["The hero has been defeated! The hero has been defeated!"]

It is the utterances that could be heard in the whole place.

"Ser...iou...sly?"

I muttered while looking at those messengers that were moving around and shouting on the street.

"The hero? The only person who is supported by God, the hero, has been defeated?"

I really couldn't believe what happened. The hero is filled with God's power; God has chosen the hero as a holy knight which is the only way of destroying the demonic authority that is ruling over the world.

So that, knowing that the hero got defeated, that the hero loses, I can't stop myself from thinking...

"Is God being out-powered by the demon lord?"

While thinking about it, I hadn't noticed that I thought that out loud; and father heard it.

"There is no way."

Father replied.

"Huh?" I was careless. Even in such a situation, it is still unthinkable to doubt God's power and might. Why did I even think about that? (sighs)

"For now, we should devote ourselves to the safety of the people. As a weapon creator, we should support the combat personnel and those who desire to protect themselves from random danger." (father)

Of course, we do. Father made our weapons in high quality for only one reason. 'To allow every individual to become capable of defending themselves.' The price is also reasonable. I will not say it's cheap though, because the materials are pretty expensive. But overall, our crafted weapons are really affordable and are negotiable for every customer.

I could say that we made our business as a circulation of course for protecting the inhabitants.

After discussing our plans and steps, I go back downstairs to reopen the shop. Though I know that the circle (circle-shaped plaza) has fewer passersby than usual, I still hope that people will buy some of our weapons. It is not even about money and income that I am thinking, it is for the customers' safety.

After some time, maybe three hours or so, lots of customers have come after another. I could tell they were pretty affluent due to their appearances. After looking around at the top weapons that were being displayed, they started to purchase almost every piece. If they hadn't arrived at the same time, maybe there could even be a hassle about who would be the ones to buy the said items. Maybe they intend to wait until I reopen the shop and rush as soon as it opens then purchase as much as they can. No, they planned on buying our items even though the shop was still closed!

(they probably thought of negotiating privately)

Sigh, I could say that those who are wealthy could really be so greedy. Some items are enough for each of them. There is no reason to buy as much as they can. At this rate, how could we give those who are really in need of their weapons? This could be called a product deficit or shortage, right? Should I increase the price so that the demand gets less? I at least want to halt the consumption of the product so that everyone can get equal quantities. Sigh, I really don't know what to do.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

At that moment, a customer who was in a cloak was repetitively looking back and forth around the displayed weaponry.

Rather than focusing on those customers who plan to consume a lot, I tend to the ones who seem being troubled.

"Yes? What are you looking for?"

With a gentle smile, I approached the troubled customer to assist him with his choice.

"U... Uhm..."

Wait, huh? A girl? Well, whatever. The hood of her cloak was shadowing her face; of course, there was no way to tell what her gender was.

"Yes?"

I just answered gently so that she wouldn't refrain from browsing; because it seemed like she couldn't choose freely due to the crowds. And, it appears that she is one of those people that you could say: 'cannot afford the price'.

And rational thinking, those customers who can't afford even the lowest price, are the ones who really need help. Whatever am I going to do? (sighs)

While waiting for her response, I noticed that she couldn't afford any of our items. It was obvious due to her often sighing. I would like to know what she was planning to buy but... Before that, I would also like to know... why she is wearing a cloak in this weather?!

"Uhm, doesn't that sort of clothing make you feel hot?"

"Huh?!... U... Uhm..."

After hearing my question, the girl unexpectedly reacts anxiously... I wonder why.

Rather than considering my thoughts about the hotness of the sun, she clipped the tip of her hood and pulled it down to keep it closer to her instead.

Heh... 'Is she that shy to talk with people?' (chuckles) It was my thought upon seeing her reaction.

Well, could it be that she is shy around many people that's why she is wearing a cloak? Whatever the reason is... Is not my business to know.

To be honest, I really want to know why she was wearing a cloak. She could be shy, that's why. But it is not reasonable to endure the heat of the day. And also, it could make her look undoubtedly suspicious. Whatever is she thinking?

"Well, uhm, what kind of item are you planning to purchase?"

"Ah... uhm... every... Thing... "

The girl replied in a silent and hesitant way.

"Oh, everything huh, let's see what we can ge... Huh? Wait, everything? What do you mean, everything?"

That was really a surprise. I thought she was talking about an item that could do almost every job. Just like a physical enhancer for example.

She could not be meaning to buy everything, right? I was just worrying about those greedy businessmen and you will say this poor-looking customer was also the same?

As I think things, I was looking at those wealthy guys who were arguing about their target items. Seriously, sooner or later, this store will even become an auction site.

"U... Uhm... Can't I?"

While I was still looking at them, I heard the girl talk to me.

She was asking with a cute voice. Her voice sounded childish even though I could tell she was really serious.

Of course, I don't want to sell everything to her. I just said everyone has the right to receive an equal amount of the product. I can't afford to let one person or two spoil the product to themselves. The product that my father made exclusively for the people's safety.

Sigh...

Wait, childish?

That sudden thought came to me.

"Are you a kid?"

After realizing the sound of her voice, I noticed that she was not just acting childish out of desperation so I let her buy everything.

She really is a child!

"Huh?! I am... not... "

And she was also clumsy in her reaction. She tends to answer loudly and instantly without giving a second thought. It explains why she was slowing down after uttering a single word. Exactly what a playful child would do.

The girl replied with her head turned downward.

Sigh... After letting out a breath, I asked her...

"So, why is it that you are the one that is buying weapons? Where are your guardians? What are you going to do with your purchased weapons?"

I didn't even brag about the idea that she was trying to buy everything. This will only turn out as a child's talk.

But... The world sure is being shaken. To think that even a child is looking for an item. Sigh...

"Will you sell everything to me?!" the kid inquired with a tone of excitement. If only by any chance I could see her eyes, its iris were probably flashing stars already.

"Huh?!"

It was the only reaction that I could make. I thought of hoping that she was just joking, but...

"No, I can only sell one item per part to you. What are you planning to do with that much of items anyway?"

The excitement aura that I was sensing from her was gone the moment she heard my words. Naturally, I would feel bad, but there was nothing we could do.

"Also, what is a child thinking that she is going to carry harmful objects? Let your guardians come and make them buy their items on their own. A child doesn't need to worry about their safety. Let the grown-ups handle it."

"I would like to, but... Nobody will protect me... Nobody will protect us... That's why... "

"That's why...?"

"That's why, would you at least let us buy your well-crafted weapons?"

At that moment, I hadn't noticed that the ground shook. Yeah, the surrounding area was shaking. It was as if there were a slight earthquake.