The Verdant Merchant

Chapter 65 - 65: i will update this dont buy this

The moment the bag disappeared, he felt it the heavy, constant strain of carrying the bag was gone. No strap digging into his shoulder, no shifting weight at his side. For the first time in days, he walked freely, almost as if he had been carrying nothing at all.A small smile tugged at his lips.

After the purchase, he counted in his mind. With the storage ring secured, he now had around seventy-seven low-grade mana stones remaining outside the ring. Enough for small experiments or purchases.

Shade padded beside him, tail flicking as if sharing in his quiet triumph. Rowen let out a small chuckle. Today had been a good day.

With a small, satisfied smile, he stepped out of Arcane Craft. The bustle of the upper district surrounded him again, with merchants calling out, students hurrying by, and the occasional shimmer of enchantment from nearby shops.

After walking a short distance, Rowen paused and thought for a moment. He didn't want to handle payments offline anymore too risky, too cumbersome. An online transaction system for his shop would make everything simpler.

He knew that in the border town, most people hadn't even heard of the Federal Bank. Some had, but didn't have enough low-grade mana stones to open an account. His own shop, tucked away in the border town, had started small, but word of his magical vegetables and fruits had spread.

Now, with the shop growing more popular, especially with customers coming from the upper district, he realized something. If his produce could help border town residents earn more income, eventually they too might be able to open accounts.

After thinking it through, Rowen made up his mind. He would open an account as a merchant. It was a practical step, and one that would make his business smoother while helping him stay ahead.

Rowen glanced around, spotting a few well-dressed passersby. "Excuse me," he asked, "which way is the Federal Bank?"

A young man pointed to the street. "Just near the Cornerstone building."

"Thanks," Rowen said, nodding.

With the directions clear, he set off again, Shade trotting faithfully at his side. The street narrowed slightly as they approached the upper district's administrative area, the hum of the busy marketplace fading into the more official, orderly atmosphere. Soon, the familiar spire of the Cornerstone building came into view, and just beyond it, the Federal Bank's six- to seven-story building façade gleamed in the afternoon sun.

As Rowen approached, he slowed his pace. The Federal Bank stood in sharp contrast to the rough-cut stone and timber of the border town. Its walls were smooth, pale marble, with gold inlays forming the federal crest above the wide entrance. Two guards in polished armor flanked the doors, their stances relaxed but authoritative.

Rowen tilted his head back slightly, taking it all in. Compared to the crooked rooftops and worn cobbles of his own district, this place radiated wealth and order. Even Shade gave a soft "mrrp," tail swishing as if sensing the difference.

For a moment, Rowen felt the distance between his small shop and this grand façade, but then he straightened. He had a reason to be here now.

Rowen stepped toward the tall doors, but before he could pass through, a guard shifted his spear across the entrance.

"Hold it."

Rowen blinked, glancing up.

The guard's eyes narrowed as he looked him over from head to toe the plain clothes, the faint dust from travel, and the lack of refinement that marked most who came from the lower town. His mouth twisted in faint disdain.

"This is the Federal Bank," the guard said flatly. "It's not a place for loitering. Opening an account here requires a considerable sum; you don't look like someone who can afford it."

Shade let out a soft growl at the man's tone, puffing slightly.

Rowen's steps halted. He met the guard's eyes and glared, saying nothing.

The man was no ordinary watchman; his bearing gave it away. Even under the uniform, Rowen could sense the weight of his presence, the sharp control of the aura beneath his skin. A high-level knight. Not someone he could match.

Still, Rowen didn't lower his gaze. Shade bristled beside him, ears flat.

. Once you open an account here, you can access it through M-Net. That means you can send and receive payments directly, without needing to exchange stones by hand."

Rowen nodded slowly, trying to take it all in. For someone used to the bustle of the border town marketplace, this was like stepping into another world altogether.