She broke off. It was. She had money now. Think of that. Cara pulled out the two coins and stared at the silvery gleam reflecting faint candlelight. Somehow, more beautiful than coins from her world.

More confusing, too. The exchange rate was weird in this world—it was ten copper to one silver. And twenty silver for every gold coin.

You could get a decent meal for a silver coin, or a nice drink and food for two, according to Violetta. It was apparently much more expensive in actual cities, such that two silver was barely a meal according to Idelt.

Well, it was Cara’s first paycheck, from that [Lady]. Who…hadn’t been as objectionable as Cara had expected. The [Singer] thought about Risel’s children.

“Poor kids.”

In a way—it struck her as ironic. She had wasted her battery, and performed unasked for two aristocrats. People who benefited from Skills passed down their bloodlines and who were born into power.

But children. Violetta had been so impressed that Cara had performed for them. So had Idelt.

“It matters. Lady Sasi and Lord Culin will inherit Afiele someday. They are [Lord] and [Lady] of Afiele.”

“And that makes them better than us?”

Cara had snapped back once. Father and daughter had given her an odd look.

“Yes.”

That had been that. Cara let the rest go. She inspected her iPhone again before she slept.

Her last connection to home. She wished…Cara wished she’d had the foresight to turn it on one last time and watch that video of Ser Dalius.

She missed him. The young woman closed her eyes.

Then she slept.

[Singer Level 11!]

[Skill Change – Clear Voice → Flawless Vocalization!]

[Skill – Flawless Vocalization Obtained!]

[Bound Spell: Lesser Illusion obtained!]

“…What? What the f—”

Violetta threw her pillow at the young woman as she jerked awake.

“Cara, it’s late.”

1.11 P

Cara learned three things the next day. Firstly—it was possible to gain a spell, or knowledge of how to cast a spell upon leveling, not just Skills.

Secondly—some Skills evolved. They got stronger.

Thirdly? Performing for important people made you level faster.

“It is a known fact. When I forged a dagger for Lord Lantal, I leveled up that very night. The same as a

[Smith] who makes a masterwork worthy of an adventurer or royalty.”

“And that’s a hard and fast rule, is it? Important people let you level up more because they’re important?”

Cara understood, but she didn’t like it. She was grumpily brushing her hair as she, Idelt, and Violetta talked about her new level.

“Yes! It’s an honor, and you reached Level 10 and got a spell! Stop scowling, Cara.”

Violetta was put out—mostly because Cara wasn’t grateful for the honor of performing for the nobility.

“It’s just not fair…”

Cara saw both sigh and dropped it. She was aware she was like a broken record, but it really wasn’t—