Chapter 45: Lagritte (5)

Chapter 45: Lagritte (5)

How is it?

Hamals eyes sparkled. His gaze was a mixture of confidence and anticipation as if he wanted a certain reaction from me.

I didnt need to pretend.

Its great?

The sword I held in my hand was satisfying. It felt comfortable in my palm, without any discomfort.

The sword made by the dwarf excelled in balance, strength, and predictability.

Even though it was my first time holding the sword, it felt very familiar, as if I had been using it for a long time.

Perhaps my reaction didnt excite Hamal as much as he expected because he pouted his lips.

Is that all? Ugh, I worked hard to make it

It was a half-playful tantrum, but there seemed to be some sincerity mixed in it. I replied with a faint smile.

Its perfect.

You should have said that from the beginning. Now youre just flattering me.

I was slightly taken aback by the harmless teasing. I refrained from saying too much due to my gaming experiences.

The dwarves I had encountered didnt like flowery compliments and preferred objective evaluations.

The weapon was excellent, but it couldnt be compared to a renowned famous sword.

It seemed that Hamal had become a bit more human than I initially thought.

Hes always been reserved in his expressions.

Such people are truly skilled.

Phiris words led to an immediate change in Hamals demeanor, and he playfully agreed. I barely held back my laughter.

Afterward, I tried holding a dagger and a short sword before moving on to equipment.

Hamal spread out the equipment on the desk. I didnt have high expectations, anyway.

Since the main focus was the weapon, I considered the rest as supplementary items.

The basic clothes and cape coat looked ordinary. Many mercenaries and adventurers wore them.

However, the saddle next to them seemed a bit out of place.

Theres nothing special about the clothes you wear underneath. The material is better than what you can find outside, and it helps maintain body temperature well.

Hamal said as he casually tapped the clothes with his thick palm, showing little interest.

It seemed that he didnt make the clothes himself.

However, these two are a bit special. I made them myself.

Stop showing off.

As expected, Phiri couldnt resist throwing a jab. Hamal frowned and grumbled.

Why are you like this in front of him? You know that what I made is of good quality.

Who said that? Its just embarrassing. If you give it to him without saying anything, hell probably say, Wow, its so nice! without a word.

Thats because I dont meet many people. What do you expect? Im stuck in a small room all the time.

Hamal let out a deep sigh with a resentful expression.

It seemed like Phiris attempt to evoke sympathy backfired as I couldnt help but chuckle.

Why? Should I move you to a place other than Lagritte? Somewhere with more people?

Never mind.

It was time to intervene, so I pretended to be interested and picked up the cape coat.

Whats different about this one?

Hamal approached me again, his eyes shining with excitement.

This cape coat has more storage space inside compared to what you see on the outside.

True to his words, the opened coat had compartments where various weapons and tools could be stored.

Even if you move vigorously, it wont be too uncomfortable. I took great care in designing it. Try putting it on.

I followed Hamals instructions and put on the cape coat, moving around as he suggested. Just as he said, it felt fine.

See, its okay?

Yes, its fine.

The important thing is this.

Hamal pointed to the small strings hanging inside my sleeve.

You dont need to reach inside the coat. For example, when using a smoke bomb, you can do it like this

As Hamal pulled the string, there was a soft sound, and a hidden compartment inside the cape coat loosened.

This way, you can drop what you want right where you need it. Its all about how you use it.

Several methods quickly crossed my mind. Depending on the situation, I could use it without arousing any suspicion.

Perhaps it could also serve as a role for distracting adversaries.

And if you move your left arm like this

Wow.

In an instant, the cape coat sharply fluttered backward.

Considering the material, it could be considered an attack from behind. I liked this feature as well.

Yes.

This was a bit concerning.

Apart from being separated from Phiri, there was also the aspect of knowing the future.

Of course, it could be an excessive sense of anxiety. We couldnt continue to stay together forever, after all.

If Phiri had to go through it, I would too.

Dont worry too much. The Chief of Intelligence is showing interest in the Northern region, which includes the Empire. We wont act recklessly.

I regained my composure as I thought about it calmly.

Meanwhile, the Leader took out a small box from under the desk.

And this is your reward for successfully completing the mission.

Huh? What is it? I dont have anything like that.

Phiri also showed interest when I asked curiously.

Its an elixir. Theres one for you too, so dont act so surprised. Its not that great, so dont expect too much.

Okay. Thank you.

Phiri smiled contentedly. Even someone as strong as Phiri couldnt resist the temptation of elixirs. I could understand that.

Anything to get a little stronger.

Carlyn, wait outside for a moment.

Okay.

I stepped out into the corridor and waited. I couldnt hear any sound from inside.

It seemed like magic was in play.

About five minutes passed like that.

Phiri opened the door, walked toward me, and put the paper in her pocket. I couldnt read her expression.

I asked cautiously,

Is something serious?

Phiri stared at me for a moment. I felt like I shouldnt have asked.

It was common sense not to ask about things that werent shared, and I had been doing that.

Even if she concluded that everything was fine, I still had lingering concerns.

Its nothing serious. After we take the elixirs and rest for two days, we will depart.

Where are we going?

We have to go back the way we came. Its in the southeast of the Empire. Well join other agents there. Well discuss the details later.

I nodded.

Dont worry too much about being apart from me. Youre capable.

Im not worried.

In response, Phiri was looking at me playfully.

It wasnt that kind of worry though

Just do as youve been doing.

I nodded. After all, it was my first mission as an Inquisitor.

I wouldnt take on the role of the one in charge, but I had to do well.

I needed to show that I could excel even in Phiris absence.

There was a chance that people might misunderstand and think that Phiri had taken care of me.

Give me the box you received earlier. Lets see whats inside.

In less than five seconds after handing her the box, I saw a hint of disappointment in Phiris eyes.

Ugh, what is this?

He told us its not anything great.

Still, I thought they would show some appreciation for what we did. Anyway, this is so underwhelming.

I tried to hold back a grin as I teased Phiri.

Where did you receive yours?

Well, about that

Two days passed quickly. We made efforts to recover from fatigue and absorb the effects of the elixirs.

Since Phiri couldnt tell me where she was going, we decided to part ways at the plaza.

At the last moment, I struggled and finally spoke.

Phiri, be careful, okay?

Huh?

Phiri looked at me for a second and then burst into laughter.

Youre worried about me? You should be careful since youll be away from me.

I chuckled awkwardly. The chances were low, but I still had lingering concerns.

Just take care of yourself.

Phiris words werent wrong. I didnt know what would happen, but I had to do well on this mission.

After all, thats what Haisen had failed to do in the game.

1. TLN: Right now, I dont know exactly what (indigo) exactly means. Perhaps its a codename for something. Im not sure. But if you guys know what means in this sentence: . Let me know, please.