A clothing store, usually stocking ordinary clothes and such, nothing too flashy for sale –
The shopkeeper was a player, already advanced in years, seeking some leisurely enjoyment within this game.
Seeing the empty street with no passersby, he sighed deeply. The scene was even quieter than the massacres in the Eastern lands last century. He couldn’t imagine what situations might arise in this game in the future…
Perhaps a once-in-a-century famine, or rebel armies rising to overthrow regimes in various regions, or even large-scale wars between nations, maybe even all-out racial expansion wars. As an old man who had also served in the military and participated in wars, he understood this clearly –
Even for the slightest gain, people might turn on each other; even for just a shred of dignity and infamy, they would forcibly seize NPCs’ property.
What is this? Another world for players to act recklessly, vent, and indulge their delusions?
Suddenly, a knocking sound on the counter snapped him out of his thoughts. The old man got up from his armchair and went to the nearby counter.
The visitor was a young NPC girl, about one and a half meters tall, but she kept her head down, using her long hair to hide her face.
“Hello there, little one. Are you… here to buy clothes?”
Seeing the girl was alone, the old man asked instinctively, then remembered the girl was wearing a clean sweater. Could she be someone’s daughter? But outside was like an empty city.
Hearing this, the girl shook her head, then nodded, gently sliding a pre-written note to the old man. He took it, understood, and nodded.
“You’re here to buy boots? Since you’re using a note to communicate, you must be quite shy, little one.”
While trying to make conversation, the old man rummaged through the nearby [Storage Warehouse] for boots…
The girl shook her head and made a “mmph” sound. The old man paused for a moment, then understood and continued searching for what she wanted to buy.
Soon, the old man brought out a pair of leather boots. They had no flashy decorations, were a rather old-fashioned brown color, and the style was quite dated, but they were still brand new.
“According to the requirements on your note… What do you think of these boots?”
The old man spoke kindly and handed the boots to the girl. She took them, looking them over carefully, her eyes occasionally darting towards the old man as if confirming something.
Seeing her hesitation, the old man had a realization. “How about… trying them on? Give them a try? The style might be a bit old, but the quality is quite good.”
The girl looked at him in surprise, then took off her existing girls’ leather shoes and slipped on the boots. She stepped on the ground a few times, a pleased expression appearing on her face.
The old man understood immediately: she was very satisfied with these leather boots.
After turning around a few times, the girl realized she hadn’t paid yet. She reached into her pocket, mumbled something, pulled out exactly 8 silver coins, and placed them on the counter.
The old man was taken aback for a moment, then his expression softened. He pushed the money back towards the girl.
“These boots… their style isn’t to modern tastes anymore. Charging for goods is a rule… To avoid breaking it, I’ll set the price for these boots at zero.”
The girl also froze for a moment, then hesitantly took back the silver coins, bowed deeply to the old man, and quickly ran off.
“My… someone else’s child is so polite… I truly hope she can be happier.”
After dealing with this customer, the old man leaned back again, settling into his armchair. He fanned himself with one hand and picked up yesterday’s newspaper with the other.
…
That old man, I bless you, may you live a long life. Thank you for your hard-to-come-by kindness.
Touching the new, inconspicuous boots on my feet, my heart felt as warm as if I’d eaten chicken soup. In my eyes, these boots were exceptionally nice – durable and with enough room to allow for movement.
Finally rid of those awkward little leather shoes, I felt completely comfortable, as if my legs and feet had been liberated. Only now did I realize… a little girl’s feet are really quite small. How could anyone stand steadily on them?
Lucky, so incredibly lucky. Thank you, that old grandfather, for giving me such well-fitting boots.
As for those 8 silver coins, I got them from fighting back when a few thug NPCs stopped me. It was fortunate they didn’t know any mental magic. I’ll have to think about how to defend against that in the future.
Right now, I was approaching the South Gate. I was bypassing patrols and stationed guards through complex alleyways. Sometimes it wasn’t easy; I’d get lost inside, taking a long time to find my way out –
The game time was 14:00, supposed to be the hottest part of the day. But heaven was being kind now: dark clouds were gathering, setting the stage for rain.
But this wouldn’t do. I hate water, and the [Soaked] negative debuff. It soaks your body, and then you have to find a place to dry your clothes. So, so troublesome…
Speaking of which, when was the last time I bathed?
Since I don’t sweat, there’s no sticky, gross feeling on my body. My clothes also reset their condition every night, so generally, there’s no need to wash.
Probably, aside from drinking water, I haven’t come into contact with water for about five days.
A bit scary. The last time I bathed was at Mrs. Cleroll’s house… Although I went voluntarily, using this girl’s body, I couldn’t help feeling a bit embarrassed.
Once I’m out of the city, I’ll find a pond to wash off quickly…
But rain is no substitute. I don’t want to get [Soaked] or catch a [Cold] because of it. That would make me miserable – along with [Soaked] comes a sharp drop in temperature, not to mention [Chilled].
Mrs. Cleroll… she was a kind person. Even though she was a single mother with two children, she didn’t look down on me… If I get the chance, I should write her a letter telling her not to worry.
There were still guards outside. I couldn’t go on the rooftops anymore, and there was no way back to Alec’s alchemy workshop because it was empty and had surely been searched already.
Would it be better to create a distraction or force my way out? Changing my appearance also seemed possible, but it’s a bit troublesome.
Maybe… wait a few more days?
Suddenly, I heard some noise coming from the South Gate. I was actually some distance away, but I could faintly hear someone arguing loudly.
Who’s that? So rude.
…..
——-
“So, I’m saying, why are you stopping us? Don’t you know our young lady has urgent business?”
“I understand. But, this maid, [Malettes] is still under lockdown. I’m already overlooking your unauthorized use of the main road, so… the crest on this carriage is…”
“Yes, my lady has urgent business and needs to pass through [Malettes] to get to [Coroverte].”
“I see. So it’s the eldest daughter of the Ropal family… My apologies, but in line with my duties, I cannot allow you to enter so easily.”
“…You!”
“Now, Emma, stop troubling the guard. If we can’t enter, then we’ll just take another route.”
“Young lady… But, this is…”
“So this young lady is… Miss Dell mi Ropal?! I failed to recognize you! I beg you not to report this oversight!”
“Hmph! Understand now? Step aside!”
“Emma, you must change that spoiled tone of yours.”
“But, but… there’s an important matter happening in the city… I am concerned for Miss Dell’s safety, so…”
“Oh? An important matter? What is it? Tell me.”
“Well… actually, a criminal has appeared in the city. She killed staff and guards at the transport station and is now a fugitive.”
“Eh? That’s… Young lady, what should we do? It seems we won’t make it to that meeting in [Coroverte].”
“…..How about this, guard? I have a way to help you capture the criminal.”
“Young lady! The master said you are not to use that freely. I promised the master!”
“But this way, wouldn’t we be able to make the meeting?”
“….Ladies, I’m not sure I follow. You say you’ll help us capture the criminal. Even if that’s true, I cannot let a mere criminal dirty your hands.”
“————Alright, young lady, I understand… My lady is in a good mood today, and we happen to be passing by. We’ll take on this task of capturing your criminal!”
“……Well, in that case, I cannot refuse. I thank Miss Dell and Miss Emma on behalf of the guard captain. Open the city gate quickly! Let the Ropal carriage enter!”
…..
“What’s going on? Why is the gate opening? Didn’t I order the gates kept closed recently to prevent remaining orcs from attacking?”
“Your Highness, you may not be aware. That carriage carries the eldest daughter of the Ropal family – Miss Dell.”
“Oh? The one who facilitated peace and coordination between dwarves and humans? I heard she also contributed to the creation of the Dragon Knight profession last year. [Coroverte] certainly needs talent like that. It’s a pity…”
“Miss Dell was born in [Darkde]. Although her mother has [Coroverte] bloodline, she is ultimately from another country.”
“I truly hope that one day, [Coroverte] and [Darkde] do not declare war. But judging by the current trends, that day may come soon… Speaking of which, this Miss Dell seems to have urgent business?”
“Yes, according to intelligence reports, they seem to be rushing to the capital for an important meeting. Your Highness, since you have already won the title of Magic Knight in the capital, why not press on and involve yourself further?”
“Benjamin, you know I’m sensitive about these matters.”
“Urging my superior is also part of my duty.”
“….I understand. I will consider it carefully… Of course, the decision still rests with me. Benjamin, relay these words exactly to that person.”
“Understood, Your Highness.”
——-
…
It seems someone entered the city?
A moderately sized carriage, exquisitely decorated, with a prominent and bright crest. Even the coachman was dressed like a butler… probably was a butler. The white horses pulling it weren’t bicorns, but the decorations and enchanted armor were very valuable. One thing was certain: the person in that carriage was definitely important.
Hiding around a corner, I watched the magnificent carriage slowly approach. I was simultaneously devising the best plan to exit the city and wondering why, during a lockdown, someone would be allowed in.
Unless that person was crazy, I wouldn’t pass through a city harboring a murderer – the public security here might be okay, but if they can’t even handle local thugs and gangs, it’s a wonder it’s developed as prosperously as [Coroverte].
Well, maybe the gangs have some deal with them. The mayor must have done something to keep his seat so securely at a time like this.
While I was pondering this, two guards suddenly appeared at the entrance of the alleyway. They glanced inside, then leaned against the wall, chatting casually.
They scared me to death! Don’t they make any sound when they walk? If not for [Universal Stealth], I’d have had to silence more people.
“Hey, that 200 you borrowed last time, when are you planning to pay it back?”
“Tch, talking about money hurts feelings, brother.”
“And I say talking about feelings hurts my wallet!”
Their word choice and behavior were just like modern people; they were probably players.
“…Alright, alright, I’ll pay you back soon…”
“Eh, no no, you’re definitely up to something… You probably ‘burned’ all your money somewhere again, right? You’re as slippery as an oiled pig, can’t even hold onto cash.”
“…I don’t like hearing that.”
Most of it was just small talk, irrelevant to me. But the last few sentences piqued my interest.
“Hey, I heard our Mayor Peace has been making some moves lately.”
“What do you mean? Is he getting involved with those dragon factions too?”
“Eh, no no no. Cooperating with those dragon players costs a fortune. They think we’re made of money? I mean, the Mayor seems to be planning something…”
“You’re speaking in riddles. I can’t make sense of it.”
“Yesterday, didn’t he send several big red envelopes in our guards’ group? Then he went on the forums promoting it heavily… Lots of our guys and outsiders joined him.”
“Right, now that you mention it, yesterday during our shift, didn’t a few carriages carrying something big enter through the North Gate? They were all wrapped in cloth. If they didn’t have the Mayor’s personal note, I might have checked what was inside.”
After that, it was just more chit-chat with no useful information. I noticed they weren’t blocking the alley exit, so I quietly slipped out.
Red envelopes to win people over? Carriages suspected of carrying equipment? This Mayor Peace is quite rich. Or is he just preparing for something?
I have a bad feeling about this. I feel like if I don’t show some strength, I’m definitely going to end up at a disadvantage.
