Volume 2 Chapter 18 Let's Go Shopping
In the bustling town of Sanroze, at the Merchant Guild Pedoro, shops dealt mainly in food and grains. The streets teemed with people shopping and merchants selling their wares. A woman in a maid outfit called out to a female employee giving instructions.
"Hello, Madam. Do you have a moment?"
"Oh, it's not Lala-Lala, is it? It's not delivery day, right? You're not here with bad news, are you?"
After spotting a familiar face, her expression brightened before clouding over slightly.
"Don't worry, it's good news. I've brought Sir Cain with me today. This is Sir Sanroze, the 4th son of the Viscount Sanroze family."
She explained the reason for their visit with a playful expression, then switched back to her maid demeanor as she introduced Cain.
"It's an honor to have you visit our Merchant Guild Pedoro today. I'm the proprietress, Monica. Pleased to meet you."
Monica greeted Cain with exquisite manners.
"Nice to meet you, Cain Sanroze. I'm grateful for your visit."
Cain introduced himself with a proper greeting. Though he had Michio's memories, he was trained well in the Sanroze household not to be arrogant towards the people of the territory.
"Thank you for your kindness, My Lord. It's our pleasure to have Sir 'Cobblestone' visit our store."
'Sir "Cobblestone"? What's that?'
"Sorry to bother you when you're busy. Lala told me I'd find what I'm looking for here at the Merchant Guild Pedoro."
"Well, Lala would say that. The Merchant Guild Pedoro will do our best to prepare what Sir Cain seeks."
Monica stepped closer to Cain, replying with a serious expression.
"So, what kind of items are you looking for?"
"Do you have oil extracted from plants, small black seeds, and bird eggs?"
"Oil from plants...? I'm sure we got some oil made from beans the other day. Small black seeds? We have a few; would you like to see them? And bird eggs too. Um, if you don't mind, could you tell me what you'll be using them for?"
"Oh, I'm making sweets for Elder Sister Alice. Would you like me to deliver them for you?"
"Eh, uh, yes. I'd be grateful. Here, I'll show you."
Monica gasped, then broke into a gentle smile.
Cain bought a bottle of soy oil, sesame seeds, and monster eggs and left the Pedro Merchant Guild. He asked the guild to deliver his purchases to the mansion. Cain and Lala were walking down the cobblestone streets of the town.
"Lala, I want to buy some magic stones. Where can I find them?"
"Well, you can buy them at the merchant guild, but if you want a variety and quantity, maybe the Adventurers' Guild?"
"The Adventurers' Guild, huh? I bet I'll get caught up in something as usual."
Cain muttered to himself with a slight smile.
"Did you say something? Don't worry, I'll protect you no matter what!"
"Really? Then, can you guide me?"
They changed direction, opposite of the mansion, and moved through the town. The streets were bustling with life: street vendors, people carrying heavy loads, running children, an elf in scholarly attire giving instructions to what seemed like a student, and various beastmen. Cain enjoyed the walk through the fantasy world town.
"Hey, Lala, why are those people wearing collars?"
Cain turned his gaze to them. There were several men and women in rough clothing, wearing collars, working in the town.
"Sir Cain, those people are slaves. In our country, we have crime slaves, debt slaves, short-term slaves... they wear collars so we can tell who's who."
'This is fantasy, huh?'
"There were slaves in your town/street too. Life must be hard."
Cain muttered that, then turned away.
After a while, they arrived at a big stone building with 2 floors. It had a sign with a sword and shield. A warrior woman and a magic-user man were going inside.
'Wow, those are the adventurers. Is it always like this? The usual stuff?'
"Hey, hey Lala, I want to try something. Could you come in a bit behind me?"
"No, sir. Who will protect Sir Cain? If he gets hurt, Sir Randolph will be mad."
"Lala, I'm more worried about Randolph getting angry than about me getting hurt. So, if you can, go ahead and stand by the wall to watch. And if things get dangerous, help me, okay?"
Lala hesitated quite a bit, then reluctantly went in first. She went through the door about 2 or 3 minutes later. Inside, it wasn't dark. There was a counter straight ahead, with a man and woman who looked like guild workers. They talked with adventurers. On the left wall was a display of request forms written on parchment, also being watched over by adventurers. In the back right, there was a bar or small eatery, maybe both. Some people were drinking, either after work or since morning.
'Just like I thought. If I stand here staring, the usual might happen... huh? No one is coming.'
Cain looked around for a while, but nothing happened. Eventually, he started searching for Lala again.
"Welcome! Are you here for a request at the adventurer's guild?"
An elegant elf woman spoke softly to Cain.
"Yes, I want to buy a magic stone. Can I see one?"
"──Ms. Lashina, don't you want to take care of us instead? We tired after completing the last mission."
A tired-looking man with armor and a warrior's face spoke to them. Behind him, 3 other men nodded along, all saying "Yeah, yeah."
'Yes! They're here! This is exactly what fantasy is about──adventurer guild stuff!!'
Character Notes:
Lala - Cain's companion, likely a servant or minder, cautious and protective.
Monica - Proprietress of the Merchant Guild Pedoro.
Alice - Cain's Elder Sister, from the second wife.
Lashina - An elf woman working at the Adventurers' Guild, involved in handling inquiries about magic stones.
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