Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

Page 35

Miss Eina led me into the nearest shop. It seemed to be a gun shop.

As she ventured deeper into the shop, Miss Eina stopped before a gun rack set up against the wall. Exquisite spears stood in rows, their tips pointing towards the ceiling.

I thought to myself, "It's bound to be ridiculously expensive again." Then I looked... and it cost 12,000 fali.

"Huh, is everything alright...?"

At this price, I might still be able to afford it...

"Hehe, startled, weren't you?"

"Yes, yes. But why is it so cheap?"

Miss Eina asked me, who was quite surprised, in a cheerful mood.

However, my gaze remained fixed on that exquisite gun.

"What sets the Hephaestus Familia apart from other forging Familias is that they also encourage their junior craftsmen to create works of art and sell them in their shops."

"Huh... is this alright? It's probably far inferior to that of top-notch craftsmen..."

"Of course, these kinds of works will be sold in a completely different environment than those made by skilled blacksmiths, right? However, the weapons made in this way will be thoroughly valued by the shop's management team, and then the adventurers will personally select and purchase them... These evaluations will be a clear benefit to inexperienced blacksmiths. Whether it's supreme glory or harsh and unbearable reviews, it's all the same. They will use these as motivation to work hard and create even better works."

While I was surprised, I also suddenly realized that rather than being confined to a narrow workshop and spending all day making prototypes or practicing, it would be more conducive to growth to be exposed to more voices and stimulation in the wider world.

"And this isn't a bad thing for the shop owners either. Because setting up such a counter can also attract the lower-class adventurer customer base."

Among them may be rising stars who will become first-class adventurers in the future. When these people emerge, they will surely become good customers for high-end goods. Simply put, it forms a perfect pyramid structure, as Miss Eina said.

The lower-level blacksmiths attract a large number of customers, select a few key customers, and then when these customers become successful, the upper-level blacksmiths can also expect to earn income.

The characteristics of a labyrinthine city. Overall, adventurers seem to possess the potential to generate enormous profits.

"The most important point here is that new adventurers and new blacksmiths can take this opportunity to build relationships, regardless of how close those relationships are."

What do you mean? I asked with my eyes.

"Through the works produced by new blacksmiths, new adventurers will remember the maker's name. If they like something, they might even get to know each other. These blacksmiths are like uncut diamonds; their talents, which even the management team couldn't discover, will be appreciated by adventurers with discerning eyes. Although it's not exactly a case of birds of a feather flocking together, it seems that adventurers who have actually used and experienced the weapons firsthand have a better understanding of them."

...Now that she says it, perhaps it is true.

I do have some reservations about the short swords and light armor provided by the guild.

"Most importantly, weapons crafted for a specific person possess a special power because of the deep emotions they embody. ...Well, actually, that's what someone else told me."

Miss Eina stuck out the tip of her tongue, which made my heart skip a beat.

Because I never dreamed that this person would do something so childish.

"So, to sum it all up, there are some items from the Hephaestus Familia that Bell can afford. Bell, how much money do you have on hand?"

"Uh, exactly ten thousand falies."

"Well, judging by the prices, maybe we can scrape together a set of armor. As I mentioned before, these are the works of unskilled blacksmiths, and there might be some hidden gems among them. Come on, let's go!"

Miss Eina was even more motivated than me. Having regained my composure somewhat, I gave a wry smile.

Led by her, I arrived at the shop with a sign that read "Armor and Shield." Miss Eina, who was in high spirits, said that we would be able to find good goods if we split up. At her suggestion, I went my separate ways with her for the time being.

Stepping into the store, an unprecedented sight greeted my eyes.

(Wow... Even though it's the work of a novice blacksmith, it's still amazing...)

The interior of the store can truly be described as a forest of armor, a sight to behold.

The pure white mannequin torsos are clad in various shapes and colors of armor; though only the torso is depicted, they still exude a majestic and imposing presence. There are also life-size dolls, allowing viewers to imagine themselves clad in these armors.

The shelves were also decorated with shields and helmets. Some were simple and obviously sturdy, while others were dazzling and elaborately decorated; there was a wide variety.

Both men and women were choosing protective gear that suited them. It seemed like they could even try it on.

(What should I do? I think I'm starting to look forward to it... Hmm?)

Influenced by the surrounding air, I strolled along with light steps, when suddenly my gaze was drawn to an object.

In a particularly inconspicuous corner of the store, there were boxes piled high with various parts of armor.

Is that armor?

The fact that the other armor pieces were displayed on mannequin torsos made this mountain of trash seem even more bizarre. Several similar boxes were also placed nearby. It seems these were items that the [Familia] had deemed to be of low value.

Otherwise, there are some defects that do not affect functionality.

"Ah, so it really is for sale..."

The prices were posted on the bottom of the boxes. Five thousand seven hundred, six thousand four hundred, three thousand nine hundred... The red numbers written on them were all different, but they all seemed cheap.

The armor I just glanced at costs 15,000 mana, while the guild light armor I'm currently using costs 5,000 mana... Hmm, I think I'm right. The price is still manageable.

But Miss Eina might say to me, "Don't be stingy when it comes to things that protect your body."

"...?"

I walked along the line of boxes, and then, without thinking, I stopped.

Among the many boxes I was looking down at, I spotted a set of armor.

Steel color. Not a reddish or dull black, but a pure white metallic sheen. The unpainted, uncolored raw material touched my heart.

I crouched down to take a closer look, and it was a light suit of armor.

Knee pads and a small, close-fitting breastplate. A design that protects only the elbows, wrists, and waist—essentially armor worn over key areas.

I picked up the breastplate to examine it. It was very light. Much lighter than the guild's supplies. I tried tapping it; although I wasn't entirely sure, it seemed to offer sufficient defense.

The size seems to fit well.

"..."

I was deeply attracted.

Perhaps it's because this is the first piece of equipment I've ever picked up.

By the time I realized it, I was already captivated by this piece of armor.

I stared intently at the breastplate I had picked up. I turned it over—and there it was—the maker's signature: [Wilf Crozzo].

The trademark name 【ΗOαιτοS】 does not appear to have been approved for use yet.

(Wilf Crozo...)

I remember.

The blacksmith's name gripped my consciousness, forcing me to look at it again.

I experienced firsthand the relationship between adventurers and blacksmiths that Miss Eina had mentioned.

My heart is completely set on this light armor. I absolutely have to buy it.

Looking at the price marked on the box... Good heavens, nine thousand nine hundred falies.

Almost all of my assets...

"Hey—, Bell! I found something good! Protective gear and leather armor! They're a bit pricey, but I think you should at least buy one... Hey, Bell, did you find something too?"

Miss Eina turned back, knelt down, and looked over my head at the light armor... then showed a displeased expression.

Perhaps it was the way this box was sold that gave her a bad impression.

"...You've decided on this?"

"Okay. I'll buy this one."

"Sigh... Bell, you really like traveling light. I spent so much time choosing this for you..."

"No, I'm sorry."

I started to feel guilty and shrugged. Miss Eina smiled wryly and said, "It's alright, I don't mind."

"After all, it's something Bell needs. Although I would hope you would also consider the issue of physical defense... Since you've decided you want this, I think this will suffice."

"……Thank you."

I thanked them first, then stood up and hugged the box.

After paying at the counter, I indeed only had one hundred fares left.

Maybe I spent too much money.

“Eh…?”

Miss Eina is gone. I looked around, carrying a lightly packed backpack.

I turned to look for her and found her immediately. Miss Eina, with her ever-present smile, was standing right behind me. Perhaps she had just come out of the shop.

"Bell, here, this is for you."

“…Huh?”

She slowly handed me a slender protective gear.

It is attached to an auxiliary gauntlet, roughly from the wrist to the elbow. Its forged metal surface suggests it serves the same function as a shield. Like Miss Eina's pupils, it is emerald green.

"This is a gift for you. Are you going to use it?"

"Eh! No, no need, I don't need it! Here, here you go!"

"What? You don't want to accept gifts from girls?"

"No, no, but... I'm so embarrassed."

After a moment of panic, I honestly spoke my mind. Even if the other person was older than me, asking a woman for something was just too... I felt it was wrong to do that.

Seeing me lower my head further and further, Miss Eina suddenly smiled.

I hope you will accept this. Not for my sake, but for your own.

“Eh…”

"Adventurers, you never know when they'll die. No matter how strong someone seems, they can just leave without a second thought, like a god on a whim. I've seen far too many adventurers who never return."

"..."

"...I don't want Bell to go and never come back. Haha, so this seems to be for my sake after all?"

Miss Eina, who was laughing and joking, kept her eyes on me the whole time she was talking.

With her tranquil eyes.

"Is it not possible?"

I looked at the floor.

She used her bangs to cover her slightly flushed face.

That's a very cunning thing to say, but I'm too preoccupied to argue back.

"...And besides, Belle, didn't you say you liked me the most?"

"Huh!"

This time, my whole face turned red. I suddenly looked up and met her eyes.

Miss Eina's cheeks also flushed slightly.