2.8
Going through the buildings surrounding the bazaar, I found some interesting shops. Once again, for some reason, I could clearly read what the signs of the stores said, even though the writings in them were different from the ones I knew from my world... Either way, the images on the signs were self-explanatory and could easily make one understand the purpose of the shops.
After spending some good time checking places such as the potions shop, the equipment enchanting shop, the general store and the tents in the bazaar; lastly, I decide to check out the weapon and armor store. Now I at least have a general idea about their money currency and pricings.
By the way, I had to sell my smartphone to the owner of the enchanting shop, as he kept insisting it was a 'huge revolution' on the current mana technology; everything because of my alarm that rang right in front of him, signaling that the late night animes were about to begin... I warned him its battery would only last for about half a day, but he wanted to open it up and analyze it… GG warranty…
Not that I would have much use for it in here… It's not as if my smartphone would make me the protagonist of an isekai… Right…? In my case, I didn't even have any means of charging it… I also got some good money, so I'll be able to have a meal, and won't have to sleep on the street.
Besides, my smartphone was very cheap… And very bad too. Getting 200k Goddo out of it was already impressive enough in and of itself. All of it stored in my guild card (debit card).
Hopefully that won't cost me my harem ending lol.
I checked my pictures one last time, before formatting it. It's not a problem; I have everything backed up… At home…
Moving on, I reached what looked like a weapons store.
The sign on the outside confirmed my suspicion: "Fennigam's adventuring equipment", with an image of an armor holding a sword and shield.
They might be a common sight in things such as games and stuff. But when you look at them from up close for the first time, you can truly feel the emotions welling up.
Upon entering the shop, you could see all sorts of weapons, such as swords, lances, axes, bows, daggers, maces and such, aligned in stands. Armors, leather and clothing equipment displayed on mannequins. And behind the balcony, a huge collection of shields, displayed on the walls. Behind the balcony also stood an intimidating middle-aged man, tall and muscular, staring me down. Probably the owner.
"Welcome to Fennigam's store, how can I help you?"
He said in a potent voice... I-It`s not like I got intimidated or something, but is this guy even human? I mean, his body build looks more like that of a bull, no kidding… E-even so, he works here, right? Then there is no way he will just treat me badly right off the bat... Right? Can I just back out of the store now…? No? I try explaining my current situation to him…
"H-hello. I'm a new (b) adventurer looking for some equipment… Any recommendations?"
"Paha! You didn't even have to mention it lad, it's clear as day! That sure brings me back to the old times…"
He starts reminiscing, with closed eyes and a faint smile.
"HAHA!!!" And out of nowhere, he lets out a loud laugh. "We have everything you could want and need in here, my boy!!! Our custom sets are a killing deal!"
Literally, I guess.
"Custom sets"?
"Exactly! They are a set consisting of one weapon of your choice, one armor and one equipment. They come in the basic, intermediary and advanced sets, being 30k, 80k and 150k goddo, respectively."
These classifications must refer to the same ones that showed up in my status before. It would be a good idea to see if red hair found something about it, or do some research myself before deciding anything. But wow, I can buy the advanced one and would still have money to spare… That enchanting shop guy might've been very generous… Or he paid me poorly depending on what he manages to do… Too soon to tell, but it's a fact I needed the money and couldn't do anything else with my smartphone…
"Alright, I'll go discuss things with my companion (subject to change) and come back later in order to discuss the specifics." I excuse myself for now.
He seemed intimidating at first, but he ended up being a nice person in the end. And the way he called me 'boy' makes me relieved after being called an 'uncle'... I guess everything depends on your perspective… Even so, I'm pretty sure he would be able to crush my head in between his pecs… No no no, I`m letting myself fall into prejudice here! I have to thank him properly!
"Thank you very much, Fennigam."
"Fennigam?"
Huh? Isn't that what was written in the store's name…? That`s not his actual name?
"HAHA! Call me Burdock, boy! Come back later!"
"Kanade, nice to meet you…" I say, slowly backing away, embarrassed by my mistake…
Just as I was preparing to leave---
"Look, there he is!!!" I heard an accusing voice behind my back…
!!!
It`s over, they`ve come for me! Was I found out as the Demon Lord?! In retrospective, maybe it wasn't such a good idea for me to loudly announce it in a public venue before…
…
"There he is, papa! The sweets uncle!"
Oh wait, false alarm, it's those children again. Though that sentence is pretty dangerous on its own.
This time they are accompanied by a middle-aged man, their father, as it seems. The little boy is holding his hand and on his shoulders is the little girl.
That`s good…
"Marcellus, you sly old dog! Taking your kids for a walk?" The storeowner says, in a familiar tone.
"Yo! Burdock! No, they're the ones taking me, ha! How have you been?" The father answers.
Old friends, I think?
"I've been great since the last time you helped me, thanks by the way."
"Anything for an old friend, no need to mention it. Just call me if you need another hand."
It seems I'm a bit out of this conversation... But the father was ok after all, huh? That's good! But, hmmm... Were they looking for me? Did they need something?
I wouldn't refuse if they offered to discuss something over lunch... Though at this point I'd say my hunger has already gone full circle, and should only come back after a few hours. If I weren't so agitated by everything, my biggest problem would probably be sleepiness right now.
"So… you're the one who gave that sweet to my kids?"
Eep! I-I`m not a suspicious person! I think…
"Haha! No need to worry, I just came here to thank you for taking care of them."
"Oh, no problem, really. But how did you even find me?"
If two kids managed to track me down, imagine the Goddess when they find out I'm the Demon Lord… Maybe they're even tracking me right now… Haha… Maybe I'm just being paranoid…
"The guild auntie said you were asking about the markets, so I told father and he said we should be able to find you somewhere around here. You had some easy to spot clothes too." The boy smiled and said proudly, as if he were a great detective solving the case.
"Oh, I see..."
Kids are much more perceptive than we give them credit for, huh…? And I should definitely get a change of clothes once I have the opportunity.
"You really made me a favor back there! But wasn't that unique sweet expensive?" The father asks with an apologetic tone.
In terms of money, yeah it was kind of expensive; it's a birthday cake from a famous store back in my city. That said, it wasn't anything over the top like those extravagant stuff for rich people. It's just not something you would buy every week in a normal household, but not anything that would harm our economies.
Well, it doesn't even matter anyways, since my old money wouldn't make any difference in here. And it's not like I would have been able to sell the cake here on the streets or somewhere else, it didn't even cross my head at the time. I would probably have ended up eating it anyways. Also, it's not like I helped the kids with the intention of getting anything in return in the first place. So pretending it was something expensive and taking advantage of the situation feels like a low blow.
Besides, I got some money right now, so I'm not currently in need or anything of the sort.
"It wasn't particularly expensive at where I come from, so there's no need to worry about the price. Besides, I had bought the cake for my sister, but it turned out I won't be able to meet her for now. I really had nothing else to do with it, so it's a good thing it ended up being useful."
"Haha! I see, I'm humbled! It was the right decision to look for you. Here, please take this as a token of our appreciation." He says, while handing me an old book.
"Starting Adventurers Guide?" I repeat the words on the title.
"Yeah, it saved me more times than I can count back in the old days. However, lately I've been running out of things to write in it. I think it's time I passed it forward." He said nostalgically. A weird feeling for someone who just remembered a bunch of near-death experiences… "I'm sure you'll put it to good use."
I wonder if it's all right to receive something so important from someone I've just met. But it's best to accept his goodwill. If someone does something for you, especially something important, we should have in mind that they probably have some sort of equally precious feeling as a source of motivation, even if you cannot see it at the moment. It would be incredibly insensitive to refuse his freebie--- I mean, feelings!
"If you're certain about it, then I'll gladly accept it! Thank you so much!" I take the book. If he was uncertain, then I didn't even give him any chance to say it, oops.
"Ha! Now that's what I wanted to hear!"
Two freebies in a day, plus money! At least the day is getting better!
Oh, but I should probably leave right now, it's almost time for meeting up red hair. Let it be known that I always show up on time for my appointments. If someone is going to burn a bridge, it won't be me.
"Well then, guess I should be going now, thanks for everything."
"Yes, have a safe travel!"
"Heh, that I would be selling equipment to Marcellus's successor... Be sure to come back, boy, I'll be sure to give you a nice discount!"
"Goodbye uncle, and thanks for your help!"
"Bye bye uncle of the tasty sweet!"
I'm not sure what's more important, for Marcellus to teach his kids to not take candy from strangers, or to stop calling others 'uncle'…
"Yeah, bye!"
After leaving the shop, I head back to that meeting spot we agreed on. I can't check on the time, but I think I'll arrive slightly early.