Chapter 49

Walking down the main street of the royal capital Berksardi.

Indeed, the number of players has increased significantly. While not as much as in Fauskatz or Librum, there are many more people around.

In this situation, I can't help but feel nostalgic for how Berksardi looked when I first arrived.

From now on, I probably won't be able to see the city in that state again. The only ones who know the city in that form are us, and a few players who came right after us.

Well, it might be a bit petty to feel a sense of superiority over such a trivial matter.

"But... that's the kind of influence he has, I guess."

"...? Dad?"

"It's about Altrius. He's a reliable man, Lumin. You should remember that."

"Um, okay!"

Lumin, who didn't seem to fully understand, made me chuckle involuntarily.

The conversation with Altrius has already spread among many players, and the number of players trying to talk to me has drastically decreased.

Well, I haven't escaped the attention of the people, but at least I'm not being bothered as much, which is a relief.

Indeed, I should be grateful to Altrius.

"Well... I think it's around here."

"Hmm?"

I head towards the location I received via the friend function's email.

I'm looking for the store where Eleanora has set up her new base.

She has already purchased a clan house and opened a shop on this busy street.

Her financial power is impressive. It hasn't been long since the boss's strategy was revealed, yet she has expanded her activities to this extent.

She has quickly dominated the market at a stage where other players haven't even entered. It's quite effective.

"Ah, there it is."

I notice a spot where a lot of people are gathered and approach it.

I didn't expect her to rent a clan house facing the main street and even remodel it.

Given Eleanora's shrewdness, she must have planned this from the beginning.

I approach the store with a feeling of exasperation, and my gaze meets a man standing at the entrance.

"Oh? Welcome, Quon. Just as I expected, you reached the royal capital quickly."

"No, it was just a coincidence."

"Whether it's a coincidence or not, the fact that you opened the path as I predicted is true. Well, I did hope you would take a bit more time. It made our expansion a bit rushed."

"Still, if you could respond, it means Eleanora had some expectations, right?"

"Among her expectations, this was the fastest. You surprise me in many ways."

Well, I think it was a rapid development, but Eleanora, who had prepared for it, is impressive.

As a result, she managed to expand her stores effectively.

"So, what brings you here? Do you need to discuss something with Eleanora?"

"No, I just want to do some shopping. I want to get this one's equipment ready."

"Oh, the rumored fairy... fairy? Well, let's go to Fino's place. Hey, Jack! Could you guide this gentleman to Fino's place?"

"Yes, Kanbe! This way, please."

Jack, who was called by Kanbe, seems to be an employee of the store.

I thought he might be a production class player, but it seems a bit different.

Apparently, he is a local.

"Wow, Eleanora hired locals?"

"Hehe, it's one of the paid services of the clan house. I didn't expect to hire so many at once, though."

"But, given Eleanora, I'm sure the sales will match the cost?"

"Yes, well. Her rapid strategy, unlike a large clan, has taught me a lot."

I'm a bit curious, but I'm not very knowledgeable about business.

I probably wouldn't understand even if I asked.

Well, she should manage it well. I'll trust her skills.

As I step into the building and check the surroundings, I find a brand new forge area.

There, I see Fino, the blacksmith, and Eleanora and Hizuma talking next to her.

"Oh, President. Fino, you have a customer."

"Ah, good work, Jack. And—"

"Teacher, you finally came."

"Oh, you're here too."

Hizuma, who gives me a suspicious look, makes me involuntarily twitch my cheek.

I had neglected him in the game for a while.

Even during real-life training, he often complained about it, but I didn't expect to meet him here.

"Hmm? Long time no see, Teacher. Equipment maintenance?"

"Yes, Fino. It's not in bad condition, but please take care of it. Actually, my main purpose is to get this one's equipment ready."

Fino, who was probably repairing Hizuma's equipment, looks up from the whetstone with her usual dazed expression.

I nod at her words and point to Lumin, who is standing next to me.

Since she was riding on my shoulders in the building, she had to get down to avoid hitting her head.

Fino looks at Lumin, who is curiously looking around, with interest.

Well, it's understandable since she's probably the only tamed spirit at the moment.

"Oh, is this the rumored fairy?"

"Now a spirit, sprite. It evolved."

"I see. You want to give this one equipment?"

"Yes. But, other sprites I've seen are quite large, so it might grow like a human. I need something that can be adjusted in size."

Lumin, currently at level 3, has grown a bit taller since level 1.

If she continues to grow at this rate, she might reach the size of the sprite we fought during the trial by mid-level 10s.

Well, there might be individual differences, but we'll see.

"Hmm, cloth-based equipment, with the shoulder width temporarily adjusted with strings... If it's a kimono, the body can be adjusted with a belt. It might start long but end up as a mini kimono."

"I see. I'll leave the details to you. I don't really understand that stuff."

"Ha... Teacher, you really are indifferent to clothing. Fino, I'll help with the adjustments too."

"Thanks."

It seems Fino and Hizuma will help with Lumin's equipment adjustments.

I don't really understand women's clothing, so I'll leave it to them.

I nod and push Lumin forward.

"Alright. Lumin, get your equipment adjusted by them."

"Okay!"

Lumin, with an excited look, heads towards them.

Watching her, I can't help but chuckle.

She has evolved into a spirit but still retains the curiosity of a fairy.

However, Lumin has already shown what she wants to be. I can't deny that I'm looking forward to seeing how she will grow.

Just then, a voice calls out. Eleanora, the only one not involved in the equipment adjustments, approaches me.

"Hello, Quon. You're as usual, I see."

"What do you mean by 'as usual'?"

"Of course, your strength and actions. You suddenly tamed a fairy, then quickly defeated the boss and reached the royal capital, and even completed events to trigger world quests... I didn't predict this much."

"Ah... Well, I can't deny that."

Indeed, I realize it was a rapid series of events.

And the fairy, Lumin, has even evolved into a spirit.

Still, I'm not the only one making bold moves.

"You're doing great things too, aren't you? Aiming for the fastest market domination?"

"If it's possible, there's no reason not to aim for it."

"I can't think of any other player with the action and financial power to do such a thing. Are you aiming to be a merchant?"

"Of course, I won't ravage the local market. We are targeting foreigners; this country functions without us."

This consideration is probably why she received the holy seal from the priest.

Well, as long as Eleanora's progress benefits us, I have no complaints.

I hope she continues to grow her guild.

However, despite the smooth progress, her expression is not very good.

I ask her if there's a problem.

"You don't look happy despite the smooth progress. Is there a problem? I might be able to help if it's serious."

"No, it's not that... It's a personal matter. The guild is running smoothly."

"Hmm, what do you mean?"

"You're so direct... Well, it's not a big deal. It's about the guild name, the guild name."

Eleanora sighs deeply and holds her head as if in pain.

By "guild name," she probably means something like the name Altrius introduced himself with, "Camelot."

Naming a group can help unify consciousness and strengthen coordination.

It's probably a necessary part of forming a guild, and Eleanora must have been involved in deciding the name, but why is it a problem?

Feeling my confusion, Eleanora continues with a distant look.

"The guild name became 'Eleanora's Guild.'"

"Hmm? Well, that seems reasonable."

"Don't you say that too! Everyone except me pushed for this!"

"Well, Eleanora, it's an organization run under your leadership. How can you not bear its name?"

Our school is called the Kugenshinryu, and we are the Kugen clan.

Although I'm a bit reluctant, I am undeniably the leader.

Even if I was tricked by that old man, as the head, I bear the name and history of Kugen.

For me, it's not strange for a group to bear the name of its leader.

"Basically, you're embarrassed, right?"

"Yes, that's it... Well, you do have a point. But it makes me look like a woman with high self-esteem, which is embarrassing."

"Is that so... Well, let those who want to say it say it. You have the power to back it up."

"Actually, it was a name people called me even before forming the guild."

At that moment, Fino, who was adjusting Lumin's equipment, calls out.

It seems the adjustments are done, and Lumin is wearing a different outfit.

It's a light green kimono with a gradient that becomes whiter towards the hem.

The obi is a darker green, and her golden hair is tied up with a barrette.

■ Armor: Forest Spider Silk Kimono (Light Green)

Defense: 11

Magic Defense: 3

Weight: 3

Durability: 100%

Effects: None

Crafted by: Iori

■ Armor: Forest Spider Silk Obi (Green)

Defense: 8

Magic Defense: 1

Weight: 1

Durability: 100%

Effects: None

Crafted by: Iori

■ Armor: Forest Spider Silk Tabi

Defense: 4

Magic Defense: 1

Weight: 1

Durability: 100%

Effects: None

Crafted by: Iori

It seems to be the same series as the equipment I used before.

However, the shoulder and hem are tied with ribbons, giving it a more girlish impression.

"If Lumin grows, you can loosen the ribbons to adjust. But, the tabi might be a bit difficult, so I prepared different sizes."

"Hmm... Well, it's understandable for footgear."

Foot size changes significantly with growth and is harder to adjust than clothing.

Sandals might have been an option, but they would be difficult for Lumin, who isn't used to walking in them.

The items are similar to what I bought initially and shouldn't be too expensive.

"Well, this should be fine. Do you want to pay in gold or with materials I collected?"

"Materials. Show me the list."

"... I'll check too. I have the Bookkeeper skill, so I can handle the accounting."

"Sure, take your time."

I show the list of items to both of them and wait for the calculations.

Lumin, now wearing the new equipment, approaches me with a happy look and tugs at my sleeve.

"Dad, Dad, how do I look?"

"Hmm? Ah, it suits you well. You look different."

"Hehe, yay!"

"... Teacher."

Next to the excited Lumin, Hizuma looks at me with a complex expression.

It's different from his earlier displeasure and seems more like he's hesitating.

Seeing this unfamiliar expression from my disciple, I can't help but be puzzled.

"Is something wrong, Hizuma?"

"Well, this child, Lumin—"

"Dad!"

Lumin tugs at my sleeve with her weight.

I could have resisted, but I bend down, and Lumin looks up at me with a serious expression.

"I want a sword!"

"... She's been saying this all along."

Hizuma, who seems to have given up, sighs, and I look at the serious Lumin and Hizuma, narrowing my eyes.

■ Avatar Name: Quon

■ Gender: Male

■ Race: Human

■ Level: 16

■ Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 19

VIT: 14

INT: 19

MND: 14

AGI: 12

DEX: 12

■ Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana (Lv.16)

Magic Skill: Enhancement Magic (Lv.12)

Set Skill: Dead Point Strike (Lv.13)

MP Auto Recovery (Lv.7)

Plunder Sword (Lv.9)

Identification (Lv.12)

Life Sword (Lv.11)

Demon Slaying Sword (Lv.5)

Tame (Lv.5)

HP Auto Recovery (Lv.6)

Sub Skill: Mining (Lv.1)

Title Skill: Fairy's Blessing

■ Current SP: 14

■ Monster Name: Lumin

■ Gender: Female

■ Race: Sprite

■ Level: 3

■ Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 11

VIT: 10

INT: 27

MND: 19

AGI: 15

DEX: 13

■ Skills

Weapon Skill: None

Magic Skill: Light Magic

Skill: Light Attribute Enhancement

Flight

Major Magic Resistance

Minor Physical Resistance

MP Auto Major Recovery

Wind Magic

Title Skill: Spirit King's Follower