Ben's expression darkened.
It looked like a shadow settled over his forehead.
"Just… exactly how much white gemstone did you use?" he asked.
Elvira hesitated and looked away.
She tried to change the topic in a rush.
"Look!
The mana circulation is flawless.
And the interior space, it is at least five times larger than it looks from outside.
It is a miracle of magical engineering, truly.
All the new knowledge I got is very useful."
Ben leaned closer.
His tone dropped, and a vein twitched near his eye.
"Elvira… how much did it cost?"
Elvira swallowed.
Her bright smile started to shake.
"Oh, you know… not much, just… a very reasonable… amount…"
"Define 'reasonable amount'," Ben said.
His voice grew even colder.
She glanced away and mumbled, "...around half of the stockpile."
"Half?!"
She quickly raised her hands.
"B-but it is worth every piece.
Think about it.
You will thank me later."
She grabbed his arm and almost bounced in place.
"Of course, my beloved.
