"I want to buy those. All of them," Elara smiled with royal decisiveness.
Before Noah could respond, Valeria interrupted with competitive urgency. "Sorry, Princess, but I need to buy some too. My guild needs those enhancement effects too, we've been venturing out lately."
"Calm down, both of you," Noah intervened with diplomatic authority. "Each of you can have twenty-four pieces. You can have bread as well, but this can't be hoarded. These resources must go toward protecting people."
"Of course!" both women replied simultaneously, their competitive tension dissolving into a shared purpose.
They settled into comfortable conversation as the shop's atmosphere relaxed into familiar patterns. But Elara's enhanced magical perception immediately detected the unusual energy emanating from Noah's corner displays.
