Chapter 50

Well, I’d finally made it to town, but this was the first time I’d visited during the hours when people were actually out and about.

“By the way, can I even use money in this country?”

That was the first hurdle. I didn’t even know if the concept of currency existed here.

“Are you truly underestimating this nation that much? Granted, we mostly rely on bartering, but gold coins are generally accepted. What country’s gold were you planning to pay with?”

“Fall Crown gold coins.”

“Then there is no issue. The gold coins of the Fall Crown are a universal currency, after all.”

As expected of the Fall Crown—it was impressive to think they minted the world’s gold.

“Then money shouldn’t be a problem. But let me ask: I assume there are shops that take gold and shops that don’t, right? How do I tell them apart?”

“Do not fret. Look, the shops with a painting of a gold coin on them are the ones that accept currency. Conversely, a painting of two items being traded signifies a shop that specializes in bartering.”

The Princess explained this with a smug look on her face.

She was probably either looking down on me for my ignorance or she simply enjoyed the act of teaching someone something she already knew.

“If you know so much, then point me toward an accessory shop for women.”

“For women? Ah, you did mention you had a wife. A souvenir for her, then? In that case, we shall go to the shop my mother and grandmother frequent.”

“Whoa, hold on. Save that for last, or I’ll go bankrupt in one go.”

“Hm? Oh, my apologies. I forgot you were a commoner.”

What do you royals even know about the common life?!

“Fine then, lead the way!”

“Hahaha! You might actually go bankrupt anyway!”

“I’m obviously going to check the price before I buy anything!”

As a matter of adult pride, I’d show her I could at least afford an accessory or two!

“Then it is this way!”

She was in high spirits now. I chased after her as she ran off.

Time to charge into the high-end shop (battlefield)!

“We are here.”

After a short chase, we arrived at a shop that practically radiated the aura of a high-class establishment.

Yikes. Can I actually afford this?

“Well? What will you do?”

Ugh, I really didn’t like that look on her face. That smirking, “mocking an adult” expression was starting to get on my nerves!

“For now, we go inside.”

“Then we shall storm the gates!”

Despite her words, we entered normally. I certainly didn’t want to break anything in a place this expensive.

“”“Welcome!”““

Whoa! So this was a luxury shop! I felt like the entire interior was glowing.

“Lady Ouka, what can we do for you today?”

“Umu. This guest is looking for a gift for his wife, so I introduced him to this shop.”

“I see. Then, honored guest, what kind of item are you looking for?”

Oop, the attention shifted to me. Naturally.

“Let’s see… maybe a hair clip? I don’t really know what women like, so I was thinking of going with something safe.”

“Isn’t that a bit too safe?”

“If it is your first gift, perhaps something with more of an impact would be better?”

I was getting shot down already?! Man, do you really have to overthink presents this much?

“Even if you say that, I can’t carry anything too big back home.”

“Then how about a necklace? They aren’t bulky, and we carry many lightweight pieces.”

“Ah, my wife hates necklaces. She says they feel like collars, so she’s not a fan.”

“I-I see.”

By the way, that was something Ril had told me.

“Then how about a ring? There isn’t a woman alive who wouldn’t be happy to receive one.”

“I don’t know her finger sizes.”

“FuFu… you don’t know her sizes?”

“In that case, how about this scarf? It is soft to the touch and very light.”

Hm? Let’s see.

Huh, it really did feel nice, and the fabric was beautiful.

“What is this made of?”

“It is a Sky Silk product. It stays cool in the summer and provides a subtle warmth in the winter.”

“Just ‘subtle’?”

“It is a scarf, after all.”

Hmm. But it was a good product. It seemed like a good fit for Ril—and maybe Karin too.

“…I’ll take this as one of them. Excuse me, could I have a white one?”

“Thank you very much.”

“Also, do you have anything resistant to fire? One of the girls uses flames, so I want something that can withstand her heat.”

“That would depend on her race… Could you tell me the race of the person you are buying for?”

Wait, was it okay to mention a Garuda?

“Uh, it’s for a Garuda… is that okay?”

“Eh? Do you mean the Garuda?”

“Yes. That Garuda.”

A brief silence followed.

Well, that was a normal reaction. If you suddenly drop a legendary-tier name, this is what happens.

“Uh… please wait just a moment.”

Sure, I’ll wait for a few years if I have to.

“W-Was your wife a Garuda?!”

“Yeah. And I have another wife who’s a Fenrir.”

“You have two?!”

“I do. Oh, this might be good for Madam. I’ll get one for Grandmother (Tiamat) as a souvenir too.”

I decided to buy different colors: a light green scarf for Madam and a light blue one for Grandmother.

“Don’t just say it so casually! Garudas are our natural enemies! Is she really your wife?!”

“Pipe down. It’s true. At first, I didn’t know she was such a crazy creature. Now we’re just together like it’s normal.”

I answered while scanning the shelves for something for Karin.

Come to think of it, Karin ties her hair back. Maybe a ribbon for her hair would be a good candidate? In that case, would her same hair color be best, or should I go for something different?

Ah, wouldn’t this yellow ribbon be nice? I’d have to ask the clerk about the fire resistance, though.

“This should be enough for this shop. Let’s go pay.”

“Forget the payment! Tell me more about the Garuda!”