He asked, "Is there a problem with how these are written?"

They had all written them. Since Kase couldn’t write the Common Language, Colin had written his for him.

"Colin, are you sure there’s no problem with these evaluation forms?" Orelia asked nervously.

"’Orelia performed well during the mission and maintained a diligent attitude. Although she faced some challenges, she was able to overcome them through hard work...’ Isn’t that a great way to put it?" Colin said, thinking to himself, ’This is exactly how my internship evaluations were written in my past life.’

"I’ve never seen anyone else’s evaluation form," Orelia sighed apprehensively.

Kase said, "It’s not a big deal. There’s no need to worry."

"This is about my dream, Kase," Orelia said. "To open an orphanage, you need the Church’s approval. You need a recommendation from someone at least at the level of an Abbot to even get a permit."

"What I’m saying is, you can’t change how those people think anyway. Worrying about it now is useless, so you might as well just stop."

Orelia sighed. "It’s not that simple."

’And who was it that snuck off to cry alone back in Snow Deer Valley?’ Colin snarked internally.

"What a pain," Ale said. "I think you’d be a great orphanage director."

"Thank you so much, Ale!"

"Let’s stop chatting and get this sorted," Colin said, pulling two Potions from his bag, along with a whole slew of medical supplies.

"Those goblin bandages we found earlier are pretty useful, Colin," Orelia remarked from the side. "Their Torches and ropes, too. Even though those creatures looked so filthy, their things are actually not bad."

"Well, it was all tribute for the Giants. If the quality was bad, they’d get a taste of a Giant’s fist."

As he handed the items over, Colin rattled off, "This is healing salve and strong spirits, both bought from Donkexes, so the quality is guaranteed.

The three of us will each put in fifty-seven Gold Coins and five Silver Coins, and then we’ll give Ale over a hundred Gold Coins. Oh, right, we also need to buy some rations on the way. Our supply is running low." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Colin took out a prepared money pouch and handed it to Ale.

The Half-Elf reached for the pouch without hesitation, but when she tugged on it, it wouldn’t budge.

Ale tilted her head. "Colin?"

"You were too quick. It was an involuntary reaction," Colin said, letting go and allowing her to take the pouch.

"It’s fine. I was also reluctant to spend money when I first started out," Ale said, then walked over to Kase, who was counting his share. Her platinum eyes stared him down.

The Half-Orc said irritably, "Hang on, don’t rush me! Why is everyone in this party so obsessed with money?"

’Birds of a feather flock together, I guess,’ Colin grumbled to himself.

He did a quick mental calculation. His own funds were back down to around a hundred and fifty Gold Coins.

The more money he earned, the more things he had to spend it on. He wondered when he’d ever reach a point where money wasn’t a concern... Colin thought about things like a Mage Tower and Learning Magic, and was suddenly struck by the despairing realization that he would probably be short on cash for the rest of his life.

’For now, I’ll just have to earn as much as I can, when I can.’

"Right, those dwarves also had me bring something along," Kase said, pulling a cloak from his bag.

The cloak was made of white fur, with a silver Brooch fastening it at the collar. It looked as if it had been cut directly from the hide of White Frost.

[Protective Cloak / Non-Ordinary Magical Item]

[Tough Protection: When worn, the user’s Defense and Exemption are increased by 1.]

A classic Protective Cloak.

Colin had read about this kind of equipment before in the Magic Items guide at the Great Dome. It was a fairly traditional, conservative design.

But it was also quite effective.

According to the book’s description, the cloak could provide protection similar to the Priest’s Divine Art, [Devout Shield].

That was clearly the +1 to Defense.

The book also mentioned that the cloak helped the wearer resist many magical effects. Previously, Colin had only known that it could counter Control Magic like [Tasha’s Hideous Laughter].

After studying more, he discovered that the Exemption effect reduced the Damage from all non-direct offensive spells, such as [Burning Hand] and [Shatter]. However, it wasn’t as useful against spells like [Emerald Flame Sword] and [Flaming Arrow].

That was the effect of +1 to Exemption.

’In some game settings, it’s basically the equivalent of "Magic Resistance."’

Colin now understood the true value of [Silent Sword Dance]’s ability to inflict a -4 penalty on an enemy’s Exemption check.

Kase asked, "So? Can you tell who this is best for?"

"It’s a Magic Cloak that improves defensive abilities," Colin said, stroking his chin. "In that case, it should go to Ale."

"Oh." Kase grunted, and presented the cloak to Ale.

"Huh?" Ale blinked when Kase offered her the cloak. Pointing to her own face, she asked, "For me?"

Colin said, "It was either for you or Orelia. But Orelia has a Shield, so her defenses are a little better than yours. You can’t wear Armor while Casting, right?"

"That’s right."

Ale nodded, then asked, "Why not give it to you or Kase?"

"We’re tougher than you two. Besides, I’m wearing Chest Armor."

"And it’s not like I can always hold back the enemy," Kase added. "Didn’t you see that bear last time? How was I supposed to stop something like that?"

Colin and Kase said one after another.

"Then... all right." Ale hesitated before taking the cloak. She draped it over her shoulders and carefully fastened it with the Brooch.

Once they were ready, the group set off to the south.

The main road was completely covered in snow. They had to rely on the trees and a distant windmill to tell if they were going the right way.

But not long after they set out, it started snowing again.

Tiny snowflakes, whipped into a frenzy by the wind, felt like a thousand tiny knives scraping against their faces.

The group trudged onward, leaning into the snow.

"Didn’t you say spring was just around the corner when you were talking with Edwin? So why is the weather still such crap?" Kase asked Colin.

"Who knows what that stupid god is thinking?" Colin wrapped his cloak tighter. When the cold wind blew, his Chest Armor felt like a block of ice against his skin. Even the [Winter Wolf Necklace] couldn’t ward off the bone-chilling cold.

He found himself starting to miss his old Plate Armor.

"I think He’s just putting on a brave face. He’ll probably give up soon," Ale said.

Orelia said, "I really hope spring comes soon. Winter is so miserable!"

Colin snuck a glance at the Half-Elf standing nearby.

She’d been a little more talkative on this leg of the journey, and her stride was a little wider. She seemed to be in a good mood.

He thought about saying something, but the moment he opened his mouth, it filled with blowing snow. The others must have had the same experience, because before long, the group fell silent.