Facing Hill, who clearly looked wealthy, the grocery store owner did not hesitate to quote a price for his box of tattered books.
However, his mind wasn't clouded by greed. In front of him was an Archmage out on a journey; the calm demeanor and terrifying aura told him that although it was fine to ask for a higher price, extortion was definitely out of the question.
The grocery store owner knew what those small orbs of light fluttering around the Mage signified. Dealing with various merchants over the years had broadened his understanding significantly.
He was well aware that if the figure before him wasn't an Archmage looking for fugitives, then he must be one of those who, overwhelmed by books, yearned to explore the world. Only such a person would want to go further north where the land belonged to barbarians and half-orcs.
Why would any normal person casually head in that direction?
