Published: August 31, 2025
I’m Satou. When I wave my short staff around, I feel more like a conductor than a magician.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a conducting skill. A bit disappointing, that’s me, Satou.
Looks like the harem flag is still a long way off.
â—‡
After returning to the inn, I stored the alchemy set in the storage.
I want to carry my Magic Bag 30 “Thirty-Holding Bag” with me, but when I asked Nadi about magic bags during sightseeing, I learned that back in the era of King Ancestor Yamato, they were common magic items owned by any wealthy person. But nowadays, only the military, high-ranking nobles, or rich merchants have them.
That makes it tough to use casually. If thieves notice me, that’s one thing, but if nobles set their eyes on me, I won’t be able to keep sightseeing in this city.
Following Nadi’s advice, I prepared a bucket and poured about half full of water from the Abyssal Water Bottle. I soaked the cloth in the water and wrung it out. Then I took out the pot I bought yesterday and covered it with the cloth.
Alright, preparation complete!
Now for the Dry spell!
“Ru Rura Rariru... ra?”
I can read the characters, but I just can’t pronounce it! And I have to read a spell of about 100 characters at the speed of just one word?
Isn’t this impossible?
After that, I kept at it without giving up, but the spell never activated. The cloth dried without needing magic, but it was no cause for celebration.
“Alright! Let’s ask for help!!”
I stood up and clenched my fist firmly!
When in trouble, call Nadi! I decided to get advice from Nadi.
“Nadi-emooon, help meee!”
With a desperate hope, I headed to the general store.
...Unfortunately, Nadi wasn’t there.
â—‡
Nadi said she wouldn’t be back until evening, so I headed to the bookstore in the Central District. Besides the books I bought, there should be several others about life magic.
On the way, I was stopped by the tailor shop where I had clothes made. One of the ordered outfits was already finished.
Apparently, they remembered I said I had no change of clothes yesterday and hurried the finishing for my convenience.
Since it was ready, I decided to pick it up.
“It suits you very well.”
“Yes, you look like the heir of a major store or a noble lord.”
The shop owner and his wife praised me enthusiastically.
They checked the measurements and had me try it on, making me pose in front of the full-length mirror.
But isn’t this better than the sample? No, I’m not just praising myself.
“As expected, it looks better than the sample.”
“Exactly! Since it was urgent, we asked a different craftsman than usual, and both the lines and stitching are superb! Thanks to you, we found a great craftsman.”
I felt like apologizing for being the one wearing it.
Since it was ready, I had my old clothes wrapped up and decided to wear this new outfit as is.
â—‡
When passing through the inner wall gate, I was asked to show my ID and residency permit. The guard explained that after the recent disturbance, there have been cases of looters sneaking in, so they check who’s coming and going.
Most of the shops along the main street before the square were open as usual. The fighting was mostly around the castle square, so aside from some unlucky shops and homes, damage should be minimal.
On the way to the square, I bought some tea leaves that looked like black tea from the specialty tea shop Nadi told me about yesterday, and various spices from the spice shop.
The high-class food store sold rice, miso, and soy sauce. Yeah, fantasy world, you know.
In front of the tavern near the square, a bard was singing a lively song about yesterday’s demon and the knights.
...Apparently, the mysterious silver mask is rumored to be the count’s illegitimate child. The mask is tin-plated but has been upgraded to silver.
I enjoyed it enough to toss a silver coin as a tip... though it was a bit embarrassing!
I wonder how many detours I took just to get to the bookstore.
â—‡
“Satou-san, thank you for your help yesterday!”
When I showed my face at the bookstore, Simone greeted me with a smile. She seemed to be the clerk today.