Sorry about the late chapter. I'll change my general chapter estimate to 3 days each(so about bi-weekly). Most likely it'll be faster, but low expectations are better imo xD. Starting to switch the dialogue style as per suggestions (name) "comment" will probably only be used for responses, no events or actions. Once I solidify it entirely, I'll go back and convert all the chapters to the new version. If anyone has any suggestion feel free to comment them
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It took almost half a year to finally get a bit of approval from Kayla. During these 6 months, Ryzan grew even faster than usual, apparently entering a growth spurt. His appearance was what he would expect of a 15 or 16 year old in his last world. A change that Ryzan appreciated since he matched a bit better with Liza's appearance.
The last half of the year was mostly spent in an alchemy crash course with Kayla, and after a lot of effort he was finally able to recognize all the plants in the area. In addition to the alchemy study, Ryzan took the chance to observe some lumber in the carpenters shop, and was quite surprised by what he found. The wood in this world did not seem to have any actual points where it stopped growing. There were still growth rings, but they were much less defined than what he was used to. At this point, the only difference between worlds that could account for this was mana. The most likely answer was that, even in tough conditions, the tree would absorb mana sustaining a relatively steady growth cycle. As to what this would mean for his bow making, Ryzan wasn't entirely sure yet.
The next big change was that Ryzan's memories about personality were no longer just a result of imitating various light novel protagonists. He had gained a bit of his personality back about 3 months ago, and it had steadily built up in the recent months, most of it resulting in extreme embarrassment and shame. Ryzan could hardly believe half the things he had said to Liza, not to mention taking his way into her bed.
Though, regardless of his awakening, Ryzan still considered Liza as someone he wanted to spend his life with. Not even mentioning her physical appearance, her tendency to get flustered at the smallest of his compliments, her soft and caring side that could never hurt a fly, the way her ears flattened when someone mentioned carrots, the way they twitched when she smelled cooking meat, the sweet timbre of her laugh, the small “yelps” she'd make when startled... Even more than when his mind was overwhelmed with teenage fantasies, Ryzan absolutely couldn't keep her out of his mind. Because of this, even after regaining himself, he was rather straightforward with his compliments towards her. Seeing her face flush when he offhandedly mentioned her beauty, going out of his way to amuse her so he could hear her laugh and see her joyful face. Ryzan had already decided on the two things he absolutely needed in his life. Enough strength to live independently as a bowyer, and that silver furred fox girl.
Today was an important day for the first of those goals. It was his sixth birthday, and his mother had just made an announcement that made him ecstatic.
(Ryzan) “R...really?”
(Kayla) “Yes, really. Next week you and I will be heading to the North Forest. I'm not sure why you're so keen on exploring so early, but if I kept denying you, you'd probably just sneak out on your own” she said, raising an eyebrow toward Ryzan accusingly.
(Liza) “B-but even if it's just the North Forest there are still beasts that could hurt him, it's too dangerous for someone so young t-”
(Kayla) laughs, “Relax. He won't have a chance to do anything reckless with me there, you don't have to worry.”
(Liza) “bu-”
(Rak) “You really don't have to worry Liza, there isn't anything that can keep up with Kayla in that forest. He'll be fine.”
After a few seconds of hesitation, Liza reluctantly dipped her head in agreement. She knew it wasn't really her decision anyway, but she couldn't help trying to keep Ryzan out of danger. She really didn't know how she could deal with him getting hurt again.
After a few moments of silence, Kayla showed a warm smile and brought out a small case, handing it to Ryzan while saying “This is from your father and I, happy birthday dear.”
Ryzan opened the case, and saw a well crafted set of leather clothing inside. Dark green with black accents, it looked good and would also blend into the foliage well. Honestly touched by the gift, he graciously thanked his parents, before excitedly stepping out to don the gear. Stepping into the pants he found the the lining on the inside was extremely comfortable. The lining was black and the leather dark green, the black accents were actually the places where the leather didn't cover. While this meant a little less protection, it made the gear easier to move in, and made it easier to adjust as Ryzan grew. The jacket had the same lining as the pants, and he was pleased to find it also had a sturdy hood as well. Additionally he found that the arms of the jacket were attached by small buckles. This meant he would have the option of removing them in hot weather conditions. It all fit perfectly, apparently they had measured him in his sleep, and was very comfortable to move in. He found four pouches on the chest of the jacket, two on each leg, and two small ones on each arm. In addition, around the waist of the pants, he found five strait strips, and five loops, of leather to which he could fasten bags or weapons. One of which already had a small bag of coins attached to it. All in all, he would have ample room for gathering herbs and protecting weather sensitive materials.
Walking back out into the living room, the family was rather impressed on how well the gear fit him. There was even a noted flush in Liza's face as she looked him over. Feeling great, Ryzan thanked Kayla once again as he dashed forward and hugged her.
Kayla hugged back saying, “You deserve at least this much dear. Remember to wear it in as much as possible before we head out next week”.
Rak nodded in agreement before quipping, “but you know, it was a combination gift” and laughing.
Ryzan looked toward him and smiled, “Thank you as well dad, this is beyond what I could have hoped” he said, beaming at his new outfit.
Liza spoke up, still rather flushed, “You guys really did a good job on it. Here Ryzan, this one is from me”, then held a small wooden box towards him.
Ryzan released Kayla from his hug, slowly taking the box from Liza and opening it. Inside was a black rose pendant, attached to a silver chain. “It used to be my mother's, and is supposed to protect the wearer from harm” She explained, her eyes slightly wavering at the mention of her mother.
Ryzan knew Liza had very little to remember her family by, and hesitated for a moment before putting the necklace over his head and hugging Liza, “Thank you for giving me something this important. I'll treasure it for the rest of my life” he said, right before rising up on his toes and kissing Liza's cheek.
Liza froze up at the kiss, not moving at all until Ryzan spoke out again, “I need to pick up some extra things in town before the trip. Do you want to come to town to shop with me Liza?”. Still relatively frozen, Liza hesitated quite a bit before squeezing out a rather choppy, “Sure sounds fun”, and getting dragged off by Ryzan.
As they reached the door they heard Ryzan's parents yell after him, “Be careful not to get cheated, Old Krevitz in particular, will take you for everything you have if he gets the chance, regardless of age.”. Ryzan turned back and waved yelling, “Right, I'll be careful. Thank you again mom, dad.”, before pulling Liza along towards the town with a bright smile on his face.
As he came up to the town, Ryzan checked the coins in the pouch. The amount given to him was ten silver coins, which Ryzan didn't really know the worth of. He knew 10000 copper = 100 silver = 1 gold(100:1 ratio on each), but he honestly didn't know what a copper was worth, so that didn't really help him much. So first he had to find out how much money he had to work with, and next he had to prioritize the materials he would get.
Thus his first stop was the Blacksmith, Maxus Teach. Walking through the door into his shop, Ryzan eyed the assortments of weapons along the walls and counters, before focusing on the place that was filled with knives. He let go of the recovering Liza's hand, and headed over to browse the selections. After a few moments of looking them over, Max walked over to him saying, “Anything in particular you two are looking for?”.
Ryzan absentmindedly nodded and said, “I need a hunting knife, something that will hold it's edge when dismantling, and sharp enough to penetrate hide. A sharpening stone, and a good flint striker.”.
Max nodded and walked off to the back of his shop, coming back out and handing Ryzan a sturdy looking knife with a 9-inch blade. On the back of the blade, towards the hilt, a serrated edge could be seen. The hilt was wrapped in black leather, and fit in Ryzan's palm almost perfectly. “This feels good, how much does it cost?” Ryzan said, handing the knife back to Max.
Max slid the blade into it's sheath, “It's a fairly high quality item made of eldspar ore so It'd be about one silver, but I'll give it to you for eighty copper.”
Ryzan noted the cost with a bit of surprise. He'd come to know eldspar was a rather good material in this world, far better regarded than steel. If it was only one silver to get a good blade made from it, the ten silvers he was given, was worth quite a bit more than he had expected. After thinking a bit, he nodded at Max, “alright I'll take it, thank you for the discount. About how much would the striker and the whetstone cost?”
(Max) “The striker will run you eight copper for a good one, fifteen if you get a tinderbox with it. As for they whetstones, they're one copper.”
(Ryzan) “Ok, I'll take the tinderbox as well, and five whetstones to make it an even silver.”
Max nods, placing the knife in his hand on the counter before heading to the back, returning a few moments later with a stack of five whetstones and a wooden box. The box was about the perfect size to fit in the front of the jacket, so Ryzan was rather happy about that. “Alright that'll be one silver. Have fun on the rest of your date.” Max said with a wink.
A little behind Ryzan, the fully recovered Liza blushed a bit. Ryzan pulled a silver coin from his pouch, and flicked it to the blacksmith, as he started to place the tinderbox into one pocket and the five whetstones into another, “I'll definitely do so max” , a small smile on his face.
(Liza) “Heyyyyy, correct him”
Ryzan, ignoring Liza, tied the hunting knife onto his left hip, “Hope to see you again soon, take care max.”
(Max) “Will do kid, thanks for the business”
Ryzan nodded to max, before looking up at Liza, “Do you plan on getting anything here?”. Liza shook her head, “No, but I do have to pick up some fish before we head back, for dinner tonight.”.
Gripping her hand, Ryzan walked towards the door, “Alright, no problems there. Before that, how about we go see if old man Krevitz has anything interesting?”. Liza put on a bit of a grimace as she followed, “Are you sure? You heard your parents warning right?”. Nodding, Ryzan still hurried along with Liza in tow, “Unfortunately he's the only peddler in the village, so if I want something interesting I'll have to go through him. Merchants don't even make their ways here, so anything from outside has to be bought through him.”.
As they walked along the street, quite a few women turned an interested gaze in Ryzan's direction, but immediately looked away when they saw the face of Asura behind him. Feeling the deadly aura, Ryzan reflected over how much Liza had changed recently. She was still timid and shy around him, but now she didn't balk away from other people. She had gained a lot of confidence from training a few hours a day with Kayla. Honestly Ryzan found it to be a great thing, Liza had more confidence, and Ryzan had to spend less time chatting. He didn't care much about most of the women in the village, but any time they spoke to him, he found himself unable to ignore them. Like something in his very being was compulsively pushing him to smooth talk them. At this point he was thinking that maybe it was some curse inherited by his father, a thought that worried him quite a bit.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
As he reflected over this, they came up to Krevitz's wagon. Inside was what appeared to be a kind old man, but someone Ryzan knew to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
(Krevitz) “So what are you looking for boy?”
(Ryzan) “Nothing in particular, just browsing. Anything you looking for Liza?”
As Ryzan turned to look at Liza, her ears were flicking showing a sliver of excitement, and he noticed her eyes locked onto a brooch. It had a blue and silver rose, the stem and stalk made of silver, and the petals made of what looked like sapphire. After a few moments of being enraptured, she turned back to Ryzan, “No, besides I didn't bring anything for shopping, just the money to get fish”.
Ryzan mentally marked the brooch as he smiled, “Hmm, I guess we won't be getting anything Krevitz. Thanks for the time, good luck selling”
(Krevitz) “Alright alright, shoo. Customer's only here, run off and window shop elsewhere.”
Ryzan, laughing at the abrupt disappearance of the kind old man, left with Liza, “I still have to stop at the leather worker's. We can head to the butcher's afterwards, that ok with you?”. Liza, looking back at the stand one last time, “ah... ah yeah. Sounds good”.
Entering the leather worker's shop, they greeted Della. Unlike all the other craftsmen in this area, Della was a woman, and a young one at that. Her father had retired, leaving her to take over the business, and she was good at it.
(Della) “Nice to see you Ryzan, those look wonderful on you” she said, indicating his leather outfit.
(Ryzan) “It has nothing to do with me, it's all the clothes. They'd look wonderful on anyone. As expected, it takes a beauty to make something beautiful.”
Della blushed slightly, before shaking her head, “You really do take after your father.”. As she spoke, Ryzan heard a low growl coming from beside him, and quickly changed the subject, “Anyway I need a sturdy traveling pack, and probably a sleeping bag as well. About what would that cost.”
(Della) “Let's see. A sleeping bag in your size and a good traveling pack. I'll say the pack with be sixty coppers, and the bag would be about seventy. I'll give you both for 120 copper.”
Ryzan nodded, handing her two silver coins “Alright, also I'd like to say the craftsmanship in this gear is impressive. Your father must be happy having such a talented successor.”. Della, brightened up at the compliment, before narrowing her eyes slyly as she placed the pack and sleeping bag on the counter, “Actually he's still wants me to find a husband so he can train him for the business well... Got any suggestions for me?”. As she finished she sent a suggestive wink Ryzan's way.
Ryzan's eyebrows rose at the forward woman, then his eyes opened wide as he heard a threatening growl resounding from beside him, “W-w-w-well sorry, but I can't seem to think of any off the top of my head. Thank you for the gear, goodbye!”. As he spoke he collected the eighty coppers, stuffed the sleeping bag into his pack, and dashed out the door followed by a fuming Liza.
(Liza) “This is why you need to stop imitating your father!”
(Ryzan) “She wasn't serious, and besides I don't plan on marrying soon, and even if I was I wouldn't consider someone other than Liza!”
(Liza) “W-w-w-w-w-w-what are you talking about, who'd fall for that from a flirt like you” as she spoke her face had turned completely red.
Looking down the road, Ryzan spotted the butcher's shop. “Look Liza, there's the butcher's. You take care of that, I have to run back and pick up something I forgot at the blacksmiths.”. Dashing past Liza, Ryzan wiped his brow, happy to find an exit.
(Liza) “H-HEY!..... Argh... When you get back we're continuing this conversation!”
A few minutes later, a tired Ryzan was walking towards the butchers with an Eldspar Hatchet hanging from his right side. Another eighty copper spent bringing his remaining money to seven silvers. Although he was heading toward the butcher's, his actual destination was just along the way, old Krevitz's wagon. Knocking on the side, he drew the attention of krevitz, a scowl forming on his previously innocent old face, “I already said if you're not shopping, clear out and don't get in the way of real customers.”.
Ryzan, marveling once again at the impeccable business smile, laughed and pointed at the rose brooch Liza had eyed earlier, “I'm here to ask about that, about how much does it cost.”. Krevitz followed the line of his finger and spied the brooch, “ahhh, so you saw the lady looking that piece as well huh... You look like a youngling, but you are more observant than most.”.
Ryzan laughed a bit and said, “I just had the fortune of being with a girl that was impossible not to observe closely.”. Krevitz's eyes showed a bit of spark as Ryzan spoke, “Ah, definitely Rak's kid. Nice to see such an honestly youth ahahahahha... Anyway that particular brooch is a quality item. I can't let it go for any lower than ten silver.”
Ryzan turned to leave immediately, “Sorry, that's too much for me.”
(Krevitz) “Ah, hang on kid... I can bring it down to eight for the kid of an old friend.”
Ryzan came back and seemed to think for a bit. “It doesn't really look like it's worth more than five silver to me”. A vein pulsed on the side of Krevitz's head as the words were spoke. Ryzan had, unknowingly, almost nailed the appropriate price for the brooch, it's market value would be about 550 copper, Krevitz having paid four silver for it.
(Krevitz) “That's just too low. Seven is a lot more appropriate for such a fine piece.”
(Ryzan) “Hmmm... Even if that's true, I can't really bring myself to spend more than six.”
(Krevitz) “hahhhh. You drive a hard bargain kid, how about I let it go for six silver and fifty copper?”
Ryzan thought for a bit. He could tell that Krevitz was still overcharging, but with a merchant like Krevitz, if you don't overpay, you don't buy it. “Alright deal.” As he spoke, he took his last seven silver and placed it on the table. Krevitz picked them up, and placed fifty copper and the brooch in their place, his business smile back on his face, “Thanks for the business, hope to see you again kid.”. Ryzan, placing the brooch in his pack, smiled back “Same to you, later Krevitz”.
Ryzan left the wagon quickly, running to meet Liza with a grin on his face. He had blown through a rather large sum very quickly, but he knew it would be worth it to see Liza wearing the brooch. Still grinning, Ryzan saw Liza standing by the door of the butcher's, a basket on the ground next to her. Opposite to his grin, a scowl was on her face as he approached, “So, what's the grin about. Finalize your future as a leather worker while I was in there?”.
Ryzan, noticing the extremely foul mood, decided that the quicker he gave it to her the better, “No not at all, just had to take some time to get a present for a girl I love”. Liza froze at the statement, unknowingly putting on a panicked face, as Ryzan took the brooch out of his pack. Smiling Ryzan held it out to her, “So here it is”.
Being caught of guard while in a state of shock, Liza's reaction was pretty big. Panic, then confusion, then recognition, then finally embarrassment as she understood the love comment, “W-w-wha-what are you t-talking about, and how much did you spend on this. I can't accept this.”
Ryzan chuckled as he watched her ears flick around rapidly, obviously in turmoil. “You know it's rude to ask how much a gift costs, and as for you accepting it. This flower looks lonely, if I didn't put it with another flower I'd be a monster.” As he spoke he clipped the brooch onto her shirt, then smiled warmly at her as he followed up saying “Although it might still be a bit mean, since it got paired with one so much more beautiful than itself.”. Finally, as Liza started gradually increasing in shades of red, he stretched up and placed a light kiss on her cheek.
Liza completely froze as her thoughts rampaged everywhere. If one could read her mind, they'd consider sending her to a mental institute at that moment. She could barely form a coherent though, constantly replaying the last few moments, the smile he had showed, his words, frantically trying to convince herself she was just happy about the brooch, wondering why her heart was beating so fast. Before she could even start to get her thoughts collected, Ryzan had picked up the fish with one hand, and took her hand with his other. As soon as she felt his hand, it felt like an electric current shot down her arm and through her whole body. All she did in response was let out a cute whimpering sound as he started to take her back to the house.
All through the trip back, cooking dinner, eating, and getting ready for bed. Liza was almost entirely Robotic. Barely hearing or responding to anything people said to her. As she laid down in bed, she glanced toward her previous attire draped on her chair, the brooch reflecting the moonlight that shone through her window. Immediately she recalled Ryzan's smile, and her face heated up again as her hearth beat strengthened. W-what's wrong with me. He's just a kid that doesn't even realize what he's saying. Despite thinking that, Liza had noticed that Ryzan was more conscious of the different sexes recently. Primarily shown with his embarrassment about sleeping in the same bed as her. Coupled with his recent growth, it was hard for anyone to consider him as a child at this point.
Liza rose up out of bed, walking over to the brooch. As she picked it up her heartbeat quickened again, and a bit of panic rose up in her heart. Even if she tried to deny it, she knew Ryzan was aware of what he was saying. As she lay in bed hugging the brooch to her chest, her mind replayed Ryzan's words and actions once more. Curling into a ball, her face tinged completely red, and her tail wagging rapidly behind her, a few soft words slipped out of Liza's mouth, “T-thank you, Ryry”. That night Liza barely got any sleep, and what little she did was filled with a montage of the things Ryzan had said to her over the years. As the morning came around, Liza was still flushed and unstable. She really had no choice but to acknowledge what she was feeling at this point. Her face felt warm, and she felt a bit giddy, at the realization, but suddenly the blood drained out of her face as she heard a crash upstairs.
(Kayla) “WHY DO I SMELL PERFUME ON YOUR SHIRT!!”
(Rak) “Uh... that's...well you see... um”
*Crash* *Thump*
(Rak) “W-w-wait, I can explain I swear... Somehow”
Back downstairs Liza, who had just come to terms with her feelings, had made another shocking revelation. Ryzan was Rak's son. The only young woman she hadn't seen Rak hit on, at one time or another, was herself. Since I've already come to terms with this, I need to secure the future. Lay complete claim to him, and make sure he won't even think about straying like his father. A look of complete determination formed in Liza's eyes as her hand clenched.
Ryzan, awakened by the sound of his parent's common antics, suddenly felt a deep chill run down his spine. W-wow... that felt ominous