Chapter 75

Ever since they left the alley, Sufan, who had flown away, did not return.

Rio glanced sideways at Shiraha.

"Did you do something to Sufan?"

"Nothing at all."

Though he suspected it might not be true, if Shiraha had done something, Rio, who was nearby, would have noticed. There was no sign of any magic being used.

"Well, it's a relief that he's gone."

Once Sufan was no longer hovering overhead, Rio and the others found it much easier to move around. Perhaps because of the preconception that Sufan, with his adoration and jealousy, was always flying above them, the number of passersby who noticed them suddenly decreased. However, Yebus and the others, who had been keeping a watchful eye from a distance, seemed busy, likely sending messengers to the council. It was only natural, given that Sufan, who had been following Shiraha around, suddenly returned to his territory.

"Did he finally recognize me as Shiraha's protector?"

He had no idea why he was recognized, but he couldn't think of any other reason for Sufan's disappearance.

"Whatever. I'm hungry."

"Alright, alright. How about we pick up some souvenirs for Karil while we're at it?"

"For Dad and Mom too?"

"Budget's tight."

He intended to choose souvenirs for the dojo master who had agreed to be on their side thanks to Karil, but he would put off buying something for his parents.

As they searched for a restaurant that also sold souvenirs, Shiraha pointed to an alley.

"It smells good."

"Ah, you're right."

Following the flow of people, Rio and Shiraha turned into the alley. In the old town, the streets were often winding, and there were many such hidden alleys. Even in the dim light, it was clear that they were well-swept, indicating good security.

The source of the smell Shiraha had picked up was a noodle shop facing the alley. It seemed to cater to locals, but there was a small space at the front selling souvenirs, and a boy who looked like the shop's helper was idly manning the counter.

The boy's expression changed when he noticed Rio and Shiraha.

"What, why are you here?"

"Shh."

Shiraha put a finger to his lips, gesturing for silence, and the boy blushed and nodded repeatedly.

He's cute, Rio thought, ignoring the boy's reaction and checking inside the shop. A couple of locals were seated at the counter, and a middle-aged man was talking to the cook.

It didn't seem crowded.

"Rio, what about the souvenirs?"

"It's unusual for you to be so enthusiastic about something that doesn't involve you."

"I want to finish quickly and have you all to myself."

"Ah, alright, alright."

Glared at by the boy, Rio chuckled.

"Any recommendations?"

When Rio asked, the boy, forgetting his polite smile, picked up one of the souvenirs.

It was a small bottle containing red berries soaked in a yellow liquid.

"This is popular with women."

"What about for men?"

"Hmm. Maybe this one. Preserved items tend to be salted or made into alcohol, but these dried fruits are a specialty of the town and are well-received. The assorted pack is a bit of a bargain."

The boy, who seemed experienced, quickly explained and picked up a large bottle containing several types of dried fruits. The bottle had a picture of Sufan and the shop's name, and the back listed the types of fruits.

"They're good for your health. Some help with digestion, and others prevent sore throats even if you catch a cold. Here's the explanation. It also mentions which fruits are more effective when rehydrated."

"Wow, that's interesting."

"The fruits are a town specialty. For women, there are also perfumes. This one is recommended for you."

"Rio, what do you think?"

"I don't want to stand out any more than we already do. Besides, I don't like strong scents."

"If you don't like it, I don't need it."

Surprised by the low price of the dried fruit assortment, Rio was impressed. He had heard it was cheap, but it was really inexpensive.

"At this price, I'll take two. I think my mother will be happy."

"Sure thing. If it's a gift, I'll add a ribbon for free."

"Add a ribbon to one of them."

"Sure thing."

For Karil's portion, he asked for a ribbon as a marker. Knowing he wouldn't like bright colors, he chose a gray ribbon.

While watching the boy work efficiently, Rio took out the money from his wallet.

"I'm surprised it's so cheap. At home, we dry fruits from the mountains and sell them, but we charge about double."

"Well, unlike wild fruits, we can consistently produce them, so they're cheaper. Plus, there used to be a Robin Hood cat, so there's no price gouging."

"Robin Hood cat?"

Hearing the unfamiliar term, Rio asked, and the boy nodded, handing over the wrapped bottles.

"He was a thief cat often seen around here until about half a year ago. If a souvenir was sold at more than a 20% markup, he'd appear out of nowhere and steal it. He'd steal anything, even if it wasn't edible, and leave the stolen goods at the guard station. No one knew what his goal was, but since he only stole from overpriced shops, he was called the Robin Hood cat."

"That's a strange thief cat."

"He's a large black cat with a brown tip on his tail. Some people even saw him fighting with Lord Sufan."

"Did he fight a god? That thief cat must have been tough to survive."

"Well, Lord Sufan only chases them away when they enter his territory. He doesn't try to kill them, and he ignores any injuries."

The boy, having received the money, pointed inside the shop, asking if they wanted to eat there.

Rio nodded silently, and the boy called out.

"I'm bringing in two popular customers, please give them a seat in the back!"

"Popular? Wow, it's really them. Please, this way."

The cook, who had been looking at them suspiciously, turned his palm up upon recognizing Rio and the others.

Smiling wryly at the cook's reaction, Rio led Shiraha into the shop.