The interview ended earlier than I had anticipated.
In fact, the two reporters, having received what amounted to a confession, exchanged glances and quickly stood up from their seats.
“Uh…. You two still have coffee left-”
Slurp, gulp!
The twins simultaneously picked up their cups, drank simultaneously, and then put them down at the same time.
“We’ve had our fill!”
“We’ve had our fill!”
“Thank you, junior!”
“For your earnest interview!”
“Thank you!”
“Here’s our information fee!”
Regina handed me a small envelope. Inside was a single check with a number larger than what I had expected.
“Go to Gold Peak!”
“We’ll exchange it for you quickly!”
“It’s open even during holidays!”
“Thank you.”
When I bowed, the twins bowed even deeper.
“No! We should be the ones thanking you!”
“Thank you, junior!”
The two vanished as swiftly as the first snowflake dissolving on the ground.
Alone, I inspected the seal stamped on the check. It was an image of piled-up money — the mark of Gold Peak.
“Gold Peak…”
Students at the Imperial Magic Academy are part of various groups.
From simple friendship groups to those focused on enhancing magic skills or aligning with shared interests, these groups span a wide range. Initially, they were informal gatherings among students engaging in diverse activities, but as their scale grew and outstanding students emerged in their respective fields, the Academy officially recognized and financially supported their formal activities.
The number of groups in the Academy is incalculable. Every year, dozens of groups are born and dozens disappear. However, a very few are clandestinely designated as illegal groups by the Academy administration.
These include illegal gambling groups, illegal production of adult content, and others with illegal tags. Among these shadowy groups, one stands out as the largest, longest-running, and most deeply entangled with complex interests: the Gold Peak—a black market within the Academy where money can buy anything.
That’s where Gold Peak comes in.
“Must have ended quickly. Should I go there now?”
The small building with a proud sign that reads:
[Gold Peak]
Despite its grand name, ‘Golden Tomb,’ it has purchased a section within the Academy grounds. This bold move was made possible by the immense wealth of its backers. The official backers remain unknown, but every time a descendant of the CoinToss family, who operates the largest merchant syndicate in the continent with the Magical Empire as its base, enters the Academy, Gold Peak reportedly receives substantial support.
This fact allows anyone to deduce the identity of its backers.
With trembling hands, I knocked on the elegant wooden door.
Knock, knock.
“Um…”
Before I could finish,
Creak.
“Welcome!”
A male employee with a pleasant appearance opened the door.
“What would you like? A spare uniform? School supplies? Or, by any chance…”
Lowering his voice and head, the employee whispered quietly enough that I barely heard him.
“Picture albums of young female professors?”
Wait, do you even sell that kind of thing??
“A, no! I’m here to exchange a check-”
“Aha! A check! My apologies for jumping to conclusions, hehe. What’s the amount?”
I recited the number written on the check.
“Hmm… Quite a substantial amount. Who gave you this?”
“Uh… Senior Regina and Senior Jon-”
“Regina and Jon! As expected, those two! No need for assurance. Those folks won’t do anything rash, like losing a hand, right?”
“…What?”
Is it true that if you scam with Gold Peak’s check, they cut off your hand?
“No, no. Please come in.”
The employee stepped aside, revealing a long staircase.
“On how you’d like it processed? Would you like all of it exchanged for cash?”
As I nodded, a thought crossed my mind.
“Is it possible to trade in precious metals here?”
“Of course, esteemed customer. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets—even crowns! Anything you want!”
Crowns? That must be an exaggeration… right?
“I’d like to buy a ring.”
“What kind of ring? Gemstone encrusted for show, simple silver ones, or perhaps a magical functional ring?”
“Uh… I’d like to buy two. A matching set.”
The employee suddenly froze, then glanced at me knowingly.
“Perhaps one is for gifting?”
I cautiously nodded.
“Is it a surprise?”
Again, I nodded.
“Is the recipient perhaps a charming member of the opposite sex?”
Another nod.
What’s with this guy? If I keep talking with him, he’ll probably guess my entire family history—though there isn’t much to guess.
The employee nodded confidently.
“Ah! You couldn’t have asked a better place! Our couple rings are always highly praised. Are you looking for something within the amount on that check?”
Though I have some money saved, even if it’s added, it wouldn’t make much difference.
Nod.
“Got it! I have a few ideas. Shall we go inside and see?”
While we were talking, we reached the bottom of the staircase. At the end stood a huge wooden door, three times the size of the one I saw above ground.
As the employee approached, a clicking sound came from the door. It was the same anti-trespassing spell sound I’d heard at the library’s restricted section.
With a metallic click, the door opened, and the employee courteously ushered me in.
“Welcome to Gold Peak, the Golden Tomb.”
Beyond the door unfolded a beautifully decorated basement. The reason for the long descent became clear with its incredibly high ceiling.
Walking on the marble floor that shone with polish, I was led into a small room. The employee apologized for the wait and disappeared.
Fittingly named ‘Gold Peak,’ the room was extravagantly adorned with gold. The rich and deep red fabric blended with the gold perfectly, creating an air of sophistication rather than the usual tackiness that overuse of gold could create.
Unaccustomed to the surroundings, I squirmed uncomfortably in my seat.
Just as I began to wait, the employee returned, pushing a cart with a few boxes.
“We kept you waiting. Here are some of the best options within your purchase limit. Please take a look.”
The employee placed the boxes on the table, opening them one by one to reveal the contents.
In each box was a pair of rings, more exquisite than I had imagined.
“Is this something I can really afford with that money?”
“Why yes. Though these gemstones are of slightly lower grade or have some minor imperfections, they are undoubtedly the best couple rings available within that amount.”
In short, these were discounted stock.
Items with slight defects are sold at reduced prices.
As for the gemstones, I, with no particular knowledge of gemstones, didn’t really notice any defects, and the small rings didn’t make the imperfections noticeable.
True to his word, they were the best rings I could buy with that money, much better than I had expected. As I examined them carefully, one pair caught my eye.
“What kind of rings are these?”
“Ah, these are Moonstone rings.”
“Moonstone?”
Its exterior was transparent, but the inner layer glowed with a deep red, giving it a mysterious allure.
“Also known as ‘Moon Gem,’ it is quite popular among lovers.”
“It is believed in the southern part of the continent that the Moonstone can predict and bring a good future. And if lovers wear a Moonstone together, they are said to share that future.”
“An ancient belief held Moonstones as a symbol of hope, capable of safeguarding the wearer’s spirit. These gemstones are sold at quite high prices in the south.”
As I listened to the explanation, I observed closely, noting the ring had no flaws whatsoever, and the gemstone shimmered beautifully.
“Am I really able to afford it? It looks a bit expensive…”
“Hmm… Actually, a normal Moonstone ring wouldn’t be within your budget. This one, however, is quite unique.”
Does it have any scratches or flaws? I couldn’t identify anything even upon close examination.
The employee hesitated before continuing.
“Well… You see, Moonstones aren’t usually deep red. Rather, they are blue. The bluer and the brighter, the more valuable the Moonstone is considered. However, this stone inexplicably has a deep red hue. While it’s undoubtedly beautiful, many customers perceive this color as ominous, which is why we’ve decided to sell it at a discount.”
The employee appeared anxious, probably fearing I might reconsider, but I was rather drawn to the ring because the deep red reminded me of lily’s red eyes and lips. Moreover, the ring itself looked exceptionally high-quality.
“I’ll take these.”
“An excellent choice, customer!”
The employee, now beaming, quickly cleared the other boxes, leaving only the Moonstones on the table. As I was lost in thoughts of Lily wearing the ring, admiring the dazzling red glow, a concern suddenly struck me.
“Um… What if the ring doesn’t fit?”
What if it doesn’t fit and it needs a refund?
The employee shook his head, dismissing my worries.
“Don’t worry. If you let us know your and your partner’s finger sizes, our professional metal mages here at Gold Peak can easily adjust the size for you.”
“Will there be any extra charge?”
“Not at all. At Gold Peak, we don’t charge for such minor services. The best repayment for us would be if you decided to use our services more frequently.”
Indeed, they had exceptional service spirit. It’s no surprise that even professors from the Academy secretly visit Gold Peak.
“I don’t actually know the finger size of… my partner yet. Would it be okay if I come back later?”
“Of course, after expressing an intent to purchase, you hold priority for a week. If a week passes and there’s a waiting buyer, the priority will pass to them. Fortunately, no one has shown interest in these Moonstone rings. Please take your time figuring out the size.”
“I see. Then I’ll come back the day after tomorrow since I have an appointment tomorrow.”
“Alright.”
The employee quickly collected the box and disappeared somewhere, returning shortly to escort me out.
Once we reached the exit of Gold Peak, the employee bowed deeply.
“To be honest, these rings were considered somewhat stagnant inventory. It’s been a relief to finally find them a good home. I look forward to seeing you again the day after tomorrow. Have a safe journey.”
As the wooden door closed behind me, I gazed at the Gold Peak sign, feeling as if I were dreaming.
I turned around and headed towards the dormitory, my steps light and filled with joy.
‘Tomorrow, I’ll figure out Lily’s finger size naturally during our date!’
What expression will Lily make when she receives this ring? Surprise? Joy? Wonder? Whatever it may be, I hope it’s not disappointment.
With excitement and apprehension, I hurried to the dormitory where Lily was waiting.
