The Spearmaster and the Black Cat-Novel

Chapter 133 – Carelessness Part 1

Our impromptu party, 【Innocent Arms】, makes a safe return to the surface.

We decide to postpone the appraisal of the looted items and head to the guild first.

I guess it’s just past noon.

Sunlight for the first time in three days.

“I’m looking forward to the item appraisal! Let’s hurry to the guild!” (Rebecca)

“Nn.” (Eva)

Rebecca happily pushes Eva’s wheelchair out onto the street. We proceed via the First Ring Road and its open-air market.

Those two have gotten quite close.

We pass through the bustling guild that’s flooded with adventurers and line up at the reception.

After waiting a few minutes, all of us hand in our guild cards, the magic stones, and the items required for the requests.

We place the items we gathered onto the reception desk in individual piles, sorted by request.

“This is an amazing amount. I will calculate the total, so please wait a moment.”

“Nya.”

Although Rollo answers the receptionist from atop my shoulder, the beastwoman ignores it and prioritizes her work.

She jots down notes on paper while checking the materials and magic stones, then swiftly turns around.

I don’t know if she was moving towards the guild’s inner area with a skill, but she continues her work briskly.

After waiting for a bit,

“Thank you for waiting. Here’s your reward.”

I receive the reward from the receptionist.

It’s a bag filled to the brim with gold coins.

We got this much money without even selling the Black Sweetwater.

I look at my adventurer’s card after getting it back.

Name: Shuuya Kagari

Age: 22

Title: Dragon Slayer

Race: Human

Occupation: C-Rank Adventurer

Affiliation: none

Combat Occupation: Spear Warrior – Chain User

Completed Requests: 30

I have thirty finished requests now. I feel a slight sense of accomplishment.

With this, I should be able to take the test for rising to B-Rank, but for now, I won’t.

As I’m looking at the adventurer’s card, I hear Rebecca’s delighted voice.

“Look at all that gold, fufufu.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca’s sky-blue eyes, they’re pretty. I feel like they are slightly wasted on her, seeing her showing an expression so filled with greed.

Now then, adventurers are queued behind us, so I think we should move to the waiting room.

There are many long, vertical benches open there.

“… Seeing as we are going to split the money, let’s move to the corner over there?” (Shuuya)

“You’re right.” (Rebecca)

“Nn.” (Eva)

Leaving the reception, we head over to the right corner.

A message board and several round, high tables have been placed there.

All of us gather around one of the tables.

I immediately place the gold coin bag on the table with a thud.

As I do so, the looks of the adventurers in the surroundings gather, but it can’t be helped.

“There’s also the Party Box, but let’s stay in touch through this message board for now.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca points at the message board.

“That makes sense. Let’s use it when we want to get in touch with each other or want to form a party?” (Shuuya)

“Nn, agreed. I will write next time.” (Eva)

Well then, I have to split the reward money, don’t I?

The coins have to be distributed to four people.

“… Well, given that we are going to split this among four people, everyone will get this much gold and this much silver. Do you guys agree?” (Shuuya)

“You’ll take slave Viine’s share, won’t you Shuuya?” (Rebecca)

“Nn, strange.” (Eva)

Rebecca and Eva have questioning looks.

I suppose I, her master, should take her reward.

Once I turn my gaze towards her, Viine lowers her slender chin and says after nodding,

“Master, you are supposed to take most of it.” (Viine)

Well, if that’s how things work around here, there’s no point in arguing.

“Got it. I will take Viine’s share. I will split it now.” (Shuuya)

I divide the money.

Eva stores the money into a bag in her item box with a serious look.

Rebecca puts it into her backpack as well.

I put my shares into my item box as well.

“Now my purse is full of money. All’s done, so let’s get to the fun appraisal.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca leaves the table while twirling her silver wand with a slender hand.

“Aye, guess we will do just that. Or rather, Rebecca, don’t drop that wand, okay?” (Shuuya)

“Humph, it will be alright~.” (Rebecca)

She sticks out her tongue at me and winks.

Just like that, she abruptly turns away and starts to walk towards the guild’s exit.

She comes close to bumping into another adventurer.

I won’t care even if your money gets stolen.

“… We’ll follow Rebecca and go to Suloza’s Old Sorcery Shop, okay?” (Shuuya)

“Nn.” (Eva)

“As you say.” (Viine)

We leave the guild and head towards 【Suloza’s Old Sorcery Shop】 where we appraised an item last time.

At that moment, I feel several presences following behind us.

Going for our money? I will ignore them for now.

Joining up with Rebecca, we hurry to the shop.

◇◇◇◇

When I open the elegant, reddish-brown, wooden door — a bell chimes.

Its oblong, cafe-like interior design hasn’t changed.

As we enter, a rich-looking client leaves the store.

When we descend the stairs at the entrance, the shopkeeper faces us with a calm expression while fiddling with his monocle.

“I see, so it’s the customers from the other day. Welcome.”

“Thanks. We’d like to get some more items appraised.” (Shuuya)

“Very well. The price is still five large copper coins per item.”

Somehow I feel like it was payment after service last time…

Oh well, whatever. I hand over the items and the money.

For the time being, I passed him the map as well.

Everyone hands in their respective items as well.

“Viine, give him yours as well. I will pay.” (Shuuya)

“Yes, I’m sorry.” (Viine)

With a slight delay, she hands in the sword with its conspicuous black scaled scabbard.

The shop’s owner equips the monocle and manipulates his mana.

Once mana passes through the monocle, its tip naturally narrows down, just like it did the other day.

The shopkeeper appraises the items silently, going through all the various items…

When he shifted his attention to the last item, the ring, the shopkeeper leaks a groan.

“This is…”

The ring has a big gem embedded in its center.

A design similar to a vortex of indigo-blue and white has been added to the gem.

The shopkeeper peeks at the blend of colors by firing a laser generated from the monocle.

“Amazing…”

What’s amazing about it?

Everyone perks up due to the casual comment of the shopkeeper.

Rebecca’s incredulous look is incredible; she creates fine wrinkles by bringing her golden eyebrows together.

She’s excited; her rough breathing comes out her nose giving her an aura that feels as if she could kill someone with her intense stare.

She’s slightly scary.

For a change, Eva stands up from her wheelchair, places her hands on the counter bar and shifts her gaze between the shopkeeper and the ring in alternation.

Even Viine, who’s next to me, opens her silver eyes wide.

Once the shopkeeper finishes the appraisal, he suddenly takes off his monocle.

He looks in our direction with a serious expression.

His face with its conspicuous laughing lines breaks into a broad grin.

“… Did you possibly loot this item from a gold chest?”

“Aww, not quite. It’s different. You know, as matter of fact…it appeared from a silver treasure chest! Amazing, isn’t it?” (Rebecca)

After bragging, Rebecca puffs out her not-existing chest, makes a victorious pose, and reveals a triumphant expression.

“I see. A silver treasure chest, huh? That makes sense. All of the appraised items are high-ranking. Among them, this ring is outstanding— It’s a Unique Class item, but it’s a magic item you could even categorize as Legendary Class. Its name is Mist’s Mirage. Only someone possessing the water attribute can equip it and moisture in the surroundings is necessary, but if those conditions are met, the magic ring will produce a mist clone of its owner upon use. It may be Unique Class, but it can be given a two-star appraisal certificate.”

Hee? The ring has a name like that?

Besides, for it to be limited to water attribute…is that fate?

I was correct in taking it for myself.

“A mist clone sure seems amazing, but it’s limited to water attribute holders, eh?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca mutters while looking at the ring.

Since I’m bothered by the appraisal certificate thing, I try asking about it.

“Is it better if there’s an appraisal certificate attached to an item?” (Shuuya)

“Of course. It’s convenient when you’re going to sell it at an auction or such. An ability listing is written on a special parchment according to my appraisal skill and the monocle’s results. That will serve as the appraisal certificate. It costs a bit; do you want me to prepare one for you?”

I guess I’m fine for now since I don’t plan to sell it at the moment.

“There’s no need for now. I understood about the ring’s mist mirage. Can I ask you to give us the names and light explanations about the other items as well?” (Shuuya)

I prompt the shopkeeper to continue explaining.

“Got it. I will start with this magic item, the silver, demonic steel wand. Its name is Silver Rally Magic Rod. Its appearance is that of silver, but it’s an item made out of silver demonic steel which is a higher grade of silver. It’s a silver-steel alloy with a quite impressive mana channeling ability. This wand itself bestows an increase in spell effectiveness. In addition, given that there are good quality magic gems with the wind and the fire attribute embedded in its tip, it allows the holder to shoot a ball of wind or fire without having to chant when mana is transferred into it. It should also increase the power of wind and fire attribute spells.”

As if serving coffee, the shopkeeper places the ring and the silver wand, which he finished to appraise, on top of the counter.

“Yaay, after seeing the magic gems embedded, I was sure it was something like that.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca picks up the silver, demonic steel wand and peeks at the two magic gems inserted at its tip.

Her face is all smiles.

She raises the silver wand as if holding up a trophy.

“Fufufu, finally, I too have got my hands on a wand that can cast chantlessly. It’s an indispensable weapon for those of the Sorcerer* and the Wizard class. I’m really happy. It even possesses spell efficiency increase. For me, this is the best wand.” (Rebecca) (T/N: Both seem to be higher ranks of Guidance Sorcery users)

Her blue eyes are sparkling.

She appears to be truly delighted. Her happiness is infectious.

“Indeed, it’s an excellent wand. Next up is this black, single-edged sword and the black scaled scabbard it came in. It’s a Unique Class with the name Black Snake. The blade has been enchanted with a spell through magic characters of poison. I don’t think it will inflict disease when it cuts, but instead will have an acid effect.”

As he talks in a casual manner, the shopkeeper places the single-edged sword, back in its scabbard, next to the Mist Mirage Ring.

“Black Snake, huh? Viine, this sword is yours.” (Shuuya)

“… Okay, but are you positive about bestowing such a gift upon me?” (Viine)

“It’s fine. Don’t make me say it a second time.” (Shuuya)

“I shall receive it gratefully!” (Viine)

“Hee, how kind and yet strict…” (Rebecca)

Rebecca whispers while squinting.

“Rebecca, Viine is Shuuya’s slave.” (Eva)

“Y-Yeah, I know.” (Rebecca)

Eva supports me with a quiet voice.

Rebecca glares at me with a sullen expression after getting rebuked by Eva.

Hey, hey…my behavior is correct here, okay?

Why are you getting in a bad mood over it?

As if interrupting my mental retorts, the shopkeeper’s somber voice resounds.

“… The next item is this one. Although it looks like a gold bar on a first glance, it’s a mineral called hard golden magic ore. If it’s refined, it turns into a useful metal with a high mana channeling capability that surpasses both spirit magic ore and demonic silver ore.”

“I knew.” (Eva)

Eva replies with an expression telling everyone That’s nothing new while looking at the mineral on the table.

“Next is the short-sleeved piece of clothing that was made out of demonic silver thread and spirit copper thread. You can call this a defensive wear unique to labyrinths. Even more than its anti-magic defence, it has high physical damage resistance. It’s an excellent piece of protective gear.”

The shopkeeper places the armored shirt that is shining silver back down.

So this is an item unique to the labyrinth, huh?

“Hee, it can’t be made?” (Shuuya)

“Yes. The technology to manufacture metal into such a thin fabric doesn’t exist anywhere. Even if you take it apart and examine it thoroughly, it will be impossible since the gauge of the wire is too fine. You would need an excellent blade to cut it, and if you don’t go as far as tearing it up, a hole won’t be even open up. Of course, if someone with mastery abilities comes at it, it will be torn like garbage, but…”

“That’s awesome.”

“Shuuya, are you going to wear that?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca looks back and forth between me and the short-sleeved shirt with a curious expression.

Certainly, this piece of clothing is not my size.

“Since it’s too small for me, I will sell it, store it away for now, or…” (Shuuya)

I let my gaze wander across the rest of my party, which is made up of females.

“I guess I will have Viine wear it.” (Shuuya)

“Eh?” (Rebecca)

“M-Master, that’s…” (Viine)

“Nn, I understand since it’s Shuuya.” (Eva)

Rebecca is surprised, Viine reveals a reserved expression, and Eva agrees and nods for some reason.

“So you are really giving it to her. I might get envious.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca says with reproachful eyes.

It’s fine though.

I need Viine to survive and work for me from now on.

“… Nn, envious. But it only makes sense for a master who bought a slave to make them stronger. It’s indispensable for a high-class combat slave.” (Eva)

It looks like Eva is jealous as well.

“Certainly you are right there. I believe I know reeaally well that Shuuya is soft-hearted and strong as well as a lewd, lustful man — to the extent that he invited me, who is hated, into the party.” (Rebecca)

Just what does she know.

“I don’t know what you think you know about me, Rebecca, but I bought Viine for a large amount of money. So don’t complain about my actions.” (Shuuya)

At that moment an angry Helme appears in my vision.

Holding a syringe in her hands, she’s pointing its tip at Rebecca.

『That’s right! If you are going to complain about His Excellency, I will deal with you!』 (Helme)

『Helme, it’s alright, don’t get angry.』 (Shuuya)

『Okay…』 (Helme)

“Huuumph.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca has a dissatisfied expression and puffs up her cheeks.

“What? Your expression bothers me. If you have something you want to say, let it out.” (Shuuya)

“It’s not something I should say, but Shuuya, you and Rollo-chan are plentifully powerful, so is it really necessary to have something like a slave?” (Rebecca)

Ugh, she’s sternly staring at me with her blue eyes.

I suppose I have to tell her my true intentions after she made her stance clear here…

“… Yes, it is. If it’s just about proceeding through the labyrinth, Rollo and I will certainly be able to do so by ourselves. However, I don’t know what awaits us down there. Besides, I think you understand from forming a party with us today, but it’s exactly because Viine was present that we could open that treasure chest, no?” (Shuuya)

Although I didn’t know that Viine would be able to open treasure chests.

“Ah… that’s true as well. I’m sorry for asking something weird.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca meekly apologizes while glancing up at me with her hands clasping her silver wand to her chest.

She continues to stare up at me while seeming uneasy.

“No, don’t mind it. I know what you want to say, Rebecca. That is, how to say it…it’s the truth that I wanted Viine because she’s a beautiful woman.” (Shuuya)

I spill my real thoughts while laughing awkwardly.

“Pfft, you are lewd after all!” (Rebecca)

“Nn, Shuuya is ecchi.” (Eva)

『Your Excellency, you are certainly ecchi, but it doesn’t change the fact that you are a great, supreme being.』 (Helme)

As if joining in with Rebecca, Eva says something like that while breaking into a smile.

I ignore Helme.

“Given that it is as you say, I won’t deny it. But you know…” (Shuuya)

Hearing my words, Rebecca smiles faintly while saying,

“… I told you I understand. I’m just teasing you a bit.” (Rebecca)

“It’s true that Shuuya is ecchi, albeit strong.” (Eva)

In contrast to Rebecca, Eva replies with a serious face.

“Aye. That’s only natural.” (Shuuya)

I avert my face in order to dodge the issue, becoming defiant now.

“… Pfft, or rather, just where are you looking? Your face and words are not in sync. Ahahaha.” (Rebecca)

She has cheekiness to laugh; don’t look down on me… But, it’s cheerful laughter without any malice. She’s a beautiful person.

“Nn, Shuuya is gentle, but he has a side like that as well.” Eva chuckles.

Eeh? Even Eva…

“Right, Eva?” (Rebecca)

“Nn.” (Eva)

Rebecca and Eva nod at each other and burst into laughter.

The shopkeeper clears his throat. “I will explain the next item then.”

The shopkeeper deliberately coughs as if telling us “Stop flirting here!” Once I turn my look his way, he opens the oblong box.

“This is something I know without even having to appraise it. It’s the violet-blue, aromatic flame, or for short, Bruin. It’s a high-class item appreciated as unusual, mainly by royalty and high-ranking nobility. It’s an item that releases a special scent from the violet flame generated by the crystal. The scent is nice and capable of calming people.”

Once he finishes the explanation, he shuts the lid and places it on the counter.

High-ranking nobles, huh? Ah, now that he mentions it, I smelled one in the fireplace in the room where Marquis Chardonnay called me for a private meeting at the dinner party.

“… Next is this map, but since I don’t possess the skills to decipher it, I don’t know anything more than this being a simple Magic Treasure Map.”

The shopkeeper puts down the map while saying so.

“My question is: what’s a Magic Treasure Map in the first place?” (Shuuya)

“—Eh? You don’t know?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca is astonished about me not knowing about the map.

“…”

Viine stays silent.

“Shuuya, disappointing.” (Eva)

Even if you say something like that, I don’t know the things I don’t know.

Looking for help, I turn towards the shopkeeper. He slowly nods as if saying “Leave it to me.”

As expected of a die-hard shopkeeper. It looks like he will give me an explanation.

“… Magic Treasure Maps are maps that indicate where you can find treasure chests in the labyrinth. The maps have levels ranging from one to five. The higher the map level, the more likely it becomes that a decent item can be found in the treasure chest. Though the monsters that appear when you start digging it out will become stronger as well.”

Level, huh?

Moreover, monsters appear when you dig it up?

“It’s not a commonplace treasure map that points to somewhere outside the labyrinth, on the surface, is it?” (Shuuya)

“Yes, of course not. The magic treasure maps are only limited to 【Labyrinth City Pelneet】.”

Which reminds me, they are selling magic treasure maps at the plaza in front of the labyrinth. There were adventurers who shouted something along those lines.

“… In that case, I suppose it’s useless unless we find an owner of the to find the treasure on this magic treasure map… Shopkeeper, is there a good place to look for someone who has that skill?” (Shuuya)

Rebecca whispers “Isn’t there one close-by?”, but I look at the shopkeeper while pretending to not have heard her.

The shopkeeper nods and quickly provides an answer.

“Yes, there is. There’s an organisation called 【Magic Treasure Map Excavation Society】. Either you directly ask there, accept the dispatch of a magic treasure map excavation team at the guild or you possess connections with someone possessing that skill. Or you go to famous bars where a great number of adventurers gather, such as the Bar of Newcomers or the Round Table Bar, and search there for someone possessing a map deciphering skill.”