As the blacksmith approached, Raphaelo organized his thoughts and Lancer let out a light sigh of relief. Everything went as Raphaello planned, Lancer slightly noticed Raphaello's behavioral change, he seemed to be another person. He never had the attitude of taking the initiative and was always a person who reacted to Lancer's commands.
- How much does the Sword cost, sir?
With his gaze fixed on the sword, Raphaello did not want to direct himself towards the Blacksmith if they were not interested. He had a desire to understand the value of things and understand prices in this new world, including how much copper coins were really worth.
- The sword costs 30 silver coins, this is the best I have.
That was the answer Raphaello feared receiving. He nervously bit his lower lip, showing anxiety and insecurity. Raphaello could not remember the value of the coins, his only memories were from when he was a slave, marked by suffering and agony.
Even though it was just a question, people in this world didn't usually waste time on strangers, especially when they were dressed in rags. Raphaello tried to talk to Guph in the warehouse, but was completely ignored.
- Sir, what is your name?
- My name is Roger, the only blacksmith in the village.
- My boss has enough money, I will inform him about this sword. He plans to give it to someone as a gift.
- I'm glad you're going to inform him, but what about you? I've never seen you around here. Where are you from?
After the blacksmith's question, a silent tension enveloped Raphaello and Lancer. Their restless gazes wandered around the room, unable to settle on a single point. Both carried the weight of a past as slaves, with marks on their backs. Any inadvertent disclosure could result in discrimination and reporting, a risk they could not afford to take.
- We came from the north, sir. Our parents died during the war, and we were forced to leave that region to avoid getting involved in a conflict that was not ours.
Lancer looked anxiously at the blacksmith, expecting a nod of understanding and acceptance towards their story. His eyebrows were slightly raised, his eyes fixed on the blacksmith's face, searching for any sign of approval or sympathy.
- I understand. You made the right decision. They should never get involved in the wars promoted by these monarchs. These selfish individuals would never face the battlefield; everything they do is in pursuit of their own gains.
Raphaello let out a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing as he exhaled slowly. He didn't have much knowledge of this world, the memories he has are only of his life as a slave, nothing else about the outside world. Lancer played an important role by taking the weight off his shoulders. At that moment he realized he could count on Lancer.
"It seems that Roger is not someone who makes distinctions based on social status, he will be quite useful."
- Mr. Roger, where in this village can I exchange copper coins for silver coins?
- I can do it for you myself. How much do you want to exchange?
A discreet smile appeared on the corner of Raphaello's lips, trying to control his happiness in the face of success.
- How many copper coins do I need to have a silver coin?
- We use the exchange system of the Kingdom of Lysandria, in which one hundred copper coins are equivalent to one silver coin and one hundred silver coins are equivalent to one gold coin. However, in recent times, we have been facing copper inflation, and the discovery of another material, which may indicate that this measure will not remain viable for long.
After clarifying the monetary system, Raphaello felt satisfied with Roger's answer. He took advantage of the fact that Roger was a good-natured man and asked more.
- In your work as a blacksmith, would you have any materials that you really needed?
After being informed about the monetary system, Raphaello soon realized that carrying sacks of grain was not a job he planned to keep for long, given the considerably lower earnings.
- I'm always in constant need of coal, but I don't believe it's something you can get easily. To create quality weapons, it is essential to maintain a high temperature in the fire, which requires a substantial amount of charcoal. However, if you manage to acquire it, I would be happy to do business with you.
After the conversation with the blacksmith, Raphaello left the store with his mind buzzing with ideas about how to make money and prosper in this new world. He could ask that blacksmith a lot of things but he chose not to bother him,
However, he was fully aware that he could not underestimate the importance of acquiring combat skills, since in that place, the law of the fittest was the rule.
As Lancer and Raphaello walked, Lancer couldn't help but notice that Raphaello was visibly pensive and distant. He noticed that Raphaello had completely changed his behavior, he seemed like a different person.
- Rapha, what's going on?
- hmm?
After Lancer's question, Raphaello stopped abruptly, his eyes widened and he raised his eyebrows slightly, expressing clear surprise. His lips parted and he blinked a few times, as if coming back to reality after being absorbed by his deep thoughts.
Raphaello directed his surprised gaze at Lancer, his eyes meeting his friend's in an instant of silence.
- Lancer, don't worry about me. You will often see me absorbed in my thoughts, as if I were in another world. But know that everything I do is for our benefit. Follow my plan, and you won't regret it.
Upon hearing Raphaello's confident words and his assurance that everything was being planned for the benefit of both of them, Lancer felt a wave of relief and confidence. His face lit up with a smile of approval, and he nodded.
- Come on, we still need to go to the magic book and parchment store.
As he approached the store, Lancer noticed a crowd of people and immediately alerted Raphaello. Agitation and irritation were visible in the expressions of the people in the crowd. Raphaello felt compelled to find out what was happening there and quickly headed towards the crowd.
In the agitated crowd, Raphaello and Lancer could hear indignant voices and feel the people's growing anger. Faces were red with anger, and many were shaking their fists in the air, expressing their frustration.
The complaints were directed at Baron Jericho due to the recent tax increase he had imposed. People were furious about the heavier tax burden that would fall on them, making their lives even more difficult.
Whispered conversations about organizing a riot or protest echoed in the crowd, indicating that those citizens were uniting to fight against Baron Jericho's oppressive measures. It was a time of tension and widespread discontent in that village.
In the center of the crowd, a strong and imposing man stood out, with a physical appearance that denoted his determination. His speech was vehement and passionate, echoing among the indignant voices of the people.
- Baron Jericho might think that just because winter is approaching, he can do whatever he wants with us. But he is terribly mistaken! We will not tolerate this cruelty and oppression any longer. We will all unite and rebel against this injustice!
His eyes burned with a flame of determination, and his gestures were energetic, with his fists clenched and his arms raised, as if he were calling everyone to action. His voice resonated with conviction, inspiring those who heard him and further increasing the anger and determination in the crowd. It was a time of unity and resistance against Baron Jericho's oppression.
Raphaello felt intense curiosity toward the man giving the speech. He noticed the presence of another boy next to him, who appeared to be homeless, and decided to ask a question.
- Who is that man speaking?
- That is Gerald, a former soldier, today he is the leader of the miners at the metal mine near the village.
The answer left Raphaello intrigued, and he raised an eyebrow, his eyes widened slightly, demonstrating his interest in the boy he had revealed. Even though it was simple information, it caught Raphaello's attention.
"This information was incredibly helpful. It was a great decision for us to come to this place"
He didn't pay much attention to what the miner was saying, based on his past memories, he knew that a disorderly revolution led by someone who exposed himself to the authorities didn't have much chance of success.
"Gerald is acting recklessly. The only thing his speech will do is invite trouble. What a stupid guy."
Raphaello, in his constant observation around, noticed the presence of suspicious people who could clearly be infiltrated in the Baron's service. However, he focused on the young homeless boy.
- Friend, what's your name?
In a sympathetic tone, Raphaello shows interest in the homeless person
- My name is Draxer. I am homeless and have lived in this village for five years. I was abandoned by my parents when I was still a child, so I have lived here ever since.
- Interesting. My name is Raphaello, but you can call me Rapha. I hope we can get along well.
The two shook hands and Raphaello introduced Lancer to Draxer. The homeless man was immensely happy to make friends his own age, as he was often discriminated against in the village. Any sign of friendship or closeness with someone made him extremely happy.
- So, Draxer, we need to move on now, otherwise the store will close. We hope to meet you again here.
- Nice to meet them. Stop by tomorrow!
Lancer and Raphaello headed towards the magic book and parchment store.