/
Yves nodded, then he spoke.
“It’s all because of the gates that magic stone consumption increases explosively around the end of the year. Using the gates has become a complete display of wealth for most people.”
Radis closely observed how the gate foremen were using up the magic stones.
One man, who seemed to be a merchant, stepped on top of the runes, and a gate foreman placed a magic stone on top of the altar.
Then, the runes beneath the merchant’s feet and the altar where the magic stone was placed both lit up. And at the same time, the merchant and the magic stone disappeared.
‘It’s possible to use unpurified magic stones as long as there are runes then?’
With narrowed eyes, Radis alternately looked at the altar and then her own hands, but then Yves shouted.
“Radis, c’mon!”
Walking out of the crowded gate with Yves, Radis asked.
“About magic stones. I know they’re needed when using a gate, but where else can they be used?”
Yves was looking around to find the marquisate’s carriage. He explained quickly.
“Magic stones are very dangerous yet valuable resources. Just like how the Empire has gates, other countries also have ancient ruins people could teleport to. Rafal has their magic tower, and Grize has Leviathan. But since it’s not as easy to get magic stones in lands outside the Empire, they’re more likely to buy magic stones for a lot of money.”
Radis’ eyes grew wide. This was the first time she’s hearing about this.
“And even if it’s not such a huge ancient ruin, there’s quite a few other ruins you can teleport to or some ancient relics that you can use to teleport with. Of course, you need magic stones to power them. You also can’t ignore the number of magic stones needed for research tools or the amount needed for ceremonial purposes at temples. And while magic stones are needed for mana-reinforcement, they’re also crafted to be used as jewelry since they’re precious materials. Anyway, there’s an endless value to magic stones.”
Then, Yves lowered his voice.
“Did you hear about the lessened movements of the monsters this year? That rumor alone is driving up the price of magic stones. They’re worth more than gold now.”
In her previous life, countless magic stones passed through Radis’ hands, but she didn’t even know where they were headed.
Radis nodded, realizing the value of magic stones.
“Ah, there it is!”
The road leading up to the gate was full of carriages.
After they successfully found the marquisate’s carriage, they climbed into it.
As Yves and Radis sat down, the coachman asked through the window.
“Milord, will you be heading straight to the townhouse?”
“No, head for Pelletier Bank.”
“Yes, sir.”
Radis’ eyes glistened.
‘The bank!’
There’s a reason why Radis rejoiced at the mere mention of a bank.
Over the years, Radis had just watched how Margaret hid money in their family’s safe or literally everywhere around the mansion. This was because Zade, like a ghost, would snoop around and find the money immediately.
That’s why Radis knew that home was not a very good place to keep money.
Besides that, if she were to hide it herself, the money would either remain the same or just disappear if stolen. But if she were to leave it in a bank, it’s kept safe and it would also earn some interest.
She heard that this bank’s interest rate was five percent per annum.
‘If I put in 100 million rubels, after one year, the interest is going to be 5 million rubels!’
Radis’ eyes sparkled so much that you could practically starlight in them.
All she could think was that 100 million rubels was such a huge amount that it shouldn’t be touched—but 5 million rubels was at least realistic.
‘If I just save and save, wouldn’t I be able to last half a year with just 5 million rubels? And if I really want to save a whole lot, I could even stretch it out for a whole year
!’
While observing Radis, Yves Russell spoke up.
“Oh, I almost forgot. Pelletier Bank, you know. It’s related to His Highness the Third Prince.”
Pulled out of her happy reverie, Radis stared pointedly at Yves.
“What did you say?”
“I’m telling you now, but this isn’t something I planned. How would I possibly be able to pull some strings and suddenly make House Pelletier the Third Prince’s family on his maternal side?”
Radis narrowed her eyes and looked at Yves Russell with suspicion.
But Yves just responded to that with a supposedly innocent tone.
“Geez, then if you don’t like it, let’s go to the Imperial Bank! I don’t care either way, but do you know that the interest rates between the banks are different? The Imperial Bank is only five percent per annum while the Pelletier Bank is six percent.”
“

!”
It was a seemingly small difference, but it was too good to pass up.
“No thanks. Let’s go to Pelletier.”
At that, Yves replied and raised one thumb, albeit hesitantly.
“Good choice.”
But Radis continued to look at Yves with narrowed eyes, and she asked coldly.
“You’re not scheming something like what you did during the theater play, are you? The Third Prince isn’t going to the bank?”
“I really don’t know anything about that. Do you think that finding out a prince’s schedule is that easy? You’ll get to meet him at the New Year’s banquet anyway. Today’s trip to the bank is all for you.”
“Hmm.”
Then Yves reached out to hold one of her hands.
“Radis, you’re doing a phenomenal job so far. You just need to keep doing what you’re doing. Really, you don’t have to do anything special at the New Year’s banquet. And even if you can’t meet His Highness by then, you don’t have to do anything about that either.”
Holding his hand reluctantly, Radis asked.
“Why?”
“Dunno, I just feel like that’s the right choice. You don’t have to push yourself.”