Kays Translations

Chapter 45: Shopping ④

“Wouldn’t this be nice for Celia?”

I picked up a necklace and showed it to Celia. It was a necklace shaped like an acorn.

“That one?”

Celia tilted her head cutely. How adorable!

“Yeah. It might seem a bit uncool, but it’s equipment that increases MP. I’d like you to wear it if you can…”

“I don’t think so. It’s a necklace chosen by you, Leonhart-sama. I’ll treasure it.”

“Thanks. Store owner, add this one too.”

“As you wish.”

I handed the necklace to the store owner. He walked slowly, smiling, toward the counter. I’ve bought quite a bit, so he probably thinks I’m a big spender.

I upgraded to better gear focusing on increasing agility, and Celia replaced her MP-boosting equipment. Both of us are powered up even more.

The selection here in the royal capital is impressive. I ended up buying more than I intended.

But none of these are top-tier equipment. There are still higher-grade versions available.

“Store owner, most of the equipment in this shop seems to be for levels thirty to forty of dungeons. Is there a reason for that?”

“You’re quite perceptive. There’s actually a reason for that.”

The store owner, with his prominent white hair, began explaining.

“We strive to buy and provide the best items, but unfortunately, we can’t offer first-rate equipment. Currently, top adventurer parties are clearing around level sixty dungeons. They use any useful equipment for themselves. Often, valuable equipment is passed down to the next generation. So, the equipment available in our shop tends to be second-tier, around the fortieth level.”

“I see.”

Certainly, if you acquire good equipment, you’ll use it yourself instead of selling it at the shop.

However, there was a word that caught my attention.

“What does it mean for something to be passed down to the next generation?”

“Hmm?”

The shopkeeper tilted his head in confusion. It’s not cute to do that.

“I thought you might already know… Adventurer parties are passed down through generations. Some parties have lasted over a hundred years.”

“Really…”

This was information not included in the game. Is that how it is?

“Such long-standing adventurer parties are well-off both financially and in terms of equipment, so they are quite popular. When they recruit members, people even come from neighboring countries.”

“……”

When the term “neighboring countries” was mentioned, I didn’t miss the slight twitch in Celia’s eyebrows.

Indeed, it seems that the matter of the Lucelle Kingdom is not something Celia can easily let go of.

Afterwards, we returned to my room in the boys’ dormitory at the academy, buying various items along the way.

I also bought rings, necklaces, earrings, and so on for myself. I know they won’t look good on a chubby guy like me, but I plan to wear them all the time.

Since X-Day could come at any moment, it’s important to be prepared. I exchanged the remaining gold coins from today’s shopping for mithril coins, keeping my load as light as possible.

“Leonhart-sama.”

“What is it, Celia?”

When I looked at Celia, she was holding a necklace with a decoration shaped like the nuts we bought today.

“That…”

Did she not like it after all…?

“Could you please wear it?”

“Huh?”

Is she asking me to put this necklace on her?

“Sure…”

“Please.”

Taking the necklace from Celia, she turned her back to me and slowly brushed up her silver hair, which was trimmed at the shoulder. Before me, Celia’s slender nape came into view.

“…”

For some reason, my throat made a gulping sound, and I suddenly became very nervous.

The stray hairs gave me a feeling as though I was seeing something I shouldn’t.

Is Celia nervous too, or is she embarrassed? Her white nape gradually turned a faint pink.

“I-I’ll put it on…”

“Yes…”

I forced myself to control my trembling hands with a steel will and carefully placed the necklace on Celia, making sure not to touch her.

First, I brought the necklace over Celia’s head and down to her neck. From the side, it might have looked like I was hugging Celia from behind.

Then, I fastened the necklace at the back of her neck.

“Ah…”

I realized I had been holding my breath. The air I took in after a long time seemed oddly sweet.

“Thank you, Leon-sama.”

“Ah…”

Celia turned around and looked at me. Her face seemed slightly flushed.

“Does it look good?”

All I could do in response to Celia’s question was nod vigorously.

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