Volume 3 Chapter 3 Domination Magic
Drop brought a very small collar.
"This is a collar enchanted with domination magic. When you put it on someone, the wearer will see the person who put it on as their master. You can impose three basic commands initially: 'Prevent rebellion,' 'Obey orders,' and 'Report regularly.'"
Feeling a bit uneasy about the casually placed collar, I was told that it gives the wearer control over life and death of the other person.
However, it seems like owning magic beasts is common in this world.
"For now, that's fine, maybe? We won't be killed as long as they don't physically resist. Following orders will bring benefits. Reporting will prevent mental resistance too."
I groaned at Ice's explanation.
"...But Ice, I don't know why. I kind of felt like having a strong and cute pet, you know?"
"...Didn't I explain that part?"
"It's the shopkeeper's job."
"Even though you ran away out of fear, you've really toughened up, huh, Drop-chan?"
Ice smiled back at Drop's sarcasm with a friendly smile. I think this is a good relationship, I thought.
Drop began to explain to me.
"Okay? Magic beasts, unlike dogs and cats, are creatures that no matter how much they rampage, as long as there are multiple humans around, they can be managed. Especially Metamorph Dragons."
Drop continued with a strong tone.
"Imagine this. What if a dragon managed to slip away while Wade wasn't looking? If it went on a rampage, who knows how many people could die? Wade's life wouldn't be enough to make up for that responsibility."
"I see..."
"Metamorph Dragons are particularly tricky creatures. Just because they take on a human form, don't let your guard down. There are plenty of stories where they ate their masters because they were too lenient with their commands or ate random people around them."
Drop said, looking sharply at me.
"So, people use this kind of control magic to bind them strongly. There was a basic command list for Metamorph Dragons somewhere in the back, so I'll add it as a bonus note for you."
"That's a relief. So, how much does it cost?"
When I asked, Drop replied.
"Five big silver coins. It's quite expensive, but can you pay?"
Equivalent to 1.5 million yen.
"Surprisingly cheap. I'll buy it."
"Hey, Ice, Wade's sense of money is totally messed up! What happened to him who was born in the slums!"
"Drop-chan, the earnings from Wade's party are amazing, you know...? This amount doesn't even shake him."
"...Indeed, hunting dragons can be quite profitable, Drop."
Drop let out a big sigh.
"How on earth did you become so strong? I mean, it's a dragon, Wade. You were desperately fighting against a manticore just a few months ago, right?"
"Ah, memories. And the manticore, huh? I remember when it got eaten by the wyvern I kill before?"
"Wade-kun, the manticore is a creature with a grandpa face, crying his eyes out, right?"
"Ugh... can you please stop? That's still a trauma for me."
Taking a deep breath, Drop listened.
"Anyway, are you buying it then? The price is what it is, you can pay later, but in that case, you'll need one big silver coin as an advance payment."
"I only have gold coins, is that okay?"
"...Thank you as always."
Handing over the gold coin, Drop took out five big silver coins from a pouch out of nowhere. "Here's your change," she said as she handed it over.
"Thanks. I like this store, so I'll come back again."
"Oh, please do, Wade. Just don't bring that mean snow woman from over there next time."
"When Wade-kun comes to this store, I always tags along, you know?"
"I'll sprinkle some salt on the store."
Ice, who smiled as she punched from the front, and Drop, who looked ready to fight with a stern face. I thought it was amusing as I picked up the collar of dominance.
"By the way, is this size okay? What should I do if it doesn't fit?"
"Really? It just fits on its own with magic. Actually, the actual size doesn't matter at all."
"...So you mean"
"The ritual of giving and receiving is important. Once you put on the 'dominance' collar, you can take it off anytime. Oh, but if someone else steals it, it could get complicated, so make sure to keep it safe."
"I see."
I look down at the collar and ponder deeply.
"Anything else, Wade? If not, I'll bring out the list and start jotting down important information, so can you wait for a bit?"
"Drop-chan, is it okay from me?"
"...Yes. You are a customer after all."
These two are always at odds no matter what they do.
"I've checked the lock. I've confirmed there's no eavesdropping. So, regarding the information on the Metamorph Dragon, aside from the Wade party, only Drop-chan knows. ...That's fine, right?"
"Yes. If this information leaks and there are any consequences, it's our responsibility here at the store to handle it."
In a confident manner that surprised everyone, Drop acknowledged it. Ice had a cheerful smile.
"I see. I wanted to hear those words... Oh, and one more thing."
"What is it?"
Mixed with sharpness in Ice's smile.
"The Wade party isn't just a monster-slaying party to defeat dragons, you know. Just before that, we collect from 'Nightfather'. Keep that in mind."
Upon hearing that, Drop's expression changed.
"...I'll keep that in mind."
Rather than a distant threat like a dragon, by giving a clear example of a closer danger that should not be defied, Drop understood the seriousness of the situation. Her expression stiffened, paled, and she trembled slightly.
"Hey, Ice. Don't scare her too much."
"Wade-kun. In the world of merchants, this kind of thing has more effect than you think. Force is not something to be used, but to be shown. It's the best way to prevent conflicts that may arise afterwards, you know?"
With a hesitant way of speaking, Ice talks with confidence. I fully understand the depth of her explanation and raise my hand, saying, "Got it. I'll leave it to Ice."
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