“Take me to a magical tool store!”

The scapegoat stiffened. “D-didn’t I already say there weren’t stores here?”

“Yes, you did, but I wanted to say those lines for a long time.” Saying them was almost as good as going to an actual store. Anyways, at least all the sellers have their goods on their hats. Oh, I should probably take the scapegoat’s off… or replace it. Buying combat-oriented magical tools. That should do it. Maybe the Briarwood envoy sells tools? “Do you see magical tools?”

The envoy shook his head. “The Briarwood family only sells interspacial rings for income.” He glanced at the sky and frowned. “Well, it was a pleasure meeting you. I didn’t catch your name. My name is Poe Briarwood.”

My name. Do I lie and tell him something else? What if people connected to Bryant hunt me down? But it’s not like I have anything to fear from them! I’m stronger than the generals in the army. “My name is Lucia.”

“Just Lucia?”

“…Fluffytail. Lucia Fluffytail.” If Snow’s ancestor could be named Cottontail, there’s nothing wrong with making my last name Fluffytail! And my tail is fluffy. Very, very fluffy. It’s a totally fitting name that’s not stupid at all.

“Lucia Fluffytail. I’ll remember your name.” Poe nodded and turned around, disappearing into the crowd of merchants. Was it just me, or were there a lot of people looking in my direction? …It seems like they all want to sell me magical tools! Or rob me. Anyways, let’s pretend I don’t notice them, but if they try anything funny, I’ll cut their hands off. I have to hurry up and make my purchases, so I can go back to training faster.

“Come with me, scapegoat.”

“Y-yes…”

The scapegoat didn’t resist as I dragged her through the market, reading the signs on people’s heads. “Oh. I almost forgot.” I scribbled onto the scapegoat’s hat. Selling bear penises.

In an instant, there were a dozen people flocking around us. I had no idea it was such a hot commodity. What other use did bear penises have…? The scapegoat was startled as well. “O-one at a time, please!”

A burly man shoved to the front of the crowd. “How much are you selling them for?”

“Ten gold.”

The burly man looked at me before turning his attention back to the scapegoat. “Is that right?”

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“Y-yes.”

“I’ll buy twenty!”

…Why would … you know what, never mind. If people want to buy them, I won’t question their life decisions. Right when I was about to take them out, someone shouted, “I’ll buy twenty for 12 gold each!”

“15 gold each!”

“20 gold each!”

“I’ll trade you my family heirloom which is worth 500 gold for twenty!”

“50 gold each.”

The crowd fell silent as a woman dressed in black robes stepped forward, slipping past the crowd like oil through water. No one spoke as the woman flicked her wrist, causing the burly man to be thrown aside. She hadn’t even touched him! The woman frowned when she saw the scapegoat. “You’re a woman. How could you sell something like this?”

“I-it’s not me.” The scapegoat pointed at me. “I-it’s her.”

Wow. I’ve been sold out by my own scapegoat. But doesn’t that mean this person is more intimidating than me? Who is she?

“You, beastkin. This alley may be a black market, but we have some rules. No one’s allowed to sell aphrodisiacal materials here.”

“…Why not rename this place to slightly gray market then?” Seriously? What kind of black market has rules?

The woman’s frown deepened. She flicked her wrist and pointed at me. What the heck? Did she just shove me with magic? How rude. “…What?” The woman looked at her hand and furrowed her brow. She flicked her finger at me again. I didn’t move, but I felt something pushing me. “This…” She turned around and flicked at a random stranger. He was sent flying. “Okay…” She tried to use the magic on me once again without any result. “What’s wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you?” Can I justifiable beat her to death in the name of self-defense? “Why are you pushing people with magic?”

“You felt it? I don’t understand. The only restrictions on my spell are certain weight limits or…” The woman’s eyes widened. “You’re a fourth circle magician?”

…Aren’t glorious misunderstandings great? “Yes. That’s right.”

“Forgive my offenses!” The woman dropped to her knees and knocked her forehead against the ground. Wow. Magicians really hold a lot of sway, huh? “My name is Liana Noctis, third circle magician. I’m the overseer of this marketplace.”

I really understand why Durandal likes bullying people now. It’s such a great feeling, ah. …Does this make me a sadist now? I hope not. “Overseer of the marketplace? Help me find some magical tools and I’ll forgive you completely. Oh, and buy these penises. You did offer 50 gold for them.”

Liana’s face cramped. “M-my money’s in my office, but I’ll take you there right now if you wish, ma’am.”

“No, that’s okay. I want to buy some tools first.”

Liana nodded. “Are there any you have in mind, ma’am?”

“Don’t call me ma’am. And I want ten rings with different spells. Another bracelet for my other hand. Two earrings. Goggles! Magical socks and magical shoes. A magical coat, and magical gloves. Oh, magical panties and a magical bra as well.” Everything I wear must be magical! If I can’t learn magic naturally, then I’ll use my money to supplement my deficiencies!

“…I understand. But why does a fourth circle magician need so many magical tools…?”

Let’s copy Durandal and stare at her until she yields.

“I-I’m sorry I asked. It was out of my bounds. I’m sure you have your reasons, ma’am.”

Don’t call me ma’am! But anyways, it looks like I can ditch the first scapegoat. I found the boss of the area and made her my lackey. It’s smooth sailing from here on out. Maybe she can get me some discounts too. Power is great, isn’t it?