Chapter 20: Prepare Your Death (4)
The Marquess decided not to send the troops to Florenia, I don't know of it's because of me or because of the often occurrence of earthquakes in this Kingdom, but I was thankful. At least from my predicted 700 knights and soldiers, 300 Cavelier knights were added. I can't rest a bit now.
My training continued with a miss on the remaining days. Building my body and grinding my stats are all my routine these days. I wanted to buy things for preparation but the Marquess expectedly cut off my allowance after the discussion that day. Well… He did it to Tania everytime she caused trouble so fortunately, I transferred all my remaining money on the system, even so without the allowance, the system still provides me money every time I level up.
Still, that money wasn't enough… I need to find a permanent source of income or else I would really be forced to marry that bastard of a Prince for money.
This time, I sneaked out by myself and went to the capitol in disguise since the Marquess ordered that I'm grounded, haa… like I'll stay put. Duh, never. Now, I need to buy some supplies, first aid, rations, camping materials, and everything needed to be ready! I'm so excited!
I did not bring some knights with me because I want to explore the market by myself, and the other reason is that the knights are busy preparing because of that piece of message. Lora on the other hand is still teaching Fristo, and Vega has gone to Nathalie's house to plan her birthday theme. I don't want to hold them up just because I want to go somewhere when I can go by myself.
With my not-so-elegant, manly attire, I went to different shops looking somewhat between commoner and noble, only few who knew my face and they're mostly nobles, so I don't have a problem strolling around with the commoners.
After buying so many things, I went to an empty alley to dump all the shopping bags inside the inventory.
*dingg!*
♤Inventory♤
Fateful Asterism (book) Healing Potions: Type SSS (13)
Cooking Utensils and Ingredients Pouch (16)
Stamina Potions: Type SSS (10) Silver Dagger (normal) (1) High Grade Vampire's Blood (1) Black Belt (rare) (1) Essential products pouch (5) + +
Available slots 2 Used slots 8 Slots 10 <+0> *5 Gem Points to add per slot* Gem Points 28
-----
When I visited some other shops, my feet and body were all sore because of training, I got so excited that I didn't bother to rest~ there's no bicycle… should I make one? I'll be the one to invent it here even though I don't want to get his credits, whoever he is.
I sat on the bench here at the park to rest for a bit until a paper flew and smacked on my face… ackk!
"What the…!" I immediately turned my head around to see who happened to see that embarrassing scene. Whoever it was he must've been laughing his ass off… tch!
I looked at the paper and crumpled it in annoyance but when I realized it was a flyer from a certain shop I smooth it out again and read it, Goodman's magic items? …Oh yes! Why didn't I remember about magic?! I also need some magical items for the raid hahaha I'm so lucky!
I stood up and went to the address indicated on the flyer. It was several shops aways from me.
-*-
'Finally, I got to use magic tools'
when I entered… A warm and comfy breeze welcomed me as I traveled my eyes to the item's in sight, there're crystals, stones and irons, and things I didn't know about its use and functions. It's just like what I expected in a magic item shop.
"Welcome, dear customer, do you have a specific item in mind that you want to buy?" A tall elder man on a walking stick greeted me with a smile. He had a rolled cloth sitting atop his head just like a genie's hat.
I returned his smile and looked at the items… amazing. I wanna jump in amazement, this is my first time seeing something like this! So magical!
"I don't know anything about magic items or tools, could you please explain it to me? Their uses and functions" I requested. His face didn't show any changes, he only nodded.
"Magic items are created by Magic Crafters who use magic to place some portion of their magical energy on their crafted items, but those kinds of magic items are weaker from the ancient magic items unless the Magic Crafter is high level. However, Ancient magic items are stronger because they harbored too much magic energy in a very long time before it's being used. Magic items are classified with ages and categories. About a thousand year old magic items are stronger, hundred year old magic items are less stronger, and decade old magic items are just strong but not any weaker, while the categorical classifications are Ancient, Legendary, Rare, and Normal" He explained, "Pick anything and I'll tell you their uses."
"Woah~" my eyes were filled with amazement… So THESE are magical items.
"Do you have something where I can contain things? Making it easy to carry." I thought about the treasure I'm going to loot if ever the dungeon is conquered HAHAHAHA *evil laugh*
'Inventory slots are expensive.'
"I have. Follow me" we went to one of the glass shelves, where bags and pouches are neatly seated. I pointed at the knapsack hanging on the corner, I think that's the most possible one to contain treasures. It would be weird if I picked small bags or pouches.
"Wait, I don't think you understand, but these bags and pouches are spatial bags where you can contain anything within its specific space inside." He took a 45.72cm × 35.56cm × 15.24cm sling bag, "This simple bag has an approximate 55 sq.m space inside."
My jaw was in gape and eyed the bag then to the pouches... hahaha does that mean those pouches are also...
"About the knapsack, you can contain anything, even living things like animals or even humans about 2 of them. Do you still prefer it?" My jaw finally fell. What a monstrous bag! I can even contain a person inside and what more two of them at that!
"But wouldn't they die if they were inside?" I curiously asked, he shook his head.
"No, because everything will stop inside such as the breath, the consciousness, the bleeding if injured, especially the time itself. There are two types of this knapsack, the other one is for healing use and only the healing potion will work, the animal or person who are injured will feel relaxed and if splashed with healing potion, their wound will heal slowly but surely and their energy be charged too, depending on the wound, the time of healing will be tripled faster than normal."
Impressive! Super unbelievable that I suspect this elder is conning me, but as the shop named itself, this is a magic item shop. Everything in here is beyond the imagination of someone abnormal like me since I'm from another world.
"I'll buy those two. And that mini belt bag beside the sling bag." I pointed.
"Are you sure?" He looked surprised and looked at me from head to toe. "Those items are approximately 1200 gold coins. 500g coins each for the knapsack and 200g coins for the belt bag."
He must've thought I don't have enough money. I have my money, but I also have my identification card though they are blocked.
The Cartania Kingdom's currency are:
1 gold coin = 100 silver coins
100 silver coins = 1000 copper coins
10000 copper coins = 1 gold coin
*1 copper coin = 20 USD
"Okay." I simply responded and walked by the other shelves where crystals and stones are displayed. "What are these for?"
"Ah, that…" he pulled open the shelves and more enthusiastically when he realized I didn't care about the price, he presented the different colors of crystals and stones. "Every color represents different elements and these are the main elements, red for fire, blue for water, brown for earth, and grey for wind. The other colors, violet for void, white for light, and black for space. They are used 3 times each and have a 10 minute cool down. While these different stones are used for teleport, tracking, explosives, telepathy devices, disguise, and concealing. You can use it only for one time, except telepathy because it is connected to another person's stone that it is as is unless it broke."
Hmm… All of it is useful, but I'll only take what I need… I need to save money.
"5 explosive, 2 telepathy, 3 tracking, 3 teleport, and 10 concealing stones. For the crystals, only fire and water one each." After that, I looked over some magic weapons like wands, shields, masks, scepter, orbs, amulets, etc. They're wonderful! Especially the wand because I finally saw one in real life but I don't know how to wield it and even if I do, I still can't because I'm magicless. So nevermind.
"How about potions? Adventurers buy several of them when they go on missions, I assume you are a newly joined adventurer to a certain guild. You'll need it." The elder pointed at the other door which was a room specially for potions. Right. Potions, I still have at least 10 highest grade potions and 7 Stamina Potions from the quest rewards and level ups, but I'll still need more of it just in case. Once I get injured, I don't know if someone will heal me, tsk tsk tsk...
"Fine. I need about 10 healing potions, and if you do have sleeping potions please include 3 bottles." If I happen to have insomnia, I could just drink one of these, I did not bother to ask about the other options.
"If you haven't known yet, healing potions are divided by grade as well because of their quality… lowest grade, low grade, high grade, and highest grade. Among the 4 types, highest grade potions were also categorized by their effectiveness, A, S, SS and SS+."
He explained and I'm listening so eagerly since this is about magic… He really did catch my interest.
"Type A, can cure deadly poisons almost immediately and cure wounds for less than two days, Type S potions can cure wounds for about 24 hours, critical wound can be cured with just two bottles of this type of potion, while Type SS can do all type A and S could do. Lastly, Type SS+ potion can double the effect of type S and SS, which is called the 'ULTIMATE POTION' and has a limited quantity on this continent. Since there's only one alchemist who can make this type. Ahh, *ehem* To tell you the truth, we only have 2 Highest Grade Healing Potions: Type SS here in my store even when this store is the Biggest Magic Tool Shop in Cartania Kingdom."
My brows furrowed after his explanation.
"What?"
"Yes, I know you're still new around here so it's understandable you didn't know this fact-" I cut him off
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"It's not that. Why are there only 3 types of highest grade potion? Is there a type of SSS?" I asked in confusion.
"No dear customer, there is no such thing. Type SS+ is currently the Ultimate Potion, nothing more." He firmly answered.
I touch my chin and think it over, I was sure the potions from the quest rewards are type SSS… or is it not?
I touched my pocket and secretly called the inventory to get the said potion. And brought it out to let him see.
"What about this? How will you estimate its quality and type?" I showed him the potion with its fancy crystal bottle, he looked at me in disbelief and uninterestedly took the potion to examine closely.
"Hmm… Red in color? It should be Pink though it's definitely a healing potion- no, wait… huh?" He frowned and looked at it very closely, "The level of thickness is incomparable to the others… Do you mind if I borrow this? I would like to take this to my supplier to examine it."
"Why? Can't you tell just by looking at it?" I am confused since I can see that he's really intrigued by the potion.
"Yes. To be honest, this liquid consistency is much greater than the highest type potion I know even in other potions I sell. I am no expert when it comes to potions, so I really can't tell if this thing is real- I'm not saying it's fake though I have a feeling this type is valuable. Can I ask where you got this or bought it from?" He asked curiously.
Eh? I just showed it to be examined, is it really a big deal for them? Ahh… in the businessman's perspective, of course it matters, since it will affect their products if this turns out to be fake, so… okay.
But… I can't say I got it from the quest rewards, can I? And only I know about those panels like windows from a screen that only I can see, they might think I'm crazy.
"About that… You know, I'm an aspiring alchemist, and I tried to make some… homemade potions using some… herbs? And… m-materials from… my homeland. Haha…" I laughed as my sweat fell from my forehead. I'm a natural born liar but I don't know the details about alchemy or potion so I don't know how to come up with lies about it.
"So… You made this, huh?" He doubtedly asked again, instead of answering I chose to smile and turned my gaze on the shelves.
"Haha… You can have that if you want, if it happens to have value then I would like to sell some of it exclusively at your store." I awkwardly said.
What if these things turned out to be less valuable? He can have me arrested for selling him fake products. I better not tell him any of my contact details as much as possible, until I completely check it's exact quality and value personally.
"Alright, I really want to get this examined by my trusted alchemist. Only he can tell the real value of your item, or if you have the talent in alchemy." He bowed and put the potion on the chest box below the counter. "Alright, is this all you want me to pack? Should I include more?"
I shook my head and opened my pocket watch. It's almost lunch time. I still need to buy appropriate and comfortable attire. I can't wear dresses or my training attire, so I really need to buy one.
"All items are prepared. I also included a scroll to guide you on how to use these crystals and stones."
-*-
I happily left the shop. The elder happily sent me out after helping me arranging the bags to transfer it to the belt bag I bought, he gladly offered a help since I could be a possible supplier for his shop, I didn't give him any of my personal contact, instead, he gave me his business card that can be called through communication device (a magic item that only mages or sorcerers can activate). I gave him cash from my savings I didn't touch for months. Haha~
As I explored the clothing shops, I was halted when I saw a familiar piece of clothing in one of the shops I passed by. It somewhat looked like Keaton's but in a different design. I entered the shop and was greeted by a middle aged man… of course this is a shop for male clothes, but I like the designs and style. I always admire Keaton's clothes when I see him but the clothes' beauty was always wasted when I saw his scowling face, tsk.
"How can I help you, Sir?" I immediately threw him my gaze
*sigh*
Sunny once told me, I am more masculine than any man… and with this fine frame and tall body, I appeared to really look like a beautiful guy because Tania is naturally a beautiful lady except for her personality.
"I would like this one fitted for my size" I pointed at the clothes I was eyeing a moment ago.
"Alright. Please come over here, I will measure you." He led me to the measuring area, and measured my body... even as this close, he didn't even realize he was measuring a girl. Was Tania's chest really that small to be hard to notice?
"Please wait here for a moment. I will see if we have stocks for your size. Is there anything else you'd like to try?" He asked.
"Hmm… Go on, I'll look around myself." I turned around and looked for other clothes.
Hmm… White looked clean but not suitable for dungeon raiding. How 'bout maroon? Maroon with this design looks cool too.
"I'll try this." I went to the changing room only to bump into someone.
"Pardon me…" I apologized. I stepped aside and waited for him to pass but he stayed there looking at me. "Is there a problem, Sir?"
"Nothing." He passed and I went in.
Weird-- Oh, maybe he realized I was a girl! He won't stare at me holding a man's attire and entering a changing room if not, right? Unless he was mesmerized to find a beautiful man hahaha~ what a narcissistic behavior.
I immediately undress and put on the attire… Woah~ I looked… beautiful and handsome! I'm not weird, am I? This is not my original body and not my face so it is not weird for me to admire her beauty.
I let down my hair like Keaton's style and struck a pose. Hahaha~ I looked cool (crazy). I went out looking like this, and I found the man I bumped into a while ago sitting on the couch. He must've been waiting for the shopkeeper. I went to do my business and picked another outfit.
"Sir, I may suggest you try the blue one, it might suit you." The man suggested.
I did not throw him a look but instead observed the attire he suggested. Not bad.
"Oh~ I didn't notice this. It looks cooler than this one." I stated, "Thanks, I'll try this."
And I went into the changing room to try it. It is a long coat in royal blue color, golden laces and cuffs, the inner shirt is white and royal blue pants. There are golden shoulder pads and belt, golden cravat … whoever wears it will surely have many heads turning to him. In the mirror, my heart leapt and beat faster like I'm in love… though I don't what the feeling of being in love hahaha~
'Who is that guy I see?
Staring straight back at me~
Why did my reflection show someone I don't know?'
The song reflection was repeatedly playing in my head in a modified version. I didn't think I would fall in love with someone's body that I borrowed… I looked like the beautiful Prince I once dreamed of when I was young.
When I exited, the man saw how I looked and he suddenly stood up in awe, can't blame him… even I fell in love with my appearance
'What a weirdo, narcissists.'
"You look better than I thought. Are you a model of this shop? All of the designs suit you well, and right now, you look like a Prince of Menalia from stature, appearance, and especially your vibe." He praised
"Wow… Sir, are you sure you're not a Prince disguised from another Kingdom?" The shopkeeper came back with my ordered clothes. I scratched my head and shook.
"Haha… You flatter me." I awkwardly smiled.
"Umm… Sir, why not be our model? We'll offer you a great deal. We'll be your sponsor in clothings, just model for us." He asked expectantly.
No! I won't! Never! Because once my gender gets revealed, this shop of yours will be doomed. Making a lady be a model of men's clothing. I feel guilty just thinking about it.
"Sorry, I don't intend to become a model. I just came by to buy some clothes." I forced a smile so he won't be hurt.
"What a shame… I really liked your appearance the moment you entered our shop. Business these days isn't that good, our sales decreased from the start of autumn and lately customers aren't coming by, you two were the first this month who visited. We are badly in need of help, if this keeps up, our store will close down. But a hope appeared, it seems like all of our clothes are designed for your style, Sir, please I'm begging you as the owner of this humble shop." He kneeled before me then said whatever he wanted, but my body became stiff as I turned my head on the man beside me. Pitying the shop owner.
'This shop owner is good at gaining pity, and he was also the shopkeeper'
How can I refuse without hurting his feelings and when he talks like this? He's being pitiful that even my original self can't bear to resist. I'm a business woman too, and I know how it feels to have my business slowly falling. And as a fellow business man I should help him… argh!
"Please raise, let's talk about it privately." I softly said and offered him a hand.
"Sir please give me a moment of your time and wait here for your clothes." The shop owner asked the man.
"Of course, you can go and do your business. I'll wait here, after all I am your first customer in a while." Then he got back to sit. The shop owner led me to another room, which looked like his office.
When he offered me a seat, but I didn't accept it, instead I immediately said my sorry.
"Sorry shop owner, I really can't. I do want to help but, my intuition is telling me that if I model your brand, your shop will only be ruined because of me. You see… I don't have a good reputation, and I have a lot of enemies- if they saw me advertising your brand, they might turn to attack your business instead. So I'm sorry." I sadly stated, "If I can help you in another way, just let me know, I'm willing to help you."
"……" he must be stunned… Can't help him though. But I saw his small smile… "Then it's mutual." My head turned to him and his smiling face
"…What?"
"You don't have a good reputation and my brand isn't popular enough to the point of bankruptcy. But we both have benefits if we work together, you get to be popular by being a model and get the chance to clean your image. While I take advantage of your looks and get to sell my brand. Of course we're going to sponsor you the clothes because you are the model, plus the monthly salary. Isn't it a win-win for both of us?"
I blinked thrice… What the- Urgh… I guess I can't underestimate the mind of a businessman, despite being one of them. Normally, this kind of offer is too good to be true, but given the situation of the business… I think he really meant the offer.
"……"
"……"
Other than that, I also need a source of income… Maybe being a model isn't that bad? But I never modelled before, my company does have this kind of side but I only went to observe. Being a model and being an observer are completely different. Tch… it won't hurt to have new experiences, will it? Just think like Sunny, pose like Sunny.
"…Fine, but in one condition." I sighed. "Do not disclose my identity to anyone."
The shop owner's smiling stressed face brightened as soon as he heard my response. Well, to be honest, I don't really care about my reputation, what I'm concerned with is me being part of Cavelier Household, my action may bring another shame upon the Marquess's pride, though that's not the reason either. It was because Vega is also part of my family so I should reconsider the impact on her.
*sigh*
"Alright. Prepare me a contract to sign, I will arrange my own schedule, because I'm a busy man." I massaged my temple, "And another thing, I won't be here in the kingdom for a few days. I won't be back since then, if you need anything just send a letter to this address, I'll read it when I get back."
I wrote down the Cavelier House address on a paper, with my nickname including Fristo's name as my Butler. Since I will be working here… I also need to raise my own funds if I want to live a peaceful life after the upcoming war and prevent the upcoming world ending.
"Just call me Randall and drop the formalities. I'll be in your care starting today, shop owner." I took my seat and signed the contract after writing/reading the conditions, it's too simple.
I held out my hand to shake hands to close the deal. When we came out and went back to the waiting area, the man was still waiting. It's surprising that he's patient for a customer.
"Sir, thank you for the wait, here are your clothes." The shop owner gave him two sets of different clothes.
"You've finished. So was it a success?" The man pried. He's a bit nosy too.
"Yes, he's now an official model of our shop, just like you are." The shop owner announced. My face automatically crumpled after hearing what the shop owner said.
"You're a model too? In this shop?" I asked in surprise. What the… Did I get tricked?
"Yes. Just earlier than you, you see, the owner begged me too." He said formally.
He had the look and body of a model, no wonder the shop owner begged him. But as a lady disguised as a man, I'm more attractive and delicately handsome, though my body looked a little smaller than his.
"So we're going to be workmates starting today, nice to meet you, you can call me Randall." I offered a shake hands
"Pleased to be your acquaintance, you can call me Devon." He took my hand.
"This is a lucky day! Two beautiful men became my model. Business will bloom if your photos are put up wearing our clothes!" The shop owner beamed in delight. And we only shook our heads in disbelief. I never planned for this though.
-*-
After getting my clothes without payment, I was about to head home but I realized Devon was with me.
"It's almost dinner. Do you want to grab some food from the market?" He asked. I frowned.
"By any chance… was it finger food?" I asked in dismay when confirmed. I'm a germaphobe, there's no way I'll eat something like that!
"Do you not like eating those? I swear those I recommend will taste good." He ran to one of the food stalls.
There then I saw the glowing letter above his head… ahh, I didn't notice that until now- I haven't checked who he was, but when I was about to check his character status, he came back holding something… disgusting.
"What… is… that?" It's weird looking… meatballs and it's green in color with a slimey neon sauce. People who went to the stall thrust those weird meatballs with a stick and shoved it inside their mouths. And when they chew it, it has a sticky gooey sound that makes me more disgusted. I want to throw up.
"Sir Randall. Hey, are you alright?" He patted my shoulders, that brought me back to reality, thankfully.
I avoided looking at the people who's eating and chewing loudly. My lips felt numb in disgust and watered, I got a series of goosebumps. I clenched my fist tightly to prevent myself from throwing up.
"Hey, you look pale." Devon's worried face was in front of me while shaking my shoulders.
"I'm sorry Sir Devon, I suddenly felt unwell. I should go, until next time." I distanced myself from the food stalls to stop me from vomiting.
I called a carriage to send me home. I know it is more likely my germophobia attacking or fatigue from training and shopping, ahh~ I just want to have a bath and rest.
I didn't get the chance to check sir Devon's character status. But I doubt he's one of the main characters since the Devon I know isn't bubbly and cheeky like Sir Devon of Clothing shop.
*dingg!*
♤WARNING!♤
Warning! Watery saliva overflowing…
Warning! Pale complexion…
Warning! Cold sweat…
Warning! Upset stomach…
When too much fatigue and disgust are felt, there is a possibility of fainting, vomiting or puking, and indigestion of food.
-*-
To cool down, you have to think of happy thoughts while sticking out your tongue, close your eyes and take a rest or smell a refreshing scent or drink an anti-fatigue potion or anti-nausea potion.
Ughh… that disgusting food again suddenly popped up in my head that made me more soaked in cold sweat. And what the heck is this Warning notification?!