Volume 3 Chapter 2 Walter's Magic Tools Store
Even on the main street, there were many shops that dealt with magic-related items. The sign of the largest shop there read "Walter's Magic Tools Store" in big letters.
"So this is the place."
"Yeah, Wade-kun... They have a great selection of goods. It's like the face of this area for the Merchant Guild."
I looked up at Ice with a "Oh, I see" expression. It was indeed bustling, with many people coming and going with magic seals in their right hands.
"Well then, shall we go in right away?"
"Ah... Wait a minute, okay?"
"Hmm? Sure, take your time, Ice."
I stopped and turned around, and Ice quietly lowered her gaze and took a deep breath.
Once. Twice. ...Thrice.
"Alright. Let's go."
I couldn't help but wonder about the gesture that seemed like she had made up her mind, but if Ice doesn't bring it up, it's probably not something to worry about.
We all walked into a magic shop together. Then, a girl who seemed like the shop assistant greeted us with a cheerful "Welcome!"
"Hmm, I feel like I've heard that voice before."
"..."
Ice fell silent. I started to worry if I had said something strange, but I looked around.
There were various magic tools displayed all around. It was like a scene from a fantasy world, and I was impressed.
There was a large frog submerged in a flask larger than its mouth, a strange flute with a tag saying 'sleep magic included,' and a small gargoyle in a birdcage.
Excited, I tried to hold back the urge to look at the magic tools around me and called out to the busy shop assistant, "Excuse me!"
"Yes! How can I help you toda..."
"Huh...? Oh! It's Drop! Long time no see!"
I couldn't help but get excited at the reunion since our training days.
Drop. She was a water magician, and a girl who once achieved the second best results after me at the training school. She was quite talented and had a bit of a strong-willed side, but she quit during training.
It was right after she was attacked by a Manticore, so I think that's the trauma. But putting that aside, it's been quite a while since we last met. I feel nostalgic.
"Oh, you were working here! I had no idea. Have you been well since then? I was surprised, suddenly quitting the training school."
"Ah, um, yeah. Haha... that's right..."
While Drop was sweating, she kept her gaze fixed on Ice instead of me. When I looked at Ice, she had a somewhat expressionless smile on her face.
"...It's been a while, Drop-chan."
"Y-yeah... it's been a while..."
Previously, due to their past dynamic resembling that of a bully and a bullied, there was some tension between the two. As I was thinking I might have messed up a bit, Ice spoke up.
"Today, we need a special collar for a certain magic beast. So, we wanted to consult with you and see if you'd like to help."
"Huh...?"
"―――Well... Will you help us?"
"Yes! Of course!"
Drop straightened up in response to Ice's confirmation. Somehow, the roles seemed reversed in their interaction.
"Well then, we have a private consultation room, so let me guide you there..."
With very awkward movements, Drop led the way.
"Um, s-so, what brings you here today..."
As Drop nervously spoke, I chuckled and told her to relax.
"Yeah, Drop-chan. We came here for magic tool, remember?"
"...R-right, of course. There aren't any other big magic tool stores around here, right?"
Drop stuttered as she spoke, and I reassured her, "Just relax, Drop." Then, with a hint of lingering tension, she asked,
"So, what's the deal today? You want me to help with something, right, Ice——"
"..."
"...san said something like that. Basically, you're looking for some kind of magic tool that you can't talk about in public, right?"
Drop averted her gaze from Ice in a fluid motion. There was definitely something going on. But, she's an adventurer, right? I've also beaten up Frain in the past.
Anyway, I said,
"I want a training collar for dragon."
"―――――"
Drop acted swiftly.
She first checked the key to the consultation room after hearing that. Then, she checked all four walls.
Her attitude was clearly flustered. It was as if she had been given precarious information that could be life-threatening.
"...There's no room for any sound to leak out, right?"
Looking tense and pale, Drop took her seat. Then, she glared at me.
"Customer, it's not good to casually say such things. Your safety, as well as the safety of our store, could be damaged by those words. I'll let it slide this time with a warning, but if you say something like that again, you'll be banned from entering."
"Uh, I-I'm sorry, Drop."
"Ice, you too. You should know better than to act like this, right? Apologize properly. I can handle a little scare, but this time, I'm not in the mood for it."
"...I'm sorry. I went a bit too far with the teasing."
Ice bowed her head. It seems like she did something really mean, although I'm not sure what.
Ice then continued.
"Sorry for getting you involved. You see, when it comes to dragon-related matters, there's a lot of money involved, so we must never discuss it openly in public. It's natural for a place like this consultation room, and you need to declare that you're about to discuss something that absolutely cannot leave this place, while also asking the staff to confirm that the door is locked."
"Well, this time there wasn't any issue in particular. ...Come to think of it, when we entered the room, you were looking around at key points, Ice. It seems like you had already checked, maybe just to intimidate me... But I wish you'd stop that, it almost gave me a heart attack."
Being stared at by a glare, Ice now softly smiles. I've come to realize recently that Ice's nervousness is just like a habit. If anything, she has more courage than me.
"So, Wade, you unintentionally mentioned it, does that mean the dragon story is true? ...I heard rumors recently that a wyvern was defeated by a mysterious new party, could it be you guys?"
"Yeah, that's right. We found a Metamorph Dragon egg mixed in, so I thought I'd try raising it."
"Metamorph Dragon... Wait, Ice, is your party okay? It's only been a month since graduation, right? What's going on?"
"It's just that Wade-kun is amazing, that's all."
Drop flinched at Ice's straightforwardness, slightly taken aback as she muttered, "Y-yeah..."
"A-anyway, it seems everything is fine for now. Let's proceed with the negotiations right away then."
"Wait here for a moment," Drop said as she emerged from the door at the back of the consultation room, heading towards a large room that seemed like a warehouse.
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