Chapter 68 The Blacksmith Receives Consultation
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Ngh! T-Tatara… you’re being a bit pushy, you know,” Ethelena stammered, her voice a mix of surprise and playful reproach.
Tatara smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Says the one who practically dragged me into this bath with her.”
The warmth of the water enveloped them, steam curling in the air as Ethelena’s body welcomed him. Her inner walls pulsed, teasing him with every subtle movement, and Tatara savored the sensation.
She could take all of him—he knew that much—but going too deep too fast would overwhelm him. So, he eased in halfway, letting himself adjust to the dizzying pleasure. His mind, though, was already racing with the urge to move, to chase the ecstasy that beckoned.
Their height difference forced him to bend slightly, a posture he maintained to avoid lifting Ethelena too much and straining her. But today, he shifted, straightening up and guiding her to sit against his abdomen, her weight settling into him in a new, intimate position.
”Ngh! Tatara, no! It’s too deep! Way too deep!” Ethelena gasped, her voice pitching higher, almost childlike, as her body adjusted to the shift.
She was ready now, her tone softening into something playful and unguarded. Tatara steadied her with a hand on her waist, careful not to overwhelm her. He pressed himself closer, supporting her back as he moved, his thrusts short and deliberate.
The position felt awkward—more effort than payoff, and he wasn’t sure it was doing much for her either. Ethelena needed to move freely, or she’d grow restless. With a quick decision, he settled onto the edge of the bathtub, the surface less than stable but better than the bare floor.
”There you go, Ethelena. You can move now, right?” he said, his voice low and encouraging.
She didn’t answer, not with words. Instead, she began to rock her hips, setting her own rhythm. Tatara’s hands found her chest, kneading softly, teasing her hardened peaks with gentle touches.
The urge to kiss her surged, but she was lost in her own pleasure, moving with focused intensity. He wouldn’t interrupt that. Instead, he leaned in, his lips grazing the nape of her neck, tracing her skin with slow, deliberate licks. Ethelena shivered, her whole body trembling under his touch.
”Tatara, that tickles,” she murmured, squirming but not pulling away. The way her body responded told him she liked it—loved it, even. Her inner walls tightened, reacting to each brush of his tongue against her neck.
”Seems like you enjoy it when I kiss you here,” he teased, his voice rough with amusement. “I can tell by how you’re squeezing me.”
”Nn… don’t say that,” she whined, her voice a mix of embarrassment and delight. But her body betrayed her, her movements growing faster, more urgent.
Tatara felt the tension building, his own limits approaching. “I’m… I’m close,” he grunted.
As Ethelena sank down, he thrust upward, releasing deep inside her.
His hands gripped her hips, holding her close to keep her from pulling away. Her body shuddered, accepting everything he gave, a soft, satisfied sound escaping her lips as she collapsed against him.
”Sorry… that position was tough on you, wasn’t it?” he said, his voice softened with concern.
Ethelena tilted her head, a lazy smile spreading across her face. “Mmm… you were trying so hard to make it good for me, so I’ll let it slide this time.”
Her words warmed him, and he pulled her into a tight embrace, her body soft and pliant against his.
”Sorry, Ethelena, I’m still not quite… satisfied,” he admitted, a sheepish edge to his voice.
She giggled, a playful spark in her eyes. “Oh, Tatara, you’re such a perv.”
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, my bad.”
He eased himself out, and as he did, his release spilled from her, trickling down. Ethelena let out a small, mournful sound, her eyes fixed on the sight.
”No… Tatara, don’t go,” she whispered, her voice tinged with sadness.
He blinked, caught off guard. “Wait… you’re calling my semen me?”
She didn’t answer, just sat there on the bath chair, staring at the spilled fluid in her hand with a forlorn expression.
”Tatara’s baby…” she murmured.
”Okay, sure, it’s technically mine, but…” He trailed off, unsure how to respond. Sometimes, Ethelena’s succubus nature left him puzzled. Was she sensing something in it? Some kind of life or will? The thought was unsettling, and he quickly pushed it aside.
”Should we call it a day?” he asked, testing the waters.
”No!” she cried, her voice almost childlike in its insistence.
He laughed. Round two it was, then. Honestly, he wasn’t done either, so her enthusiasm was a relief. He guided her from the chair to the mat, gently pressing her down.
As he leaned in for the kiss they hadn’t shared earlier, she closed her eyes, ready to meet him. Careful not to crush her, he propped himself up on his arms and pressed his lips to hers. Their tongues met, intertwining, the taste of her igniting something primal in him. Succubus or not, her effect on him was intoxicating—though he wondered if that was just his own desire talking.
He pulled back, trailing kisses along her jaw, her neck, her collarbone, savoring every inch of her skin. He avoided leaving marks; she’d asked for them once, but marring her flawless skin felt wrong to him.
She’d pouted but accepted his reasoning—though he remembered the time he’d playfully left a mark on the back of her hand. Her flustered reaction, hiding it with gloves and jumping every time someone noticed, had been adorable.
As he moved lower, Ethelena crossed her arms, lifting her chest as if offering it to him.
He couldn’t resist, his tongue circling her hardened nipple, drawing a sweet moan from her lips. When he grazed it with his teeth, her back arched, her reaction pushing him to the edge of control.
Unable to hold back, he shifted, aligning himself and sliding into her once more. Her arms, still crossed, gave him leverage as he moved, their bodies finding a rhythm together.
Ethelena matched him, guiding his movements to hit just the right spots, her soft inner walls teasing him with every thrust. He leaned down, capturing her lips again, their tongues tangling as her arms wrapped around his back, her legs locking around his waist.
The moment her walls tightened around him, he lost control, releasing deep inside her once more.
Her legs held him close, ensuring not a drop escaped. Exhausted, she went limp, her breathing heavy and ragged.
Feeling a sudden tenderness, Tatara slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her up to rest against his chest. He stroked her hair gently, his touch slow and careful.
”You did great, Ethelena. That felt amazing,” he said softly.
She nodded weakly, her energy spent. Lately, she’d been more affected by their connection, as if his emotions were draining her stamina.
He was no marathon runner himself, but her succubus nature usually kept her insatiable. This change left him a little off-balance.
”Hey, Tatara,” she whispered, her voice small.
”Yeah, Ethelena?”
”I want a kiss.”
He grinned at her childlike plea. “Sure thing.”
Her face lit up, and she looped her arms around his neck, pulling him close.
Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss, just a gentle press for ten seconds before she pulled back. They looked at each other and burst into laughter, the shared moment light and warm.
But then—
”Uh, Ethelena?” he said, raising an eyebrow.
”Hm?”
”Why are you… getting ready to go again?”
”‘Cause it’s not enough yet,” she replied, her tone teasing but determined.
Tatara sighed, a mix of amusement and resignation.
She was already shifting, positioning herself for another round, her movements practiced and precise. As she lowered herself, he noticed her horns lengthening, her eyes glowing a faint red—a sign her succubus instincts were taking over.
”Ethelena, hold on a sec—” he started, but she was already moving, her focus absolute.
Tatara leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to the tip of Ethelena’s elongated horn. Something about those hidden parts of her—horns, wings, things he didn’t have—always drew him in, urging him to show them affection.
Ethelena blinked, startled for a moment, before a radiant smile spread across her face, her eyes sparkling with understanding. He’d noticed before how much she loved it when he paid attention to those unique traits, and he couldn’t resist indulging her whenever the moment felt right.
Her hands cupped his cheeks, pulling his gaze to hers.
Their eyes locked, and a sudden, overwhelming wave of hypnotic power flowed from her, catching him off guard. Seriously, Ethelena? he thought, his heart racing.
”From now on, Tatara, you’re my baby,” she purred, her voice soft but commanding. “Just leave everything to Mama.”
His strength drained away, his body slumping onto the mat, unable to hold himself upright.
His mind clung to clarity, fighting desperately against the hypnotic pull, but his limbs refused to move. A haze crept over his consciousness, thickening until he felt himself slipping away, consumed by Ethelena’s spell.
—
”That was… intense,” Tatara muttered, rubbing his temple.
An hour had passed since Ethelena’s “baby” spell had taken hold. She’d finally had her fill, releasing the hypnosis, and his body was his own again. They’d washed each other in the bath, lingering in the warm water, exchanging soft words before parting ways. Now, Tatara sat on the veranda, cooling off in the evening air.
Above him, a blood-red full moon hung in the sky, its eerie glow casting long shadows. That explains her going wild, he thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Not that he could blame the moon goddess. Truth be told, he didn’t mind being tangled up with Ethelena like that.
His thoughts drifted. “Come to think of it, I made that statue for the blue moon goddess, didn’t I?”
He recalled the time he’d crafted a statue under a blue full moon. It had vanished not long after, but if the goddesses were sisters, it’d be rude not to make one for the red moon too.
Pulling a mithril ingot from his inventory, he gazed at the crimson moon, then closed his eyes, letting the image take shape in his mind. With his Crafting skill, he molded the ingot, feeling the metal shift under his will. When the sensation of completion washed over him, he opened his eyes.
Before him stood a statue of a woman, holding a potted flower aloft, her smile as wide and vibrant as a blooming blossom. She felt like a goddess of fertility or harvest, but her outfit—straw hat, overalls, long-sleeved arm warmers, and sturdy boots—seemed wildly off-theme. This is… a fertility goddess? More like a lost farmer. He chuckled, shaking his head. Without seeing the original goddess, his creations always veered toward irreverence. Better pray and apologize, just in case.
But the moment he offered his prayer, a chaotic energy erupted around him, as if a brawl had broken out in the heavens. Startled, he opened his eyes to find the air turbulent, far wilder than when Yohira and the others trained.
As he puzzled over it, he noticed the statue was gone. What, did someone snatch it? he wondered. Who’d even fight over it?
He sighed, offering another prayer, this time for Ethelena’s health. She’d mentioned feeling drained lately, overwhelmed by his thoughts and emotions flowing into her. But something nagged at him—her condition felt like more than just exhaustion. Could it be a bigger change in her body?
He remembered when Yohira suspected Ethelena might be pregnant. Ethelena hadn’t denied it outright, only saying there were no physical signs yet. Yohira’s Appraisal skill confirmed no pregnancy, but what if Ethelena, as a succubus, could sense something else? A conception only she could feel?
”…This is worrying,” he murmured.
The thought of a child with Ethelena filled him with both joy and dread.
But with the apprentice knights’ reckless antics still ongoing, the timing felt precarious. So, he prayed again, earnestly, to the fertility goddess—hoping that if Ethelena was pregnant, she’d deliver safely, and they’d overcome whatever challenges lay ahead.
”Praying to a goddess about my lover’s body… pretty pathetic, huh?” he muttered, a bitter edge to his voice. Relying on divine help to ease his fears felt weak, especially when he lacked the knowledge to craft modern medical tools. His past life hadn’t prepared him for this; he was out of his depth. Some monster, some anomaly, he thought. I’m just a guy fumbling through, panicking over the woman I love.
A presence stirred behind him. Turning, he saw Hinagiku-san standing there, holding two cups in her hands.
”Not sleeping, Tatara-dono?” she asked, her tone gentle but knowing, as if she’d already guessed he couldn’t rest.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
”Can’t sleep. Too much on my mind.”
Hinagiku sat beside him, offering one of the cups.
”Hmm. Is this about Ethelena-dono?”
He took the cup, meeting her gaze. Of course she’d see through him.
”Yeah. She hasn’t been herself lately.”
”I wouldn’t know, given our short acquaintance,” Hinagiku said, her voice careful. “But it’s clear to anyone watching that you care deeply for her.”
Tatara gave a wry smile. She probably wouldn’t understand the specifics—especially since Ethelena’s “condition” tied to their intimate moments.
”From what I see,” Hinagiku continued, “your devotion to Ethelena-dono is unmistakable. And with Yohira-jousama in the mix… well, it’s a bit unconventional, isn’t it?”
”Yeah, I know,” he admitted, scratching his cheek. He still questioned if this tangled relationship was right, but if Ethelena and Yohira were content, he’d accept it too.
Hinagiku’s eyes softened. “To me, Ethelena-dono loves you with her whole heart. So does Yohira-jousama. It may look strange to an outsider like me, but for you three, it’s your truth.”
”But it’s still weird, right?” he asked, half-joking.
”To me, perhaps,” she said with a small smile. “But not to the foolish fox… or Dahlia-dono.”
He raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
”The foolish fox had no friends back home,” Hinagiku explained. “Not even people to talk to. She was isolated.”
”Really? She’s quirky, sure, but she’s good at reading people, isn’t she?”
Hinagiku’s smile turned wry.
”That’s because she likes you, Tatara-dono. You’re special to her.”
He blinked, processing that.
Me? Special? Hinagiku, too, seemed to have earned the fox’s affection—why else would she have joined their journey and helped them?
”That fox is a genius,” Hinagiku went on. “She mastered techniques in three years that should’ve taken twenty. Her talent is staggering—probably even before her training began, she was figuring things out on her own. Those three years were likely just her body catching up.”
Tatara nodded, impressed but not surprised. He’d always known the fox was next-level, but this was beyond what he’d imagined.
”They called her a prodigy back home,” Hinagiku continued. “Praised her, put her on a pedestal. But then her behavior turned… well, as you know. Free-spirited, unrestrained, utterly herself. People couldn’t handle it. Despite her skill, they deemed her unfit to lead and stripped her of her title.”
Tatara leaned back, piecing it together. “So that’s why she wants me to call her ‘foolish fox.’ She doesn’t want expectations, doesn’t want to carry anyone’s hopes. But when it comes to people she cares about, she’s all in. She’s a good person, deep down.”
Hinagiku nodded. “Exactly. And you, Tatara-dono, saw her as a person, not a prodigy or a tool. That’s why she’s drawn to you—and why she accepts your bond with Ethelena-dono and Yohira-jousama. It’s not about them; it’s about you. You’re the center of this… unusual arrangement, and she embraces it because it’s yours.”
Tatara stared into his cup, the weight of her words settling in.
Back home, the fox’s beauty and talent had made her a tool, not a person. No wonder she’d chosen to be the “foolish fox,” rejecting the roles others forced on her.
”Dahlia-dono’s the same,” Hinagiku added. “You saved her life, so she’s devoted to you—perhaps even more than Ethelena-dono.”
Tatara frowned, his voice quiet. “I didn’t save her to make her feel like that.”
Hinagiku’s gaze sharpened, her tone firm. “Tatara-dono, you value life deeply. So why do you downplay the act of saving one? If you had the means and the chance to help, isn’t that enough?”
”It’s just… what anyone would’ve done,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “It doesn’t feel like it should mean so much.”
”And there were doctors there, fighting to save her life, whether they had the means or not,” Tatara said, his voice steady but tinged with frustration.
Hinagiku-san let out a soft sigh, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Tatara-dono, you’re missing the point.”
”Helping someone is a mistake?” he asked, frowning.
”No,” she replied, her tone firm but patient. “What’s rare is someone who reaches out to help, whether they have the means or not.”
”Really? Those hospital folks were doing everything they could to save people.”
”Doctors are trained for that. It’s their job.” She stood, her gaze softening but resolute. “You might want to rethink what human kindness really means.”
Tatara glanced down at his cup, realizing he’d already drained it. Hinagiku’s words lingered, stirring something in him.
”As for Ethelena-dono’s condition,” she continued, “you’d do well to look into why her power’s been growing.”
”The reason for her power increasing…” he murmured, turning the thought over in his mind.
”I don’t know when it started,” Hinagiku said, “but there must be a trigger somewhere.”
A trigger for her growing strength. Something had to have sparked it.
”And, if I may offer my opinion…” Hinagiku hesitated, her voice lowering. “I believe Ethelena-dono may be carrying new life.”
Tatara’s breath caught. “What’s your evidence?”
”We Tengu are skilled at reading the flow of ki within a person. I sensed it—energy gathering around Ethelena-dono’s womb.”
”That’s a sign of pregnancy?” he pressed, his voice tight.
”I’ve never seen a pregnant woman in my village, so I can’t be certain,” she admitted. “But when ki gathers in the place where life begins, what else could it mean?”
Her serious gaze pinned him, and though its intensity unnerved him, he refused to look away. Sensing his resolve, Hinagiku’s expression softened, a faint smile breaking through.
”Tatara-dono, I’m here as Yohira-jousama’s guard. She’s my priority, but I swear to protect Ethelena-dono with all my strength as well.”
Her words stunned him. Hinagiku, so serious and pragmatic—often seen just eating lately—making such a vow?
”She’s Yohira-jousama’s dear friend and your beloved companion,” Hinagiku added. “That’s reason enough for me to guard her.”
With a polite bow, she turned and left, leaving her words to echo in the quiet night. Tatara sat, grappling with the possibility of Ethelena’s pregnancy. He’d been turning it over in his mind already, but now… should he arrange for a proper examination?
There were no clear symptoms yet, but Ethelena was a succubus. His human assumptions might not apply. In his past life, he’d never even come close to fatherhood—hell, he’d been a virgin. The unknown loomed large, as daunting in this world as it had been in his last.
He returned to his room, finding the bed empty.
Exhaustion pulled at him, and he set his alarm two hours earlier than usual before slipping into a quiet sleep. Just before drifting off, he felt a faint pinch on his cheek.
In his dream, two women—one with blue hair, the other with red—argued fiercely over something palm-sized. They seemed to be fighting over who got to keep it, each clutching at the object. Squinting, Tatara realized it looked suspiciously like the irreverent goddess statue he’d crafted. Is that my statue? he wondered. The blue-haired woman noticed him, her face lighting up as she started to run toward him, only to be tackled from behind by the red-haired one. They tussled, blue struggling to break free while red held her back, until his consciousness faded and he woke.
”What… was that about?” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
The women had resembled the blue and red moon goddesses, hadn’t they? Shaking off the dream, he pulled another mithril ingot from his inventory, channeling the vivid image into it. But the result was no different from the previous statues—just another irreverent figure. His blasphemy was piling up.
Sighing, he faced the window, offering a prayer to both moon goddesses. A sudden sensation—like a poke to his cheek and a press against his forehead—made him open his eyes. The statue was gone. Again? Who keeps taking these?
He prepared breakfast, then headed to the shop district. Installing the shutter was a priority, and it’d take at least an hour. Outside, he used his Crafting skill to shape the awning and outer wall’s corner, creating space for guide rails. He made them slightly oversized for flexibility, then adjusted them to fit perfectly.
Equipping a levitation stone, he floated up to the awning, attaching a lintel for the shutter with precise Crafting. Inside, he removed the ceiling panels near the entrance, floating up to clear years of dust and cobwebs. He installed the pre-assembled shutter, sliding the bottom slat’s base plate through the lintel into the guide rails. To prevent the shutter from crashing through the ceiling, he added supports to the beams and tucked a levitation stone into the shutter case to reduce its weight.
Next, he adjusted the shutter’s speed and motion. Powered by artificial orichalcum, it responded to mana detection, maintaining a steady motor speed. He etched Spell Formulas to ensure emergency closures and prevent entrapment. Testing revealed the initial speed was too slow—five minutes to raise or lower. Speeding it up made it too fast, completing in ten seconds, which was great for emergencies but impractical otherwise. He aimed for a thirty-to-sixty-second cycle, tweaking the Spell Formulas until he found a satisfying balance. With a final test, the shutter lowered smoothly, hitting the floor with a slight flex before locking into place, gapless and immovable. He reattached the ceiling panels, running copper wires through the ceiling to draw mana from the Spiritual Vein. Eventually, he hoped to power it with a household Mana Reactor.
With the installation done, he cleaned the shop. The merchandise was protected, but the floor was dusty.
He scrubbed thoroughly, polishing the display glass until it gleamed. Stepping back, he surveyed the store. Looks good.
”Tatara, breakfast’s ready,” Ethelena called from behind him.
He turned to see her in an apron, her presence warm and familiar.
The question from last night resurfaced. Should he ask now or wait for a better moment?
”What’s wrong?” she asked, tilting her head.
”Ethelena, I need you to be honest,” he said, steeling himself. No turning back now. “Are you pregnant?”
Her eyes widened slightly. “Why would you think that?”
He hesitated. His reasoning felt flimsy, more intuition than evidence.
”It’s just… I’ve been thinking about what might be causing your power to grow. And lately, during sex, it seems like your HP’s been dropping faster than usual.”
”Oh…” Ethelena looked down, her voice soft. “That’s what you’re worried about?”
He watched her closely, unsure how to read her reaction.
”Tatara, to be honest…” She paused, her gaze meeting his. “I can’t get pregnant right now.”
He blinked, caught off guard. “What do you mean?”
”It’s not like I’m completely unable to have kids,” she clarified, a playful edge creeping into her voice. “But for a long time, I was stunted—mana deficiency, you know?”
”Stunted?” He raised an eyebrow. “You don’t exactly look stunted.”
She puffed out her cheeks.
”Not my chest, okay? I’m talking about my growth as a succubus.”
He bit back a laugh, nodding for her to continue.
”For years, I’ve been taking in your vitality during sex,” she explained. “It’s been helping my body mature. Back when we first met, I think I could’ve gotten pregnant, but it would’ve cost me my succubus powers—my potential. That’s a huge trade-off.”
He whistled softly.
”That’s… a hell of a price.” Her talent was immense, possibly rivaling even a Demon Lord. Sacrificing that would be no small thing.
”Yeah,” she said, her voice quieter. “And lately, when I take in your essence, my body’s been converting it more intensely, trying to catch up. That’s why I’ve been so tired.”
Her words sank in, and Tatara felt a mix of relief and lingering concern. No pregnancy, but her body was undergoing something significant.
He’d need to keep a closer eye on her, maybe find a way to ease the strain. For now, though, she stood there, smiling softly in her apron, and he couldn’t help but feel a quiet warmth settle over him.
”Like your stomach working harder to digest a big meal?” Tatara asked, trying to wrap his head around it.
Ethelena tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips.
”Kinda, but not exactly. Close enough, though.”
He hesitated, then pressed on. “So… will you be able to get pregnant eventually?”
Her gaze met his, steady and warm. “I will. Or rather, I want to. I want your baby, Tatara.”
Her directness eased the knot in his chest, a wave of relief washing over him.
His worries had been unfounded. But then… what about Hinagiku-san’s claim about the ki gathering in Ethelena’s womb?
”Come on, breakfast’s getting cold,” Ethelena said, tugging at his arm.
”Oh, right. Sorry,” he mumbled, following her to the table, the unanswered question lingering as the day began.
—
After seeing Ethelena and the others off for their exploration, Tatara headed to the shop. It’d been a while since he last opened, and he wondered if the wealthy regular—Narikin-san—would show up.
”What the hell is that?” a familiar voice bellowed from outside as Tatara reached for the shutter. Grinning, he recognized Narikin-san’s voice.
He raised the shutter, its smooth ascent free of the usual metallic scrape, stopping automatically at the top. Unlocking the door, he flipped the sign to “Open” and stepped back.
”Sorry for the wait. We’re open for business,” he called out.
Narikin-san stepped inside, looking slightly bewildered.
He was alone again, but his clothes seemed more worn than usual—tattered, almost. Had he run out of healing ointment while the shop was closed?
”Ahem,” Narikin-san said, recovering his composure. “Shopkeep, I’ll take all the healing ointment you’ve got!”
”Got it. I can offer 1,662 units right now,” Tatara replied.
”What? That’s less?” Narikin-san’s eyes widened. “What happened, shopkeep?”
Tatara chuckled at the dramatic reaction. “Had to fill some orders, so this is what’s left.”
”‘What’s left’…” Narikin-san muttered, looking like his concept of scarcity was crumbling.
Tatara watched him stew, wondering if he’d go for a big order this time—maybe even hit a hundred units. But honestly, with that kind of spending, armor would be a better investment. Narikin-san’s tattered state suggested he needed it.
”Sorry… I’ll take 150,” Narikin-san said finally.
”Got it. That’s 150 units for 22,500,” Tatara said, then paused. “But, sir, if you’re spending this much, I’d recommend a weapon or armor instead. Steel armor, especially—you could get three sets for that price. If you’re getting injured this often, it’s time to rethink your gear.”
Narikin-san froze, his expression unreadable.
Tatara didn’t know the man’s full story, but he didn’t want him dead. He wanted him to keep coming back, alive and well.
”Uh… shopkeep,” Narikin-san said hesitantly. “Do you ever dive into the Dungeon?”
”Yeah, I go with my companions up to the 35th floor. Solo, I can handle the 30th,” Tatara replied casually.
Narikin-san let out a nervous laugh. “That’s… impressive.”
Tatara shrugged, sensing he’d deflated the man a bit. Time to shift gears.
”I’ve leveled up, sure, but the real difference is updating my equipment. The right gear changes everything.”
”Updating equipment…” Narikin-san murmured, lost in thought.
Tatara studied him. Surely he wasn’t tackling the Dungeon in that outfit, but if he was spending this much on healing ointment, better gear would be far more cost-effective.
”Shopkeep, can I… talk to you for a bit?” Narikin-san asked, his voice quieter.
”Of course. I’m happy to help with equipment advice or exploration know-how,” Tatara said, meeting his gaze squarely.
Narikin-san sighed, as if surrendering, and Tatara pulled up a chair for him. This might take a while.
”I’m actually the leader of a mid-tier Explorer party,” Narikin-san began.
Tatara raised an eyebrow.
A leader, like him. “Go on.”
”It’s not like I’m some great leader,” Narikin-san said, his voice heavy. “I just know a bit more than the others. My abilities are low, I’m not great at giving orders, and I’m not strong enough to take down enemies. I ended up as the tank by default, but I’m terrible at drawing aggro. My companions get hurt because of it, and that’s why I need so much healing ointment—to patch them up.”
Tatara nodded slowly.
So the ointment was mostly for his team, even though, as the tank, he was likely taking the worst hits. This guy needed to be armored up, stat.
”If I may, what’s your weapon?” Tatara asked.
”A one-handed sword,” Narikin-san said. “Though it’s more like a makeshift shield.”
”Can I see it?”
”Sure.” He handed over the blade.
Tatara drew it from its sheath, examining the scarred surface. The marks told a story—countless blows taken to protect others.
It reminded him of Calmys-san’s sword, though her strength kept wear to a minimum. Bad comparison.
”Nice,” Tatara said, running a finger along the blade. “These scars show you’ve shielded a lot of people.”
Narikin-san blinked, surprised. “Really?”
”You’re mostly parrying, right? For heavier attacks, you take them near the base of the blade. That’s a solid defensive style, but a one-handed sword’s too light for it. A thicker greatsword would suit you better.”
”You can tell all that?” Narikin-san asked, awestruck.
”It’s my specialty,” Tatara said with a grin. A shield might work for some, but for Narikin-san, a greatsword was the way to go. Hand out healing ointment to the team, sure, but he needed armor or armguards to stay in the fight.
”Uh, shopkeep?” Narikin-san’s voice wavered.
”Yeah?”
”If I were to buy steel gear…”
”We’ve got steel greatswords, armguards, or armor at 7,500 each. For you, I’d suggest 50 healing ointments, a greatsword, and either armguards or armor.”
Narikin-san took back his sword, his expression thoughtful. “Why armguards and armor?”
”You take a lot of hits to your arms when blocking,” Tatara explained. “Armguards protect the limbs holding your weapon. Armor covers your body, which has the largest hit area and the most vulnerabilities.”
As a tank and leader, Narikin-san needed to prioritize his safety to keep his team alive.
”Shopkeep,” he said after a pause. “Can you hold off on the healing ointment for now? I’d like… armor and armguards that suit me.”
Tatara nodded, impressed. Prioritizing armor was a smart call.
”Right away. One moment.”
He stepped away, gathering a selection of steel armor and armguards sized for Narikin-san. The weight was a guess, but they could adjust on the spot.
”All of this… is steel?” Narikin-san asked, staring at the gleaming pile.
”Yup,” Tatara confirmed.
”It shines like mithril…”
Tatara chuckled.
”Let’s find the right fit. Pick them up, feel the weight, and choose what feels best.”
”Uh, right!” Narikin-san said, visibly nervous as he tested each piece, comparing armguards for nearly ten minutes.
”These armguards,” he said finally, holding up a pair.
”Got it. Put them on, and I’ll make some quick adjustments,” Tatara said.
Narikin-san slipped them on, flexing his hands as Tatara tweaked the fit, ensuring the weight distributed evenly and the joints moved freely.
”This… it’s like they’re made for me!” Narikin-san exclaimed.
”Glad you’re happy,” Tatara said. “Now, let’s pick out the armor.”
Narikin-san dove in with enthusiasm, choosing a lightweight chestplate in just five minutes—one designed to protect the heart without taxing someone with lower strength. A mithril sword might suit him for shielding, but this was a solid start.
Tatara made swift adjustments, and Narikin-san practically bounced with excitement. “This is incredible!”
”That’ll be 7,500 each for the armguards and chestplate, plus 50 healing ointments for a total of 22,500,” Tatara said.
Narikin-san handed over the payment, taking the ointments and keeping the armor on. “Thank you so much, shopkeep!”
”If anything gets damaged or needs adjusting, bring it back. We’ll fix it for a small fee,” Tatara said.
”Will do! Thank you!” Narikin-san called, striding out with newfound confidence.
Tatara watched him go, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Another customer geared up to survive the Dungeon. That was a good day’s work.
Narikin-san left with a cheerful wave, his new armor gleaming faintly under the morning light.
Tatara wished him well, hoping the gear would keep him safe and bring him back to the shop. While Narikin-san was there, no other customers had come in, keeping the store quiet and uncrowded.
”Hey, kiddo! Mind if I barge in?” a bright voice called out.
Tatara turned, grinning. “Welcome… Olive-san.”
The petite elf, Olive-san, strode in, her usual witchy robe replaced by an eye-catching, traditional elven outfit—flowing, revealing fabric paired with her signature pointed hat.
”Guessing your usual robe bit the dust?” Tatara asked, raising an eyebrow.
She laughed, clapping her hands. “You nailed it!”
It wasn’t hard to guess. Her usual witchy vibe was nowhere to be seen, replaced by this bold ensemble that screamed “emergency wardrobe change.”
”Got anything made from some serious materials?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
”Hmm… how about this?” Tatara pulled an item from his inventory: the Undead King’s Garb, a monster armor crafted from materials gathered during his first exploration with Dahlia. Its high magical attack boost and solid defense made it perfect for someone like Olive-san.
Her eyes lit up.
”No way! This is made from Lich materials, isn’t it?!”
”Spot on,” Tatara said. “It’s rare, so it’s a bit pricey, but the performance is top-notch.”
”I love it, love it, love it! How much?”
”Two and a half million,” he replied.
Back in the game days, this gear traded for a million. In this world, though, the last recorded sale—eighty years ago—had gone for around ten million. He’d worried setting the price at a quarter of that might stir up trouble with the merchant guild, but they’d approved it. Still, compared to game prices, it felt like highway robbery to him. Then again, with its high magical defense, physical attack halving Undead Trait, and magical attack boost, some mages would call ten million a steal.
”Two and a half million? That’s a bargain! Sold!” Olive-san practically vibrated with excitement, handing over the cash on the spot.
Tatara passed her the Undead King’s Garb, its special ability automatically adjusting to fit her perfectly. He’d love to mass-produce it with a Spell Formula, but that puzzle remained unsolved.
”Best purchase ever! See ya, kiddo!” Olive-san chirped, practically skipping out the door.
Tatara waved her off, settling behind the counter. Just Narikin-san and Olive-san today, but their high-ticket purchases made for a solid day’s sales. With no other customers in sight, he turned his attention to designing an Arcane Gun for Ethelena. Her current weapon, Sazanka, tapped her magical attack power well but burned through mana too fast. Something like Lonisera, powered by an “egg” core and responsive to the user’s mana, could be a game-changer. If he got it right, Ethelena could take on a Lich and maybe dive even deeper into the Dungeon.
Lost in his work with the thought-input magical processor, he barely noticed the doorbell chime until a gentle voice broke through.
”Welcome—huh?” Tatara blinked, startled.
”My, is it that surprising to see me, Tatara-san?” Sister Kareha stood at the entrance, her white-based sister’s habit—soft and easy on the eyes—marking her as a devotee of the Healer Maiden.
”No, just… unexpected,” he said, recovering. “What can I do for you?”
She smiled warmly, stepping closer. “I have a request, if I may.”
Tatara straightened, his curiosity piqued.
Requests were his top priority, but what could a sister like Kareha need? “I’m listening.”
Her smile didn’t waver. “I’d like you to craft a mace and a kite shield.”
Notes:
• Yohira – Torakuma’s first name.
• Hinagiku – A tengu woman as Ranka’s potential companion. She stays with Tatara’s group after travels. Joins household scenes only. Linked to Ranka by shared gluttony jokes. No direct tie to Tatara beyond cohabitation. Cheerful eater.
• Dahlia – The automaton.
• Calmys – War God’s knight, Mayor’s guard chief, whip-master hiding as a swordswoman; sharp tongue, big-sister vibe to Tatara, grants him and Ethelena church protection.
• Kareha – A human paladin and nun appearing in ch.71. She requests new weapons from Tatara after past battles damaged hers. The order sends her under church duty. Works with Tatara and Dahlia as ally. Close to Ranka. Strong, polite, and fearless.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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