Chapter 67 - Fancy seeing you here
Translator: Yonnee
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"Welcome!"
A young man approached the two people who entered the shop, greeting them warmly.
"It's your first time at the smithy, right?"
"How did you know?"
"Oh, of course I'd know. The people who come here are always the same people since the estate is small."
"I see."
"Right, then may I ask what you're looking for today?"
"I heard you make a separate class of weapons for monster hunting here..."
"Yes! My father and grandfather make those weapons themselves. I'll show you around."
"Thank you."
Ciel and Aiden followed the clerk further inside the smithy. Then, a voice could be heard from there.
"Goodness, Milady. Still, isn't that too big?"
"If it isn't this much, it won't even deal enough damage to a monster."
"But you still have to use a weapon that's proportional to your physique."
"I have enough strength to wield it. There's nothing for you to worry about."
"His Lordship is going to scold me. Will you really put this old man through the ringer, Milady?"
"I'll be sure to explain it to Dad properly, so really, don't worry. I want this bow."
"Goodness..."
Just from the contents of the conversation, it was easy to infer who it was. Fully expressing his indisputable joy, Ciel stepped into the inner room.
He thought that he wouldn't be able to see Irene unless he'd follow her around, but she was right here, in front of him.
"Huh? Lady?"
Finding her belatedly, Aiden called out to her in a raised voice.
Then, clear green eyes indifferently headed their way.
* * *
I thought it was strange that those persistent eyes weren't on me today. Inwardly, I felt refreshed, but for some reason, there's something making me uncomfortable.
Dad and Brother went to the garrison today, and Mom was busy with fixing up this month's budget for the mansion and the territory.
As I decided to go out into the city by myself, I looked out the window to see the streets. And when I walked on the avenue without Mary by my side, it suddenly occurred to me.
It's the first time I was left completely alone ever since I reincarnated...
Obviously, I was used to being alone in my past life. Although ten years was not a short amount of time, when did it start feeling awkward for me to be alone?
I didn't know how lonely it was not to have my family who always embraced me warmly.
In the past, I didn't feel this way even when my husband wasn't with me...
After feeling restless, I stopped by a bookstore and looked around to see if there were any new novels. I picked out the one novel that I wanted to read the most then soon left the store.
I couldn't help but keep the household's current finances in mind. I'm glad I brought with me the pocket money I had saved.
"Hm..."
My mind had always been that of an adult, but now that I truly was an adult, both body and mind, I believe there's something I really could do to help out my family.
In the past, all that I was taught was covert assassination and monster subjugation.
On the other hand, the only things taught to me were unproductive things like etiquette, culture or reading and reciting poetry. I couldn't think of any other method I could take to help out.
"It's true that we have the garrison to protect the territory, but do they make use of the monster loot?"
If it's about picking out the pack one at a time, I believe I could do it. Monsters weren't much use while they're alive, but the various by-products they would drop after they're subjugated were quite useful.
"And it's possible to make shields out of monster skin, right?"
It's a practice that's used not only in Korea. Brother said that he regularly collected monster skins to make lightweight but sturdy armor. Although it didn't look nice, it was practical and efficient.
"And since he said he's going to have more made for the citizens of the territory, it'll be helpful if I collect more monster skins and bring them to the smithy, right?"
I'm not in it for the money, but it's a good idea that's going to be helpful for the estate.
To do that, securing weapons should come first. The weapons I had now weren't very appropriate for monster hunting.
Now with the purpose of buying a bow and some arrows to use against monsters, I moved forward with deliberate steps. The slow gait grew faster and faster. I was excited to help out my family.
When I arrived at the smithy, I hurriedly spoke to old man Benjamin, and he responded with shock. My thoughts went a mile a minute though, and I couldn't wait to start training with monster weapons.
"I want to look at a few weapons."
"Are you here alone, Milady?"
"Show me the weapons meant for monster hunting please."
"Alright... Please come this way."
He slowly walked forward, still glancing hesitantly at me. It shouldn't be a big deal that I came here alone, but he couldn't erase his curious expression.
"Are you truly here alone? His Lordship or the Young Master is going to pick you up, right?"
"I'm an adult now, so I can go out alone."
"...I see."
The perplexed Benjamin continued to walk slowly, so I couldn't help but rush him a little. I entered the display room and unashamedly pointed at a bow and a quiver of arrows meant for monster hunting.
