Yukina stopped me before we could go our separate ways. For some reason she held her items.
"Thank you Shaun…" Yukina thanked me with a smile. "I'm sorry for freaking out earlier…"
"It's fine." I responded while waving my hands. I'm glad I was able to get her something.
At the blacksmith shop she found a pair of gloves, well two pairs. Unlike James I don't have the identify skill. Thirty silver for both…
Aside from that, there was nothing that she could benefit from. She was a mage, not a swordswoman nor a physical fighter. She had no capabilities of it either— she barely understood the basics of swords.
"Where are you going to go?" Yukina asked me while tilting her head.
"Going to eat." I replied, resting my hand on her head. "Your mom and dad want you, go home."
Yukina nodded her head, next she told me to be careful and wandered off in the direction of home. Just don't get lost.
And… now I'm alone. The way I wanted it to be for a while.
After some time, my chest felt empty. My side felt barren, but.. it didn't feel uncomfortable.
Even as I walked through the streets by myself— even when people turned their heads to watch me walk.
… I should really be thankful no one else got killed. I thought as I lowered my head. I hate feeling like this.
…
I shook my head before looking ahead again. Just get something to eat then head back home. Not too much more outside.
Back at the market district there were less people. Rush hour ended looks like. Early mornings even back then were the busiest.
Shops were still busy during the day. Hm?
As I walked through the clothing area, Lora had her head down and she was using her keys to lock her door.
She must've heard me walking since she turned to look at me.
"What're you doing back here?" Lora asked me. Her demeanor and personality changed. Her voice was soft and her energy seemed to become lower. "If you're wondering what I'm doing, I'm closing the shop for the day."
"Shouldn't you keep it open?"
"It's no use if I get zero customers. Better to keep my dignity than just be open for nothing." Lora replied while making a zero with her fingers.
Zero? I raised my eyebrows at her response.
"People don't like regular old clothes."
"They seemed to be high quality."
"Well… They're hand crafted by me." Lora stated, tugging on her front door before turning away. "You and Miss Yukina were the ones in weeks interested in them.
To be frank, Mister Shaun I'm closing my shop down. People are not interested, they want dwarven crafted clothes. Not some human girl's clothes."
Ah… right… I scratched the back of my head and looked away from her.
"Anyways, have a nice day."
"You too…"
Lora froze and turned towards me. There wasn't much light in her eyes.
"Mister Shaun, I have a question. Is being an adventurer difficult?"
"It is."
"I see… Can you walk with me there?" Lora asked. "I have something to do there."
"If you're becoming an adventurer, do not do it."
"I know it's risky. But I have nothing… I don't have money—" Lora sucked her teeth and went quiet. "I ha- Mister Shaun I have not eaten for a few days."
Then why did you not charge us…? I had to cover my face. This young lady is ruining her life…
"I told you… You and Miss Yukina are the only ones who were interested in the clothes I sold."
"Then let me take you somewhere to eat as payment."
"... No. Just take me to the adventurers' guild."
I tried to argue back but my throat kept stopping. Lora was adamant on me taking her.
To be honest, she didn't have the capabilities to become an adventurer. She… doesn't know distance. She'll be killed.
Whether by monsters or people, if she doesn't know how to distance herself she'll be murdered.
"Why are you so stubborn about paying for the clothes?" I asked her. Can I ever get food here…?
Lora ignored my question and kept going. Her eyes were focused on the road ahead.
Whatever… If I can't convince her somehow, just let it run its course. My heart aches thinking like this
"What can make your shop sell?"
Lora let her head fall before responding. "I need monster materials."
"Hm?"
"Monster materials. I need them— I believe I can keep my store open if I get a hold of them!"
I had to freeze when she yelled that. Her energy was so suddenly changed— Do monster materials have a reputation?
"Mister Shaun, do you know why dwarven shops are so wanted?" Lora pointed towards a blacksmithing shop to our right. "Monster materials. They can make someone so much stronger.
Maybe." Lora clutched her hands tightly. "Maybe if I could get a hold of them I can make my shop worth it."
Why did she offer to buy some from me? She can't afford it.
We walked quietly from now until we got to the guild. It was more grand than I last remembered.
"Thank you Mister Shaun… you don't need to worry." Lora stood at the doors.
"Alright." I nodded my head before turning around. She already made up her mind.
I heard the guild's doors open then slam shut. Can finally get something to eat.
My stomach felt empty and my head was becoming hot. Whole plan got derailed… I knew I shouldn't have left the house.
It felt like just a year ago everything was perfect— now every day feels like it wants to be my last.
I shouldn't feel this agonizing ache in my heart. It keeps burning, a burn that eventually stripped me of everything.
It makes my mind want to blame everyone. And… I… No one deserves to be blamed for how I feel.
It took me a while, but I found a restaurant. The food smelled decent, and the place was clean. At least I found it…
I sat down after being welcomed, ate something then left. If I wasn't being pushed to my limit, maybe I would've stayed longer.
I ignored everyone in the house and ran to my room.