Another world, Celeste

Chapter Ten, pt 3

Jilko and I talk about it some more and we manage to come up with few things that could work until Erissa reminds us that it is time to leave. Jilko leads us to the corner of the street full of adventurers. This must be the street catering in selling items for adventurers and travellers. We arrive at the blacksmith shop Chief tells us about. The shop is huge. All sorts of weapons are hanging on the wall and put on display inside glass cases. I spot Chief near the bow section.

As soon as he sees me, he tells me to try out a selection of bows and swords he has chosen for me to test out. The shop has a separate room where customers can test out the weapon before purchase. Chief wants me to see which one feels right in my hand as his reference and to get a regular bow and sword for myself since I can't always use the ones meant for the elves. 

Syl and Erissa assist me in finding the right one for me. I also include throwing knives and several tools that Chief says I might need for crafting. The employee who's been waiting on Chief takes our order then disappear to handle our purchases. It is only then I realise that I might have spent too much. While browsing through more of the shop's collection, I stop to stare at a portrait hanging at the hammer and axe section. It's Chief with a beard and carrying his hammer.

"Got caught in a fire from a blaze, had to chop it all off," Chief says while stroking his beardless chin.

I retort. "That's not all you lose."

I compare the portrait of his younger days with the picture of his bulging stomach then showing it to him. Chief yells while Jilko and the elves are trying hard not to laugh as well as some dwarves nearby. At the counter, the employee confirms my orders once more. They wrap the knives and tools nicely for me. The sword and bow lay beside it.

"How much are they?"

"Chief has paid for them already." The employee replies.

"Huh?" I ask in disbelief.

That catches me off guard.

"Take is as payment for cooking those delicious meals."

Chief says and goes off to discuss with the owner about a problem with the monster skins the shop acquired. Chief's work is never done. Even though he grumbles of having to deal with paperwork, he would always lend a hand when it comes to crafting trouble. I have no choice but to accept his graciousness and store the weapons and tools inside my item bag. Besides the purchase counter, adventurers are lining up at the weapon repairs counter. The line is too long to just simply ignore it. Most of them look worn out too. I happen to overhear their conversations.

"There's a lot more these days. Especially at the border. The guild is handing out more monster quest lately for above C-rank adventurers."

"The guards can't handle them all. That's why they ask the guild for help."

"I need the money. Repairing a sword is draining out my pocket."

Syl taps my shoulder. "Come on. They are waiting for us."

"Hey Syl, why are there some people with a robe and holding a long stick amongst the adventurers?"