Leo marveled at how much had changed in such a short time. A few months ago, he might have stumbled over his words or backed down from confrontation. Now, he stood his ground—not out of arrogance, but out of a newfound sense of purpose.

The girl nodded eagerly and retrieved the dress for Amanda. She then gently took Amanda's hand, leading her to the fitting area. Amanda looked back at Leo, concerned. He smiled reassuringly and tapped her back lightly, urging her to go ahead.

Amanda’s eyes drifted to the dress again. She had never considered herself the type to indulge in something so luxurious. Yet, for the first time in years, she allowed herself to dream, just for a moment, what it might feel like to be someone worthy of such finery.

Leo gestured subtly to the girl, who understood immediately. She returned the gesture with an okay sign, indicating that everything would be fine.

As he waited, the adventurer who had approached them earlier came up to him again. "Hey, sorry about before. I didn't recognize Amanda," he said, his voice gruff but sincere.

Leo was surprised that the adventurer knew Amanda. "You know her?" he asked, curious.

The adventurer, a Heavy Knight hired by the shop for security, nodded slowly, as if recalling memories from long ago. "Yeah, I've worked with Amanda's party several times during extermination quests years ago," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and respect. "Name's Boris," he added, extending a weathered hand, the scars on his knuckles telling stories of countless battles.

Hearing Boris speak with such reverence about Amanda’s past made he realize just how far she had fallen since those days. He couldn’t help but wonder how much more of her story remained hidden beneath the surface.

Leo met his gaze, feeling the weight of the man's experiences. As he shook Boris's hand, he discreetly glanced at the adventurer's information floating above his head: Level 87: Boris, accompanied by an icon that looked like a shield. The sheer power implied by those numbers made Leo’s own accomplishments feel small in comparison, but instead of feeling intimidated, he felt inspired.

Leo's excitement surged. This was one of the benefits of being a registered adventurer—seeing others' information. He composed himself quickly and shook Boris's hand.

He tightened his grip, not in competition but in respect. "Nice to meet you. I'm Leo," he said, his voice carrying a newfound determination.

Boris had the look of a seasoned veteran. His hair and beard were white, giving him an air of experience. His body bore the marks of countless battles, with scars adorning his muscular frame. His voice had an old and matured vibe, and Leo guessed he was in his 40s. On his back was a large shield, ordinary at first glance but chipped and worn from numerous fights.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"I'm glad to see Amanda getting back on her feet after what happened to her party," Boris said, a hint of sadness in his voice. "Her party once saved my life during an extermination quest when the boss monster suddenly overpowered us."

They continued to talk until the girl waved at him. He bid farewell to Boris and approached them. Leo whispered to the girl and asked about his request. The girl told him everything was under control. He smiled and said thank you. He paid about 2,000 gold coins for Amanda's clothing, a significant amount that ensured they got high-quality items.

Before leaving, Leo grabbed the girl's hand and handed her 5 gold coins. She was shocked, her eyes widening in surprise. "That's too much," she said, her voice trembling.

Leo insisted, giving her a reassuring smile. "You've been very helpful. Consider it a token of our appreciation."

As Leo handed her the coins, the girl’s eyes flickered with surprise—not just at the generosity, but as if no one had ever taken the time to acknowledge her efforts before. She thanked him quietly, but something in her expression said that she would remember this moment.

As they walked towards the entrance, Leo met Boris's eyes. He was about to call Amanda, but Boris shook his head slightly and waved instead. Leo nodded in understanding.

They decided to end the day by buying food from street vendors. The bustling market was filled with enticing aromas and vibrant colors. They enjoyed a variety of dishes, from savory skewers to sweet pastries. The lively atmosphere lifted their spirits after the long day.

After their meal, they headed to an inn, opting for a room that promised more than just basic shelter. The price was higher than the economy rate, 5 gold coins, but Leo didn’t mind. As they stepped inside, the warmth and coziness of the room immediately enveloped them. The beds were inviting, with soft linens and plush pillows that promised a good night’s sleep after a long day.

Amanda’s eyes lit up as she took in the room. "This is more than I could have asked for," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. Amanda hugged the clothing tightly, her grip on them a quiet declaration of how far she’d come. She didn’t need grand gestures or lavish gifts—this small step, this moment of normalcy, was enough. Her face softened by the comfort and security of the moment.

He watched her with a tender smile. The day had been long, but it had ended well. He lay down on his bed, the mattress conforming to his body as if welcoming him home. As his eyes drifted shut, Leo felt a deep sense of contentment, knowing they were safe and that the future held endless possibilities.

It had been a productive day for Leo. They had successfully registered him as an adventurer, bought necessary clothing for Amanda, and made meaningful connections.

Amanda, exhausted, fell asleep as soon as they entered the room, hugging the clothing they had bought tightly. Leo smiled, putting down their belongings. He watched her shoulders relax as she sank into the soft bedding, her usual guarded expression giving way to something far more vulnerable. He had done it—he had given her this moment of peace, and that was worth more than any coin he could carry.

He lay down on his bed, and as soon as his back touched the soft mattress, he drifted off to sleep, feeling content and hopeful for their next adventures.