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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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Having made my decision, swift action was the next step.
Donning proper casual clothes for the first time in a while, I headed to the Adventurer’s Guild with Asirye.
While the city itself hadn’t drastically changed in the intervening days, a sense of accomplishment, of having shed a significant burden, made the world seem brighter, more vibrant.
It was… yes.
It felt like taking a vacation day for a leisurely stroll while everyone else was stuck at work.
My attention was drawn to intriguing sights, and I found myself pausing more often, simply enjoying the newfound freedom.
Asirye, I was certain, had noticed this shift in my demeanor.
She simply smiled more frequently, sharing in my observations, mirroring my relaxed pace without comment.
The guild hall, upon our arrival, was filled with unfamiliar furnishings, seemingly in preparation for the approaching winter.
Nothing particularly noteworthy, but the preparations were undeniably thorough: thicker curtains, a roaring fire in the secondary hearth that was usually unlit, a small mana-stone heater on the reception desk.
The adventurers passing through were also more heavily dressed than I recalled.
As we approached the reception desk, the clerk, who typically greeted us with a perfunctory nod, offered a warm, welcoming smile.
“Eldmia! It’s been ages! We thought something might have happened!”
It was the same clerk who had cheered and offered us a discount after the Dantel incident.
“Indeed. I’ve been rather preoccupied. How have you been?”
“Same as always. Haven’t seen Dantel around, which is a plus. Shall I check for mail?”
“No, I doubt there’s anything. The intended recipient is right here.”
Knowing that my frequent guild visits were primarily for exchanging letters with Asirye, the clerk’s thoughtful inquiry was appreciated.
I gestured towards Asirye, and the clerk’s eyes widened in surprise.
Realizing that several other clerks, busy with their tasks, had overheard, I quickly changed the subject.
“Actually, I had a question. I was provided with some supplies, including a tent, during a previous guild request. I was quite impressed with it.”
“Supplies? That’s quite rare. Do you remember which request it was?”
“The one overseen by the Guild Master.”
“Ah.”
As she had indicated, it wasn’t a common occurrence.
It was unlikely anyone but those directly involved would remember.
The clerk excused herself and returned with an older gentleman.
“Greetings, Eldmia. I’m Medellin, the one who managed the supplies for that request.”
“A pleasure, Medellin. I’d like to purchase a similar tent. Do you know where I could find one?”
“Glad you liked it. It was from the Seneran Magic Library. They specialize in magical tools for adventurers. You should be able to buy one there.”
Whether he had been prepped or simply had an excellent memory, Medellin answered immediately.
He retrieved something from under the counter.
“They’re shrewd businesspeople. They gave us this, anticipating such inquiries.”
He held a simple… what was it called? A pendulum?
A teardrop-shaped blue object dangled from a thin cord, resembling braided hair.
“Take this to the Dwarven District. It will react and guide you. Returning it gets you a small discount.”
“Oh…”
The object itself was intriguing, but the Magic Library’s marketing strategy was even more so.
Asirye, sharing my curiosity, stepped closer, examining the pendulum with interest.
“There’s also additional compensation pending for that request. We’ll process it as soon as possible.”
Even though the guild was likely waiting on the royal family’s response, Medellin politely apologized for the delay.
“No worries. These things take time.”
A courteous professional was always a welcome sight.
I smiled and left the guild with Asirye.
I could faintly hear the clerks gossiping, but I ignored them.
Asirye, captivated by the pendulum, didn’t seem to notice.
“Simple, yet clever. This will be interesting to see in action in the Dwarven District.”
“You find it intriguing?”
“The concept is fascinating. This person is clearly more of a merchant than a mage.”
Asirye shared my assessment.
Satisfied with her examination, she returned the pendulum.
“I suspect they’ve made arrangements within the district. To have such influence suggests a well-respected librarian, with considerable skill and resources. It might be more expensive than you think.”
“I have a fair amount of gold. I doubt it will break the bank.”
Not just silver, but gold.
Over twenty coins.
Being the exclusive butler to a knightly heir was a lucrative position.
Combined with my adventuring income and diligent saving habits, I had accumulated a substantial sum.
If they tried to charge me all of it for a tent, I would use the gold as a bludgeon.
“Everything is relative, of course. Still, it’s good to try before you buy.”
“You’ll like it.”
Since it was a library, I also planned to purchase one of those mana-stone heaters.
It would ensure a warm night’s sleep in the tent.
While a luxury, it was compact and, with a luminescent stone, could double as a lantern.
No reason to skimp on comfort.
Shopping was a strange beast.
Even without buying extravagant items, the act of acquiring necessities with my own hard-earned money was strangely satisfying.
It was a feeling distinct from purchasing everyday consumables.
I felt a thrill of anticipation.
Perhaps due to the pleasant company or my buoyant mood, the journey to the Dwarven District felt remarkably short.
As we crossed the district’s boundary, the pendulum in my hand began to glow faintly, lifting into the air.
“Oh.”
Even I found it fascinating.
Activating my mana-enhanced vision revealed thin, almost invisible strands of mana connecting the pendulum to the streetlamps lining the road.
“It’s interacting with the streetlamps.”
“Oh? How… ah. You said you could see it. That’s incredible.”
It was likely the first time I had used my ability so openly in front of Asirye, which explained her surprised reaction.
“But it doesn’t seem to do anything. Magic that affects vision usually has a more noticeable effect.”
“It’s not magic…?”
“Hmm. Even magical eyes are usually more distinct. Well, being inconspicuous is a benefit.”
I explained what I saw, how the mana connected, and we continued towards a building that bore little resemblance to a library.
“The Seneran Magic Library?”
“This is just… a shop.”
I had been curious about libraries in this world.
However, as Asirye observed, this was more akin to a general store.
I glanced at the pendulum, now pointing resolutely at the shop, confirming my suspicions.
“Welcome! The pendulum suggests you’ve come with the guild’s recommendation! What are you looking for?”
“This product is our latest model, featuring…”
“Magical tools are on the first floor, magical supplies for mages are on the second!”
I’d wager this was the busiest establishment in the entire Dwarven District.
Even Vulcun’s forge wasn’t this packed.
“…This is… a magic library…?”
“This is just… a shop.”
I had been curious to see a library in this world.
However, as Asirye had pointed out, this was simply a general store.
I checked the pendulum, now pointing rigidly at the shop, confirming my suspicions.
“Welcome! You’ve come with the guild’s recommendation! What can I get for you?”
The greeting was remarkably smooth and professional.
The shops in the Dwarven District had a surprisingly modern approach to customer service.
The unmistakable aura of a carefully constructed trap, baited with smiles and questions, designed to ensnare customers.
“I’m interested in a tent similar to the one provided by the guild, and some other travel supplies.”
“Ah! Our Magic Library always provides the finest goods to meet the guild’s high standards! You have excellent taste!”
I simply nodded at the well-worn sales pitch.
Asirye, observing my reaction, adopted a serious expression and whispered,
“Eldmia, I don’t know the quality of their merchandise, but don’t be swayed by their sales tactics.”
“…I’ll be careful.”
I couldn’t very well tell her that I had encountered far more aggressive tactics in my previous life, so I simply nodded.
A modern person who had survived a post-apocalyptic world filled with pushy hawkers was immune to such ploys.
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[Eldmia had to deal with spam callers asking him about his cars extended warranty, this is nothing for him!]
Eldmia using his knowledge of door to door salesmen to save himself lmao
Thanks for the chapter!