Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 373: Shopping for a Companion
After enjoying Chief Ryuga’s hospitality, Tauro and his companions spent the night at his house. They were served breakfast the next morning before taking their leave.
“What are we doing today, Leader?” Ankh asked.
“Zion won’t return for another two days, so we can spend that time freely in the village. First, though, I want to buy some equipment as a welcome gift.”
“Can you choose armor without Zion here?” Ragune asked. “It’ll have to fit properly.”
“Zion is about the same height and build as I’m, so I should be able to choose the approximate size. I also intend to modify the equipment before presenting it. We can make any final adjustments afterward.”
Tauro wanted to do something that would please his new companion.
“Zion is close to you in age, and both of you’ve had difficult pasts,” Ankh said. “Besides, Zion is joining Black-Gold Wings. A gift is a good way to help new companions become comfortable with one another.”
Ankh’s advice sounded strangely practiced. Tauro briefly wondered whether he spent more money than expected on gifts for women, but decided that was a private matter.
“Where are we going first?” Ragune asked.
“To Dragon Knight Armory. Chief Ryuga said it was the best place to buy gauntlets for a fist fighter. After that, we’ll visit Rangas’s Blacksmith Shop for leather armor.”
“Dragon Knight Armory…?”
Ragune looked noticeably uncomfortable.
Tauro and Ankh exchanged puzzled glances but didn’t question her. The three of them instead headed for the village’s famous pulley transport.
They had used it several times and already understood the procedure. An attendant gave each of them a V-shaped wooden brake, attached their pulley seats, and sent them down the mountainside one after another.
They soon reached the main street at the foot of the Dragonfolk Village.
“That pulley is always fun,” Tauro said.
“It’s certainly convenient. Wahaha!” Ankh agreed.
“You two still ride like visitors,” Ragune said with a proud smile. “Locals usually descend without braking, strike the stopper at full speed, and compete to see how far the impact throws them. Some people end up covered in blood. I restrained myself today only because you were riding ahead of me.”
That’s absolutely not something good children should imitate, Tauro thought.
The three continued directly to Dragon Knight Armory.
“Welcome! Ah, Lord Tauro! And Ragune—it’s been a long time!”
A strikingly handsome male clerk greeted them the moment they entered.
Ragune took a small step backward.
“It’s been a while, Brother Mogu.”
Mogu was one of Ragune’s older relatives. Her reluctance to meet him was obvious, although Tauro didn’t yet understand why.
Tauro asked Mogu to show him suitable gauntlets. Mogu quickly brought out several pairs, clearly explained their differences, and answered every question Tauro raised.
Throughout the discussion, Ragune remained as far from him as politeness allowed.
Once the product explanation ended, Mogu finally turned toward her.
“Why are you so quiet, Ragune? When you were younger, you could never tolerate silence without doing something strange. Why, when you were eight—”
“Don’t tell them about that! This is why I hate meeting relatives! Damn it… Just kill me!”
Ragune desperately interrupted before he could reveal the story.
Tauro finally understood. She had been avoiding Mogu because he knew too many embarrassing childhood stories.
For the sake of Ragune’s dignity, they selected Zion’s gauntlets and left before Mogu could begin another anecdote.
Their next destination was nearby Rangas’s Blacksmith Shop.
“Welcome—if it isn’t Lord Tauro! It’s been far too long. Hahaha!”
Rangas, the shop’s dwarven owner, greeted Tauro with open arms.
“It’s been a while, Rangas. I’m looking for leather armor today. Do you have anything suitable?”
Seeing Rangas always reminded Tauro of his older brother Angus, the blacksmith in Saisi. The two looked remarkably alike.
“Of course. I recently obtained exceptional material. Tell me the wearer’s size, and I’ll tailor it.”
Rangas brought out a hide that Tauro recognized immediately.
“Is this from the two-headed holy-dark beast that guarded Floor 202?”
“You recognized it? I bought the hide after hearing that it came from the realm guardian you defeated.”
“Then it’s excellent material. Please make one set of leather armor from it.”
“Leave it to me. Return tomorrow, and it’ll be finished.”
Rangas immediately walked outside and began removing his shop sign.
“Are you closing already?” Tauro asked.
“Naturally. This is an order from Lord Tauro, and I intend to concentrate completely. I can’t operate the shop at the same time. Hahaha!”
He cheerfully ushered Tauro and the others outside.
“Then I leave it in your hands,” Tauro said.
With their shopping completed much sooner than expected, the three returned to the main street for lunch.