CH 150

Episode 150 – Summons from the Grandma

It was the day after I had finished my final training session with Kirty. Perhaps because I had cried so much with Kirty yesterday, I was able to fall asleep soundly for the first time in a while without getting sleep paralysis. The fatigue still remained in my body, but I felt much more refreshed when I opened my eyes.

I lightly washed my face and then searched for my wooden sword out of pure habit. Before long, I realized that I had already packed it into my luggage, so I couldn’t take it out. More than that though, I didn’t even have the time to be practicing my sword right now.

Today as well, maybe Kirty would be outside the inn waiting, ready to teach me swordsmanship as usual…

When I vividly imagined that everyday routine that had become such a habit, I suddenly felt a pang of loneliness.

…No, no!

Clapping myself on the cheeks to shake myself out of the heavy mood I was feeling, I picked myself up and went to prepare breakfast. This was no time to be feeling sentimental. If I took too long, I would be stuck camping outside for the night. If it was just me, it would be fine, but since I requested an escort, I had to avoid that at all costs.

Quickly shoveling down a bowl of Dumbbell Weed curry that I had made yesterday, I immediately grabbed my luggage and left the rundown inn.

All things considered, I felt really grateful towards this inn. I found this place by coincidence back when my livelihood was still in dangerous straits and wasn’t sure if I would be able to survive to see the next day. Due to the ramshackle, worn-down condition of this place, I had initially decided to leave as soon as I had saved enough money, but the old man who owned the place was kind enough to let me stay until the end. They graciously lent me the garden in front of the inn every morning, and even though my room often emitted a strong smell, they always laughed it off and forgave me, which made the place even more comfortable to me.

Reminiscing about the warm memories that I shared with this rundown inn and its owner, I bowed in gratitude to the owner’s room before leaving the inn. I had already completed the checkout procedures after all. I really wanted to greet him one last time before I departed, but it was too early in the morning to do so. On the table in my room, I left some extra money for any inconveniences I might have caused during my stay here, and I hoped the old man would use it well.

I made my way to Elf’s Tears in a warm, sentimental mood. In the last week, I had been with Kirty the whole time, so I hadn’t been able to see the grandma at all. I was on my way to Elf’s Tears because, apart from planning to say my goodbyes, I had also been asked to show up before I left.

As I walked through the familiar streets of Grezesta that I had become so fond of, I tried to burn the cherished scenery of the cityscape into my memories. Before long, I arrived at Elf’s Tears on the outskirts of town.

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It was quite early in the morning, but the grandma seemed to be making potions, since I could catch the scent of a natural fragrance that reminded me of a forest. I opened the door as if I was being lured in by the smell, but the grandma wasn’t at the counter, so I made my way to the back room in a familiar manner.

When I entered the back room, I found the grandma concentrating on the potion she was brewing with a serious look on her face. She didn’t seem to notice me, so I waited until she reached a stopping point before calling out to her.

“Grandma, good morning.” (Lewin)

“Ahh!! You scared me! Lewin, you came!” (Grandma)

The grandma turned to look at me in surprise. When she saw me, she smiled. Every time I saw her gentle smile, it warmed my heart.

“Sorry. I ended up not showing up until the day I was leaving.” (Lewin)

What did she want by calling me here?

I couldn’t even begin to guess what she had in mind.

“Lewin. Sorry, but can you wait for a bit? I just need to finish this potion.” (Grandma)

“Of course, it’s fine. I’ll watch from back here!” (Lewin)

I stood a little bit behind the grandma and watched as she brewed the potion. As expected… her skill was worlds apart from mine. Even though it looked like such a simple task, I was so impressed by her skillfulness in its execution that I felt like I could watch it forever. I would never get tired of seeing the techniques of masters.

“…..Phew. Finally done. Sorry for making you wait, Lewin.” (Grandma)

“Not at all. Watching you is always very interesting and enlightening, so don’t worry about it!” (Lewin)

After she had resumed the brewing process, she had finished in about 30 minutes. Judging from the color and the grandma’s state, I felt like this was a Top-grade Recovery Potion. I wanted to try making one too, but I didn’t think my current skills were up to par, even if I was being supervised by the grandma.

“Well then, I’ll cut to the real matter at hand… wait here just a second.” (Grandma)

After she said that to me, she got up from her chair and walked upstairs slowly. A few minutes later, the grandma came back downstairs with a large box in her hand.

“…Ooof. The reason I summoned you here was to give this to you.” (Grandma)

“…What could this box be…?” (Lewin)

“Kukuku. Are you curious? This is the set of equipment I used to use when I was younger. Even though it would be a hand-me-down, I think it should fit your body type perfectly, so you can use it if you’d like.” (Grandma)

After that, the grandma opened the box… inside was a number of awesome-looking pieces of equipment.