Chapter 66: Equipment

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Translator: Soafp

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After breakfast the next day,

As discussed yesterday, I need to prepare the equipment for Lewis and Faristea.

“Shall we go check out the Knight’s old equipment?”

“Yeah, about that… Aldo, could you show us your equipment again?”

“I want to see it too.”

It seems they want to take a look at my equipment before deciding on their own.

“Alright, let’s go to my room.”

“”””””Yeah.””””””

I addressed Lewis and Nero, but the female members also responded.

“Are Olivia and Anna-Sensei coming too?”

“I’m interested in Aldo-kun’s room.”

“Me too. I wonder what kind of life Aldo leads normally…”

“Aldo’s room, want to see.”

It seems that the female members are interested in my room. A room of the opposite sex at this age… It’s certainly intriguing.

“Okay, but I don’t think there’s anything interesting.”

“”””””Yes.””””””

Moving to my room, I, Lewis, Nero, Olivia, Anna-Sensei, Faristea, El, Marl, Ashera, and Ice Witch-san make a group of 10 people.

It’s a mystery why El and especially my mother are following us.

“This is my room. There’s nothing special, okay?”

Since there are 10 people, the door is wide open. The female members are curiously looking around my room.

“Alright, let’s get the equipment out.”

I took out the entire set of equipment from the closet and started changing.

“Aldo! Why are you changing so casually?”

“Eh? I don’t mind.”

“We mind!”

Saying that, led by Olivia, the female members, leaving Ashera and Mom behind, walked out.

“By the way, next door is El’s room.”

This time, it seems the interest shifted to El’s room, and they’re pressuring El with silent expectations.

“Okay… please.”

El seems to be guiding the female members.

I continue putting on Brigandine and hide a spare knife on my right shin and left thigh. Then, I equip two short swords, and I’m ready.

“Next is this backpack. Watch closely as I unpack it.”

“Got it.”

Inside the backpack are a rope, knife, blanket, rain gear, hand towel, medicines (paralysis, poison, confusion), and two days’ worth of dried meat.

“And finally, this water bottle. We can produce water with magic, but if we can’t, having water is crucial.”

“Do we really need this much?”

“I think so. Camping is necessary for restoring magical power, camping when separated from allies, and being prepared for anything at the very least.”

“I can’t use healing magic, and I need healing potions too…”

“Why do we need a rope?”

“The rope is the first thing you use. Maybe you should experience camping once…”

I was worried that the two of them didn’t quite understand.

“Camping, huh? I want to try it.”

“Me too! Let’s catch a rabbit and grill it!”

“We might not do it this time, but let’s try camping sometime soon.”

Ashera and Mom are watching from behind. What’s so fun about this… it’s a mystery.

“Is this Brigandine? How about its defense?”

“Do you know Scale Armor?”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Brigandine has the metal pieces attached in reverse to Scale Armor.”

“Then, wouldn’t Scale Armor be fine?”

“Scale Armor would be fine too. It’s just that Brigandine is easier to move in and requires less maintenance.”

“Is it easy to move in?”

“I think adventurers are better off with ease of movement.”

“Well, knights and adventurers both prefer easy movement, right?”

“Adventurers do everything themselves. For example, adventurers wouldn’t wear full plate armor, right? Armor that they can’t put on by themselves doesn’t suit adventurers.”

“I kinda get what you’re trying to say. So, it’s better to have something like casual clothes for ease of movement, but at least durable enough for combat?”

“That’s right. Also, it depends on the physique, and how much you focus on combat varies from person to person. Focusing too much on combat without considering mobility can turn into a joke during travel.”

“Right, travel… so, there are days when we walk for a whole day…”

“That’s right. Now, let’s move to the training ground.”

I and Lewis, Nero, moved to the training ground. Right behind us, Mom and Ashera are following… for some reason.

Roland was waiting in the warehouse at the edge of the training ground.

“Young Master Aldo, you can take anything from this warehouse.”

“Got it. Thank you.”

I opened the warehouse and peeked inside. The air inside was stuffy, intensifying the heat. I immediately activated air conditioning magic.

“Oooh, so cool!”

“You didn’t come here to play. First, let’s decide on Nero’s weapon. Lewis, you can check out both the two-handed sword and the armor. Of course, you can wear it too.”

“Got it.”

First, it’s the weapons. You can understand the combat style based on the weapon you equip.

Mom and Ashera are rummaging through the weapons and armor in the warehouse… I don’t understand.

“Nero, do you have a weapon you like?”

“I prefer a one-handed sword and a one-handed axe.”

“I see… it’s fine if the weapons are different. Which hand do you prefer?”

“I prefer a one-handed sword in the right hand and a one-handed axe in the left.”

“Understood. If you’re going for dual-wielding, then no need for a shield… now, about the armor.”

“Something easy to move in is good.”

“How about my Brigandine?”

“I prefer something a bit more mobile.”

“So, Brigandine is below your preference… How about using Brigandine this time? Once your physical enhancement proficiency increases, the weight won’t be a problem. We can change it next time if it doesn’t suit you.”

“If Aldo says so, then let’s go with Brigandine.”

“Aldo, I’ll go with Brigandine too.”

“We’ll go with Brigandine this time. If it doesn’t work, we can change next time.”

“”Understood.””

“Next is the backup weapon.”

“Backup… short sword or knife?”

“Lewis, you’re carrying a two-handed sword, right?”

“That’s the plan.”

“In that case, one-handed sword, one-handed axe, and one-handed club are also candidates.”

“I see, to free up the waist…”

“What about me, a short sword or a knife?”

“Nero, it’s either a short sword or a knife. Lewis, do you plan to carry a two-handed sword?”

“That would be good too.”

“Just kidding. Let’s start with a normal short sword or knife.”

“Got it.”

“I’ll go with a short sword too. If Aldo shows me how to extend the blade using magic, it becomes a one-handed sword.”

“That’s right. I’ll go with a short sword too.”

“If that’s the case, all of us will have a main weapon of a short sword, based on this logic.”

The three of them laughed and looked at each other.

“Next is the backpack and its contents, but… before that, try wearing the decided weapons and armor. You need to get used to it, and if it’s too small, we need to fix it early.”

“”Understood.””

While the two of them are equipping, I gather the backpack, rope, knife, blanket, rain gear, and hand towel. The only things left are the potions and food.

As they’re doing that, somehow the equipment for the two of them is finished.

“How is it? The backup weapons should be easy to access, not hindering movement, and preferably concealed from the enemy’s view.”

“Is there such a place?”

“There isn’t. That’s why I attach them to the left thigh and right lower leg, where they don’t hinder movement.”

“A place that doesn’t hinder movement… my waist seems fine.”

“I’ll go with the right lower leg, just like Aldo.”

“But this isn’t final. Change it if there’s any inconvenience or if you find a better place.”

“”Understood.””

“Next is the backpack. Arrange the contents inside the backpack in a way that’s easy for you to use, as I’ve put them there for you.”

“”Understood.””

The two of them are putting things in while considering various factors. In reality, they won’t know until they experience it.

After a while, the two of them finish packing the backpack. All that’s left are the potions, food, and the water bottle.

“Just to confirm, both of you can produce water with magic, right?”

“…probably.”

“I’ve never done it.”

“Seriously… give it a try.”

“The incantation is… none, right? Wait a moment.”

“Muu muuu…”

“Oi, it’s coming from here…”

“It’s coming, it’s coming. Just wait a bit longer.”

“Muuuuuu…”

I turn to Mom and start talking.

“Mother. Can you show them how to produce water?”

“Sure.”

“Both of you will be personally taught by the Ice Witch. I, El, Marl, and Ashera were her students.”

“I’d prefer if you didn’t address me like that… but with that introduction, I can’t get mad.”

“”Please.””

“In the meantime, I’ll go get some medicine in town.”

“Understood. Take Ashera with you.”

“Yes. Ashera, let’s go.”

“Yeah.”

“In the meantime, I’ll arrange for guards at the mansion.”

“Understood. I’ll also give them a couple of short swords. Also, we might not make it back in time for lunch, so we’ll eat in town.”

“I understand.”

We head straight to the mansion. Since we’re heading to town from the mansion, I asked Roland to arrange for guards and prepare two days’ worth of food for Lewis and Nero.

After a while, Garl arrives.

“Garl, it’s been a while.”

“Yeah, long time no see, Al-boy.”

“Thank you, Roland. Also, I’ll leave these two short swords here.”

I handed two short swords to Roland. I express my hope for a better blade length and a little refinement.

“Shall we go then? Ashera, what do you feel like eating?”

“Um… meat?”

“Meat it is. How about exploring the food stalls?”

“Yes.”

Let’s head to town right away. In the entrance, there’s a suit of armor on display, with a one-handed sword hanging from the waist. I take the one-handed sword from the armor and equip it at my waist.

“Garl, how about it? Do I look like a decent swordsman?”

“Not at all. I don’t feel the bone-chilling chill when you wield a short sword.”

“I don’t have a short sword, but I carry two knives hidden.”

“When you have them, knives are scarier than that one-handed sword of yours.”

While discussing such trivial matters, we stroll through the town.

From an outsider’s perspective, it might look like Garl = bodyguard, me = child in armor… bodyguard? Ashera = sheltered noble daughter. We decide to play along with these appearances and have a little fun.

“Lady, what would you like to have?”

Garl and Ashera play along with my joke.

“Well, I would like to have the most delicious meat from this stall.”

“Understood. Oi, which one is the most delicious meat? The lady desires it. Whoever thinks they are worthy, step forward.”

The surrounding stall owners watch us with a look that says, “Getting involved with a noble’s whim is troublesome.”

“This is a problem. Oh well, I guess I have no choice but to choose.”

“I leave it to you.”

Then, I buy three skewers from the nearest stall and return to Ashera.

As the three of us laugh while eating skewers, the surrounding people finally realize they’ve been fooled, shrug their shoulders, and smile wryly.

“Aldo and Garl are really mischievous.”

“But Ashera was enjoying it.”

“I’m truly a knight and a bodyguard, so there’s nothing strange about it.”

I suddenly thought. Ashera is indeed my fiancée. Could it be that one misstep and I’ll become a real tyrant?

“Ashera! I’ve realized something terrifying…”

“What is it?”

“Ashera is the direct granddaughter of the lord. That act just now wasn’t a play. It might actually work.”

“…That’s true.”

“You’ve just noticed now? You guys should think more about your positions.”

While the three of us exchange foolish remarks, we arrive at the apothecary.

Upon entering, there’s a female clerk wearing a hood, manning the store alone.

We browse through the displayed medicines and buy the necessary ones.

For some reason, the female clerk at the apothecary seems oddly intriguing. Glancing at her, Ashera steps on my foot. That’s not it…

After leaving the apothecary, I explain to Ashera.

“Ashera, that’s not it.”

“I bet it’s because I don’t have big b*obs!”

“It’s really not that. I love sizes like yours the most!”

“Is that true?”

“Yeah, it’s true!”

“Then I guess I can forgive you.”

Behind us, Garl is spitting out sugar.

“Garl, can I cast area sonar once?”

“What’s area sonar?”

“A simple scouting magic. The downside is that if there’s a magic user, they’ll know someone cast magic.”

“Do you mind that?”

“Yeah…”

“Then it’s fine, isn’t it? I’m not a magic user, so even if someone uses magic on me, I wouldn’t know.”

“That helps.”

I cast the area sonar once.

“Ah, I see…”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’ll just go back to the apothecary for a moment.”

“What do you mean?”

“You will see.”

Returning to the apothecary, the female clerk seemed intensely hostile.

“I’m not your enemy.”

“Silence. Enemies don’t declare themselves as enemies.”

“Well, that’s true.”

The female clerk seems to be searching for an escape route. It might be better to inform her sooner.

“If you want to meet Faristea, I might allow it.”

“What?!”

“I knew it was you who had the strange magic power earlier!”

“Don’t you want to see Faristea?”

“What are you thinking?”

“Let’s start by having an honest conversation.”

I remove the decorative one-handed sword and place it on the ground.

“Who the hell are you….”

“I’m a friend from Faristea’s academy. I brought her to my home because she was in trouble.”

“Are you Aldo von Blue Ring.”

She retreated and kept her distance.

“Yeah, I’m Aldo von Blur Ring. I am in the same class and team as Faristea.”

“…”

“If you want to meet her, I can arrange it. What will you do?”

“…”

“…”

“Are those words… not a lie?”

“Yeah, they’re not. But for Faristea’s safety, you’ll have to disarm.”

“You’re being ridiculous. Who would go defenseless in the midst of enemies?”

“If that’s the case, then let’s forget about this. Sorry for bothering you.”

I start to leave the store.

“Wait!”

“What is it?”

“Do you really intend to let me meet Lady… I mean, let me meet Faristea-sama?”

“I only lie once in a while.”

“Is that your way of being proud?”

“Aldo, be serious.”

Everyone scolded me harshly… I don’t understand.

“What will you do? If you can’t decide now, we can do it another day.”

“Understood… I’ll disarm.”

“Alright, then we need to conduct a body search.”

“…”

“Garl, I’m counting on you.”

“I seriously felt like punching you just now.”

“Why? You are just conducting a body search?”

Garl and Ashera give me a stern look. The body search for the female clerk is conducted in a separate room.

If we’re both unarmed, there’s no one Ashera can’t defeat. I’m confident she’d beat her to a pulp in seconds!

From there, we walked back to the mansion.

“By the way, I never asked for your name.”

“Why should I have to tell you?”

“Hmm. I introduced myself, though. Maybe I should spread rumors that Elves are a rude race. I should spread them a lot.”

“Oi! Cut it out!”

“So, what’s your name?”

“…Yurisys.”

“Oh, that’s a nice name. I’ll call you Yuri.”

“Who said you could use a nickname?”

“Well, don’t be so stiff, Yuri.”

For some reason, I got punched in the side by Ashera… Is there poison in this, too?

“Cu-cure…”

I managed to neutralize the poison with a recovery spell.

“A-Ashera-san… I got poisoned. And it was quite a potent poison…”

“The severity is probably the weight of my feelings.”

“When did you come up with such a comeback… Ashera, you’re a terrifying girl.”

“…”

While walking, we reached the mansion. It was still early evening.

“I’ll go call Faristea. Ashera, do you want Garl to take you home today?”

“I’m fine, I’ll wait.”

“Understood.”

I left Yuri with Garl and Ashera and went to call Faristea. She was having a tea party in the living room with Anna-sensei, Mom, Olivia, and Marl.

“Faristea, we have a guest. Do you know Yurisys?”

“Yuri? Really? Where?”

“Got it. I’ll take her with me. Anna-sensei, would you like to come?”

“I have a bad feeling about this, but…”

“Olivia and Marl, Mom, please wait here.”

“No, I’m coming.”

“Understood… Olivia and Marl, please wait. I’m counting on you.”

“Got it.”

I, Faristea, Anna-sensei, and Mom headed to the entrance.

“I’ll open the door, but please don’t approach carelessly. Please be the translator.”

Anna-sensei explained to Faristea. She didn’t seem entirely convinced, but she agreed to listen.

I don’t want unnecessary fighting. If we have to fight, I might end up killing someone…

I slowly opened the door.

When Faristea and Yuri confirmed each other’s presence, they joyfully called out each other’s names.

“Wait! I don’t want unnecessary fights! Trust me! I brought her here! Anna-sensei, be the translator!”

Anna-sensei translated, and Faristea glared at me… I bowed my head.

“It’s safe now.” I asked for translation once again.

“Slow down. Yuri-san, come slowly this way…”

Yuri approached slowly, following my words.

Eventually, Faristea and Yuri were close enough to touch each other if they reached out their hands.

“It’s fine for you to have a conversation. Anna-sensei, please translate it simultaneously.”

They began to talk happily. Anna-sensei rapidly fired off fragments of their conversation like a machine gun, but I couldn’t quite understand the nuances.

Eventually, the two approached each other slowly and embraced each other at the end. It seemed to be okay.

I need to report to Father first. Also, I have to send Ashera. Fix the short swords too. Hand over the medicine to Lewis and Nero. Haa… I sighed heavily and decided to handle one thing at a time.

First, Ashera. Today, I’ll apologize and have Garl take her home.