As I was waiting for Alice in the front yard, I looked at the wide sky. Over the west forest loomed a pile of dark clouds. I’m no expert, but I would predict rain in the near future. I just hope we have enough time for the date, before the rain comes. Alice would be sad if we had to cancel this thing because of the weather. If the rain starts, I’ll just have to call on Overdrive again and get Alice back here without getting her completely wet.
“Brian, I’m ready.” Alice called me as she stepped outside.
…wow. She is pretty. I think she is trying to impress me.
Alice didn’t usually wear makeup (at least I think so) and her blond hair was usually just down, reacting to her upper back, but not today. Her hair was double braided at the sides, letting the middle flow out. She also had some light makeup on. And unlike last time, this time she was wearing a dress. Similar to ones I saw some of the ladies wear around town, but hers was embroidered. The base dress was green and lengthwise reached just below her knee. It had simple embroidery that reminded me of dandelions that were letting out seeds. I think dandelions are more appreciated in this world, if they get embroidered on dresses. Or they are a completely different flower that I just don’t know.
“...are you going to say something?” Alice asked carefully.
“...I’m sorry. It just took me a second to take it all in. You are beautiful.” I told Alice.
Her charm was different from Lucia. Lucia had this almost succubus aura that just forced me to keep my eyes on her, but Alice had more of a cute aura. I think it fits her better. I’m not sure she is ready to be super sexy yet.
“Thank you.” She blushed a little.
“Miss, make sure you take this with you.” Jenna said as she handed Alice her hoodie. I guess it would be necessary. It is still spring time here, so the days are not the warmest. Going out in just a short sleeved dress would get chilly. Thankfully she was wearing tights so her legs wouldn’t freeze.
“Brian,” Alice walked over to me with the hoodie in hand. “Would you put it on me?”
“Sure.” I took it and opened it up, helping Alice slide her hands in one at a time.
“Thank you, Brian.” She said as she took my hand. “Now, let’s go!”
“You don’t need to run.” I said to her as I tried to slow her down.
“Where are we going to go?” Alice asked.
“...I have no idea, actually. This town doesn’t really have good date spots. Or at least I don’t know of them. We could head to the main square. That’s the only spot I can think of. Unless you want to head to the adventurer’s guild.” I told Alice.
“I thought you had a plan.” She complained.
“How would I have one? I barely know this town and a small town like this doesn’t really have date spots.” I reminded her.
“But I wanted to have a nice date. Eat some food and enjoy the views.” Alice argued.
“We can still get some food.” I told her. “And I think we can eat at that inn at the main square. I’ve heard it has the best food in town. I don’t know if that accounts for the food at your house though.”
“... but what about seeing nice views?” Alice asked.
“Hmm… I guess if we tell the guards and stuff I could take you flying on one of my summons, but I’m not sure. I kind of freaked people out yesterday.” I told her.
I think it might be fine if we just use something other than a dragon. Perhaps it is time I sleeve up Cyber Falcon and try him out. Or I could ask Dark Sage if he can help us with something like a levitation spell.
“But, then we can’t do anything… I got dressed up for nothing.” Alice complained.
“I’m sure we can find something to do.” I told her. “And if there is nothing to do here, I’ll take you on another date in a larger city.”
“Do you promise? You will do it, won’t you?” She came onto me.
“As long as I get the permission to take you somewhere, or if you have another reason to go somewhere, I definitely will.” I promised Alice.
“...why do we need permission? You could just steal me away.” Alice offered.
“This isn’t a romantic novel.” I told Alice. “Kidnapping would be the last resort.”
“Does that mean you’ll think about it?” She asked.
“If your father goes insane again, I just might.” I teased. I did consider it earlier, so it wouldn’t be so far-fetched.
“I’ll believe in you. I won’t break even if Father gets angry again.” She said with determination. “I know you will come to rescue me.”
We walked hand in hand through the town streets. Because of the amount of nothing here, I was just defaulting to walking towards the adventurers guild. It was almost on the way to the main square anyway. Why did I agree to this? I had no plan in the first place, so what are we supposed to do? I feel bad that Alice got all dressed up for this.
“Look Brian, it’s that shop we stopped at last time.” Alice said to me.
Oh, the Traveling wonder. It’s where we stopped last time. I was actually meaning to stop there one day to trade a fanny pack for that magic flask. That way I wouldn’t be a thief.
“Do you want to go in?” I asked.
“Will you buy me something?” She asked as she looked me in my eyes. I think she was trying to use puppy-dog-eyes, but she wasn’t that great at it.
“I guess I can.” I gave in. Well, if memory serves, the shopkeeper said he would pay 100 gold for my fanny pack and the flask was worth around 50 gold. That would leave another 50 to play with, even if I gave him a good deal.
With my willingness to pay revealed to Alice, she practically dragged me into the store. I hope she can find something she likes.
“Welcome.” The shopkeeper welcomed us as we walked in. “Oh, it’s you. Good to see you again.”
“Hello….” What was his name again? Did he even introduce himself? Laura?
(I have no information about his name.) Laura told me.
“Oh.” The shopkeeper seemed to catch on. “I guess I didn’t introduce myself last time. My name is Lawrence.”
“Hello Lawrence. I’m Brian and this is Alice.” I introduced us to him.
“I know. You are famous Brian. I don’t think any shopkeeper that wouldn’t know your name. And even if it is rare, I’ve lived here for long enough to see Lady Alice at the fall festivals.” Lawrence told me.
I think Alice did mention them. That was the only time she was taken outside the manor grounds. And even then she was basically held in a carriage.
“So, what are you looking for?” Lawrence asked. “Here to buy that magic flask? If you got money for the wyverns, you should be able to afford it.”
“I didn’t get the sale price for the wyverns yet.” I admitted. “But I do have something to trade.” I told him as I unclasped one of the fanny packs that I had on me. I need to get rid of them before I’m a full fanny pack monster.
“Would this be your magic bag?” Lawrence asked. “I thought you said you wouldn’t trade it.”
“I got some more of them.” I told him.
“Where would you acquire such things? I don’t believe you have left the town for some other place.” He asked.
“22_090” I answered. The number or whatever of my dungeon. It doesn’t have a name yet, as I wanted to name it with Christina when I’ll make her the dungeon master.
“What is that?” He asked.
“A dungeon. Have you not heard of it?” I asked.
“But I’ve never heard of a dungeon with a name like that. Where would it be located?”
“About a four hour walk away from town, in the overgrown forest.” I told him. “Have you really not heard of it?”
“... you mean to say… that there is a dungeon in the forest.” He seemed surprised. “And it can produce superior items like these.”
Superior? I don’t think it’s that great. It might be compact in size and easy to carry, but it lacks storage capacity. The one held by Alex from Prime Rib could fit an entire bison. There is no way it would fit in mine. Even Rico was able to throw three goblins into his bag. I think they might fit in mine, but they would take up most of the space.
“Well, that’s where I got mine from.” I told him. “Do you want to trade? I’ll give this for that magic flask.”
“Wouldn’t that basically be me robbing you?” Lawrence asked.
“Well not really. It’s more like I’m giving you a good deal.” I answered.
“Then allow me to give you the flask and fifty gold for that bag.” He said to me.
… I guess I could just agree, but after basically robbing him earlier, I want him to get a better deal.
“How about just forty?” I offered.
“You are asking for less? Why?” He asked.
“I just took advantage of you last time.” I admitted. “So I want to give you a good deal in return. And I think that flask is worth more than the fifty gold you said it’s worth.”
“...well, I suppose you are right. But it was given to me for free with the condition that I would sell it to an aspiring adventurer for a cheap price.” He told me. I thought he bought it.
“...fine. I’ll take the flask and fifty gold for this.” I told him.
“Sure. Just give me a second. I’ll get you the money.” He said as he entered a back room.
“Brian.” Alice came up to me. She had been checking out the wares in the store while I was haggling with Lawrence. “We are on a date and you just ignore me. Who does that?” She came to me.
“I’m sorry.” I apologized. “Did you find anything you like?”
“Yes. Now buy it for me as an apology.” She demanded.
“I guess I can. Please show me what it is.” I said and Alice took me to a corner of the store.
“Please get me this.” Alice said, pointing at a wooden staff. Is that a magician’s staff?
As I was waiting for Alice in the front yard, I looked at the wide sky. Over the west forest loomed a pile of dark clouds. I’m no expert, but I would predict rain in the near future. I just hope we have enough time for the date, before the rain comes. Alice would be sad if we had to cancel this thing because of the weather. If the rain starts, I’ll just have to call on Overdrive again and get Alice back here without getting her completely wet.
“Brian, I’m ready.” Alice called me as she stepped outside.
…wow. She is pretty. I think she is trying to impress me.
Alice didn’t usually wear makeup (at least I think so) and her blond hair was usually just down, reacting to her upper back, but not today. Her hair was double braided at the sides, letting the middle flow out. She also had some light makeup on. And unlike last time, this time she was wearing a dress. Similar to ones I saw some of the ladies wear around town, but hers was embroidered. The base dress was green and lengthwise reached just below her knee. It had simple embroidery that reminded me of dandelions that were letting out seeds. I think dandelions are more appreciated in this world, if they get embroidered on dresses. Or they are a completely different flower that I just don’t know.
“...are you going to say something?” Alice asked carefully.
“...I’m sorry. It just took me a second to take it all in. You are beautiful.” I told Alice.
Her charm was different from Lucia. Lucia had this almost succubus aura that just forced me to keep my eyes on her, but Alice had more of a cute aura. I think it fits her better. I’m not sure she is ready to be super sexy yet.
“Thank you.” She blushed a little.
“Miss, make sure you take this with you.” Jenna said as she handed Alice her hoodie. I guess it would be necessary. It is still spring time here, so the days are not the warmest. Going out in just a short sleeved dress would get chilly. Thankfully she was wearing tights so her legs wouldn’t freeze.
“Brian,” Alice walked over to me with the hoodie in hand. “Would you put it on me?”
“Sure.” I took it and opened it up, helping Alice slide her hands in one at a time.
“Thank you, Brian.” She said as she took my hand. “Now, let’s go!”
“You don’t need to run.” I said to her as I tried to slow her down.
“Where are we going to go?” Alice asked.
“...I have no idea, actually. This town doesn’t really have good date spots. Or at least I don’t know of them. We could head to the main square. That’s the only spot I can think of. Unless you want to head to the adventurer’s guild.” I told Alice.
“I thought you had a plan.” She complained.
“How would I have one? I barely know this town and a small town like this doesn’t really have date spots.” I reminded her.
“But I wanted to have a nice date. Eat some food and enjoy the views.” Alice argued.
“We can still get some food.” I told her. “And I think we can eat at that inn at the main square. I’ve heard it has the best food in town. I don’t know if that accounts for the food at your house though.”
“... but what about seeing nice views?” Alice asked.
“Hmm… I guess if we tell the guards and stuff I could take you flying on one of my summons, but I’m not sure. I kind of freaked people out yesterday.” I told her.
I think it might be fine if we just use something other than a dragon. Perhaps it is time I sleeve up Cyber Falcon and try him out. Or I could ask Dark Sage if he can help us with something like a levitation spell.
“But, then we can’t do anything… I got dressed up for nothing.” Alice complained.
“I’m sure we can find something to do.” I told her. “And if there is nothing to do here, I’ll take you on another date in a larger city.”
“Do you promise? You will do it, won’t you?” She came onto me.
“As long as I get the permission to take you somewhere, or if you have another reason to go somewhere, I definitely will.” I promised Alice.
“...why do we need permission? You could just steal me away.” Alice offered.
“This isn’t a romantic novel.” I told Alice. “Kidnapping would be the last resort.”
“Does that mean you’ll think about it?” She asked.
“If your father goes insane again, I just might.” I teased. I did consider it earlier, so it wouldn’t be so far-fetched.
“I’ll believe in you. I won’t break even if Father gets angry again.” She said with determination. “I know you will come to rescue me.”
We walked hand in hand through the town streets. Because of the amount of nothing here, I was just defaulting to walking towards the adventurers guild. It was almost on the way to the main square anyway. Why did I agree to this? I had no plan in the first place, so what are we supposed to do? I feel bad that Alice got all dressed up for this.
“Look Brian, it’s that shop we stopped at last time.” Alice said to me.
Oh, the Traveling wonder. It’s where we stopped last time. I was actually meaning to stop there one day to trade a fanny pack for that magic flask. That way I wouldn’t be a thief.
“Do you want to go in?” I asked.
“Will you buy me something?” She asked as she looked me in my eyes. I think she was trying to use puppy-dog-eyes, but she wasn’t that great at it.
“I guess I can.” I gave in. Well, if memory serves, the shopkeeper said he would pay 100 gold for my fanny pack and the flask was worth around 50 gold. That would leave another 50 to play with, even if I gave him a good deal.
With my willingness to pay revealed to Alice, she practically dragged me into the store. I hope she can find something she likes.
“Welcome.” The shopkeeper welcomed us as we walked in. “Oh, it’s you. Good to see you again.”
“Hello….” What was his name again? Did he even introduce himself? Laura?
(I have no information about his name.) Laura told me.
“Oh.” The shopkeeper seemed to catch on. “I guess I didn’t introduce myself last time. My name is Lawrence.”
“Hello Lawrence. I’m Brian and this is Alice.” I introduced us to him.
“I know. You are famous Brian. I don’t think any shopkeeper that wouldn’t know your name. And even if it is rare, I’ve lived here for long enough to see Lady Alice at the fall festivals.” Lawrence told me.
I think Alice did mention them. That was the only time she was taken outside the manor grounds. And even then she was basically held in a carriage.
“So, what are you looking for?” Lawrence asked. “Here to buy that magic flask? If you got money for the wyverns, you should be able to afford it.”
“I didn’t get the sale price for the wyverns yet.” I admitted. “But I do have something to trade.” I told him as I unclasped one of the fanny packs that I had on me. I need to get rid of them before I’m a full fanny pack monster.
“Would this be your magic bag?” Lawrence asked. “I thought you said you wouldn’t trade it.”
“I got some more of them.” I told him.
“Where would you acquire such things? I don’t believe you have left the town for some other place.” He asked.
“22_090” I answered. The number or whatever of my dungeon. It doesn’t have a name yet, as I wanted to name it with Christina when I’ll make her the dungeon master.
“What is that?” He asked.
“A dungeon. Have you not heard of it?” I asked.
“But I’ve never heard of a dungeon with a name like that. Where would it be located?”
“About a four hour walk away from town, in the overgrown forest.” I told him. “Have you really not heard of it?”
“... you mean to say… that there is a dungeon in the forest.” He seemed surprised. “And it can produce superior items like these.”
Superior? I don’t think it’s that great. It might be compact in size and easy to carry, but it lacks storage capacity. The one held by Alex from Prime Rib could fit an entire bison. There is no way it would fit in mine. Even Rico was able to throw three goblins into his bag. I think they might fit in mine, but they would take up most of the space.
“Well, that’s where I got mine from.” I told him. “Do you want to trade? I’ll give this for that magic flask.”
“Wouldn’t that basically be me robbing you?” Lawrence asked.
“Well not really. It’s more like I’m giving you a good deal.” I answered.
“Then allow me to give you the flask and fifty gold for that bag.” He said to me.
… I guess I could just agree, but after basically robbing him earlier, I want him to get a better deal.
“How about just forty?” I offered.
“You are asking for less? Why?” He asked.
“I just took advantage of you last time.” I admitted. “So I want to give you a good deal in return. And I think that flask is worth more than the fifty gold you said it’s worth.”
“...well, I suppose you are right. But it was given to me for free with the condition that I would sell it to an aspiring adventurer for a cheap price.” He told me. I thought he bought it.
“...fine. I’ll take the flask and fifty gold for this.” I told him.
“Sure. Just give me a second. I’ll get you the money.” He said as he entered a back room.
“Brian.” Alice came up to me. She had been checking out the wares in the store while I was haggling with Lawrence. “We are on a date and you just ignore me. Who does that?” She came to me.
“I’m sorry.” I apologized. “Did you find anything you like?”
“Yes. Now buy it for me as an apology.” She demanded.
“I guess I can. Please show me what it is.” I said and Alice took me to a corner of the store.
“Please get me this.” Alice said, pointing at a wooden staff. Is that a magician’s staff?
