"899 gems, ma'am," the salesperson said politely.
Without flinching, Ruby opened her bag and counted the full amount, placing the smooth gem pieces gently on the counter.
The witch at the desk nodded with quiet respect, surprised by how calmly she paid the entire sum without hesitation.
Not far from them, the same ghost in purple who had been eyeing Ruby earlier, lounging near the reception when she first walked in, peeked around the corner again.
His eyes widened.
He leaned forward slightly, blinking in disbelief.
She's rich?
The confident way she stood… the full payment without blinking… the way she carried herself—it didn't match the "countryside witch" image he had imagined.
He took a step closer, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
But before he could go further, his friend tugged on his sleeve from behind, whispering something in his ear.
The ghost hesitated, looked back once more at Ruby and then turned away.
Ruby didn't even notice.
