"It's only four o'clock, what do you two want to do?" I asked.
I intended to go straight to the weapon shop owned by that dwarf. (I forgot to ask his name.)
So my sword could be upgraded more quickly and help me fight better.
Earlier… this sword only managed to hold on because of the light magic Cyve gave it, which was why it was only slightly cracked.
If Cyve hadn't strengthened my sword with Enchant, it probably would've broken long ago and I would've had to buy a new one.
"You're going to the weapon shop, right? I'll come with you," Hime said.
Strange, it's rare for Hime to want to accompany me. Usually, she'd choose to go straight back to the inn and rest.
Well, the three of us were certainly exhausted after fighting inside the dungeon, battling strong enemies.
I myself was also quite tired, but I still wanted to go upgrade my sword.
I also wanted to quickly see and hold a Mithril sword—it must be really cool.
"I think I've lost quite a lot of Mana… I'll head back to the inn and take a bath… you two go ahead," Yuu-chan said, her voice somewhat weary.
I guess Yuu-chan couldn't hold on any longer. Fine, if that's what she wants.
At the fork ahead, we parted ways with Yuu-chan, since the paths to the inn and the weapon shop went in different directions.
"Yuu-chan, see you later," Hime said while waving her hand.
Yuu-chan returned the wave, walking away from us.
Wait a second, now it's just me and Hime alone… that means…
N-no, I've been alone with a girl many times… even back then, I'd gone on a date with Rosa-chan.
I still remember that moment… damn it, I shouldn't be remembering that again.
"Yukito-san, what's wrong?" Hime asked.
"N-nothing… I was just thinking about something…" I replied.
The two of us walked side by side, heading toward the weapon shop.
While walking, I repeatedly saw Hime looking at the shops along the street.
Her eyes would sparkle whenever she saw a cake shop or a flower shop.
…It seems she really wants those things… it's rare to see this side of her.
Back when we first met… uhh, she was terrifying, and her gaze at that time felt like she wouldn't let me escape.
Hime's personality also changes very often, which makes her harder to predict than Yuu-chan.
Well… since Yuu-chan used to be my status screen, she's not a real girl, unlike Hime.
"Hime, on our way back later, want to stop by somewhere?" I asked.
"Really~? You're paying, okay?" Hime said while looking at me with those sparkling eyes.
Ugh… her personality changes so drastically that I forget what she's usually like.
——
We arrived at the weapon shop owned by that dwarf, and immediately went inside.
Hime seemed to have visited this shop many times, so she was no longer amazed by the various shiny weapons.
Without a second thought, we headed straight into the dwarf's workshop… (Hime was the one who dragged me in.)
"Um… we'd like to ask for your help," I said.
The dwarf turned toward us and immediately approached me as if seeing an old friend.
"You're the young man from before! So, what brings you here? If you want another sword, I can get you one," the dwarf said.
"N-no… I want to show you something," I said.
I nodded at Hime, signaling her to take the Mithril out from her Alter Box.
Cring.
Hime opened the portal and took out several pieces of Mithril.
"A-an Alter Box… I rarely see people who can use a dimensional storage like that," the dwarf said.
"But… WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO WITH THIS MITHRIL?!?!" the dwarf shouted with fiery enthusiasm.
I guess craftsmen really do love seeing rare materials they can turn into new works of art.
I handed him my slightly cracked sword.
"I want you to remake this sword using that Mithril… this isn't impossible, right?" I asked.
"Of course! In fact, I'm very grateful to you!" the dwarf said.
"Then, the 10 silver—" before he could finish, Hime suddenly cut him off.
For some reason, cold chills ran down my spine, as if something was happening right before my eyes.
Hime looked at the dwarf with a very sharp gaze while smiling… just like that time.
I felt a terrifying aura rising from within her.
"Um, try counting again how much Mithril we gave you. There's extra, right~?" Hime asked.
The dwarf instantly began sweating—I could see it just from his expression.
He hurriedly calculated how much Mithril was needed to reforge my sword.
"Y-you're right… there's extra material left… f-fine, I'll take that part and you won't need to pay the fee anymore," the dwarf said.
W-what just happened in front of me… was that a negotiation or a threat?
Hime then looked at me, but with her usual expression—not the sharp one from earlier.
This is what I meant—her personality changes so fast that I can't keep up.
"Yukito-san, I want to look at the swords outside. Come get me later, okay?" Hime asked.
"Of course…" I replied.
She ran out of the workshop with light steps.
"Oi, what's your name, young man?" the dwarf asked, startling me.
"Me? Yukito. Why?" I asked.
"Yukito, I don't think I want to talk too long with that girl of yours… she's terrifying. Only one person has ever done something like that to me—the princess of this kingdom," the dwarf said, looking like he wanted nothing to do with Hime.
Y-yeah, I get how he feels.
"Um, is it really okay for me not to pay anymore?" I asked.
"Y-yeah, besides, I already got some Mithril for myself. Basically, I'm still happy to receive this Mithril," he said.
"So, when can I pick up my sword?" I asked again.
"Maybe… in about two days, you can come here and take it right away," he answered.
"Alright, I'll leave for now," I said while walking toward the exit.
"If you find anything good again, come to Mats's shop! I won't make you regret it!" he shouted.
I looked at him and replied:
"Just wait, Mats-san," I said.
——
Outside, Hime was still examining various swords on display, touching their edges as if testing their sharpness.
"Hime, I'm done… want to go to that cake shop?" I asked.
"Of course~!" she said happily.