Shop 16.1

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Chapter 16.1. Slender Beauty Priestess In The Wilderness

"Phew... looks like I'll manage for a while with this."

A sigh of relief escaped after concluding a lucrative deal of 210,000 yen.

Currently, I'm sitting by the River Liberi. 

Part of the reason is what Cherina mentioned; I wanted to have some knowledge about the town's layout.

Passing through the slum district was a bit nerve-wracking, but given the poor security around my apartment back home, I was somewhat accustomed to such an atmosphere.

The key when walking in such places is to stand tall, not hunching your back or looking timid. I walk, projecting strength. 

Most of the time, this tactic works.

If not, just run with all your might.

My current funds is 213,249 yen.

When I got transported to this world, I wondered how things would turn out, but it seemed I could manage to survive somehow.

Should I become a bottle collector at this rate?

Now, it's crucial not to waste money, but as promised, let's go buy those shoes. Frankly, sandals are terribly uncomfortable.

Stones easily get in, and it's only slightly better than going barefoot.

"… You're back again?"

The shoemaker looked up, puzzled.

"Yeah, I didn't like the hassle from earlier. Sell me those."

I threw 14,000 yen, a gold coin, and four silver coins.

"Huh? Your attitude is quite different from earlier."

"I came as a merchant before. Now, I'm just a customer."

Or maybe I was just tired of the sales smile.

Come to think of it, dealing with the guild requires a merchant's face, but I didn't need to be a merchant to buy shoes.

"Not enough... need two more silver coins."

"I said I don't want trouble, right?"

The shoemaker sighed.

"Then hand over the shoes you were wearing until a while ago. If they're broken, that's fine at this price."

Shoes? Oh, he means the synthetic leather shoes.

I reached into the bag and took them out from the container. I stored them just in case.

"Hmm, unusual leather. Well, show me your foot; I'll fit them for you."

As I put my foot out, he efficiently fitted the short boots.

"Tie the leather here to keep the sand out. Extra laces are sold separately."

He sold me two for 300 yen.

My remaining funds is 198,949 yen.

"Thank you."

My gratitude was entirely absent.

Did I negotiate too hard, perhaps?

As I was about to start exploring the town, I stored the sandals and leather laces in the container.

Come to think of it, I opened the SHOP list out of curiosity, and it added some items.

'Bark Sandals = 400 yen'

'Leather Lace (60 cm) = 70 yen'

'Medium Hemp Bag = 850 yen'

I was definitely being overcharged!

I wanted to scream at the clear blue sky.

――――

Having made such a mistake, I reconsidered if I even needed to shop in this world forcibly.

"Come to think of it, my divinity leveled up, not just once, but twice."

That means I might be able to handle more items now.

"Yeah... hiking shoes."

-Approval granted. New items added to SHOP-

I didn't expect much, but it seemed I got approval.

Checking the list, they were indeed added.

'Hiking Shoes = 19,820 yen'

Oh, I should have gone with these from the beginning.

Actually, the short boots I bought from the street vendor weren't that comfortable. 

They were much better than sandals but felt more like wearing bags on my feet than actual shoes.

It's a bit wasteful, but...

I discreetly purchased the hiking shoes and socks.

My remaining funds is 178,829 yen.

Well, I can keep the short boots as a spare.

Yeah, the comfort level is on a different level.

Initially, I thought I should conform to the attire of this world, but their shoes are impossible.

I'm sure the upper garments aren't easy to wear either.

Moreover, I was negotiating on the level of business dealings every time I bought an item. 

I don't know the market, so I'd end up getting ripped off.

Well, maybe it's okay to stand out a bit. Ignorance is bliss.

With a somewhat reckless attitude, I stood up and started walking to find the church.

Of course, all of this was happening without me realizing that there was a shadow watching my every move.

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