Episode 77

When we stepped outside and I looked toward Alicia, she had a somewhat pensive expression.

I felt the same.

Although I did investigate, when so many different people say things, there are inevitably parts that bother me.

“Faik… there’s definitely something about that shop.”

“Yeah.”

There are worries and anxieties.

For example, if ghosts really did appear, or if some kind of adverse effect occurred…

If it were just me, it would be fine. I could deal with it as my own responsibility.

But if some adverse effect were to reach Alicia—

“Alicia, what do you think? Do you think we should avoid that place?”

“That building is scary… but I’ve always thought it would be hard to pass up as a shop. I think that’s probably what every merchant living in this town would think.”

That’s certainly true.

Even so, the reason no one took it until now is probably because the rumors have that much of a bad effect.

I scratched my head and thought for a while.

Alicia grabbed my hand.

“…For now, want to walk around town?”

“…Yeah.”

I kept thinking about various things, but still couldn’t find a property better than that one.

All we can do is pray that nothing happens.

About a week passed.

On my days off I did business at the market and introduced the shop to visiting customers.

If this could help guide customers, that would be good.

We then headed to the dining hall and had a meal with Lord Goral.

While we waited for the food to be brought, Lord Goral looked over at us.

“Today the purchase of that property was completed in full. With this you can use it as a shop without problem now, Faik.”

“…Ah, thank you very much!”

I bowed deeply to Lord Goral. When I lifted my head, he was staring at me intently.

“Well, do your best without overdoing it. I heard from Alicia that you tend to take reckless actions quickly.”

“W-well, that’s not really…”

“Being able to manage your own health is what makes you first-class. Understand that.”

“…Yes.”

Reckless, huh.

Indeed, there are times I act recklessly without consulting anyone.

I need to be careful so as not to worry Lord Goral or Alicia.

“By the way, Lord Goral. May I confirm something with you?”

“What is it?”

“I’d like to replace the swords and such of the soldiers who are currently guarding me. May I proceed with that decision on my own?”

“The soldiers’ swords?”

“Yes. Everyone has been using only the issued swords… If Alicia will be helping at the shop from now on, I thought they should be made more robust. I’d like to replace them under the pretext of my blacksmithing practice—would that be all right?”

Apparently the soldiers are all issued swords of the same general quality.

For normal life there isn’t much of a problem, but as I said earlier, thinking about the future makes me uneasy.

Also, simply… it’s a gesture of thanks.

It’s basically a gift of swords to the soldiers. I don’t know if they’ll be pleased, so I’ll confirm with them first.

In particular, there’s a trio who guard me closely. I was thinking of giving them swords.

“Ah, that much you need not worry about. Just don’t give them overly excessive equipment.”

“…I understand.”

It might be better to give higher-quality swords as rewards over time.

As our conversation ended, the food was brought into the dining hall.

After confirming that, Lord Goral looked at us.

“Is there anything else you want to ask?”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.”

“Don’t worry about it. Well then, shall we have dinner?”

I nodded at Lord Goral’s voice.