046. Gail.
Nora took us to a log cabin that was built further into the residential area in the southeast part of Hanaria ― not far from the outer gate.
It was in a rather inconvenient location and the road was so complicated that we spent almost 20 minutes getting there. But
「Ooohhh ......」
Once inside, the store was much larger than I had expected and seeing the various armors displayed so cramped as if to contradict them, I felt surprised and excited for the first time in a long time.
「Ohh! That's a hell of a lot of armor♪ But――」
「You're trying to say, "There are no other guests," aren't you? Well, it's true, so I'm not going to say anything in particular.」
We followed Nora, who was moving smoothly to the counter with a look of familiarity.
「Ouh, Nora. What the hell are you thinking?」
Suddenly, a man appeared from the back of the store.
His age――I'd guess he was in his forties? Although he was short and had a "barrel-like" figure, as the term suggests, he seemed to be clad in thick muscle armor, not fat
His eyes were sharp, and he had a lot of force――but,...
(H-He smelled of alcohol!)
I couldn't help but scowl when I detected the strong smell of alcohol, which I could clearly detect even though I was quite far away from him.
「Gosh! Dad! Drinking alcohol in the daytime!」
「Annoying! I told you to call me 'Master' when we're in the store! And I'm a Dwarf. What's wrong with me drinking!?」
「You drink too much! If you ruin your health, you will lose everything!」
They started arguing with each other despite our presence.
「......But more importantly, what are those two guys there? Are they customers? If so, get them out of here. I've told you many times, I will never sell any more of the equipment in my store.」
I've been told in a shallow voice, but...
「I didn't come here to buy equipment. I came here to ask for advice.」
「Hou? Are you saying that you "don't need" the equipment that this Gail Tobarcain-sama made?」
He was bluntly provoking me, but I frankly replied, "For the time being, yes".
「I'm still a novice, and I'm ignorant when it comes to equipment. But there is "something" about each product displayed here that just makes you say "Wow!" I can see that. I understand that, but――in many ways, it's just not for me right now.」
When I said it clearly, Gail laughed and said, "Hah!" I don't know what's so funny,
「I'd say you're about level 15 or 16? You seem to have a lot of training, but―you're an amateur.」
「Yeah. I'm aware of that, and I've only been a fixer for about three months. I can't be compared to those who have had serious training from an early age.」
「...... say what?」
Clearly, Gail's expression showed a hint of confusion.
「In the meantime, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't ask anything else ...... Actually, I'm from another world. Only recently did I finally think, 'Maybe I'm getting a little better.' But when I had a death match with the Goblin King in Karguri, I realized that I was missing too many things. Among other things, I realized that I didn't have the "right equipment" for me―」
「So that's why you came to me for advice.」
I gave a small nod.
「No matter how good the equipment is, it is meaningless if the user is a beginner, right? But―If it is not "the right equipment for you," it does not even have value. In extreme cases, it's like saying, "What's the point of having a dagger for a spear user"?」
The true value of a weapon and its wielder can only be realized when they are "one and the same".
Of course, a good warrior would be able to demonstrate his strength without regard to any differences.
But I am different.
I am not a professional in that field.
「So far, I've used swords, spears, knives, and boomerangs, all of which are "not bad," but they don't suit me.」
I couldn't cope with the ever-changing situation ― of course, there are many factors involved, such as my immaturity, incompetence, and inexperience, but,.
「Even after compensating to some extent with "folia," it still wasn't enough ― I felt like I was missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.」
I clenched my fists as I said this, and before I knew it, both Gail and Nora were staring at me with serious gazes.
「...... Tsk. This is getting troublesome. What's more, of all people to be from another world,......, Don't tell me, you.」
「Unfortunately, I don't have any "special abilities". I'm an exception.」
「I see.」
It didn't look like he was convinced by any means, but he decided to accept it for the time being. And then...
「Answer a few questions. What brought you here ― how did you come to visit me?」
「I was introduced to you by Hannah-san, the receptionist at the guild.」
――If you can use folia, did you meet Grigori? She's the owner of the folia bookstore.」
「Is that Grieve you're talking about?」
For a moment I thought, "Who's that?" but ― surely it's easier to call her "Grigori" than "Grieve Grimm". I replied, "I met her."
「...... what's your reason or purpose for being a Buster? Is it to return to your original world?」
「I'm thinking about that too, but more than that, I want to become strong and be able to protect and support the people I love.」
――I suddenly remembered the girl who disappeared in my arms.
Have I become stronger than I was then?
If I were to fall into the same situation today as I did then, would I be able to protect the precious existence that would be lost without being able to do anything with my own hands?
I don't know――but when I think that,
「...... Nora. As the master, I command you. Help this guy make his equipment and give him advice until he's satisfied.」
As soon as Gail said that in a stern voice, Nora said, "Eeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhh!?" and raised her voice loudly.
「Y-you're joking right!? Why do I have to go make equipment and give advice to this guy!?」
「Ha! As he himself admits, it's foolish for me to go to the trouble of breaking my back for someone so inexperienced. But, just as well, you're less than half a novice ― as you once said to me, if you really intend to create equipment that surpasses mine, don't mess around with this level of challenge!」
「Ugh――!」
「Oh. Also, I've suddenly decided to go on a trip for a while. I'll leave all the equipment I make with my acquaintances, and you can do whatever you want with the rest of it.」
「Huuh!? What are you talking nonsense all of a sudden!? You must have been drinking too much and lost your mind, aren't you!?」
Nora seemed completely confused by this unexpected turn of events, and so did the rest of us who were watching from the corner.
The two continued to gawk and fuss, but in the end, Gail won out.
Once I thought he had withdrawn to the back, he said, "See you later," and left, carrying large baggage on his back.
Me, Nora, and Osada-kun could only stare at him in amazement -―as he said, Gail never came back to his store again after that.
Previous Chapter --- TOC --- Next Chapter
Comments
Post a Comment