"I'll Catch Up Later, So Go On Ahead!" I Said, and Stayed Behind in the Dungeon for Five Years. When I Returned to the Royal Capital, for Some Reason, I Had Become a Great Criminal, So I Decided to Retire. But Outstanding People Keep Gathering Around Me Though... - Episode 14: For the Town
Episode 14: For the Town
Ever since I set up the barrier, of course, there hasn’t been any trespassing or similar damage at my shop. I gave it my all in setting it up. And breaking through it would take considerable effort. It could probably even withstand monsters from the Abyss Sanctum. Well, that might be overkill. But better safe than sorry.
However──even though my place hasn’t had any trouble, it seems like other shops have been getting vandalized or experiencing more theft.
“It feels like things have gotten dangerous lately. I heard even Milda-san’s place got hit.”
“…That’s definitely a problem.”
It was already evening. It was almost closing time. The shop was quiet. And Lisel and I were talking about the recent state of the town.
“Have there been incidents like this before?”
“Hmm. It’s not like it’s zero, but it hasn’t been continuous like this time. Before, the culprit would get caught quickly too.”
“I see.”
I think to myself. Right now, I’m only protecting this bakery. But maybe I should set up barriers for the other shops too. Of course, my magic power isn’t unlimited. I can’t allocate as many resources as I did for this shop. But maybe I could make magic tools that constantly maintain a barrier.
Making magic tools takes a bit of skill. But it’s not that hard. I just have to inscribe my magic formula into an empty tool.
“Hey, Lisel.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“I can make magic tools that deploy barriers. What do you think about giving them to the other shops?”
“Eh. You can really do that?”
“Yeah. It won’t be as strong as the one I put on this shop, but it should offer basic protection.”
“I think that would help a lot. But first, we should talk to them. Once we close up, shall we go to Milda-san’s place?”
“Got it.”
As the sun set, the town of Rothen was wrapped in a soft golden glow. The cobblestone paths sparkled faintly under the sunset. And the shadows of the wooden houses stretched long.
“Hey. That’s──”
“The new guy from the bakery, right?”
“He’s kinda scary…”
“Yeah. Why did he come to this town, I wonder.”
“Seriously. His eyes are sharp, and I can’t tell what he’s thinking.”
“Exactly. I just don’t get what Baran-san is thinking.”
As I walk through town, I hear voices like that. I’ve seen these people before. But we’re not close. The tailor, the general store owner, the café workers, they all give me cold looks.
The truth is, I haven’t been accepted in this town yet. Lisel and I did go around to greet everyone. But my appearance scares people. And I’m not particularly friendly either, which doesn’t help.
Some customers even only come during my break hours. Rothen is a good town. But because of that, people are tightly connected. Someone like me suddenly arriving here isn’t something they can just welcome openly. And I understand that.
“Haru-san…”
“Lisel. Don’t worry about it. Still, I guess I should try to be more cheerful with customers.”
“Right… I’m sure, someday, everyone will understand your kindness, Haru-san.”
—
We arrive at Milda’s Place. We enter right away.
“Welcome! Oh! It’s Lisel and Haru, isn’t it?”
“Milda-san. Good evening.”
“Good evening.”
“You two are always together lately. You’re like a married couple.”
“W-we’re not like that at all! R-right, Haru-san?”
Lisel glances at me. So I clearly deny it. It would be rude to Lisel otherwise.
“That’s right. We’re just work partners. Not a special relationship like you say, Milda-san.”
“Oh, that’s no fun.”
“Mmm…”
For some reason, Lisel stares at me with half-lidded eyes and a dissatisfied look. But I don’t know why.
As we banter like that, we place a few food orders──
“Sorry. There’s been a few things, and I don’t have enough ingredients. I can’t serve meat dishes today.”
“Don’t worry about it at all! Actually, today──we came to talk about something. Haru-san, can you explain?”
“Yeah.”
I tell Milda-san about the barrier. I explain the idea of placing a magic tool to maintain a barrier.
“That sounds great, but how long does that barrier last?”
“If you supply it with magic, it can last pretty much forever. Plus, I’ll handle the maintenance regularly.”
“I see. If that really reduces damage, that would be nice. But magic tools are expensive, right? How much will it cost? I heard materials for them have gotten pricey lately.”
“Eh… ah, um.”
I hadn’t thought about that at all. So I stumble on my words. I was just planning to do it for free. It doesn’t take much effort for me. I can make them easily in a day off.
“Money. Do you think it’s necessary?”
“Hm? What do you mean?”
“Well, I was honestly just going to do it for free.”
When I say that, Milda-san raises her voice.
“Ha!? You were going to give out magic tools for free!?”
“Ha ha. It’s really not that much trouble for me.”
“Still, free is a problem. I don’t know the going rates, but if you special-order one like that in the royal capital, it’d cost at least ten gold coins.”
“T-ten gold coins… That’s expensive. Then, how about we try it out first? If it works, you can pay then. I’ll also think more about the money part.”
Yeah. On my day off, I’ll go gather materials for magic tools and check the market price in the capital.
“That barrier, does it work on things besides humans too?”
“Yes, it also works on monsters and such.”
Ah. I see. That matters for restaurants. It’s not just humans that cause trouble. This is the countryside, and the forest and dungeons aren’t that far. I’ve heard of monsters attacking farms or restaurants before.
“I see. Then I’ll give it a try first.”
“Got it. I’ll bring it as soon as it’s ready.”
“Alright. I’m counting on you.”
So, I decided to give Milda-san a magic tool that can generate a barrier. I hope that will help reduce the damage.
After we eat at Milda’s Place, Lisel and I walk home together.
“Haru-san. That went well! Milda-san seemed positive!”
“Yeah. I’m glad I can be of help to the town.”
“If people see how much you’re trying to help, I’m sure they’ll accept you too!”
“Ha ha. I hope so.”
To be accepted by the townspeople. But through this magic tool creation, my role in the town will become even bigger──
Not knowing that yet, I continue thinking about how to make the magic tools.
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