- Day 9 -

Sarah

*CLANG, THUD BANG THUD, CLANG*

Bella continually unleashes a flurry of dagger attacks in combination at a pace I can't keep up with. This is revenge for my ogling right. It is huh.

This is completely different from yesterday. I barely have enough time to read her body language to estimate where she's going to strike from next and even then I'm getting it wrong too often. Moreover, she's completely locked me down, preventing me from repositioning properly while constantly forcing me back. My shield arm is also screaming out in agony from all the reverberations caused by blocking her rapidly powerful attacks! ..My one and only comfort is that I consider it an achievement none of her vicious attacks have made it through yet.

[Shield Style Lv 2]

[- Shield Bash Acquired -]

What's this? Ah yes! Thank you merciful green boxy! I finally have something to counter with.. now, wait for it...

*CLANG, THUD--*

Now!

[Shield Bash]

HP: 330 / 330 MP: 670 / 670 ST: 360/560

"ARH- BASH!"

...huh? I didn't say that...I see, activating the skill forced me to say it. Pretty sure I can suppress it now I know about it though.

*THUD*

Bella has been thrown some distance back through the air before somersaulting to land on her feet at the last second.. At least I was successful in halting her onslaught. Hehe, with this, she'll have to be wary of repetitive strikes. Doesn't look like she was expecting that attack.

"Well, aren't you a bag of tricks."

"Learning from the best after all."

"Flattery will get you nowhere doe. Risk, throw me a Greatsword."

Ah, crap. A weighted weapon. My arm is already killing me. At least the attacks will be slower--

*Swoosh, Swoosh, Swip*

...Or not; Oh come on! *wine*

"Let's resume."

I'm sorry for staring! Just stop, please!--

*BANG BANG BANG*

For over 20 minutes I try my best to resist but eventually I make a mistake from which I can't recover. Yes, I'm on my back with a sword tip to my throat; Like any other outcome was even possible! I'm caked in sweat, panting heavily, my arm doesn't feel like it belongs to my body and I think she's broken my fricking nose. Haa. I'm exhausted!

"Risk, time?"

Bella shouts over to Risk who's still sunbathing but with a little more dignity now.

"52 minutes."

"Really?"

"I know. You went too easy on him."

Easy!? What the hell about that was easy!?

Bella doesn't respond but instead looks lost in thought. A moment later she helps me up as Emily comes running out with a rejuvenation tonic. She must have been watching the entire fight.

"You did well Master."

I gulp it down before responding.

*Gulp* Yuck. Yeah, I need to fix the taste of these..

"Thanks, Emily. Shall we go again?"

Bella looks actively shocked, and I can hear Risk laughing behind me muttering 'He's crazy, absolutely bloody crazy'.

"I can hear you, you know.."

Bella starts chuckling.

"No, no. It's good that your enthusiastic but that's enough for today..."

Phew...if I'm honest with myself, I'm glad that it's over. Before she has a chance to change her mind, I abandon the equipment and head inside. As I do, Bella and Risk look to be discussing something quietly, so it's probably about me.

Looking at my stats briefly. I seem to have gained 4 STR, 10 STA and 1 AGI since arriving in the capital. It seems stats can increase too, but that should have been obvious after discovering LP. Skills, however, aside from gaining [Shield Style] increase, nothings changed. I think using LP to increase skills past two is going to be very difficult, but this is only day 2 of training. I need to be more patient.

Well, what to do now.. There are 6-ish hours to kill before the get-together, so I guess I could go and explore the city some more and maybe find something to take to the dinner. It's rude not to present something right?

*Sniff*

Whoa. I think a Bath is in order first--

"Ah Master, the bath is already prepared for you."

What is it with these girls and mind reading? Or maybe she smelt me coming in..

"...We have a duty to pre-emptively see to the needs of our Master you see."

I-I must have expressed that thought on my face right...yeah..?

"T-Thanks Kate"

"You're welcome, Master. Your tailored clothes arrived while you were sparring. It seems Emily put a rush on them. I have placed the outfits on your bed for viewing. Oh and I'll be just outside the door...should you need anything."

She places her hand on her chest and softly speaks while exhaling.

"...anything at all~"

The force is strong in this one. Bloody vixen. I ignore it and head into the bath with such frustrations.

I strip and cannonball into the bath... Ahhh, so damn good! Just what you want after being pounded on by Bella for an hour...

..The lack of real toiletries in this world is starting to grind on me. Shampoo and deodorant primarily. The bath water is scented with various spiced oils, and I can't say I don't smell pleasant, like honeysuckle and vanilla, but after bathing, I sure don't feel clean. I know roughly how soap is made and apple cider vinegar mixed with something like lavender oil would probably make good shampoo. Perhaps I should give that a go at some point?

As with my last bath, Kate is waiting there with my robe when I get out. I have to be honest, I kind of like being waited on, but it isn't necessary. I get the feeling I'll get scolded if I say that though..

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

I head upstairs to find the clothes Emily procured are indeed laying on the bed as Kate mentioned. 4 Outfits in total, all of which are primarily black with various designs of the same style. I'm impressed because I look like a futuristic sci-fi RPG character without the cybernetic shades. Emily's fashion sense is impeccable.. The outfit will do well for formal occasions as well. Colour me impressed Emily.

I tie my hair into a loose tail at the neck, put on the new thick black leather boots and head downstairs.

"Oh, those clothes suit you very well Master."

"Thank you, Millie. I'm quite impressed with Emily's choice as well."

"Hehe, I heard my name! Did I do good?"

"Very much so. Thanks, Emily"

*Pat*

She goes bright red. Now that I think about it, Emily normally only gets karate chops...

*Pat*

"I'm heading into the city for a bit. Wanna come with?"

"Are ya asking me on a date?"

Her eyes are twinkling.

"A pseudo-date I guess."

"sue dough?"

Couldn't resist.

"Coming or not?"

"Coming!"

We head out into the cities main market street and browse the stalls and shops at a leisurely pace. As per the two previous times I've been out, the Capital is buzzing with activity. People are running around, chatting, shouting out deals, haggling for better prices and so forth.. Speaking of haggling, that very typical RPG skill seems to be quite elusive as I haven't obtained it yet while shopping.. Green-boxy must be sleeping, or it must require a specific stat value. One of the two...

I stop beside a crude jewellery stall while Emily is off at a food stall just ahead. My eyes were drawn to a cute green butterfly hairpin that would suit Emily and decide to buy it. I'll give it to her later as a surprise.

*blink*

Emily comes back and hands me something sweet on a stick. Honeycomb maybe?

"Don't spoil your appetite before dinner later."

Small nods while rolling her eyes.

"It's small.. Have ya found what you're looking for?"

"No. To be honest, I'm not sure what to procure... Alcohol, it's the stable gift, right? Normally high-quality wine--"

Emily points up ahead while grabbing my hand.

"There's a brewery that might have what you're after just up there."

She drags me through the crowds in the market towards where she pointed when [Appraisal Eye] spots something at a small book stall on our right.

"Hold up Emily"

The stall is full of old dusty books that have that wonderful old paper smell.. I was never one for reading, but even I love and appreciate this smell.

I spot a very old woman buried at the back, behind a mountainous pile of books. She's sat on a small red stool, wearing thick-lensed glasses while reading a red leather backed book, giggling to herself mindlessly.

There are three things on the stall that have triggered the [Appraisal Eye] to highlight them. An effect caused by [Master Appraisal] while [Appraisal Eye] is active it seems.

???

Rarity: One of a kind

Written by: ???

Cost to buy: 300 to 500 Gold Kings

Helon - Battle of Gods, First Edition

Rarity: Epic, three known copies exist

Written by: Fitual Abgusta

Cost to buy: Priceless

Servant Fire

Type: Grimoire

Rarity: Uncommon

Written by: Zalus Calm

Cost to buy: 100 to 150 Gold

"Excuse me, miss?"

The woman lifts her head from her book before quickly slamming it shut with a poof of dust.

"Oh customer, a customer! Do you see something you like?"

"Indeed, how much for this please."

I hand her the priceless book first.

"Hmm let's see. Let's see. How about 30 Silver?"

...She obviously doesn't know it's true worth...

"I'll buy it for 5 Gold."

She looks at me for a moment with wide eyes and then laughs.

"Ha ha ha, that's not how you haggle sonny... but it seems you know something I don't.. I appreciate your honesty."

She's nice...

"...Truthfully, it may be worth a lot more than that. I don't know the exact amount though."

"Truly? Hmm, can I ask what you plan to do with it?"

"It's a present for someone."

"Then I don't mind. Selling it to an honest soul like yourself, I can hardly complain."

"Thank you, that's very kind of you...Also, how much for these"

I point to the remaining two books

"5 Gold each."

I chuckle immediately. Smart old bat aren't you.

"I'll take this one and as for that one--"

I point to the Grimoire.

"--I think it's worth between 100 to 150 Gold Kings for certain. This one, I'm not even sure what it is at this point."

"150? Really? I would never have guessed..."

"Yes. It contains powerful fire spells. I would take it to a magic shop for a proper appraisal. They should at least offer you half on the spot."

I continue my chat with the old woman for a little while, and she tells me a bit about herself. It seems she's from a nearby village called Axxen and that she comes to the capital once a month to sell books. Sarah, the old woman, typically doesn't make much from doing this as very few people can actually read in this kingdom but anything she does make, she uses to buy the children in the village clothes and toys. She's a doting old lady that's second favourite pass-time after reading is watching the children play in the village since her husband past away ten years ago. I send Emily off to the wine merchant with some money as I decide to accompany Sarah to the magic shop to ensure she's not ripped off... Which looks to be surprisingly unnecessary as the shop owner straight out offers her three times the value I had assumed it to be worth at 450 gold. Sarah had to ask the merchant three times if he was certain before she accepted it to be true.

The shopkeeper placed the chest with the money in it on the counter. It's unsurprisingly too heavy for the old dear which caused me to giggle.

"It's not funny Aburi."

"It is a little, if you're honest."

We leave the shop with me carrying the chest.

"Are you going to be alright with this?"

The very fact she can't carry it alone is worrisome, but it also means she's a potential target for thieves.

"About that... Do you live in the city?"

"Yes. I moved in recently. I own the shop next to the tavern in the middle square. Why?"

"Could you look after it for me?"

"We just met, and you're entrusting your fortune with me?"

"I wouldn't have that fortune without you so who better to entrust it with?"

"That's.. a fair point. Very well"

I place it on the ground and take 30 gold from it and hand them to Sarah.

"Is that enough for now?"

"By a wide margin!"

I really do have a problem with understanding the value of money here..

"Okie Doke. Step back"

*blink*

"!? Where'd it go?"

"I stored it in my inventory magic for now. Once I get home, I'll have it stored somewhere for you. Just stop by when you're in the area."

She pulls my arm and face down then kisses my cheek.

"Such a kind soul indeed. I'll pop by sometime soon and bring you some of my axxen stew!"

Such a dotting old lady. The village kids are lucky to have her.

"I'll look for to it."

I leave Sarah back at her stall and head to the wine merchant. That's one good deed for the day well completed if I do say so myself. Time to meet up with Emily.

I was stumbling around for a while trying to locate this place before I eventually find it down a side alley with Emily sat outside.

"Master!"

She hops up walks towards me.

"Why are you outside?"

"The merchant said he wouldn't sell to a Dark Elf."

"Really? Does he know it's for General Armstrong?"

"He threw me out before I could say..."

"I see, is there another store you know of?"

"There is, but it's not nearby..."

I guess I'll play the snobby noble card here.

"Okay, let me talk to this clown."

I head inside in full 'bull in a china shop' mode; chest pushed out, nose turned up. See, I can play a self-important aristocrat too!

I see the shop clerk heading towards me at a brisk pace, and I start shouting before he can even open his mouth.

"Good Sir! I sent my slave here to purchase wine for a dinner party with General Armstrong tonight, and she reports that you dare refuse the purchase because it was a Dark Elf that requested it!? I couldn't believe what my ears were hearing, so I came in here to confirm it myself!"

The clerk cliques his tongue as he speaks.

"General Armstrong, as if he would--"

"The General returned to his residence late last night after returning from battle. He invited a few Dukes over for a dinner party tonight, and myself was invited for the vital part I played as his daughter's recent saviour! Now! I ask you again! Is what my slave told me true?! Do you really intend to refuse to sell me your wine!?"

The clerk hesitates to speak. My story sounds far-fetched, but rumours are floating about; a non-human saving the General's daughter; another about Duke Rayford and a Dark Elf. I know all this thanks to befriending Sarah so if I'm telling the truth, which pompously, I am, he risks losing favour with nobility by refusing my purchase.

"I-I"

The clerk pauses and clears his throat.

"I merely told the slave girl we couldn't serve her here in your place! Not your illustrious self. The slave girl was clearly mistaken!"

Good, it's worked. Usually, I would have just avoided this place and bad-mouthed it to everyone but needs must.

"Hmph! Very well, I will beat her later for her lies! Now, show me something worthy of the General and be quick about it! I've wasted far too much time this afternoon."

For the next 30 minutes, I'm shown 12 different wines to taste before settling on the second most expensive one at a staggering 12 gold kings a barrel... It's apparently imported from an island country, and Sinki is a landlocked country which explains the price. I chose it primarily because it was sweet and not bitter like the rest. I purchase 4 barrels and have them delivered to the Generals Manor in my name. Four may have been too many based on the glee look the clerk has but with this done, I can head back to the house.

The sun is starting to fade causing bright orange hues to fill the sky. An owl flies overhead causing me to notice that Emily is walking slightly behind me looking at the floor sullenly.

"Master?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you think I can learn to fight like Bella and Risk?"

"I do...What makes you ask?"

"Master's going to be leaving the city to fight right? ..I really don't want to be left behind.. but I also don't want to be a burden to ya..."

"..That's impossible Emily. You're already supporting me so much that I doubt at this point I could live without you.. You could never be a burden to me."

"..."

"Oh...Here, I got this for you."

I hand her the hairpin. She takes it from me and immediately looks back to the floor, but I saw her smiling bright pink embarrassed face.

We continued on the rest of the way in silence.