Volume 5 - CH 17.1

Chapter 17 – Departure

Having shaken off Iris and the others, Ilmina and I found ourselves at an accessory shop. The shop assistant was initially surprised upon seeing Ilmina, but after looking at me, their expression seemed to convey a sense of understanding. 

“Thank you for saving Holy City from the devils”, the shop assistant bowed, and I replied, “Don’t worry about it”, as we looked around the shop.

“So, Ilmina, what type of accessories do you like?”

At my question, Ilmina touched her lips with her index finger and replied, “Well…”

“I prefer simple and cute things over flashy ones.”

“So you don’t like flashy stuff?”

“It’s not that I dislike it, but it gives off this… overly wealthy vibe…”

Ah, I can understand that feeling.

“So you feel the same, Ilmina?”

“You mean, you feel the same way, Haruto?”

I nodded at Ilmina’s words.

“Yeah. I don’t like bulky, gaudy accessories either.”

“Do most men feel that way too?”

I nodded without hesitation at Ilmina’s question. It’s just a personal preference, but I don’t have a very good impression of such accessories.

“I’m glad. I’m not good with flashy accessories either, and while I would be happy to receive it as a gift from Haruto, wearing it would be a bit of a problem.”

Ilmina said this with a smile. I felt like I could make a promise to never wear bulky accessories for the rest of my life just to protect this smile. In fact, I decided not to!

As I was thinking about this, Ilmina hesitantly opened her mouth.

“Haruto?”

“What’s up?”

“Could you help me choose which accessory to get?”

Ilmina looked at me with hopeful eyes. Naturally looking up at me, due to our height difference. I quickly replied.

“Of course!”

“Thank you!”

My response may have been a bit more spirited than necessary, but seeing Ilmina’s happiness, I took it as a win. I began looking through the accessories in the store one by one. Then, one particular accessory caught my eye. It was a silver ring with a greenish hue, designed to resemble a wreath, adorned with small pink and yellow flowers. I immediately showed it to Ilmina.

“What do you think of this one, Ilmina?”

“It’s beautiful and stylish. Plus, it’s simple and cute.”

That settled it. It’s bound to suit such a pure and beautiful girl like her. I told the shop assistant, “I’ll take this one.”

“Right away.”

The shop assistant took the item out of the glass case and showed it to me for confirmation.

“Seeing it up close, it looks really beautiful.”

“Yes, it truly is.”

Hearing our conversation, the shop assistant smiled.

“This is a masterpiece created by a skilled artisan who spent several months crafting it. As expected of a hero, you have a great eye. It will suit the Saint very well.”

The other shop assistants nodded in agreement. We proceeded to check out, and honestly, I was taken aback by the price. It cost two platinum coins, equivalent to about 200 million yen. I hesitated for a moment, but an expense of this level wouldn’t hurt my wallet in the slightest. In fact, I felt relieved to have an opportunity to use some of the rewards I’ve been receiving. I should be careful, though, my sense of money might be getting skewed.

“I had no idea it would be so expensive…”

On the other hand, Ilmina was bewildered by the high price.

“Don’t worry about it. There’s no point in having money if you don’t use it. That’s what it’s for.”

With that, I took out the platinum coins from my storage and paid. Then, without further ado, I received the accessory and put it on the ring finger of Ilmina’s left hand. Blushing, she brought the newly placed ring up to her face to admire it. She must be really happy; her mouth softened into a smile. I’m glad I bought it.

“By the way, does this accessory have a name?”

The shop assistant nodded in response.

“Yes, it’s called the ‘Ring of Sacred Flowers.'”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. We look forward to your next visit.”

Ilmina and I left the shop. Before we knew it, it was already past noon. I spoke to Ilmina, who was still admiring her ring.

“What do you want to do? Head back to the cathedral a bit early?”

“Yes, I think so. I’ve enjoyed myself enough, and it’s been a fulfilling day.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

At my words, Ilmina smiled and nodded.

“Thank you for the ring. I’ll treasure it.”

“Sure thing. Can I take a look at the ring for a moment?”

I took Ilmina’s left hand and enchanted the ring with magic. A faint light shone, but it quickly subsided.

“What did you just do?”

“I enchanted it with ‘Antidote’ and ‘Automatic Mana Recovery.'”

Ilmina’s face showed surprise.

“I can enchant items too. The automatic mana recovery is slow, so be mindful of that.”

“Thank you so much!”

Ilmina, truly grateful, clenched her hand tightly.