Chapter 59

While thinking of ways to make the guild master say "Gyafun," Eltina returned.

"Here is the 5,300,000 elts for the magic stone and the map of the store. Please check it."

Eltina, who didn't even smile. It's a bit sad. But 5,300,000 elts, huh? I'm suddenly a small-time rich person. I was told that just the magic stone wouldn't be worth that much, so I'm surprised. If I had the materials, it would be even more impressive, I guess.

Five platinum coins and three gold coins. It's a lot of money, but with only eight coins, it doesn't feel real. When I checked the map, all the stores I asked for were marked, starting from the adventurer's guild. She seems to be the type who does her job properly.

"Indeed. Thank you."

"No, here you go."

The conversation was so clear, it felt like she wanted me to leave the adventurer's guild as soon as possible. When I went to the reception, the attention was back on me, and whispers started again. I'm a bit of a celebrity, I guess. I thanked Eltina and left the guild.

"Hehe. I'm going to surprise them. I'm looking forward to it."

Sylphie is in a good mood. She seems to be getting a bit excited. Come to think of it, when we first met, she seemed to think it was interesting and didn't mind. In a way, she's consistent.

"Yuta. Shopping?"

"Yeah, that's right. We're going to go around to different places, so if you want anything, let me know."

"Shopping!"

Bel's excitement level went up, and she started flying around, involving Rain and the others. The meeting at the guild seemed boring, so it can't be helped. I'll pay attention so we don't get distracted and head out for shopping.

Looking at the map, the order should be armor, ingredients, seasonings, cooking utensils, clothes, books, and furniture. It seems that seasonings, cooking utensils, and clothes are all in the same general store, so let's go there first.

The armor shop marked on the map is right next to the adventurer's guild. Are they affiliated? It smells like collusion.

"First, we'll buy armor like a suit of armor."

When I said that, Bel, Rain, and Turu rushed over.

"No need for armor!""Kyu-kyu""There's natural armor."

So that's how it is. But how about the natural armor? I trust its defensive power, but walking around the labyrinth city with rock, water, and wind wrapped around me is a bit much. I need regular armor.

I'm thinking about how to persuade the enthusiastic Bel and the others. By the way, Tamamo wasn't there when we developed the magic, so she doesn't seem to understand it well. If we use the natural armor, Tamamo might want to join in too.

"The natural armor is an amazing armor for fighting strong enemies, so we won't use it in the city or in places where the enemies are relatively weak. This time, we're buying regular armor to wear daily. If you wear the natural armor over it, it should be fine, right?"

Bel and the others are huddled together, discussing something. After a while, they look at me and nod. It seems they've given their approval. It feels like it won't be a problem as long as there's a chance to use the natural armor.

When we entered the store, weapons and armor were lined up on the walls, and just looking at them was exciting. Swords, huh. Swords are cool too. Hammers are impressive, but they don't seem to make people go "kyaa kyaa" just by looking at them, which is a bit tough.

Should I buy a sword too? I probably won't use it, but just having it on my belt makes me feel cool. I approached the shelf with the swords and picked one up. ...It's heavy. Adventurers must be amazing to swing this thing around in battle.

"Do you like that sword? The way you hold it looks like a beginner. That sword is too advanced for you."

"Are you the shop owner? I'm sorry. I've never used a sword before, but I touched it because it looked cool."

The person who spoke was a muscular man. There are too many tough guys in this world.

"Yeah, I'm Aks. I'm the owner of this store. I'd say it's fine to just look, but this is a weapon. If you're not used to handling it, you shouldn't touch it."

That makes sense.

"I'll keep that in mind. It's a good thing you're here. I want to buy light armor. Do you have any recommendations?"

"There are various types of light armor. What kind do you want? What's your budget?"

Budget? Hmm, I have about 6 million elts from the magic stone and the bet. Then there's the rest of Karl and the others' assets. How much did they have again? I should check.

Three platinum coins, two gold coins, six silver coins, and some large and small copper coins... It feels like a small amount considering they sold their savings and equipment. Karl said he was C-rank, right?

Given that guild master, I have a feeling he might have done something to make it difficult. Well, it's too late now. I should have checked on the spot. Was the harassment to divert attention? ...Hmm, I don't think he'd do something like that, right?

In total, about 9 million elts... I need to buy a lot of things, but even if Sylphie and the others protect me, I want to have good armor. I'll spend about 3 million elts. Furniture, food, and lodging... 6 million elts should be enough to get good stuff.

"Can you get a set of light armor that doesn't hinder movement for 3 million elts or less?"

"You're a beginner, but you have a lot of money. What about weapons?"

"I already have weapons, so I'm fine."

"Hmm. In that case... wait a moment."

Is there something good? Armor. It would be cool to look like an adventurer. As a spirit mage, I feel like I should wear a robe, but since I plan to fight with a hammer, armor is the right choice.

While I was killing time looking around the store, Aks came back with a large cloth bag.

"This fits your conditions. The price is 2.6 million elts. It's made from the leather of a C-rank Marsh Lizard. It's a set of leather armor, gloves, leg guards, and a cloak. It has fire resistance and is a good set."

Marsh Lizard? I don't really understand, but the color is a dull green-gray with a hint of green in the gray. It's cool, but it lacks flair.

A flashy armor that makes a big impact is a bit tempting. It's a dilemma. Oh, right. If I become famous, I was planning to have the adventurer's guild protect me from troublesome people... but is that even possible?

Still, I don't want to bow to that guild master. Maybe I should just rely on someone who can fend off the trouble. If I become famous, I can set my own conditions. I thought about it a little before, but I don't need to force myself to ask for protection.

Okay, I'll go with this dull leather armor for now. I'll get a flashy armor after I get more used to this world. I don't even know what makes good armor, so I'll trust Aks.

"I'll take this."

"Got it. I'll adjust it, so put it on."

"......"

"What's wrong?"

Aks spoke to me as I stood there, holding the leather armor. It's better to ask and be embarrassed for a moment than to be embarrassed for a lifetime, right?

"I don't know how to put on armor."

"You're not an adventurer?"

"I became an adventurer yesterday."

"Did you take the beginner's course?"

"I just found out there was a beginner's course."

"...Even though I'm a weapon shop owner, I think it's better for you to take the course and come back."

"Hehe. It would be better, but, well, a lot has happened, and I really like this armor, so I'll buy it."

It would have been better to take the course before arguing with the guild master. Should I sign up for the beginner's course? I'll probably be rejected, but...

"If you're buying it, I won't complain, but are you sure? Even with good armor, you can die easily without knowledge."

Aks is a good person. He looks really scary, but...

"Yes, I'll study, so I'll be fine."

He reluctantly taught me how to put on the equipment. It seems like a small adjustment will do, so I'll wait here while he adjusts it.

"Hey, Sylphie. Do you know any basic knowledge about adventurers?"

"Hmm. I think I know a bit about adventurers, but I don't know the basics. I've never paid attention to it."

"Thanks."

I should probably sign up for the beginner's course. I might be able to get by with brute force, but I might end up making a bad impression if I don't know the unwritten rules. The problem is that I might be rejected. I'll check with the guild after all the shopping is done.

While I was thinking, Aks came back. I put on the adjusted armor, checking the steps again. Yeah, it fits perfectly. Aks is really skilled.

"Thank you."

"Yeah. Take good care of it and study too."

"Hehe, I'll do both."

The set of leather armor and the sturdy adventurer's clothes to wear under it were also available, so I bought three sets. One set costs 10,000 elts... I'm not sure if it's expensive or cheap.

I changed into the leather armor. I should look like a proper adventurer now. I'm still wearing Japanese trunks, though.

We left the store and started walking to get ingredients. I plan to buy a lot of ingredients to make Japanese-style dishes.

"Yuta, you look cool!""Kyu-kyu""It suits you!""Ku-ku-ku"

"Thanks."

Feeling good, I walked through the labyrinth city with the praise of Bel and the others. It's nice not to draw strange attention when I'm not wearing anything out of place.

We bought skewers and bread from a stall that caught Bel's interest. A rough sandwich made with a large piece of meat and bread looked tempting. I'm worried if I can bite it, but I'm looking forward to eating it.

There was also soup, but it seems the container needs to be returned, so I passed on it this time. It would be better to get a lot of dishes and pots and have a good meal at a nice restaurant.

"Yuta, when are we eating bread?"

In response to Bel's question, Rain, Turu, and Tamamo gathered around my face, curious. It's hard to see in front of me. I can see drool dripping from their mouths, but I can't let them eat here.

"Hmm. After we're done with our errands. Let's go back to the inn where no one can see us and eat. Can you wait?"

"We can!""Kyu!""We can wait!""Ku!"

They look a bit disappointed, but they say they can wait. They're such good kids, and I'm really happy. I want to pet them, but I'll look like a mime in the middle of the city, so I'll hold back. Instead, I praised them in a low voice.

Walking through the labyrinth city with everyone is fun, but I have to be careful about the surroundings, which is a bit troublesome. It might be fun to just let go, but being disliked by the adventurer's guild and being treated as a weird person by the people of the labyrinth city would be tough.

Thank you for reading.