Chapter 19: Buying some Artifacts.

Théoden learned from practice that he could simply consciously activate a skill. Instead of straining his thoughts in picking one by one he could directly order the system to his bidding.

There were several items laid down in front of him. His eyes scanned each one only to be left perplexed.

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

That was the only question Théoden would have loved to get the answer to at that moment. Sadly, Mer was unaware that Théoden was able to tell the value of the items or she would have confirmed that it was the latter.

Several items were displayed on a cloth carefully set, each with a small description tag. Of course, Théoden could hardly understand anything written. It was not like the collar would translate the complex words given to the items when he didn't know the words himself. The last time he had to go through a document, he left it to Mer to handle.

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 the fact that his mana was rising meaning he had the potential to be a mage. A magic wand or magic staff was a good amplifier for mages. He could consider it later in the future.

Moreover, with the increase of his system authority, it seemed that a mage was a class choice possibility so a magic orb was a must-have.

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

'Are there such items?'

Not too much focus on the concept of having a second life when one had the item, but the fact that it could specifically defend against a life-threatening attack.

How would it judge a life-threatening attack?

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

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

[Type: A fragment of the philosopher 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 Philosopher Stone?]

'No! Not now anyways.' A smirk formed on his lips, he was only short of licking them.

He gave the command to the system lest the item disappear in thin air. He wouldn't know how to explain that. He lived by the principle of keeping your card close to your chest. 

There was no way he was exposing the system over negligence or overconfidence when he hadn't figured out anything substantial about the world he was in.

"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." Oman gave a short evaluation. 

To Oman, the stone looked like a beautiful rare broken jewel so he thought nothing of it.

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?" Théoden responded while absent-minded.

He looked to the next item which came in his line of sight. A whole box of it of flasks filled with fluid. The fluid had a peculiar neon green glow and was constantly sizzling moving fluidly. 

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

'Oh. This is useful.'

In truth, Théoden simply wanted them to fill his space pocket. It felt too empty for his liking. And what was a better item than a healing potion for a portable space pocket?

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

[Host lacks authority to view the item description.]

'I must have that.'

Théoden had always been the curious type, so finding things to research was a hobby he could not resist. It was always such a fun venture. In that aspect, there was no way he would let such a mysterious item slip his fingers.

Moreover, his authority being unable to see through the item meant it was something of greater value.

[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.'

If mana was the only price then, it was such a convenient item to have. 

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. More like, it was the money of the Duchy instead. The items went through the appraisal and some were considered useless such as the philosopher stone fragment and the locked 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.' Oman could not figure out what Théoden's standards were. 

Even if he could, it wasn't the real reason. He just brought things the system considered as valuable and no one was aware of that except for Théoden himself.

"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." Théoden smiled.

"I suppose you are suggesting a business deal." Oman halted his busy body packing up things and raised a brow. 

"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." Théoden was happy to make relations with a person who had such items, more so because he was once saved by this person. He could be more like a regular client making profits to the merchant.

Who didn't want that? 

He was completely unaware of Oman's special identity or the fact that his goods just didn't have a market but were in high demand but very few met his standards. 

"I will happily agree then. A new cargo will arrive later in the month. Would you like to be the first viewer?" Oman on the other side was more than happy to have relations with the Astalles Duchy. Getting on that woman's good books was harder than a camel going through a needle.

"Mer, how long will we be in the capital for?" asked Théoden.

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

'Lessons' This word caught Oman's attention. It would be an understatement to say Oman was curious about what lessons Théoden was taking. Given the reputation of the Astalles Duchy plus the intrigue of the hidden son of the Duchess. Oman was dying to know, much more desperately due to his curious nature as a merchant. Information was key for merchants after all. 

"Thank you, Mer." Théoden thanked her for her efficient clarification and looked back to Oman who had now completely stopped what he was doing. 

Théoden continued after thinking for a while.

"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. He was still unaware of what could be called a miracle in a magical fantasy-like world. 

"I will look into it," Oman responded with a happy voice and merchant-like tone but that was evidence enough that he was serious.

"See you soon." 

"I will see you soon then, Theo." 

The fact was unlike the previous people he had met, he didn't introduce himself by full name.

Oman picked up the last item and left quietly. Mer just observed and remained silent.