Chapter 16: "McNall's Shop"

I emerged onto a square with cracked cobblestones.

Impermanence.

It must have been lively here in the past.

Now, there is no foot traffic, only weeds growing.

"Look, over there."

The blacksmith shop they were heading to was in one corner of the square.

It looked like just another dilapidated building among the others.

The signboard hanging outside read "McNall's Shop."

"A skilled blacksmith, huh? Why bother setting up shop in a place like this?"

"He's a guy who hates nobles. He doesn't want to take on requests, so he purposely set up his shop in a place like this."

"I see."

"I've never been to a blacksmith before. I'm looking forward to it!"

"Me too!"

"Hey, Ku, what kind of sword are you going to get?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure. Just a regular one should be fine."

"Since you have the chance, go for the most expensive one! A sword with lots of gemstones, like those displayed in noble houses!"

"Give me a break!"

Led by Rock, we entered the shop.

"Hey, McNall, old man!"

"Oh, it's Rock. You still alive?"

The interior of the dimly lit shop was cluttered with weapons and armor, and a dwarf sitting at a table was taking a bite out of a hamburger.

"Ugh!"

Is he... eating a hamburger?

I couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Hey, that elf brat, get her out of here first."

"I'm not an elf. I'm a spirit."

"Huh?"

"Well, sorry about that. In a place where I used to be, McNall was the name of a hamburger shop. That's why."

Dangerous, dangerous. I almost became the brat here.

"Why the hell are these guys here? Get rid of them and come to the mountains!"

"Come on, Rock, what's with these guys? Dispose of them in the mountains! Hurry up!"

"No way, too much trouble."

Rock shrugged, and I picked up the shortsword that Angélique found.

"McNall, this is it."

"What the hell is this? Don't swing it around inside the shop, you idiot!"

"Hey, Ku, it's here, a shortsword!"

"Really!?"

"Look, isn't this it?"

"Oh, great!"

"So, don't swing it around!"

"Good, then. I'll take this. Thanks!"

"Thank you! I got it!"

"Alright, let's go to the blacksmith!"

"Wait, you haven't paid yet!"

"Whoops! How much is it?"

"Five silver coins, you idiot!"

"That's expensive! Is it a high-grade one?"

"Hell no, it's a normal-grade one. But it's made of iron. Don't compare it to bronze."

"Rock, I want this."

"...If you're just playing around, a bronze one is enough."

"I'm not playing around! Look—"

I swung the sword again.

"Your swing is flawless, with no deviation at the tip. Impressive."

"Yeah, surprised me."

"Hehe, thanks."

At that moment, Bridget spoke up.

"... Ku-chan's eating."

"Eating?"

"... Taking a bite?"

"...Not taking a bite."

"... Which one?"

"... This one.

"... This way.

"... That's a sword, not bread. Heh, hehe, hehe..."

"I didn't get that at all."

"Hey, Ku, I didn't quite get it, but can you explain?"

"Even if you ask me..."

Angélique whispered to me, but I couldn't come up with an answer.

"Rock, why the hell did you bother coming all the way to Arl just to give a sword to that brat?"

"It's obvious, isn't it? We're heading to the dungeon from here."

"From the looks of it, your injuries seem to have healed."

"Really? The blessing of the spirit hasn't spread this far, it seems."

"Blessing? What's that?"

"In the capital, it happened. At night, a blessing poured down from the entire sky. Everyone in the capital who received it became healthy."

"What!?"

"If Nora says so, it must be true. Well then, are we forgiven by the spirit?"

"What is this? If that's true, how wonderful it is."

"As usual, I'll entrust you with the maintenance of weapons. Can you finish it as soon as possible? We're in a hurry."

"Leave it to me. If there's not much damage, I'll have it done by tomorrow morning. Two gold coins, along with the shortsword."

"Sure."

Without negotiating, Rock took out the money.

Hmmm.

He calmly handed over two gold coins. Should I have asked for a more expensive sword? Well, it's fine. What I wanted this time was just a regular sword.

"However, Lord McNall, wouldn't it be a shame to let that skill of yours go to waste? How about returning to the capital soon?"

"Hmph. Not in a million years. I'm telling them to go to hell."

Ignoring Daz's suggestion, McNall immediately began inspecting Rock and the others' equipment. Rock and the others removed their armor and entrusted it to McNall. In return, I equipped the shortsword. McNall adjusted the belt to fit me and prepared a perfectly fitting scabbard.

We returned to the desolate square outside the shop.

"It suits you. Looks very strong, Kuu."

"Thanks."

"Now, with this, our team is truly the strongest! Hey, let's practice our formation a bit!"

"Sure, but what kind of formation?"

"For now, let's line up in the front and back."

"Didn't I tell you guys to stop it? Don't do that kind of thing in the main square."

"Y-yes."

Upon Rock's admonishment, Angélique quickly reflected on her actions. Good. It seems like she won't do anything reckless.

"Come on, let's head back before it gets dark."

"Yes. By the way, Kuu, you're on a journey, right? Where are you staying?"

"I'm camping."

"Huh? What about your parents?"

"They're not here."

"Huh? Why?"

"Because I'm traveling alone."

"What!?"

"...You don't need to make such a loud noise."

"Hahaha! Ku-chan is really funny! I might like you, Ku!"

"Ku, you're quite something."

"Managed to come this far without being attacked...," Rock muttered, shaking his head.

We were laughed at by Lulu and stared at in disbelief by Rock and Nora.

"That just means I'm not accompanied by my family. Judging by her appearance and behavior, she must be someone with at least a bodyguard. Were you playing around today, running away from your bodyguards? You need to return quickly; otherwise, the bodyguards' stomachs will suffer."

Hehe. I guess I look like someone with a high status. Good eyes, Daz!

Sorry. I'm actually just a commoner.

"Feel free to come stay at our place! I'll welcome you!"

Well, yeah. I thought Angélique would say that. It's a kind offer, and I'm happy about itsince I can relax. But I'll pass on making it a habit. I'm 22 years old. As an adult, I should try to be self-sufficient.

"Are you sure it's okay? We have a place to sleep."

"Do you have a carriage?"

Rock asked.

"Not really. I'm on a journey to gather materials for opening a shop in the capital."

"A shop in the capital!? Who are you, a princess, Ku?"

"I'm not a princess. But I happened to help a princess, and that's how I ended up getting a house from His Imperial Majesty."

"Amazing. Seriously?"

"Hehehe. I plan to name the shop 'Fluffy Beautiful Girl's Everything Workshop,' so come visit when it opens!"

"I'll go too, Ku! Definitely next year when I enroll in the academy!"

"Yeah. Looking forward to it, Angélique."

We reached the main street. Here, we would part ways with Rock and the others.

"Remember not to forget that you're a reckless person. Don't jump into danger on your own, got it? Let's meet again in the capital."

"See you, Ku-chan! 

"See you, Ange-chan!"

"We'll visit when the shop is open. Take care, Angélique."

"You too, be well."

Rock, Lulu, Nora, and Daz exchanged words. Griddley, as usual, remained silent.

My eyes met with Bridget. I instinctively straightened up. She saluted, and I saluted back.

The six turned their backs on us and gradually disappeared into the crowd.

I walked with Angélique until the square, where we parted ways.

"I had so much fun today! Let's do it again next year!"

"Yeah. Stay healthy."

"You too, of course. Traveling is amazing. Good luck!"

"Thank you."

"Oh, wait a moment!"

Ange jumped into a nearby shop and returned after a while.

"This is my address. Whenever things settle down for you, please send me a letter."

I was handed a piece of paper.

"Yeah. I got it."

"Then, see you, Ku!"

"See you, Ange."

With her red hair fluttering, Ange ran off. She remained lively until the end.

Now, I'm alone.

Well then.

What should I do?

I'm fine in terms of food since there's still plenty in the item inventory.

So, I guess I need to find a place to sleep.