Chapter 6

Holding Akatsuki in front of my chest, I ducked through the door, and there it was—a stone-built town...! What the heck, people are wearing traditional Japanese clothing!

First, I moved away from the door where the player is supposed to appear and looked around. There were people who seemed to be cohabitants, shuffling along. Everyone had a mark somewhere on their body that looked like a simplified sun, which was probably the "mark of the cohabitant" that the promo mentioned. In my case, it was on the back of my left hand.

"Kuuu—"

Akatsuki, with a voice so sweet it no longer sounded like a chicken, pressed her head into my stomach, making me smile involuntarily. She's just too cute.

However, from now on, I can't afford to be too sloppy. Since it's online, I want to maintain a polite and serious character to give a good impression.

"Let's go, Akatsuki."

Oh, right. Even though I'm wearing tabi (split-toe socks), the thought of stepping into a crowd of people wearing geta (wooden sandals), boots, and heels is scary. I remember last summer when I was wearing sandals on the train and got a heel through my foot—it hurt like hell... No, no, no. I'll go the less crowded way and save enough money to stay at an inn while shopping.

It's okay! I have 10,000 gold to start with!

I should be able to buy recovery items and some food for this little one!

【In-game Time: One Hour Later】

【Sad News】I've spent all my money.

"I did it...!"

I sat on the edge of a fountain, hugging Akatsuki.

Akatsuki, who was being squeezed, looked both uncomfortable and happy. It seems that physical contact increases trust for holy beasts.

Ah, Akatsuki is so cute...

Alright, let's stop daydreaming.

I've spent all my money. Perfectly. I'm broke. I don't even have enough gold to stay at an inn. How did this happen? There's only one reason...

"Okay, Akatsuki-kun. Let's do some grooming, shall we?"

"Kukkuu—!"

Akatsuki's black-bead eyes sparkled. Ah, this is why animals are so irresistible... I'll make you as fluffy as possible!

So, I took out the 'Premium Brush (for bird-type holy beasts)' and the 'Premium Misting Bottle filled with high-quality water.'

Birds usually preen themselves with secretions from their tails or at water sources, but this is a game. They actually sell brushes that can help bird-type holy beasts preen!

Unlike dog and cat-type holy beasts, bird-type ones require special processing, so they are all premium items... Ah, that's it. That's the reason. I spent all my money on this.

But you know? When Akatsuki gave me a look that said, "Are you going to preen me?" I couldn't stay calm enough to say, "I'm sorry, please wait a bit."

I agonized over it... No, that's a lie. I bought it immediately. After buying it, I realized the price and the amount of gold I had spent and let out a loud scream. It was a good thing I was in a deserted back alley...

When I went back to the outdoor stalls, there were regular brushes that weren't premium, but once I found the premium brush, I couldn't help it. I'm a perfectionist. That's me, 'Keika'!

So...

"Akatsuki... hehehe, I'll make you even fluffier, okay?"

Is my expression dangerous? Am I a pervert? Even though I don't have enough money to stay at an inn?

Hehehe, in the face of cuteness, such trivial matters don't matter.

I love beautiful things! How could I not polish such a gem?

Come on, let's go!