Chapter 11

"…Then, I will purchase the materials."

The old man doesn't seem to be in high spirits. I wonder what's wrong with him. Please make sure to purchase the materials properly.

"This is the total amount for the purchase."

A cloth bag was placed on the table with a thud. Cash, cash. Finally, a reward other than physical items!

I eagerly peeked into the bag. Are there gold coins? Gold coins… Ah, no. Sniff. There were a lot of white coins inside. Did it not amount to much money?

Seeing my visibly disappointed expression, Jin called out to me with concern.

"What's wrong, Shina-chan?"

"There were no gold coins… I might not be able to buy many clothes."

"What?!"

Jin glared at the old man. The old man waved his hands frantically.

"No, no, not gold coins, but white coins! There are 58 white coins! You can buy an entire store of clothes!?"

"White coins?"

When I turned the cloth bag upside down, white coins tumbled out. The old man exclaimed.

"Shina-sama, don't just take out such a large sum of money!"

Is this better than gold coins? Someone, please explain. Thinking about it, I haven't touched money since I was 10. When I lived with my parents in this world, I used to clench copper coins when running errands. By the way, three hard rolls of bread cost one copper coin.

"Shina-sama, one gold coin is enough to support a family of four for a month. One white coin is worth 100 gold coins."

Kiri explained hesitantly. Hmm, one gold coin is about 100,000 yen? The prices here are low. So 100 times that is 10 million yen, and 58 of them would be 580 million yen! Like a lottery!?

I hurriedly put the white coins back into the cloth bag. Oh, I can't carry this around. Kiri, hold it for me.

When I tried to hand it over to Kiri, he refused with teary eyes. Yeah, it's understandable, who would want to carry 580 million yen?

"You can store it with a storage spell."

Jin patted my head gently and said. Oh, with a storage spell, I don't have to worry about dropping it. Jin is smart.

Before storing it, I realized something. Can these white coins be used in regular stores? Can I get change for 10 million yen at a clothing store?

When I asked the old man, he exchanged one white coin for 100 gold coins. That's good.

"The materials were in almost perfect condition with no damage. I wonder how much they would fetch at an auction, it's exciting!"

This time, the materials were from a high-level monster that rarely appears and were almost undamaged, so the old man's eyes turned golden and sparkled. It seems like the Adventurer's Guild can handle even lottery-level amounts of money. Moreover, it seems they even gave us a little extra service.

"Ah, by the way, there were no magic stones in the materials. Is there a reason for that?"

"I keep the magic stones for my own use."

Magic stones have various uses. Hehehe.

"Hmm? For example, like those ear decorations…?"

"That's right. Mmmph—"

When I tried to explain, Bari covered my mouth.

"Bist, you shouldn't touch that yet."

Bari said, pushing me away. Why not? I made them, so I should be able to use them as I like.

When Kiri pulled Bari's hand away, he wiped my mouth with a handkerchief and said in a cold voice, "Don't touch Shina-sama, it will defile her." Oh. Kiri is scary. It seems my previous statement is still affecting him. It's unlikely he'll change his mind. Bari is unusually stiff.

Kiri whispered to me, "You shouldn't easily talk about items made with magic stones." I remember Kiri saying they are national treasures. It's dangerous, I shouldn't talk about them easily.

I smiled and pretended not to hear the old man's question. The old man looked awkward and averted his eyes. I understand, he doesn't want to be glared at by the royal family.

When we said goodbye to the old man, who repeatedly invited us to become exclusive adventurers, we left the Adventurer's Guild. Let's go shopping!

Just as Kiri and I were about to run to the stores, Jin stopped us.

"Shina-chan, will you come back to the inn by evening?"

Jin's blue eyes looked like those of an abandoned puppy. He seemed anxious because I had refused to let him come along for the shopping, saying it was a girl's thing.

I don't want to get involved with the royal family anymore. I was even considering running away. His eyes were digging into my conscience. Sigh, guilt.

But Jin seemed to genuinely have no ulterior motives and had helped us at the Adventurer's Guild. He doesn't seem to be a bad person.

I'll go with him at least to the fortress city we promised. I'll think about what to do after that.

"Sure, Jin. See you later."

When I smiled and said that, Jin's expression relaxed with relief.

◇◇◇

"Great catch, great catch."

We bought a lot of clothes. About four large bags' worth for both Kiri and me. We bought both necessary and unnecessary clothes for our journey. About two gold coins' worth. Clothes seem to be a luxury in this world. Commoners only buy new clothes once a year. So Kiri was very hesitant, but my child looks cute in anything. I bought a lot.

We also bought seasonings and cooking utensils, materials that could be used for magic stone processing, and ate the famous street food of Ale Street. We visited the beautiful fountain square and the flower fields, and rode in a carriage pulled by a creature called a raba, which was full of flowers, and thoroughly enjoyed Ale Street! Kiri asked the locals about the famous spots and recommended places. I could tell he was trying to make me, who only knew battlefields, enjoy myself. It was so nice! It was fun! It's completely different from reading about it in books or maps!

When we returned, excited and a bit tired from our sightseeing, Jin was waiting for us in front of the inn. According to Bari, he had been anxiously waiting since early in the day. Oh, I had a lot of fun, sorry.

"Welcome back, Shina-chan."

Jin hugged me tightly and carried me again. I didn't think it was easy just because I was tired from walking. Put me down.

"I'm glad you came back."

When Jin said this with a sigh, I pouted in protest.

"I said I would come back later, didn't I?"

You don't trust me. Well, I was thinking of running away.

"Shina-chan, you were scared of me. I thought you might run away. But I won't let you."

The last sentence was so scary. Why are you saying that? You and I were strangers until 20 days ago, right?

"We have three rooms booked. Two people per room. Shina-chan, you'll be in the same room as me."

"No way. I'll be in the same room as Kiri."

"You didn't have to answer so quickly. I was joking… I understand."

His slumped shoulders didn't look like a joke at all. No room for mistakes. I won't be separated from Kiri.

Jin said he wanted to talk to us before dinner, so Kiri and I were led to one of the rooms. The old man and Bari were waiting there. The old man gave me more fruit. Yay.

Bari awkwardly smiled at Kiri, but Kiri's face was expressionless. Yeah, Bari's reputation with Kiri is plummeting.

We each took a seat and were given warm cups of tea. Bari handed them to us. He's quite skilled.

The floral-scented tea was soothing for my tired body. A little milk and honey would make it even better.

"I have something I want to ask Shina-chan."

After sipping the tea and relaxing, Jin started the conversation, looking a bit tense.

Everyone's faces were a bit stiff. What is it?

"Are you the former Holy Maiden who was exiled from Daido Kingdom?"

Thank you for reporting any typos or missing words. It's very helpful.

I'm also writing another long story simultaneously.

If you'd like, please take a look.