Chapter 38

"Wa, Iku! That's so cute!"

"Sure, sure."

The day after registering with the Merchant Guild, Iku and I set out for the town.

Iku suggested that we should walk around the town before deciding on a location for our shop. So, we planned to look around the town in the morning, have lunch, and then head to the Merchant Guild.

The weather was just right—neither too sunny nor too cloudy, a pleasant and warm day. The sunlight was gentle, making me feel as if I were wrapped in a fluffy blanket.

"Maybe a general store? Can I take a look?"

"Do as you please."

"Okay, then I'll look!"

The display window was filled with cute dishes and small items. There were also handkerchiefs and cushions, but it seemed that kitchenware was the main focus of the store.

When we opened the wooden door and stepped inside, a sweet fragrance wafted through the air. Curious, I looked around the small shop and quickly found the source: a shelf near the entrance filled with small bags of various herbs.

"Is this... potpourri?"

"Yes, that's right. It's our most popular potpourri. You must be a first-time customer... welcome!"

"Ah, hello."

The shop assistant, who had been at the counter, greeted us and explained that the potpourri was their best-seller. It seemed to be the store's flagship product.

While smiling and responding, my eyes were drawn back to the potpourri. The scent was truly delightful.

"You can use it to decorate your home, or it makes a great gift too."

"Really? It's so cute."

I really want it... but since I'm not sure when I can return home, maybe I'll buy it next time. The small, colorful bags of flowers seem to be filled with a girl's dreams!

"I'm staying at an inn now, so I'll come back to buy it when I settle in!"

"Yes, thank you."

Although it was hard to leave, I decided to hold off and promised to return once we had our own shop. We left the store and continued walking down the street.

"Are you glad you didn't buy it?"

"Hmm... I'll buy it after we get our shop! It would be a hassle to carry more things around."

"Right."

Iku seemed concerned but added, "That's wise." Yes, Iku is always so thoughtful.

"But the side streets are busier than I thought!"

"...Yeah, most of the shops are open, and there are quite a few people around."

Currently, Iku and I were walking down a side street. Starting with the general store we had just visited, there were various shops, including food stores, weapon shops, and armor shops. The streets were moderately busy, and it seemed that each shop had its regular customers.

Yes, I think this is a great location!

"Let's check out the alleys and then head to the guild, okay?"

"Sure."

We had just finished walking down the last side street and were moving to a deeper alley. The side street had a bright atmosphere, but how would the alley be?

As we took a step, a stylish alleyway appeared before us.

"I thought the alley would be more deserted."

"It's quite lively... huh."

The alley had a similar number of people as the side street. Some shops were closed, but each one had a unique and mysterious atmosphere.

While the side street had a uniform, cute feel, the alley had a more stylish and independent design for each shop. It seemed to fit the alley better.

I've heard that the alley is home to many hidden gems. Maybe we'll find some special items.

"Ah..."

"Hmm?"

"Can I take a look?"

What does Iku want to see?

Following Iku's gaze, I saw... a bookstore? Books were piled up on shelves that extended outside the shop. It looked like an old bookshop. I suddenly remembered that we didn't have any books at home, only the basic knowledge books given by the god.

"Sure. We might as well pick something up! We don't have any books at home..."

"Right."

We entered the shop through the open door, and the unique smell of old books filled the air. I wasn't used to this scent since I didn't read much.

To my surprise, the books were spotless and neatly arranged. The titles indicated that they were organized by genre, suggesting that the shop was well-maintained.

"Ah, welcome."

"Hello."

A person emerged from the back, buried in books. They had long hair tied back and wore a deep green robe. Their glasses and intelligent face made them look like they could be a woman, but their voice was deep and calm, suggesting a man in his twenties.

I greeted them, and Iku nodded slightly.

"What kind of books are you looking for?"

"Well... I don't have a specific book in mind, but if you have something good, that would be great."

"I see..."

I felt a bit rude, but I was honest since I didn't know what they had. The shop owner said, "Hmm... I think you might like these," and handed me a few books from the neatly stacked shelves.

"Thank you! Can I take a look?"

"Of course."

The owner had selected three books. They all had simple, unassuming covers with titles written on them... wait?

"Um, these books..."

"Yes, I think these are what you need right now."

"...Really? But how did you know I needed them?"

I clutched the books tightly and looked at the shop owner, who was smiling warmly, but I couldn't read their thoughts.

The three books were:

* *The Goddess Lethisriel and the Gem Flower*

* *The House of Beginnings*

* *Herb Cultivation and Alchemy*

I didn't know what "The House of Beginnings" referred to, but the book about the goddess and the one about herb cultivation... Only the god and Iku knew I was looking for the goddess.

How did the shop owner know?

"...What do you mean?"

"Iku!!"

"Please, don't be so wary."

Iku, who had been looking at the books, suddenly stood in front of me, shielding me with his right hand. We had left his staff at the inn, so he was unarmed.

"The books tell me, 'This person wants to read me!'"

"...I don't believe that."

The shop owner continued, "But it's true..." but Iku remained in a protective stance. The shop owner, looking a bit troubled, handed Iku a book. Iku took it without thinking.

"I think this book will be good for you."

"...Why this one?"

*It's because I chose it!*

"!?!"

A voice suddenly echoed through the shop. I looked around but couldn't see the source.

"Oh, it's rare for you to show yourself."

*Yeah! But this kid smelled good!*

"Me...?"

A fairy, or something like it, appeared in front of me. It was about the size of my hand, with wings on its back, black hair, and slightly pointed ears. It wore a robe-like outfit.

"A fairy...?"

*No, no! I'm a book spirit!*

The spirit flew from me to Iku, making a "no" gesture with its finger and puffing out its chest.

"A spirit...! Why is such a being in a bookstore?"

"Iku?"

Iku, who usually would say something like "Hmm," seemed a bit flustered. Spirits must be rare, I thought, as Iku said, "You don't know?"

"Spirits, unlike fairies, are unique to their kind. There's only one in the world..."

"Wow! That's amazing!"

*Yeah, I'm amazing!*

The spirit puffed out its chest and flew to the shop owner's shoulder, perching there.

"See, the books really do tell me what you need."

"...It seems so."

The shop owner smiled and said, "Don't worry, I won't do anything harmful."

Indeed, if the spirit could help me find the right books, it made sense. Probably.

*You see, I can see the red thread between books and people!*

"Wow, that's incredible!"

I reacted genuinely, and Iku looked a bit exasperated, but he seemed to be regaining his composure.

"Yes, as a book spirit, I can do that. But I don't choose books for everyone. Only those who truly need them and are liked by me..."

"Me... you like me?"

By this cute spirit?

That's a bit... no, a lot, exciting. This is what I imagine a fantasy world to be like.

But if it's a spirit, will I grow up to be something similar?

*Yeah, it's fate! This bookstore has great books, but not many people come here!*

The spirit laughed and flew around the shop.

"Thank you for choosing the books for me."

*You're welcome! Want to buy them?*

"Sure. The ones you chose for me and Iku. Do you have any others for Iku?"

"...No, that's all."

*Hehe! Anytime!*

The spirit's face lit up, and it flew faster, showing its excitement.

"Thank you. It's hard to tell who the shop owner is now."

*Leave the book selection to me!*

"Only for those you like, right?"

*That's right!*

It felt a bit like a comedy duo, but I could tell they were a good team. A gathering of book lovers, perhaps.

Are there many such mysterious shops in the alley? The alleys in this fantasy world are truly unique.

I paid for the books and put them in my backpack. Iku took the backpack and carried it for me, as the four hardcover books were quite heavy.

"Thank you."

"No problem."

*Oh, here's a bonus!*

The spirit thrust a small book into my hands. I looked at the title: "My Book."

I flipped through it and saw that it was all handwritten. Is this a handmade book?

*Yeah, I wrote it! Next time, tell me what you think!*

"Really? A handmade book... Can I keep it?"

*Sure, but tell me what you think!*

"Of course!"

Receiving a book made by a book spirit—was it really okay? It must be very rare. But the title intrigued me. "My Book"? Does it contain information about spirits? I'm looking forward to reading it.

"Well, we should get going."

"Oh, you have something to do. I'm sorry for keeping you."

"No, no, thank you!"

*Come back soon!*

"Sure, I will!"

*Looking forward to it!*

"Thank you."

Their smiles made me happy. I promised to return and left the shop with Iku.

As soon as we stepped outside, the quiet atmosphere of the bookstore was replaced by the lively alley.

"That was a mysterious shop. Are all the shops in the alley like that?"

"That one was special. Most shops in the alley are normal."

"Really?"

Iku pointed to a normal food stall, a clothing store, and a set meal restaurant.

I was a bit disappointed, thinking the alley would be more fantastical, but I was glad to have found that shop.

We continued walking towards the Merchant Guild and found a nice set meal restaurant for lunch.

Our goal is the Merchant Guild and our shop! Thinking about it made my steps lighter. Iku walked a bit ahead, as usual, but I wondered if he was excited too.

As we thought about this, we arrived at the Merchant Guild.

...By the way, what book did Iku get?