"Oh wow! You made a lot of money! You really deserve it for working so hard!"
Liam's eyes sparkled as he leaned closer, genuinely thrilled for his partner in crime.
Orien, however, was still staring at the pouch in disbelief.
"And here's yours for the lessons you've given them in return."
Riley, much to the children's surprise, extended another pouch toward Liam.
The little sprite blinked. "Mine?"
He clearly hadn't expected payment. In his mind, he had simply done what he thought was right. But Riley had heard about the bead incident. He knew why Orien had tried to offer compensation before, and it was obvious that both of them had exerted extra effort in teaching each other. One was teaching about handling mana while the other was teaching his own form of social studies.
So it was only fair.
Orien, meanwhile, carefully opened his pouch. It actually took a good moment before he recovered enough to be able to move but he finally peeked inside.
Only to once again freeze.
