The next day after the second exam.
As expected of a shop in the royal capital, the collection is abundant.
"But this is surprising. To think Keika-sama is buying armor."
"Eh?"
The armor is for the trap. Having multiple traps is better.
"I-I understand."
I've completely become a leech right now.
"Well, well if it isn't Keika-san. Thank you for yesterday."
"I was betting that you were live."
"Well then, what are you looking for?"
"You're not looking for armor?"
"I don't need one right now. I'll patronize you once I've become a hero."
The shopkeeper took out an iron helmet. It's a tacked-on helmet.
I glare at the old man shopkeeper.
"Eh, no.... Ah, I've made a mistake ahaha."
He starts to look for other products.
I call at his back.
"How much is your budget?"
"Then how about this mask?"
...I see. It's only a part of a whole. Looks like I can use this to haggle hard.
The shopkeeper puts out a forced smile.
"It looks hard to see with that, don't think you can make moment judgments if you equip the mask."
Charging 300,000 yen for an incomplete item, there's a limit to ripping-off.
"W-why does a vagabond like you know that....!"
"N-no way! I'll halve the price. 1,5 big gold coins, how about it?"
"That's too cheap! My business will--"
"Guh...!"
"Y-you said that, but are you really definitely going to become a hero!?"
"Uwaaa! This man haggled it down even more! Are you a devil! --ey, just take it! Take it for 2 small gold coins!"
"OK. Deal. Celica, please pay him."
"Uuu.... What kind words.... You're my only ally, young lady."
I catch Celica's slender shoulder and pull her back. The soft blond hair spread. She leans on me even while blushing.
The shopkeeper opens his mouth in shock. Looks like he can't retort anymore.
While still being hugged, Celica looks up and asks me at point blank while looking like she finds it unbelievable..
"Nope. I just knew it somehow."
"See ya old man. I'll come again."
Afterward, we returned to our room in the inn.
While swaying her twintail, Lapisia is staring with curious eyes at me working.
"Keika-sama, what are your working at?"
"Trap is it?"
"hate that!"
"un got it!"
I chant a spell before the paint dries.
The iron mask's pattern moves like a snake as the curse is attaching itself.
Putting curses on equipment is a simple matter cause I'm a God.
"hate! hate curse!"
I stand up and head outside the room.
"To whom will it be?"
"Yes, Keika-sama."
Lapisia who said good bye even while being frightened was too cute my cheeks loosened.
A few days later.
Townscape inside the darkness.
I execute <
Gaff and his underlings are having a talk in one corner of the tavern.
"Should be Minya cos' she goes out alone rite'."
"But y'know aniki. It won't be a hostage if they ain't close y'see? I mean, for him, she might be nothing more but an inn daughter right?"
"But she's usually with someone ain't she? Either that man or that blue hair midget."
Majiria says.
"Even if there's someone, it's just gonna be the inn's old fool anyway huh.... We also have two people here, just attack 'em in the spectator seats then."
"And then, aniki just gonna hafta' beat him like splat when he can do nothing."
"Kukuku, looks like that's the most effective. But well, he's not gonna be with her during the day, so we can just attack her in the inn if she's there."
"We've also got that special thing too, there's nothing aniki is 'fraid too now!"
--Looks like Majiria has successfully goaded them to aim at Celica.
The arena at night.
There's no one here.
And then I choose the place where Celica will be attacked.
There is a 3-story tall VIP seating in the center of the ellipse. It looks like a tower. The king and nobles are probably going to watch from this.
--Here it is.
The tavern has already been closed.
"Minya, I'd like to ask you one thing."
"Could you buy some Rubera fruits?"
Her big black eyes are looking at me. She's expressionless like usual, but her tail is swinging.
"Anything I can help?"
"Hm?"
"I will."
Minya returned to her training again. But her tail is lowered.
But then, her ears suddenly moved.
If we're going on a long journey, it'll be me, Celica, and Lapisia.
"Either me or Celica."
She's working expressionlessly.
"Then I'm gonna sleep. Good night."
I went back to my room after parting with Minya.
The twintail blue hair shook intensely.
"What is this Lapisia. You haven't slept."
She hugs me tightly. The shape of her delicate limbs are transmitted from the thin dress. It made me think that a child's body temperature sure is high.
Celica who's changed into a thin nightdress sighs tiredly.
"I had to go out today.... Can't be helped, let's sleep."
"Fool. You're a child yourself."
Lapisia's swollen cheeks swell even further.
Then for some reason Celica snuggles with her breasts pressing my back.
"What is the matter Keika-sama."
"Feh.... T-that's not true! I've always been like this!"
Lapisia who's hugging me raises her face while swaying her blue hair.
"Hey, what are you saying!"
I hug both Celica and Lapisia with both arms.
"Yes, I'm sorry.... But I don't want to lose."
"Ha.... there, there."
To be honest, Lapisia who's flat sticking close to me feels hot.
I speak to Celica whose blue eyes seem sad.
"Y-yes."
"Yes, I will be going."
"Yes? I do not mind."
"Eh!? Just what is--"
And then Lapisia sulks.
"I want to ask Lapisia to do other things."
"Minya might be attacked in the tournament day. That's why please stay on her side and protect her."
"Mwuu..."
"Lapisia likes Minya!"
"Is that so. Then protect her. But you can't hit the bad guys with all your power okay."
I pat and rustle her blue hair.
"I understand Keika-sama. I believe in you with all my heart."
Looks like it'll be another hot sleepless night today.