Chapter 17

Indeed, the materials I collected today couldn't be processed, so they were deferred to a later date.

Ebrand told me to "show up again tomorrow," and I left the guild.

And now, I stand in front of a shop.

"Still, this is the only place, isn't it..."

I opened the door and entered the shop. As usual, the young sage was sitting at the counter. Natalie smiled when she recognized me.

"Oh, Toya. What brings you here today? Didn't you buy up to the advanced level of sacred magic last time? Do you need a potion?"

"Actually... I want a magic book for a spellcaster..."

"Are you a healer? Do you really need such a thing? Of course, I have them. From beginner to advanced. However, I choose my customers carefully. It would be pointless to sell to someone who can't use them, right?"

I was at a loss for words. I had just learned about the levels in this world at the guild, so I couldn't explain it easily. But if I didn't, she wouldn't sell to me. I decided to tell Natalie.

"--- A job change... Do you know about that?"

"?! Do you know about it...?"

"Who do you think I am? I'm Sage Natalie. So, you've changed your job to a spellcaster, right?"

I nodded honestly. Natalie smiled and placed three books on the counter. The sacred magic book had a white cover, while the elemental magic book had a black cover.

"These are the magic books. However... there is a condition to sell them."

"Condition...? Is that necessary...?"

Natalie nodded and said something unexpected.

"Be my disciple."

"--- No way!"

I answered immediately. No matter how much she calls herself a sage, she looks like just a little girl. I don't want to be her disciple. Natalie pouted at my unexpected response.

"Then, I won't sell. Even back when I was wandering, I was called the 'Sage of Twilight.' I've tasted delicious foods from various countries and have a lot of experience. I can't accept being looked down upon by a young whelp."

Delicious foods from various countries... Maybe...

"--- If I can make you something you've never tasted before, will you sell it to me?"

Natalie's interest in "something I've never tasted before" was clear.

"Delicious food... *licks lips* If you can satisfy me, I'll sell it to you. No, I'll give it to you for free!"

"You said it. Come to my house tonight! And bring the magic books, of course!"

"Quite confident, aren't you? Don't underestimate me. I'll come after I close the shop, so be prepared!"

"I'll be waiting!"

I left the shop with a parting shot. Of course, I'm confident. Just wait and see.

I headed back to the mansion with a smile. When I returned, I talked to Kokuyou in the stable for a while before entering the mansion. As soon as I entered the hall, Felis appeared.

"Welcome back, Felis."

*O...ka...e...ri... To...ya...*

What did she just say!? I couldn't help but widen my eyes.

"Felis, did you just say 'Toya'?"

When I said that, Felis turned away and disappeared as if running away.

"Felis said my name..."

I couldn't help but smile. Natalie had told me, "House spirits don't speak. They don't change their expressions. They just maintain the house." But now, Felis had changed her expression slightly and even spoke. It made me very happy.

"Ah, I can't forget... I need to prepare dinner for the young sage..."

I hurried to the kitchen.

"What should I make... Japanese cuisine would definitely be something she hasn't tasted before..."

I took out ingredients from my dimensional storage and lined them up. Salt, sugar, and pepper were available in the shop. Pepper was several times more expensive than other ingredients, but it was essential for my Japanese palate, so I had stocked up. However, there was no soy sauce.

"Wait a moment... If I can satisfy her with just one meal..."

I smiled slyly and waited for the young sage to arrive.

As the sun set and I was relaxing, Felis appeared.

"--- C...a...me..."

"Right. Thank you, Felis."

I opened the door and welcomed Natalie.

"Welcome. Though you're the landlord, right?"

"Yes. I'm intruding. --- You understand, right?"

"Of course. I'm looking forward to it."

I invited her to the dining room and had her sit down.

"Would you like some wine?"

"Yes. It's fine. I like alcohol."

While wondering if there was a shop that would serve alcohol to someone who looks like a little girl, I placed the glasses and took out a bottle of red wine from my dimensional storage. I pulled the cork and slowly poured it into the glass to about half full.

"Wait a moment. I'll bring the food."

I left the table and took out the food. Of course, it was the food I had stored in my dimensional storage from the game.

"I wonder what kind of face she'll make..."

I smiled and carried the plate with the food to the dining room.