The people waiting in line were shocked by how the rookie merchant had acted. But Kian just said, "Next."
The next person in line, a woman, walked toward the wooden stool where the rookie merchant had just been sitting. The rookie merchant turned his head and saw her waiting for him to move.
He finally noticed the crowd of people forming a line behind her and felt the mounting pressure. Looking at the young sage, he stood up in frustration and walked out immediately without paying his single silver coin.
This man had no idea that he would become the wealthiest landlord on the entire continent in the next five years. Nor did he know that his unpaid silver coin would accumulate massive compound interest over time.
In the years to come, this rookie merchant would become a major sponsor of the Hidden Origin Clan, making massive monthly donations—even though Kian himself would have no idea where the money was coming from. Elara, the Vice Clan Master whom Kian would eventually meet, would be the one quietly managing those finances.
But at this moment, the rookie merchant only felt disappointed, thinking he had wasted his time coming to this border town.
People came here to ask how to acquire wealth, Kian thought, sighing to himself. That's why I guessed he wanted money. I told people like him to invest in trash products. Those greedy folks are going to invest their entire fortunes into garbage and lose everything because of me.
He felt a pang of guilt for lying, but he swallowed it down.
I hope they're not dumb enough to believe a kid like me. Maybe these adults are just coming to me for fun? Maybe they know what I'm saying is a complete lie, but they keep playing along because they enjoy the novelty of fortune-telling?
The woman next in line was just about to sit on the stool when multiple footsteps echoed through the street. The heavy clanking of metal rang out.
When the townspeople saw dozens of armored men marching their way, they panicked and scattered. Before Kian even realized what was happening, the woman in front of him had disappeared.
When Kian turned around, he froze. A squad of knights stood directly in front of him. Panic seized him.
I'm busted, he thought. Are they here to arrest me for fraud? It's over.
Kian was about to surrender to his fate when he heard someone speak.
"I've heard about you."
A tiny voice entered Kian's ears. Turning, he saw a little girl who looked to be the same age as him. She wore an expensive dress and glittering jewelry.
A noble? Kian thought.
"I am Claire of House Valthryndor, heir to the ancient seat of Valthryndor," the little girl declared with quiet dignity. "I want to ask you about the future."
Kian was stunned, realizing he had to act fast. Even at his young age, he knew that under no circumstances should a commoner offend a noble; it could lead to prison, or worse, public execution.
Before he could find his voice, a knight suddenly spoke up. "My Lady, this kid is a fraud. Look at him, he's poorly educated. He's just sitting there instead of bowing his head in your presence."
The knight glared intently at Kian. "If you weren't a child, I would have arrested you on the spot for disrespecting Her Ladyship."
"Stop it, Reynald," Claire interjected. "I came here to ask for the sage's guidance."
Reynald assumed his young mistress had only come here to play a game and expose a fake fortune-teller. But seeing the genuine, serious look on Lady Claire's face, the knight was left in disbelief.
"My Lady, you are the heir of House Valthryndor," Reynald argued. "A noble of your status asking guidance from a commoner does not fit your station. We should—"
Before Reynald could finish his sentence, Claire bypassed him and sat directly on the cheap wooden stool. The knights behind her exchanged incredulous looks, horrified to see their mistress sitting on such an ordinary object.
Claire looked at the fraud sage and said, "In seven days, I am heading to a certain kingdom to meet my fiancé."
A fiancé at that age? Kian thought. Wow, nobles really live completely different lives from us commoners.
Claire continued, "Tell me something about my future love life."
Kian was shocked again.
Love life at her age? Damn. Nobles really are built differently.
"Let me see," Kian said aloud. He leaned forward, pretending to inspect and touch a crystal ball that was not even glowing.
Behind Claire, Reynald scoffed. "Look at him. He's rubbing a crystal ball that has cracks. Hey kid, if you're going to commit fraud, you should at least use believable props for your little show!"
"Hahahahaha!"
The knights behind Reynald laughed in unison.
He's right, Kian thought in a panic. Damn, why didn't I realize that earlier? I should buy a shiny, expensive-looking crystal ball, a fine chair and table, and stunning props to make my act believable. That knight is a genius. Thanks for the advice.
Then, Kian realized something worse.
Wait, this guy just blew my cover. Why isn't this little girl leaving? Is she playing along just so she can arrest me afterward?
Kian swallowed hard. He felt entirely hopeless and believed there was no escaping jail now.
At that dark moment, the faces of five small figures came to his mind. Kian bit his lower lip.
Seeing this, Claire asked, "What is it? Did you see something?"
Kian looked up at her and decided to say the most shocking, random thing he could think of.
"Don't go."
He figured if he was going to end up in jail anyway, he might as well mess with her and give her a good scare.
Confused, Claire asked, "What do you mean?"
"Cancel the engagement," Kian said solemnly, "or else, you will die."
Those words stunned both Claire and her guards.
If you're going to arrest me anyway, you don't get a happy ending either, Kian thought spitefully.
Instantly, Reynald drew his sword and pointed it straight at Kian. While Kian's face remained perfectly calm on the outside, his insides were screaming in pure panic.
"How dare you speak like that in front of our lady!" Reynald roared angrily. "I don't care if you're a child!"
Claire noticed how calm the young sage remained, even with an intimidating knight pointing a blade at his face. She was deeply impressed, for she had never met anyone who did not cower before her knights.
A small smile escaped her lips. Raising her right hand without turning around, she said to her guard, "Calm down, Reynald."
Her voice was serious and steady. She then turned back to Kian. "How am I going to die?"
Kian was still internally terrified that the scary knight was going to execute him on the spot. He needed to make up another random answer immediately to save his skin.
Gathering all his might to maintain his calm facade, he said, "The road you'll be taking will be attacked by monsters."
A tense silence fell over the busy street, broken only by Reynald's loud laughter. "You are definitely a fraud!"
Claire looked at Kian.
"That's impossible. The road we're taking is highly secure. There's no historical record of monsters ever attacking that route." She pointed her left palm toward the guards behind her. "And even if monsters do appear, my knights will obliterate them."
Hearing her praise, the knights stood up straighter and puffed out their chests with pride.
But Kian immediately countered, "Monsters are coming. And not just ordinary ones. These are monsters your knights are entirely incapable of handling."
The proud smiles instantly vanished from the guards' faces, replaced by fury.
"How dare you, little kid!" one shouted.
Reynald stepped forward. "My Lady, we should cut this brat's tongue out!"
Kian was absolutely terrified by the suggestion.
Did I go too overboard? he thought wildly. I can handle prison, but please don't cut my tongue!
Before anyone could move, Claire waved her hand, signaling her staff.
A few seconds later, a maid stepped forward carrying a heavy pouch. She counted out twenty gold coins and placed them directly on Kian's table. The knights were utterly stunned by the gesture.
Claire stood up and commanded, "Let's go."
They all walked away in silence.
Before they reached the luxurious carriage bearing the Valthryndor Crest, Claire spoke quietly. "Reynald, I want you to investigate that road."
"What do you mean, My Lady?" Reynald asked, bewildered. "Are you saying you actually believe that fraud fortune-teller?"
With a cold, unyielding voice, Claire replied, "Just do it."
Reynald bowed his head. "As you wish, My Lady."
---
Two days passed. Claire Valthryndor sat on the balcony of her mansion, elegantly sipping tea. Reynald stood before her.
Taking a sip, she asked, "What did you find out?"
Reynald clenched his fist while staring down at the floor. "The road... is now a danger zone."
The sharp clack of Claire's teacup hitting the table echoed through the balcony. She was completely taken aback. A road that had been safe since ancient times was suddenly compromised? She could hardly believe it.
"There are sightings of multiple monsters around the road, particularly near the Minn River," Reynald continued. "And..."
"And what?" Claire pressed.