TTIGRAAS: Predator

Chapter 14

Leaving Fuze behind with the promise that he'll have an ID prepped for me, even though I'm not allowed to have it until after my co-op mission with some other adventurers, I stepped out onto the streets of Lond.

Eren had a firm grip on my left hand; she'd insisted on leading me around like this as if she was my older sister or something.

"Let's go shopping!"

"Do we really have the funds for that right now, Eren?" Gido cautiously asked the excited young woman.

"Yeah, as the leader of our party, I have to veto that, Eren." Kaval put his foot down.

"I'm sure I have something we can barter with in here...maybe even something I could turn in to the guild for some coins..." She muttered as she reached into that 'bigger on the inside' magic bag of hers.

Barter? Oh, yeah, that's probably normal for a place like this. I know I haven't used any money since reincarnating in this world, but my pre-established view on currency biased my thoughts, I guess.

"Phooie..." Eren pouted, drawing her arm out of her bag with nothing in her hand.

"Nothin'? So you weren't holding out on us, then!" Kaval snarked at her, making her pout grow even more exaggerated.

"Don't complain, Kaval! Sometimes I forget about the things I stuff in here!" She shoots back, stomping her foot at him out of irritation.

"Hey, when you mean stuff to barter with, do you mean stuff like...monster materials?" I asked, hoping to divert their attention before this turns into a real argument.

All three immediately locked their gazes on me.

"Rimuru? Do you have some things we can trade with?" Gido asked.

"I'm sure he does! He's been in Jura for months and is strong enough to kill pretty much anything there!" Kaval answered before I could.

"Quiet down, Kaval, people are staring!" I complained, feeling the entire street's eyes on me. Why the hell is he shouting things like that out in public like this, it's so embarrassing!

"Fine. I'll admit that I've picked up a few things here and there during my time living in the forest." I reluctantly whispered.

"Knew it!" Kaval declared, still as loud as before.

"But...I wanted to buy something for Rimuru...if we pay with his stuff, then that kinda defeats the point, doesn't it?" Eren pointed out.

"You guys have done enough for me already. I mean, I wouldn't even be here in Blumund if it wasn't for your vouching for me. I really appreciate it. Plus, it's not like I'm using what I have for anything, really."

"Okay! Why don't we go to the exchange counter and see if there are any bounties you already have the materials for? Then, I'll help pick out something nice for you, Rimuru!"

_____

I watched begrudgingly as Eren dragged me from stall to stall, quickly scanning all the items. For a girl that was apparently poor, she seemed to really have a lot of shopping experience.

"Rimuru, you really need a better disguise, you know? A kid like you will look weird going on long trips without plenty of supplies..." She also seemed to be quite obsessed with keeping up a good disguise. It was a little unlike her.

"Eeeereeeen... I am not a little kid!" I grumbled and tried for the fifth time to wrestle my wrist away from her. I wasn't trying hard or anything, but she was stronger than she looked.