Chapter 62

Just wielding a bit of knowledge from the杂货店, I finish my shopping at the bookstore. Next is the furniture store and the adventurer's guild.

I walk through the labyrinth city, map in hand. Bell and the others are flying around the city in all directions. Occasionally, they ask other spirits something, but it’s unclear what kind of responses they get.

For now, Bell and the others are mostly interested in food, so they might be asking about delicious food.

（Sylph. What happened to those thugs?）

"They've split up. It seems they no longer trust anyone except those they've been with for a long time."

（I see. Thanks.）

This way, they won’t bother me anymore. I’ve damaged our friendship, but it’s their own fault.

***

I arrive at the furniture store. ...Huh? There are wooden chairs and wardrobes, but I can’t find the bed. It’s a small store, so did I come to the wrong place? I should ask the lady at the counter just to be sure.

"Excuse me. I want to buy a bed. Where are they?"

"A bed, huh? We make them to order. We use monster materials, and they take up a lot of space. What kind do you want?"

So it’s made to order. Can it be made while I’m in the labyrinth city? Well, I can come back to pick it up. It won’t take long to fly here.

"I’m staying at the Strong Arm Torque inn right now. Do you know about the beds there?"

"Hmm? Oh, I know. They’re our work. You want one like that?"

So this store made that bed. That’s good to know.

"Can you make it twice as big and a bit softer?"

The bed at the inn is a bit smaller than a single bed. I’d like a bigger bed to sleep comfortably. It would also be nice if I could share it with someone, even though I don’t know if I’ll find anyone.

I’m not popular at the adventurer’s guild, and the receptionist dislikes female adventurers... I was supposed to have wonderful encounters. Getting carried away by emotions can lead to trouble.

"The size can be adjusted, but making it softer will require higher-quality materials, so the price will go up."

"How much would it cost in total?"

"Well, if we use the next higher grade of materials, it would be about 400,000 elts. The bed at Torque’s place cost 150,000 elts."

400,000... It’s expensive, but I can afford it. Now, I’m curious about the next grade up.

***

"I’ll go with that. The total price is 1.2 million elts, right?"

"Yeah, but you sure have high standards. This level is for the well-off. Are you sure you’re okay with it?"

What does 'well-off' mean? I do have some money... But since it’s a custom order, I got carried away with the details. I even upgraded the material grade... but I don’t regret it.

"We spend a third of our lives in bed, so my hometown says to use the best. That’s why I’m splurging."

"Hmm, that’s a good selling point for beds. I’ll keep it in mind. It should be ready in about ten days. We can deliver it too."

Hmm, that’s a bit later than my planned stay in the labyrinth city. I might extend my stay and pick it up before returning. They probably won’t deliver to the Land of Death.

"Got it. I’ll come to the store to pick it up. I need other furniture too, so can I pay everything at once when I get it?"

"Sure thing. Buy as much as you like."

The lady seems happy. Now, I need a table and chairs. Only I and the Great Spirits will use the chairs. Bell and the others float to eat... I should buy a few extra for guests.

No ordinary guests will come to the Land of Death, but it would be inconvenient if Sylph’s friends visit or if the group grows. I’ll buy two extra chairs. For the table, I’ll get the big one, and for the wardrobe and kitchen cabinet... do I really need them?

I can store everything in my magic bag, so I don’t need them. Maybe I’ll buy a small kitchen cabinet as decoration? ...No, I’ll buy it if I need it.

"How much for the big table and seven chairs?"

"That table is 80,000 elts. The chairs are 6,000 elts each. We only have five, so do you want us to make more?"

"Sure. I’ll pick them up with the bed."

"Got it."

I pay and store the table and chairs. The lady even tried to recruit me to work at the store. With a magic bag, I wouldn’t have trouble making a living as a delivery person. I tell her I’ll come back after ten days and leave the store.

"Yuta, no bed? Bell also sleep?"

(Yes, I bought a big bed. It will be ready in ten days. If you like it, you can sleep there too.)

"Sleep..."

Rain, Tulu, and Tamamo, who were listening, also gathered around. It looks like I’ll be sleeping with Bell and the others when the bed is ready. I calm the excited Bell and head to the adventurer’s guild.

(Sylph, can you check what people are saying about me when I enter the guild? I want to know how I’m perceived.)

"Sure, I’ll check."

(Thanks.)

Well, the incident from a few hours ago... has it spread?

***

It has spread. When I enter the guild, I get a lot of stares, and whispers increase. Sylph is checking, but her cheerful expression is scary.

"Hello, Ertina."

"Hello. Is there something you need?"

Oh, not even a polite smile. A completely blank face. The noise around me stops, and all eyes are on me. I’ve never been this noticeable in Japan, so I’m a bit nervous.

"I heard the adventurer’s guild offers beginner training. I’d like to sign up. Is that okay?"

"…Do you really need it? You seemed quite confident. You had a lot of magic stones, didn’t you? Didn’t you defeat them yourself?"

She’s not even calling me by name now. It hurts. But is she also doubting the magic stones? She saw the hammer’s power, so she shouldn’t doubt it. Maybe saying 'Land of Death' was a mistake?

"I’m a beginner. Confidence and knowledge are different. When is the beginner training?"

I put on a thick face and act boldly.

"…Tomorrow. It starts at 8 AM."

Perfect timing.

"Got it. I’ll participate. Can you handle the registration? Also, where can I buy magic potions?"

"I’ll handle the registration. Magic potions are sold at the store next to the tavern."

Her expression didn’t change at all. At the store, I was greeted with the same blank face. I got minimal responses to my questions, and the isolation is intense.

I bought basic and intermediate potions and antidotes. The basic ones were 7,000 elts each, but the prices went up for the intermediate ones.

Intermediate potion: 150,000 elts. Intermediate antidote: 200,000 elts. There are also advanced and special grades, but how much do they cost? I’m a bit worried about being overcharged.

I leave the guild, feeling the stares. The rumors have definitely spread. I’ll hear Sylph’s report when I get back to the inn.

Oh, I almost forgot. I need to return the temporary ID I got when entering the labyrinth city, or I’ll be a criminal. I’ve forgotten about it because so much has happened since getting the guild card.

I’ll stop by the city gate before returning to the inn. It’s a detour, but I can’t forget to return it after tomorrow’s beginner training. The guild master would probably be happy to turn me over to the guards.

***

“Welcome back. The master has been waiting for you. Can you talk to him?”

Before I can say anything, Martha shouts, “You’re back!” and calls Torque. I want to talk too.

I hear the sound of running footsteps. The floor is shaking.

“Hey, customer. You’re amazing. I was skeptical, but the meat really tasted better. Why is that?”

He pats my back, which hurts a lot. I wonder if the armor isn’t effective. Is it because he’s strong?

“Ouch, it hurts, please stop.”

“Oh, sorry. I got carried away. So, why does grilling with charcoal make the meat taste better?”

He leans in with a curious, scarred face. It’s honestly scary. How should I explain? Infrared rays are too technical.

“Well, grilling with charcoal makes it easier for the heat to penetrate, preserving the meat’s flavor. The fat that drips onto the charcoal turns into smoke, which adds a good aroma to the food.”

It’s a vague explanation, but I can’t explain it any better. I just want him to accept that grilling with charcoal makes the meat taste better.

“I see. Now that you mention it, the cooking time seemed shorter too. It’s like smoking or curing. Thanks for the tip. Tonight, we’ll have all-you-can-drink ale. Eat and drink to your heart’s content.”

Torque laughs and returns to the kitchen. He’s a hearty person.

“I tried it too, and it really did taste better. Let us know if you have any more tips.”

“Ha, I’ll share if I think of anything. Can I have the key?”

It’s nice to have more delicious dishes, but dealing with these people is tiring. I’m hesitant to ask about improving the bread. I’ll think about it more before doing so.

“Right, here’s the key.”

“Ah, I’m extending my stay for five more days. Is that okay?”

“No problem. Since you told us about the charcoal, I’ll charge you 30,000 elts. I’d like to make it free, but please bear with it.”

Wow, 20,000 elts cheaper. I feel bad about staying for free, but this is enough. I thank him and pay.

Now, I’ll listen to Sylph’s report before dinner. I need to be mentally prepared for the worst.

Thank you for reading.