Morning came quietly.
Beggar's Alley stirred before the sun fully rose.
People shifted in their sleep—someone coughed, someone muttered in a dream.
I opened my eyes.
Mac was still asleep beside me, curled up with his back against the wall.
I didn't wake him.
Aunt Moneru was sleeping beside Mac as well.
I smiled helplessly.
*After scolding us all night… she's sleeping this soundly.*
My thoughts drifted back to yesterday.
—
"You two are forbidden to go to the street," Moneru had said sharply.
"Sorry, Aunt," I replied, calm but firm. "We can't listen to that. We're growing up. We have to earn our own food—we can't depend on you forever."
Moneru had looked angry… then tired.
"…Fine," she said at last. "But be careful. If you see guards, run back here immediately."
"Okay, Aunt," Mac and I answered together.
—
A voice came from the right.
"What are you thinking about, kid?"
I turned my head. Roberto was sitting there, his face as expressionless as ever.
"Grandpa, you're awake already?" I asked.
"Old people like us don't need much sleep," Roberto replied calmly. "And don't take Moneru or Hasami's words to heart. They care about you two deeply."
I smiled faintly.
"I know. I was just wondering… where did Aunt Hasami go?"
"Oh," Roberto said, glancing away. "She went to the west side to look for water and food."
I gave an awkward smile.
"So that's why she was missing… haha."
Roberto looked at me for a moment, then turned his gaze elsewhere.
*I don't know what this old man is thinking.*
*Better stay cautious.*
Then I opened the system.
---
**[System Interface – Active]**
**Points:** 56
---
*For now, I can't focus on anything else.*
*I need to keep selling salt. Quietly. Carefully. No suspicion.*
Mac woke up a little later.
He rubbed his eyes, looked around, then focused on me.
"Morning," he said quietly.
"Morning."
He lowered his voice.
"Will you… use your magic today to earn money again?"
"Are we also going to that shop?"
"Yes," I replied.
"But we won't rush."
Mac nodded with a bright smile.
He didn't ask anything more.
As the sun rose higher, Hasami returned with a small amount of water. She handed it to Mac and me. Roberto received some as well. We thanked her.
Moneru woke up and drank a little too.
After that, we left the alley.
---
Once outside Beggar's Alley, Mac and I headed to a quiet side alley.
I opened the system and bought **four salt pouches**.
---
**[Purchase Confirmed]**
Salt Pouch ×4
Points Used: 8
Points Remaining: 48
---
I handed two pouches to Mac.
"I'll take two. You go ahead. I'll follow later."
Mac nodded.
I followed at a distance, keeping space between us.
Both of us had the salt pouches hidden inside our clothes.
The east side market was calmer in the morning.
Shops were opening. Goods were being arranged.
Dov Dakins' shop was already open.
Mac and I stopped across the street and observed.
No guards.
No unfamiliar faces.
No unusual movement.
Only then did we walk up.
Dov looked up.
Then he smiled.
"You came."
"I said we would," I replied.
We handed him all four salt pouches.
As before, Dov inspected them carefully.
Then his smile grew brighter.
"Mr. Dakins," I asked, "did you sell the two pouches from yesterday?"
"Yes," he said. "I did."
"To whom?" I asked.
"To a high-level official serving the Count," Dov replied. "I sold both pouches to him."
"Didn't he ask about the source?" I pressed.
"He did," Dov admitted. "I told him a merchant from Marlow sold them to me. He asked for more. I said I had none. Before leaving, he told me—if I ever get more, sell it to him."
I thought for a moment.
"You've already caught the attention of an official. What if he asks again about the source?"
"Don't worry," Dov said confidently. "Mr. Tian Gregory is a good man. Not like the others. And I have the right to keep my source hidden."
I nodded slowly.
"This salt doesn't exist in the Canvas Kingdom. Nobles prefer high-quality goods over common ones. Be careful selling it. Avoid the west-side stores for now. Sell only to trusted customers until you have steady stock."
"Understood," Dov said. "Please bring more next time."
*Is he really just a beggar kid?* Dov wondered.
I replied with a poker face.
"I'll report this to my boss."
"Give us the money," I added. "We shouldn't stay here too long. It will attract attention."
Dov nodded and handed over the payment.
One silver coin.
Six bronze coins.
Mac and I left immediately.
---
We stopped by the same bread shop.
Mac paid one bronze coin and bought two loaves.
He smiled brightly.
"You treated me yesterday. Today is my turn."
I looked at him and nodded.
"Okay."
In a quiet alley, I counted the coins and handed Mac three bronze coins.
"This is your pay," I said. "You're working for me."
Mac looked down.
"…That's too much. I can't take this."
I replied calmly, my face serious.
"What we're doing is dangerous. You deserve it."
Mac hesitated—then smiled, eyes slightly wet.
"…Then I'll accept it."
*Finally,* I thought.
*I need to be even more careful from now on.*
I opened the system again.
---
**[Top-Up Successful]**
Silver Coin ×1
Points +100
**Total Points:** 148
---
I closed the interface.
"Let's go," I said.
Mac blinked.
"Where?"
---