Chapter 45

The next day, Tarte and I first went to the two "Transfer Gates" in Tsire, where we completed Tarte's registration. With this, we could instantly return to Tsire from any other town.

Tarte muttered, "What is common sense, nya?" but I quietly turned my face away.

After that, it was the long-awaited "Adventurer's Guild"!

The Adventurer's Guild is located a little east of the central square of the town. There's a sign with a sword, staff, and shield, and it's a building with a heavy door.

"I couldn't register a party before. Now we can level up together."

"I'm looking forward to it, nya!"

Since Tarte and I are within ±15 levels of each other, when we form a party, we can each get half of the experience points when we defeat a monster. Without this system, it would be difficult for me, a support class, to gain experience points, and I would mentally die.

From now on, I'll have Tarte take down monsters aggressively! Oh yeah!

We asked Prim, the receptionist we always see, to register Tarte as an adventurer. We can get a guild card, which can also serve as an ID, making it convenient.

"It's been a while, Sharon. Did you part ways with Frey and the others? Is this Tarte, Torte's relative...?"

"Yes, I've finished my business. Now it's just the two of us."

"I'm Tarte, Torte's sister, nya. Nice to meet you, nya."

When Tarte bowed, Prim smiled and replied, "Nice to meet you too."

Then she quickly registered Tarte as an adventurer and our party. Now we can go hunting anytime, and we're in full-on hunting mode.

"By the way... Have Kent and Cocoa been around recently?"

"Yes, they're on a mission today. Should I let them know you're back, Sharon?"

"Please do."

Kent and Cocoa are a pair of a <Swordsman> and a <Mage> who I used to party with. We said we'd party together again, so I wanted to introduce Tarte to them, but since they're on a mission, there's nothing we can do.

Tarte is tilting her head, so I briefly explained about them and promised to introduce them when we meet again.

"Master, what do we do next, nya?"

As we left the guild, Tarte tilted her head.

"There are so many things I want to do, I'm at a loss."

"I want to go to the food stalls again, nya."

"Sure!"

We laughed together and thought about what to do next.

What I want to do now is advance the quest to become a <Holy Maiden>. For Tarte, it's probably buying items to make <Potions>. For both of us, it's probably leveling up. However, to level up, Tarte needs to make a <Fire Flask> first. So, we need to go shopping first.

"Let's go buy what we need for an <Alchemist>. Then we'll go back to the inn and make the <Fire Flask>! What do you think?"

"I'll work hard as an <Alchemist>, nya!"

Tarte is burning with enthusiasm and full of energy.

We arrived at the equipment shop nearby. We've been here a few times, and it's a place we've been helped by. The shopkeeper is a friendly uncle who is always willing to help with advice.

As we entered the store, the doorbell rang, and we were greeted with, "Oh, the <Pudding Jelly> girl!" ... It seems they hadn't forgotten us.

I smiled wryly and returned the greeting.

"Hello. We're here to shop for this girl."

"Nice to meet you, nya."

"Oh, what a cute girl. Nice to meet you."

Tarte greeted them and started looking around the store, seemingly interested in the various items. I can understand; there are so many fantasy items to look at.

"What are you looking for, nya?"

"I'm an <Alchemist>, nya!"

"Oh, that's rare. We don't see many <Alchemists>."

However, it seems they have the necessary tools and materials. "They're over there on the shelf," he pointed out. The alchemy cauldron, stirring rod, and other items available in the game are all there.

"We'll buy a complete set, the same as what Tarte had at home."

"Yes, nya...! I, I can't afford this much, nya!?"

Tarte is teary-eyed after seeing the price tags. I realize we haven't talked much about money or prices. Tarte seems to get a decent allowance from Torte, but it's probably not enough to buy a complete set of equipment.

I took out my wallet and said, "Leave it to me!"

"I can't let you buy something so expensive, nya!"

"No, no, it's an investment. Without good equipment, it's inefficient. I have enough money, so it's fine."

Additionally, I told her that she could pay me back a little at a time from her share when we go to the dungeon or hunt. She nodded in agreement.

"Also, we need the <Alchemist> books, all of them. And I want <Fire Mushrooms>, <Magic Stones>, <Oil>, and <Orc Rags>."

"We don't have <Orc Rags>... They have a strong smell, so not many shops stock them. Hmm, maybe we should consult the guild."

So strong that they don't want to stock them... Thinking about it, I feel a bit depressed even before making the <Fire Flask>. I glance at Tarte, who is trembling in fear of the smell. As a Kitsuji, her sense of smell is excellent...

"We have twenty <Fire Mushrooms>. We have a decent number of <Magic Stones> and <Oil>. How many do you want?"

"Then... all the mushrooms. Fifty each of <Magic Stones> and <Oil>, please."

"Sure, I'll get them ready."

"Thank you."

Since there are few <Alchemists>, it seems <Fire Mushrooms> are not in high circulation. Moreover, two mushrooms are needed for each <Fire Flask>. We might need to think about securing them regularly in the future. Maybe I'll put out a buy request at the guild?

At the counter, the items were ready. Tarte packed them into her bag one by one, and the shopkeeper looked enviously at her large capacity.

"Ah, and the books. We have <Beginner Alchemy Book> and <Intermediate Alchemy Book>."

"Can I have those too, please?"

"Sure, anytime."

The books contain the recipes for making potions. While it's possible to make potions without them, I think they'll be good for Tarte to study. Tarte looks eager to read them, which is cute.

"I want to make potions soon, nya~!"

Tarte flipped through the pages and carefully put the book away.

"Thank you."

"Thank you, nya."

"Sure, anytime."

We left the equipment shop and returned to the guild.

"Ah, Sharon and Tarte. What's up?"

We approached the counter where Prim was, who was surprised to see us back so soon but quickly attended to us.

"Can Tarte explain?"

"Yes, nya. Prim, we need <Fire Mushrooms> and <Orc Rags>. We want as many as possible, nya."

"<Fire Mushrooms> and <Orc Rags>... We do buy them, so I think we have some in stock. Let me check."

"Please, nya."

As Prim left her seat, Tarte and I exchanged glances and sighed in relief. Now we can make the <Fire Flask>.

After waiting for five minutes, Prim returned with, "I found them!" She was carrying two bags, which she placed on the counter.

"Here are fifty <Fire Mushrooms> and thirty-two <Orc Rags>. The rags are all we have, and we have about a hundred more <Fire Mushrooms>. What do you want to do with them?"

"Um..."

Tarte glanced at me. It's still a bit difficult for her to decide on the quantity. I nodded to Tarte, indicating it's fine.

"Can we have all of them, including the stock, nya? And I want more, so... is it possible to put out a buy request, nya?"

"Understood. We can put out a buy request, but there will be a fee, so it will be a bit more expensive than buying from the guild normally. Is that okay?"

Prim confirmed, and Tarte looked at me again. I nodded, just like before.

"Please, nya!"

"Sure. Understood."

Tarte's enthusiastic request made Prim smile, and she processed the request for us.