Chapter 96

I wander around the general store.

Most of the shops sell some of their goods individually, like wholesalers, but even so, they still felt like "city shops" just like in Iraline.

I picked up some displayed accessories and examined the feel of them in my hand.

Nodding slightly at the hard texture of the silverwork.

In the center of the mesh-like bracelet woven from thin silver threads, a large red gem was set.

It was a fiery red, not to be outdone by Tera's hair color.

"Wow, kid, you've got a good eye. It's a red electrum bracelet."

As I was looking at it, the shop owner called out. He was wearing black glasses and seemed a bit suspicious.

"Red electrum...?"

"Yeah, what, you don't believe me?"

Electrum is an unusual name...

I was about to ask what it was when the shop owner moved first.

"Watch this."

He transferred the lit cigarette to his hand, rolling it, and then grabbed the bracelet with chopsticks. When he brought the bracelet close to the cigarette, a spark popped.

No, that's not it. This is discharging.

It emitted a bluish-white spark, repeatedly discharging. The sparks flew like sparklers, reaching the table.

"Ah, so 'electrum' means that."

It discharges when heated, hence the name electrum.

"What, you didn't know about electrum?"

"Yes, it's my first time seeing it."

The shop owner slid his glasses down, looking exasperated, but it's not my fault I didn't know.

"But is this safe? If you wear it and get close to a campfire, your hand might tingle or something."

"That's been taken care of. The electricity is conducted through the silver threads so it doesn't reach the wearer. It has some power, but for self-defense, you need to have a source of heat to use it."

I see. Then I can be at ease.

"Still, if you didn't know about red electrum, why did you pick this up?"

The shop owner asked, looking puzzled.

It seems odd to think it's strange that someone would be interested in his products. I decided not to point that out.

"Because the silverwork is beautiful. That's what caught my eye."

At my words, the shop owner nodded, folding his arms.

"Yeah, it's a beautiful stone!"

"The craftsmanship is also impressive."

When I praised it, the shop owner smiled happily, adjusting his glasses and looking away shyly.

"Thanks. It's a bit pricey, but if you want to buy it, I won't force you."

"Yes, it seems just right."

I picked up the bracelet again to check its size.

It seemed just right for me, but I wasn't the one who would wear it.

Approaching Tera, who was looking at me curiously as I checked the size, I took her hand.

"Yep, it fits perfectly. Is this a good thank you for today?"

"H-Huh!?"

She let out a surprised squeak, but I ignored it and asked the shop owner.

"How much is this?"

"I'd like to say five silver coins, but since you praised it, kid..."

He was probably trying to lower the price.

But it would be rude to haggle over a gift in front of him. I interrupted him.

"No, five is fine. Things should be priced according to their worth, right?"

I took out the silver coins and handed them to the shop owner. He looked taken aback and muttered, "Thank you," as if it was hard to say.

It is a gift, but it's meaningless if she doesn't like it.

If she doesn't want it, I hope she can do with it as she pleases.

I was about to say that, but it seemed to be fine.

"...You're considerate, aren't you?"

"Thank you."

It seems she liked it. Tera was smiling as she looked at the bracelet.

"Well, I'll eat lunch and then head back."

"Huh? You're leaving already?"

It was almost noon when I told Tera this.

"Because there's nothing left to do."

There are no more enemies for Tera. The mayor who used Helena is dead, and the mercenary group that acted as his hands and targeted Tera has been destroyed.

Leighton must be doing something else besides killing the mayor. That's why Leighton said, "It's up to Tera to make Helena work."

In other words, the only task left is that.

And that task is something I can't do.

Even if I try to help, it would probably be counterproductive. Just my presence would make Helena close her ears to Tera.

The sightseeing is over. It was very enjoyable, but we've already walked through the commercial district. I want to end it before it gets boring.

So, there's no reason for me to stay. I'll head back to Iraline early.

"Thank you for showing me around the city. One last thing, if you could recommend a good restaurant, I'd appreciate it."

"You really only think about food... Okay, I'll introduce you to the best place."

"I look forward to it."

"Look forward to it."

Saying that briefly, Tera turned away quickly. She seemed to be thinking, touching her lips thoughtfully.

Watching her from behind, I let out a light sigh.

Since we left Iraline two days ago, everything has finally come to an end.

It's just my imagination, but I'm sure the burden on Tera's shoulders has also been lifted. Now, she can worry about trivial things like where to have lunch today.

I killed the mercenaries and transported the monsters. It was just that, but I must have been able to help her.

I felt a bit proud.

Tera turned back to me, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Is it okay if we go to a place I used to frequent?"

"Sure, as long as it's good."

"It's fine then. The green stew there is exquisite."

I couldn't help but chuckle at Tera's proud, chest-puffed-out appearance, but I'm glad she didn't notice.

"Ah, it's been a while, Tera. Welcome."

"Hello, Hashiran. It's been a while."

In the restaurant, there was a woman with her hair tied up in a bun on top of her head.

"Well, I've never seen that person before. A friend?"

The woman called Hashiran first greeted Tera and then turned to me, looking curious.

"Nice to meet you. I'm—"

"Wait! Tera!?"

Without waiting for my response, Hashiran approached Tera excitedly, hugging her neck and turning her back to me.

"Who is it? Has spring finally come for Tera? Spring?"

"No, it's not like that—"

"Has it come? Has it come? Yay! Congratulations!"

She seemed to be trying to have a private conversation, but I could hear everything.

"Hashiran, Tera is also confused, so please take care of the order."

"Oh, he's so cold!"

"We're not like that."

"Hmm..."

I gently asked for the food to be served quickly, and Hashiran smiled meaningfully and said no more.

"Even though she's like this, the food is delicious, so don't worry."

Tera, whose face was slightly red, sat down and said this.

Whether she heard it or not, Hashiran called out as she retreated to the kitchen.

"Welcome! Today's special is the green stew!"

"It's always the same."

"Ha..."

As long as it's good, it's fine.