawer. "They even gave me an advance of four weeks' pay."

Melissa looked at the gold and soli as she widened her eyes. "Goddess… You—they—what job did you get?"

Klein deliberated on his words. "A security company whose mission is to seek, collect, and protect ancient relics. They were in need of a professional consultant. It's a five-year contract, earning me three pounds a week."

"Were you vexing over this last night?" Melissa asked after a moment of silence.

Klein nodded. "Yes, although being an academic at Tingen University is respectable, I prefer this job."

"Well, it isn't bad either. But why would they give you an advance payment of four full weeks?" Melissa asked.

"It's because we need to move to a better house." Klein shrugged.

Melissa spoke out in a fluster. "Klein, we are living quite well now. Compared to those who live in Lower Street, we are lucky. Don't waste your salary on this matter. Besides, I love Mrs. Smyrin's bakery."

Why is your reaction completely different from how it played out in my head? Klein's expression went blank.