I walked into the shop. There are rows of different sets of clothing placed on display across the floor. The shop interior was made of dark wood all over. Garments thrown onto tables and in cupboards with a floating price tag in front of each cupboard.
Vintra walked forward towards a chainmail set, holding it up to me then started walking towards the person behind the counter.
“Hold on!” I yelled after her, grabbing the back of her robes. “Heh, maybe let me choose what would be comfortable for me.”
She turned around with a blank look one would make if they didn’t know what was wrong.
“Why? This is the finest armor that provides adequate protection against most physical spells. All clothing in here is imbued with ownership magic so whatever size you wear, it will adapt to the person’s body.” she said, looking me up and down. “Even someone as puny as you.”
She started to turn around again before I tugged her robe once more.
“Wait a moment, wait just a moment.” I said rapidly.
I didn’t want to wear such tacky looking armor. I scanned around the shop, something in the back where I could only see one half. However, I knew exactly what that was.
“Follow me!”
I brushed past Vintra, pulling her along with me. If it is what I think it is, this attire would be perfect.
We made it into the backroom and I could see this beautiful white clothing set. I grabbed onto the cloak and draped it over my shoulders, turning towards Vintra.
“What you think!” I asked, looking up to her unamused face.
She took a moment before answering, “Whatever suits your tastes. If you die in battle, it is no longer my fault. Put your hands out.”
Die? Who is dying? I will not die until my debt with my sister’s assassins are repaid.
I cupped my hands up to her. Vintra hovered one hand over mine, clenching into a fist. The inside of her clenched hand started to glow. She opened her hand and a pile of golden coins dropped down into my palms.
“What’s this?!” I stammered, looking at the mountain in my hands.
“The currency in this world, three hundred gold should be enough to buy what you need and any extra you wish to carry. I’ll be waiting outside. Come out when you are done.” she stated, turning on her heel and walking back towards the entrance.
I looked at her until she went out the door, then glanced back at the gold in my hands. It took both of my hands to hold such an amount, how does she expect me to carry the set?
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Fidgeting in place for a moment, I started to list my options. I could stuff the coins into my robe folds… no that will just fall out. What if I place the coins on the counter then go back to fetch the clothing set? Someone might steal the gold… I know nothing of this world’s people.
“You seem to be worrying to yourself, do you need help?” a voice said, from behind me.
I turned around to see a dark-blue haired guy carrying the outfit I was looking at.
“Wait, I was about to purchase that.” I said, fumbling with the coins in my hands.
“Really now?” he asked with a smug look, “with that amount of gold, you would be able to purchase the most expensive thing in here. Instead you choose something that would stand out anywhere. Quite interesting.”
“I choose to pick something that feels more accustomed to my… acquired taste. Now give it here!” I reached forward with my cupped hands, but he lifted the clothes over my head and brushed past me.
“Sorry, but looks like you will have to find something else.” he waved with two fingers without looking back as he walked up to the lady behind the counter.
Biting my cheek, I ran up beside him and opened my mouth to speak.
“Just who do you think you ar-”
“She would like to purchase this set.” he interrupted, gesturing for me to put the coins on the counter. “Along with a first grade satchel if you have. It is not wise for a person to be walking around with such an abundant amount of gold you agree?”
I looked up to him then back to the lady who stared at the pile of gold in my hands, licking her lips. I dumped them onto the counter and pushed them forward.
“Ha, most certainly dear customer. A rank one satchel as per request.” she laughed nervously, clapping her hands and a small purple bag appeared in front of me in place of five gold coins.
"What's a rank one satchel?" I asked the guy to my side.
"You don't even know that?" he stared at me with suspicion in his eyes. "A rank one item is the lowest version of an equipment. The higher the ranks go up, the better the equipment. Now with this, you would be able to fit maybe ten items inside. Size not mattering. That's all." he tilted his head and smiled.
I scrunched my eyebrows and racked my brain. What? Can fit ten items but size doesn't matter? Ah, it's all just too confusing. Let's stop thinking about such things for now
“Would you like to wear this out?” the lady asked.
I looked in awe as the white dress flew into the air and hovered over me.
“Ye- wait what?”
She clapped her hands again, in a flash the clothes I was wearing appeared on the counter while the white set found its way onto me. I shook my arm in the air, showing the excess sleeve hanging down my arm. It was way too big. The clothes then started to shrink, feeling it press tighter to my body along with my sleeves and pants.
“Whoa.” I said, spinning around to get a feel for the clothes.
They were nice and comfortable. Snug in all the right areas without constricting my movements.
“Thank you!” I said to the lady to which she nodded. I turned around to thank the guy. “Thank yo-”
The guy was nowhere in sight, there were only a handful of people in the front area of the store but he really was no longer here. I shrugged my shoulders and dumped the rest of the gold and my previous clothes into the purple bag.
Who was that?
I walked back out to find Vintra with her eyes closed and arms crossed, leaning against the wall. She awoke to me walking closer, looking me up and down before walking back down the street and gesturing me to follow suit.