"...haa..." Mister Theodore huffed. "To think I lived long enough to see more people going against the natural laws..."

I had enough, he complained, rubbing his forehead in the process. Though for me, he seemed like he'd rather live without having every customer kicking off his store's door.

I kind of understand that feeling. Takeru always pulled a trick on me by luring monsters every time I thought I could relax. He even said, "Do you think reality can be so sweet to you?" with a delirious laugh.

Other than that...

"How rude. It's not like I was the one who picked the fight." I retorted while crossing my arms.

"It's the same way... Rather, I'm surprised you're still alive and well, young lady." Mister Theodore stared at me with wonder filling his eyes.

Hmm... well, I only got lucky. I mean, I didn't fight against Ivory and I was helped by Iris when fighting Vladimir. Without someone at my side, I'd be done for years ago.

In fact, I think I might have died when Fei stabbed me through the chest. That guy looks like he can't control his power despite being a prodigy born every one thousand years. So... other than flukes, I have never once gotten a triumphant victory. Even against Bravzgaim considering how old, hungry, ill-stricken and weakened he was.

"...uh, no. I can't say I read other people's mind but young lady, your reasoning is definitely not due to some fluke."

...eh? What do you mean? And am I easy to read?

Mr. Theodore exhaled, "Well, with you inheriting that bloodline, wielding swordsmanship which is a bane to all immortals and monsters... Not to mention being the lad's partner... I can say for sure you're a step away from entering leagues of monsters."

"...I don't think flattery will take you anywhere. In fact, I believe I do not have the right talent nor constitution suitable to fight like Fei." I remarked with a deep frown.

"People like to say that a lot, even humans. My advice is - don't trust humans without a base especially in biased Territory like here. Also, do you think like that, lady?"

I shook my head instantly. Isn't it obvious that there are strong people out there? Heck, I think even gods do have some actual power here so why should I sulk in the corner when I can aim higher? It's just not worth to worry about after I sorted out my internal problems.

As he seemed to understand what I implied, Mr. Theodore nodded while showing toothy grin. It all vanished as he placed his gaze on the two broken swords.

"Still, no wonder these got badly beaten up. So Demon Generals can destroy my weapons so easily..."

"Well, one of them knows how to hit the weak spots of the blade. Rather than using brute strength, I think their combat experiences are what making them so scary."

The man nodded in agreement. But I could see a sharp glint in his eyes.

"So they know my flaws... Looks like I still have a long way to go." Mr. Theodore mumbled then looked at Fraulein.

"Frau, bring all the swords here and turn them into ingots."

Et tu!? What did this guy just say...!? Eh, the girl over there, why are you packing all the goods here!?

"As I thought, we're still far from achieving the goal." Fraulein said.

But why!? I asked and the two answered.

" "Because our swords ain't good enough to kill demons in one strike so we're going back from square one." "

Heeeeeeeeyyy! Just how much of a perfectionist are you two!? Isn't that wasting your efforts!? Or rather, if you think you're not up at their level yet then why did you even put up these swords to sell!?

"Besides, isn't converting swords into ingots caused quality degradation!?" I pointed out the flaw.

" "Got no money and resources for new ingots." "

It's no good! This father and daughter are useless!! Do they even think of tending a business!?

I pressed my temple and groaned, "To think that there really are hopeless people in this world... Honestly, I'm perplexed by your stupidity."

"Hey! Who is stupid here, you little bitch!"

I pulled out Radiata and pointed the blade at Fraulein. More specifically, I could stab her breasts and I might see them popping like balloon.

"I wonder if you even have a brain, hm? Can't you try to think of something with those precocious melons of yours, hmm...?"

"Ouch! Stop it! Stop poking! That ain't nice!!"

Hmph! This girl needs to be taught for a few lessons! I wanted to grind her and cleanse her tongue especially those melons of hers but Mr. Theodore gasped quite loud.

"Y-young lady... that sword...?" He pointed at Radiata.

Hmm...? Does he know about it? Well, since Fei already gave me an approval of them so it's fine to tell them. Right?

"The Emperor of Golden Tiger Monarchy gave it to me."

With just those words alone, the two were petrified before they scurried away to the corner of the store.

"Why!? To give such devilish sword to a human...! And to a girl too!!"

...Eeh... just what's wrong with these two...? I really can't understand their behavior patterns for real. And when I tried to approach them, the two fainted in shock.

"I'm done here... So old man, care to tell me how much it will be?"

Eh, ah. Fei appeared from the inner part of the store. He glanced at me then to the two, then to me again.

"...what's going on here?" He asked.

"I'd like to know too..." I sighed in response.

Once I explained the whole story to this point...

"So that's it. No wonder why they are horrified." Fei crossed his arms and nodded in understanding.

"Uh... care to explain more?" I requested.

"Charlotte, do you know that there are two types of weapons that can be forged?" Fei asked back.

Hm...? In a fantasy world, that would be...

"The normal weapons and the magic weapons right?"

"Indeed," Fei said. "They actually go with the name Common Weapons and Enchanted Weapons. The former is made with natural ores and can be forged by blacksmiths alone. Meanwhile, Enchanted Weapons require the assistance of a Rune Inscriber with at least three years of apprenticeship."

Hoo... so if I want to learn how to make the latter, I need to have 3 years experience under a Runelord. Sounds tough. By the way, Runelord is the highest position among those researching Runology.

"However, among Enchanted Weapons, there is a rare type of weapon known as Relixia Arma."

"Eh? Relixia Arma...? What's that?"

"To be more specific, it's something that is forged from unknown materials, crafted through forgotten methods, having no peer and also recognized as a masterpiece. It's a legendary item with histories, wondrous power and some even have intelligence of their own."

Hoee... that's kind of new for me. I mean, nobody ever taught me that there's a third type and did he just say it's impossible to make? So it's like Gilgamesh's Ea.

"Hm? But doesn't that mean..." I looked at Radiata which was sheathed and hung on my waist.

So this guy is a Relixia Arma? I was given with something amazing, huh? Now I fear anyone who's after it... Hope nobody heard of this conversation.

"But wait a second. If it's even called a masterpiece, then why is it feared by the two over there?" I asked.

"Sharp as always. In actuality... All of Relixia Arma are cursed."

I froze upon hearing those words. Cursed? As in... anyone who touches it will be haunted by tragedies? Eh? Isn't that awful...!?

"No way!?" I shouted out. "That Tiger said this thing is a Holy Sword so why is it cursed!?"

"Can't gods get angry and curse those who they envied?"

Agh... that's... I can't say no to that. Knowing how we almost got turned into masochists had we not stepped out from a magic circle five years ago, I no longer trust gods other than my flimsy Patron Goddess and Freyja-sama.

After all, the timing was too perfect and the patterns of the magic circle showed that it was related with the Twin Lunar Goddesses. I guess I should thank Alia for being so knowledgeable in dealing with magic circles but still...

"D-Does that mean I'm cursed now?" I pointed at myself.

"Considering how you never used it, I doubt it has activated. Relixia Arma has something like Staged Activation. Each Activation will cause the Curse to intensify by a notch permanently, and it cannot be done if the user can't contact the Relic's heart. Not to mention the curse usually isn't curable even if one were to plead to the gods."

I, I see... I guess I can breathe in relief then. But seriously, I almost got myself wound up with troubles... Now I'm scared of using this guy...

But still. Doesn't that mean it can be communicated? And if it has a will and is lying dormant... does that mean Iris interacted with it? Why would she do such dangerous thing?

Wait. She said she was hunted down by a human King. Then probably, the weapon will only respond if the user is cornered... Umu. I can't think of anything else other than that.

"...unfortunately, I always risked my life and came out half-dead every time. I wonder if it will activate as soon as we embarked on the Quest." I muttered.

"That's why don't use it if not with cautions. Also, didn't we come here to have Milady armed?" Fei reminded me of the main reason why we came here.

I pounded a fist on my palm and turned to the corner.

"That's right! Old man, help me find a good armor!" I exclaimed.

"Who in the Seven Chaos is an old man!?"

Uwah! He snapped back to reality! As expected of someone who's living in Raumia! He's tough like Fei!!

"Hmph! We don't deal with armors but fine! Since you dared to bring that awful thing here, I'll make you regret for I am going to show you something better than it!!"

Ooh! He looks reliable now! Go on, old man! I'm waiting for the product!

"But first, I need measurement so lad, do the job." He instantly pushed an order to Fei!

Uwa, he had no shame! But measurement...? I glanced at Fei and his cheeks were tinted red.

"Wait, why do I have to do that?" He grunted.

"Oh? So you want an old man like me to check on a fine lady like this one?" Mr. Theodore replied.

It didn't even take a moment for Fei to curse, "Dammit! Only now you intend to admit you're an old man, you bastard!!"

"Isn't there Fraulein to help!?"

"She's MY personal assistance. And you, Apprentice #2, is MY lackey. Now suck up and deal with it like a man you proclaimed as."

Whoa... I rarely saw the Black Hero at wit's end. To think a mere measurement session caused him to be so upset...

"Uhm...? Fei? What's the problem?" I asked only to be glared back.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

My hand was grabbed and Fei dragged me inside the store, saying "Shut up and get over here!" while losing his cool.

Ouch! Hey, stop treating a lady so roughly! How childish can you become!?

*SLAM!* Fei opened a door and we entered a vacant room. Although from the looks of it, there were wooden crates, iron crates, sacks and utensils and shelves filled to the brim with miscellaneous stuff.

Then I heard a clicking sound and it turned out Fei also locked the door.

"Wait, what? Why are you locking the door?" I wondered but Fei was glaring me.

Scary! Why's he so angry?!

"...Charlotte...... do you understand what it meant to have measurement....?" Fei asked in a deep voice, almost snarling in the end like a certain Astral Serpent.

"Huh...? Isn't it just to check the height and weight? Also some sort of test to see endurance?"

If it's like that, I always aced the top in my school. I had the best records and I'm good at sports so it's quite obvious that I became the MVP every time a P.E. test arrived.

Since there's Summoned Hero and stuff, won't that mean the measurement test also the same in Magnis??

Hearing my answer, Fei put a hand on his face and sighed. Hey, did you have to exaggerate it like that? Also, why is your glare intensifying?

"...let me tell you something. Armors are designed to suit the body of the wearer."

"Yeah? And it's also covered with a layer of leather or something like chainmail to absorb the shock right?" I tilted my head, still not getting what he tried to imply.

But again, Fei sighed. This time he took a deep breath as if calming his mind. Is he meditating? At this kind of timing? I don't think it's quite effective when we haven't exercised.

"...then you do know that the armor is always made as formfitting... right?" Fei asked again.

"Of course I know that. Who do you take me for?" I put a hand on my waist.

I don't get it. Fei rarely ever talked in a roundabout manner and this time he's dead serious in avoiding eye contact. Honestly, what exactly happened in the four months while I was away?

I waited for answer and Fei seemed to have enough of the farce. He sighed and approached me, then he grabbed my shoulders while leaning down. His gaze meeting mine on the same level and I could not help but holding my breath.

"Then you should have known that to make a fitting armor, measuring your sizes become the norm, right!?"

"Uuu......!?"

S-s-sizes!? Why does it have to be like that!?  And why does it somehow caused me to have a bad feeling...!?

I pondered for a while and gasped. C-could it be...!

"In other words... to make it fitting without a cinch... I will have to measure you while you're not wearing clothes!!"

"Eeeeeeeehhh!?"

"Do you get it now!? Do you, now!?"

Uwawawaaa! Stop shaking me around! It makes me sick and also... you're too close! You're too close that I felt embarrassed just by being held like this! I'm not ready to be pushed down!

I pushed Fei away and staggered backward. While holding my forehead, I tried to reset my balance while speaking.

"In... in summary...? I... I have to undress and have you measuring... my... my body...?"

Fei nodded repeatedly, hitting me with dizziness and I could feel blood rushing to my head. I turned around to hide my shameful expression but I couldn't calm my heart from beating quicker beyond the norm!

This... this is bad...! Seriously bad! I didn't know that buying weapon and armor could bring everything downhill! And my love interest is going to scrutinize my entire body!?

I felt indescribable chill along with hot wind entering my ears. Auauuuu...! This is bad...! Somebody help me! At least give me something like Yuela's nonchalance in handling Wilfred's antics!

Why the heck did I not check up her route even though I was lent the game from Haru!? I'm such an idiiiiooootttt!!

"...*cough*... So... Charlotte. Have you understood now?" Fei said.

".....unfortunately, yes." I answered after groaning.

I looked back and Fei was putting his hands behind his back. He was on standby but his expression denied him of his usual impression. In fact, I can tell how restless he has become.

We exchanged gazes for a while until I broke the ice. Something I hardly ever did before for a while when Fei's around.

".....s-so... what should we do...?"

"Don't ask me..."

"......can we just go back and make some excuses...?"

"Would you like to have your armor falling off when you are about be killed?"

...I... wouldn't want that. Yeah. The option where I have to abandon defense is too risky. I know that because I can't rely forever on magic, skills, agility and luck.I can't expect help will come in time and I can't waste my mana, aura and Soul Essence just because I have no protective measures.

Obviously, I don't have any knowledge in how to make bulletproof vest, much less armors made from ores. Heck, even the armor I equipped in kendo wasn't made from them!

Urgh... Considering my budget, I could hardly live for three months and I didn't have much to begin with. And considering Fei's situation, I can't be so picky when he did this for my sake...

...screw it! Either sink or swim right!? All I have to do is just to hold down my shames right!?

"...Charlotte...?"

I didn't respond to Fei. Simply standing up and checking the windows, there didn't seem to be anything that could cause any unidentified troubles. I think it's okay to draw the curtains too since it's still bright outside.

Now then... I.. think. Preparation is all... set...

"Seriously... why does this happen...?" I questioned nobody in particular.

Uuu...! See the positive side! This may be the big chance for me to gain some love points! Even if it's shameful, all is fair in love and war!!

"Yeah... why didn't I think of it?"

That's right, since I haven't confessed and I don't even know how to invite dates, why not make Fei doing them!? I won't die out of embarrassment and I won't dig my grave! So that means...

All I have to do is Capture him and make him confess to me! This way, all I need to do is to pick 'Yes' button when the time comes! I got my problems solved!!

"...Umm... Charlotte...?" Fei called out again.

This time, since I had the plan and a proper preparation, I turned my head and asked.

"...is... is it okay to undress only my uniforms...?"

....Shit! My body isn't ready! I even let out a low whisper that is very uncharacteristic for me!!

But from my position, I could see Fei's cheeks reddened and he took a step back.

"W-Wait. Are you serious? I mean, really? Is that..."

...now he's playing like an adolescent boy. It's good that he's being honest to his feelings but he's... unexpectedly pure in a strange area.

How odd. Even though Fei's older than me (physically,) his only immaturity is in That area? How much of an anti-social person are you...?

...eh. Whatever. If he's trying to be a Beta then let's push him a little in a non-threatening way!

"......I... I'm fine. It's a bit embarrassing but... I think... that's okay."

...damn. It feels like what I want to say and what my mouth said have divided into two opposing sides! Well, it's true that it's embarrassing but how could I retreat after putting up a bold front!? I'm not a man otherwise!

"Eh, I'm a woman now!" I quietly shouted, wishing to bang my head against the wall.

It was fortunate that Fei didn't hear anything or he would be suspicious of my identity. It's already bad enough if he knew I reincarnated but if he even knew me being a mere Fragment, everything will be over!!

"...w-wait a moment. Measurement means I have to size you up without nothing unnatural! Don't you get it!?"

Eeh...!? So I have to be naked!? That's too much! My heart isn't ready for it and it's too early to enter the Route! At least set up some flags first, you rushing prodigy!!

Wh-what should I do...? I think I can't do this... somehow, I felt seriously lightheaded and I can't look him in the eyes. Even the embarrassed feeling doubled that it left me staggering once in a while.

Guuu... is this relapse? I don't want to end it like this but what should I do...!? Should I accept or not? Yes or no!?

......Urgh... whatever happens, I'll make sure Fei takes responsibility! I'll screw him so hard if he dare to take advantage of the situation!!

".....Fei..." I turned around. Facing him, I crossed my fingers in front of my chest, my eyes darting away looking for excuses and I finally came up with words... "...Um... I'm... fine if it's you..."

".......!"

Fei blushed and he took another step back.

"Wh-What...? What are you saying...?" He said in response.

Unfortunately... I was also at wit's end with that remark. How could this guy be so dense when the time counts for it!? At least show me that resolve you have when we were stuck in the Dungeon!

For some unavoidable reasons, tears spilled at the corner of my eyes and I sucked in air. Hearing the sounds that came from unbuttoned shawl, Fei directed his bewildered gaze on me and he choked.

In a state where I took off the shawl, the sleeveless shirts were exposed with the upper part unbuttoned. In fact, the design of the uniform had changed and there were separate sleeves where the exposure of shoulders and armpits became visible, while the shirts themselves became sleeveless.

If one were keen enough, to see the slight white silk under the shirts was not impossible and I huffed, my shoulders rising and dropping erratically for revealing myself even though only to this extent.

My knees stroked each other. As I squirmed with my arms hugging my chest, it feels hard to breathe and I... I can't think of anything to say. In this kind of state with my ears numbed with burning sensation, I lowered my eyelids and muttered.

"...You... don't want to...?"

".........!"

...had I reflected beforehand, this kind of method was the only dangerous element in this enclosed space. Unfortunately, the guy I directed ALL of my affections to - was flustered to the point of his face becoming as red as boiling kettle plus a puff of steam rising from his head.

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A/N: To! Be! Continued!!

Happy belated x-mas! Well, I was a bit busy considering the time and... honestly, I'm not sure if I should be happy or not with the current season of Anime. Good (at least decent for some) but ended when the epic stage is about to start. Also, the cliffhanger is intentional.