Chapter 14: A day with the merchant.

'Are artifacts this common in this world or is the prestige of this household too much?'

Several items were displayed in a cloth careful set, each with a small description tag. Of course, Théoden could hardly understand anything written. The last time he had to go through a document, he left it to Mer. Ignoring the tags, he read the system descriptions one by one.

[Skill: Mind's eye.]

[Type: Magic Orb. grade: Rare. Description: Can be used to make a magic staff or crafted for high-level magic casting.]

Théoden had not ignored that his mana was rising meaning he had the potential to be a mage. A wand staff was a good amplifier for mages. He could consider it later in the future.

[Type: Protection charm. Grade: Magic. Description: a consumable charm that protects the user equipped from one life-threatening attack.]

'Are there such items?'

[Type: Mana stone. Grade: Epic. Description: Has multiple uses in magic depending on its functional purpose. Recharges itself from depleted mana over a period of one day.]

The grade spoke volumes of it. Though there was no particular reason he needed it for now, he could reserve such a high-grade item for later. It was also a selling factor that was self-sustainable.

[Type: A fragment of the philosophers Stone. Grade: Divine. Description: It is useless on its own but can create miracles when combined with multiple fragments.]

'Such a vague description. What type of miracles?'

Théoden lingered on the philosopher's stone for a long while before moving to the next item in the line. It had piqued his interest, but he was unsure to trust something so superficial.

[Does Host wish to devour the fragment of the Philosophers Stone?]

'No. Not now anyways.'

"Oman, Do you know what this is?"

"Hmm? It is a beautiful stone that is a potential jewel. It had a glow to it which was interesting but it has no magical capability."

The fact that the system took notice of it meant something. However, he didn't yet know the consequences of consuming it for now. The last time he had used his skill, it didn't go as well.

"Is that so?"

[Type: Healing potion. Grade: Magic. Description: Can heal minor injuries and recover stamina.]

'Oh. This is useful.'

[Type: Grimoire???. Grade:??? Description:???]

[Host lacks authority to view the items description.]

'I must have that.'

Théoden had always been curious so finding things to research was always such a fun venture.

[Type: Ring. Grade: Unique. Description: Was crafted by elves in ancient times. Has several spells that activate respectively according to the situation to protect the user. It has healing magic in it as well. Its uses are limitless given the mana exchange as a penalty.]

'Just what I needed.'

Théoden looked at other items but none of them passed the common grade assessment. He didn't need useless things when he could easily get them at other places. With that, he decided to buy everything that caught his eye but nothing more.

"I will have…" Théoden went and listed everything he needed. He was direct and didn't seem to hesitate or rethink his choice.

Mer was more surprised since she expected him to be extravagant and buy all he could since it wasn't even his money. The items went through the appraisal and some were considered useless like the philosophers stone fragment and the grimoire. However, he still bought them without hesitation.

Oman couldn't help but be curious about the boy he had recently met in an unfortunate situation. He looked both fitting and unfitting to the new environment.

'He is very selective about things I see. Unlike those fools who jump at anything shiny, he seems to consider more than that. I wonder what that is.'

"More on that. I realized you have such interesting items. I would like you to drop by often when you come across peculiar items. I am more than willing to take a look at them and take them off your hands. They could be of more use to me than you know."

"I suppose you are suggesting a business deal."

"Oh. Nothing of the sought. If you wish for that, my mother is more capable in that aspect, but this is simply me requesting personally to you since you saved my life once."

"I will happily agree then. A new cargo will arrive later in the month. Will you like to be the first viewer?"

"Mer, How long will we be in the capital for?"

"Young master, I would say until…you finish up all the lessons. But you could decide that on one as well. Master has given you that much authority."

"Thank you, Mer."

"Then Oman, we have a deal. Check more if there are more of this item by the way."

Théoden requested while holding the philosopher's stone.

"I will look into it."

"See you soon."

"I will see you soon then Theo."

When Théoden was done, he had simply gotten things he needed from the merchant that he couldn't find anywhere else. Thus, his plan to get accessories or fabrics was thrown out the window. However, after spending his day using his skill, carefully reading each one's descriptions, and analyzing its grade and all other factors, his mental fatigue had built up quite a bit.

He had not come across so many items that exceeded the common grade. Thus, he needed to understand what grades meant and their order.

'After considering things, there should be a set order. Why doesn't the system come with a manual? Ghaaah!!'

This caused him to sleep while thinking about a few things on the sofa on which he was seated at. Mer was the first to take notice of this when the Duchess walked in. She stopped when she noticed the sleeping Théoden on the sofa. With a flick of her finger, a blanket appeared in her hand. She walked to Théoden and gently coved him. Mer watched this and simply left. She knew her master and knew how to read the room.

The Duchess then sat there and viewed the items bought with an interested gaze. Her golden eyes seemed to shimmer as a slik smile crept on her lips before it was pushed down. She stood up to leave when she was shocked motionless.

"Mnh…Is that you, Mom? What are you doing here?"

Théoden muttered in his sleep, his eyes half open. A shocked face was on Marrianne's face as she seemed terrified. She became suddenly very pale as her expression froze over. She looked but to find it was only sleep talk when her face turned melancholic. She was sad and helpless and at that moment she looked so vulnerable.

She left the room her face stoic as before as if her former was nothing but a mirage, leaving Mer with more instructions.

'I'm sorry…but not now.'

Marrianne walked away with conviction and a steeled will as her eyes seemed determined to achieve something more significant.

The day ended with contrasting feelings for several people.

By the time Théoden woke the next morning he noticed his closet was full. His closet room was filled with clothes bought from the finest tailor in the capital. It dawned on Théoden once more the gravity of his position.

'It's a bit excessive.'

He openly welcomed it but it came with some responsibilities. Either his behavior or speaking habits, he had to maintain his nobility everywhere. His clothes were of high importance as well thus the sight in front of him. Just the material alone was enough to understand that the attires arranged were more valuable than gems. The designs were superb and the little details were even more refined.

He was dressed by Mer who he had gotten used to. She was professional with her work and not a single time had she touched his skin. Her emotionless face was even more a factor in Théoden opening up to the idea of being dressed and showered. She would not waver at the sight of his naked body which he was not too proud of either. He looked like a child regardless of whether or not his muscles had been restructured by the system. His immature body could not surpass the limits of age. He was still a sixteen-year-old, physically. Mer was also a middle-aged woman with no sign of youth. Expect her wrinkle-free face.

"What is the schedule today Mer?"

"Today you will meet your tutors. You will choose who you would like if you want but I could recommend some of the best. Of course, those gathered here are one of the best."

"Then I will leave it up to you. Choose the best. I will wait to see them after."

"Certainly, young master."