Chapter 17

"Your 'HP Auto Recovery' skill level has increased."

By the time we returned to town, I had been defeating enemies here and there, but my level hadn't risen much.

Well, now that I've reached level 10, I don't have to be too anxious about it.

In any case, having achieved our goal, we headed straight back to Eleanor's tent.

We were often called out along the way, but we ignored them, as we had business to attend to.

I have my own business to take care of, and I don't have the time to stop and chat.

"Welcome back, teacher, Iori."

"Predictably quick, as usual."

"We're back, Fino, Eleanor."

The first to greet us upon our return were the familiar faces we often see in this tent.

In the back, it seems that Kanbei is preparing the settlement.

However, both Fino and Eleanor are supposed to be very busy people, yet they always seem to be available to us.

I'm not so relaxed as to think everything is always this convenient.

But in any case, Eleanor doesn't seem to be trying to harm us.

We'll have to hear her out to understand her intentions.

"Well, Kwon, this is your first time ordering a custom item, right?"

"Hmm? Yes, that's true."

"In such cases, the terms are set using a contract created by a player with the 'Clerk' skill. This way, there are no disputes later, and there's a record."

"I see, that's thorough. So, the 'Clerk' is that guy over there?"

"That's right, Kanbei."

"Got it, ma'am."

At Eleanor's urging, Kanbei stepped forward and spread a sheet of parchment on the table in front of us.

This seems to be the contract. It's currently blank, but it's where we'll write down the terms of the items and money we'll provide.

Looking at the parchment, I noticed that instead of writing, a window was displayed on top.

There were two windows, and the one on the right was labeled 'Custom Equipment.'

"So, how are we splitting this? You've got more items, right?"

"Indeed. Well, I'll provide seven strands of the Great Forest Spider's silk."

"I'll provide a kimono, hakama, haori, and kasa made from the Great Forest Spider's silk."

"Right. Of course, the processed items are more expensive, so Kwon will need to contribute some money."

"Of course. How much will it be?"

"Hmm..."

Muttering, Kanbei began to work the abacus.

The four equipment items were arranged in the right window, and the silk I would provide was in the left window.

It seems the skill is converting the silk into a monetary value.

The shortfall is listed, and additional costs for the order and special handling are added to the left window.

By the way, did he make that abacus on purpose?

While the structure isn't particularly complex, I wonder if it was necessary.

However, Kanbei, seemingly unaware of my gaze, finished his calculations with a satisfying sound.

It seems he uses an abacus in real life too. He's quite quick at it.

"Custom equipment made from boss materials is the top tier for cloth equipment. Moreover, Iori's skills as a tailor are top-notch. Naturally, the price will be high."

"...I understand the background. How much will it be?"

"Let's see... The main equipment, the kimono and hakama, are 70,000 each. The kasa, which is headgear, is 50,000, and the haori, which is considered an accessory, is 30,000. That's a total of 220,000."

"That's quite a bit."

It's not an amount I can't pay, but it's nearly half of the money I have.

I can accept it because of Kanbei's explanation, but it's a significant difference from my current equipment.

Is it because the game's progress has stalled, and the item ranks haven't increased while the currency in circulation has, leading to inflation?

Thinking this to myself, I fell silent, and Iori spoke up, sounding slightly flustered.

"Ah, Kwon, you've been very helpful, and this is more like a request from me. I'll study the price, okay?"

"Hmm, no, it's fine. I'd rather you make something good without worrying about the cost. The price is fine with me."

"Is that so? Then I'll do my best to make it."

Still, I need to buy a weapon.

It won't be custom, but Fino is supposed to be an excellent blacksmith.

So, it will likely cost a fair amount.

I have about 250,000 left... I think it should be enough, but my wallet will definitely feel lighter.

As if reading my thoughts, Eleanor smiled and spoke up.

"Kwon, you're planning to buy a weapon from Fino, right?"

"Yes, that's right, but..."

"Of course. Fino, show him what you plan to sell him."

"Sure, here it is."

Fino took out a katana and wakizashi that looked almost identical to the ones I'm currently using.

There were slight differences in the fittings, but these seemed to be the steel equipment Fino mentioned.

"Can I take a look?"

"Sure."

Despite Fino's casual response, I felt a bit deflated but still drew the katana I received.

The first thing I noticed was the beautifully polished blade. The hamon shone with a beautiful wave pattern.

There was no distortion, and the gentle curve of the blade would allow me to cut through targets smoothly.

Satisfied with the quality of the fittings, I re-identified the weapon's stats.

■ Weapon: Steel Katana

Attack Power: 26 (+3)

Weight: 16

Durability: 120%

Effects: Increased Attack Power (Small), Increased Durability (Small)

Crafted by: Fino

■ Weapon: Steel Wakizashi

Attack Power: 18 (+2)

Weight: 10

Durability: 120%

Effects: Increased Attack Power (Small), Increased Durability (Small)

Crafted by: Fino

"This is..."

"Yep, my masterpiece."

I looked at Fino, who was proudly puffing out her chest, and then back at the katana.

The performance seemed to have skipped several levels.

I wondered if these were really the same type of weapons and checked the stats of the ones I'm currently using.

■ Weapon: Black Iron Katana

Attack Power: 18

Weight: 8

Durability: 76%

Effects: None

Crafted by: Fino

■ Weapon: Black Iron Wakizashi

Attack Power: 10

Weight: 5

Durability: 88%

Effects: None

Crafted by: Fino

The base stats were impressive, but the effects were even better.

With these, I might be able to easily cut through that large wolf that I could only damage with thrusts before.

This is definitely a desirable item. But—

"...Isn't this quite expensive?"

"Hmm, the katana is about 170,000, and the wakizashi is about 100,000."

"Gr...ngh..."

It's just short. Just short.

I thought that the boy who was following Shima had a lot of money... I see, you need a lot of money to get good items.

But what to do? If I sell the spider materials I just obtained, it might be enough—just as I was thinking this, Eleanor spoke up.

"Hey, Kwon, are you interested in a request from me?"

"What? A request?"

"Yes. The reward is 100,000 in total, with 50,000 upfront and 50,000 upon completion."

"...That's quite generous. What's the request?"

I asked, slightly wary of Eleanor's somewhat smug smile.

Noticing my wariness, she waved her hands and smiled, explaining.

"Not a strange request. I want you to take us to the next town."

"To the next town? In other words, you want me to defeat that wolf, right?"

"Basically, yes. We've been leveling up, but with the limited number of skills, our combat ability can't match that of combat classes. So, we're hiring a guard to get to the next town."

"You want me to be that guard."

I nodded, understanding Eleanor's explanation.

I'm also struggling with the limited number of skills.

In production classes, which require specific skills, defeating a boss is a challenge.

However, in terms of financial resources, they must have a scale that far exceeds combat classes.

That's why they can afford to hire a guard with money.

"I see. But why me? You've had interactions with Shima, haven't you?"

"Well, I've been busy. I was establishing a base, so advancing further didn't make much sense. But that's mostly done now, and it's time to move forward. And—"

Eleanor's gaze pierced my eyes.

Her deep golden eyes, which seemed both playful and predatory, made me feel uneasy.

I asked her, feeling a bit unsettled.

"...And what?"

"The current stall in the second boss's strategy. I thought maybe you could breeze through it... That's all."

"That's quite a compliment."

I shrugged and chuckled.

I can't claim I can defeat a boss I've never seen.

However, against that wolf, I can confidently say I can win.

So, this request isn't too difficult and offers significant benefits for me.

"Alright, I'll take the request."

"That's great! Kanbei, take care of the settlement. And, Kwon—"

Eleanor clapped her hands and instructed Kanbei, then turned her gaze back to me.

She smiled softly and extended her hand.

"I think we'll be working together for a long time. Let's be straightforward with each other."

"...So, you mean I should treat you the same as the others?"

"Yes. I believe it's best for us to have a mutually beneficial relationship. My intuition is usually quite accurate."

"I see, a woman's intuition. That's scary... But you're right."

She's an excellent person in terms of financial resources and connections.

Forming an alliance with someone like her would be beneficial.

With that in mind, I shook her hand without hesitation.

"Pleasure to work with you, Eleanor."

"Likewise. Pleasure to work with you, Kwon."

We shook hands, forming an alliance.

With her support, my battles will be easier.

To that end, I need to take care of that wolf first.

Holding the two swords Kanbei brought with the receipt, I resolved to head to the next town.