Chapter 43: Raccoon Cat Robe
The Bauhinia Wizard Bank, being one of the largest banking institutions on the wizarding continent, had branches and sub-branches established in nearly every small wizarding settlement.
In addition to its favorable fixed deposit rates, the bank's robust security measures and ample capital reserves were among its key advantages.
“Here are three hundred Gold Surrels. Please verify the amount.”
The hoarse voice came from a gray-skinned goblin who pushed a tray of gold coins through the glass window.
Janna merely glanced over it quickly, completing the count.
“The amount is correct.”
Goblins, bearing a resemblance to goblins but possessing sharper intellects, rarely made mistakes in detail verification.
Because of this, goblins were often employed as tellers by many banks.
Despite their unappealing appearance, their efficiency and low labor costs made them favorites among wizard bankers.
As Janna prepared to collect the Gold Surrels, the gray-skinned goblin behind the glass window handed over a clam-shaped leather wallet embossed with the Bauhinia flower emblem.
“It appears this is your first visit to the Bauhinia Bank. As a welcome gift, we offer all first-time customers a complimentary wallet.”
“Free?”
“Yes.”
Examining the wallet on the counter, although it bore no enchantment marks, its smooth and firm texture indicated quality craftsmanship and materials.
“Alright.”
Opening the metal clasp on the leather wallet, Janna poured all three hundred Gold Surrels from the tray into it, then placed the wallet into the inner pocket of her wizard robe.
“If your deposits with us exceed five hundred thousand Gold Surrels, we will also provide an Interdimensional Storage Pouch as an additional gift.”
“Hmm... that's quite something.”
Hearing this staggering deposit amount, Janna merely nodded and stood up to leave.
“We look forward to your next visit.”
“Mm.”
After confirming the wallet's position once more, Janna, now financially secure, confidently headed towards Antler Alley upon exiting the wizard bank.
...
“Raccoon Cat's New Attire.”
Instead of returning to the academy immediately after leaving the Bauhinia Wizard Bank, Janna walked into a wizard fashion boutique.
“I remember the signboard was red before... has it been renovated recently?”
During her previous mission at the Antler Tavern, Janna had visited this wizard fashion store. However, being short on funds at the time, she had only browsed before leaving.
Ding-ling-ling—
“Welcome to Raccoon Cat's New Attire.”
The bell at the door chimed softly as Janna gently pushed it open.
A young female sales assistant, with baby fat cheeks and wearing a raccoon cat headband, greeted her enthusiastically.
“I'd like to see wizard robes specifically designed for transformation.”
“No problem, please follow me.”
Upon hearing Janna's specific request, the sales assistant's expression grew even more enthusiastic.
“This row of racks displays our best-selling transformation-specific wizard robes—the Raccoon Cat Robes—all handcrafted by Master Raccoon Cat herself.”
Master Raccoon Cat was a well-known dwarven alchemist in Turin, specializing in crafting wizard robes and wands.
The Frost Apprentice Robe worn by Vivian was a custom piece made by Master Raccoon Cat.
“How much is this one?”
“This entire row is priced at ninety-five Gold Surrels each... Moreover, these robes not only excel in transformation capabilities but are also waterproof, fireproof, and dustproof. If any quality issues arise within a year, we offer free repairs...”
Hearing this, Janna nodded and then looked towards the adjacent row of racks.
“What about the more affordable transformation robes?”
“Those are on this rack, priced at eighty Gold Surrels. However, they lack fireproof and waterproof features and are not covered by our one-year warranty.”
Besides the absence of waterproof and fireproof features, the cheaper robes also appeared more ordinary in design compared to the ninety-five Gold Surrel ones.
“I'd like to try on this one.”
“Certainly.”
Noting that Janna pointed to a light green wizard robe embroidered with thornflower patterns from the ninety-five Gold Surrel rack, the sales assistant enthusiastically took it down and handed it to her.
“The fitting room is at the front. If the space isn't sufficient, I can take you to the second floor.”
“This will do.”
Designed specifically for transformation witches, these robes required the wearer to alter their body to test the fit.
Therefore, the fitting rooms were spacious enough to accommodate even Grace Eva's transformed blood-red giant snake form.
“Metamorphosis—”
After drawing the curtain at the fitting room entrance, Janna quickly recited the transformation spell.
In an instant, a pair of splendid emerald butterfly wings extended from her back.
“Truly impressive.”
Feeling the robe adapt seamlessly to her changing form, just as described, the Raccoon Cat Robe not only remained intact but also adjusted its structure, including the inner garments, to fit perfectly with Janna's butterfly wings.
“Flap—”
The butterfly wings fluttered gently.
Sensing no discomfort, Janna dispelled the transformation spell, opened the curtain, and stepped out of the fitting room.
“I'll take this one.”
“Great, I'll pack your original academy-standard wizard robe for you.”
“Mm.”
As the sales assistant efficiently packed Janna's original robe into a bag adorned with a raccoon cat design, Janna's gaze wandered to other wizard equipment displayed on the counter shelves.
“How much is this Interdimensional Storage Bracelet?”
“Five hundred Gold Surrels. It offers about one cubic meter of storage space and is one of Master Raccoon Cat's latest creations. The rose pattern complements your style.”
Noticing Janna's rose-colored long skirt beneath her wizard robe, the sales assistant genuinely recommended the bracelet.
However, upon hearing the price, Janna couldn't help but inwardly gasp.
Before securing a position with the Nightingale Opera Troupe, such a price would have been beyond Janna's reach. But now, perhaps after saving for a few months, she could consider it.
“I wonder which has a larger storage capacity—the Interdimensional Storage Bracelet or the Interdimensional Storage Pouch gifted by the Bauhinia Wizard Bank...”
As she pondered this, just as Janna was about to take the packaged bag and leave, an inexplicable sensation, as if from deep within her soul, caused her to pause involuntarily.
“How much is this wand?”
“You mean this one?”
“Yes.”
Janna pointed to a short wand, shaped like a vine, about the length of an arm, with a green gemstone embedded at the top, placed in the corner of the glass counter.
The sales assistant hesitated slightly.
“This wand is priced at one hundred twenty-five Gold Surrels. It was acquired a few years ago from a mercenary as a damaged item...”