Chapter 45: Lagritte (5)
How is it?
Hamals eyes sparkled. His gaze was a mixture of confidence and anticipation as if he wanted a certain reaction from me.
I didnt need to pretend.
Its great?
The sword I held in my hand was satisfying. It felt comfortable in my palm, without any discomfort.
The sword made by the dwarf excelled in balance, strength, and predictability.
Even though it was my first time holding the sword, it felt very familiar, as if I had been using it for a long time.
Perhaps my reaction didnt excite Hamal as much as he expected because he pouted his lips.
Is that all? Ugh, I worked hard to make it
It was a half-playful tantrum, but there seemed to be some sincerity mixed in it. I replied with a faint smile.
Its perfect.
You should have said that from the beginning. Now youre just flattering me.
I was slightly taken aback by the harmless teasing. I refrained from saying too much due to my gaming experiences.
The dwarves I had encountered didnt like flowery compliments and preferred objective evaluations.
The weapon was excellent, but it couldnt be compared to a renowned famous sword.
It seemed that Hamal had become a bit more human than I initially thought.
Hes always been reserved in his expressions.
Such people are truly skilled.
Phiris words led to an immediate change in Hamals demeanor, and he playfully agreed. I barely held back my laughter.
Afterward, I tried holding a dagger and a short sword before moving on to equipment.
Hamal spread out the equipment on the desk. I didnt have high expectations, anyway.
Since the main focus was the weapon, I considered the rest as supplementary items.
The basic clothes and cape coat looked ordinary. Many mercenaries and adventurers wore them.
However, the saddle next to them seemed a bit out of place.
Theres nothing special about the clothes you wear underneath. The material is better than what you can find outside, and it helps maintain body temperature well.
Hamal said as he casually tapped the clothes with his thick palm, showing little interest.
It seemed that he didnt make the clothes himself.
However, these two are a bit special. I made them myself.
Stop showing off.
As expected, Phiri couldnt resist throwing a jab. Hamal frowned and grumbled.
Why are you like this in front of him? You know that what I made is of good quality.
Who said that? Its just embarrassing. If you give it to him without saying anything, hell probably say, Wow, its so nice! without a word.
Thats because I dont meet many people. What do you expect? Im stuck in a small room all the time.
Hamal let out a deep sigh with a resentful expression.
It seemed like Phiris attempt to evoke sympathy backfired as I couldnt help but chuckle.
Why? Should I move you to a place other than Lagritte? Somewhere with more people?
Never mind.
It was time to intervene, so I pretended to be interested and picked up the cape coat.
Whats different about this one?
Hamal approached me again, his eyes shining with excitement.
This cape coat has more storage space inside compared to what you see on the outside.
True to his words, the opened coat had compartments where various weapons and tools could be stored.
Even if you move vigorously, it wont be too uncomfortable. I took great care in designing it. Try putting it on.
I followed Hamals instructions and put on the cape coat, moving around as he suggested. Just as he said, it felt fine.
See, its okay?
Yes, its fine.
The important thing is this.
Hamal pointed to the small strings hanging inside my sleeve.
You dont need to reach inside the coat. For example, when using a smoke bomb, you can do it like this
As Hamal pulled the string, there was a soft sound, and a hidden compartment inside the cape coat loosened.
This way, you can drop what you want right where you need it. Its all about how you use it.
Several methods quickly crossed my mind. Depending on the situation, I could use it without arousing any suspicion.
Perhaps it could also serve as a role for distracting adversaries.
And if you move your left arm like this
Wow.
In an instant, the cape coat sharply fluttered backward.
Considering the material, it could be considered an attack from behind. I liked this feature as well.
Satisfied with my surprised expression, Hamal showed a contented smile.
He gave me some other explanations, but I knew I would need some practice time later to get used to everything.
Finally, Hamal turned his attention to the saddle.
This one is a bit unique, isnt it?
Yes.
I hadnt been able to imagine the saddle at all.
Its not much different from the cape coat. You can use similar techniques to utilize the items inside.
The saddle was designed to allow items to be thrown during a ride.
The important thing is this.
Hamal pointed to a button next to the saddle. He explained that it was a bomb.
* * *
Phiri had paid for the luxurious hot spring reservation, but we decided to leave Lagritte.
The main reason was Phiris boredom, and I also thought it was best to get quickly involved in a new mission.
We could train anywhere; wasting time on rest wasnt worth it when we could prove our worth.
Besides, we might receive missions related to the future, just like before.
After a week of performing observation missions, we arrived at the Imperial capital, Chenarus.
It was quite a boring mission.
It was all I found out about indigo. (+)[1]TLN: Right now, I dont know exactly what (indigo) exactly means. Perhaps its a codename for something. Im not sure. But if you guys know what means in this sentence: . Let me know, please.
In this world, such information could be used as a weapon and be beneficial to Haisen.
We headed straight to meet with the leader, to report what we had done and receive new missions.
Personally, I felt somewhat uneasy.
He was a devil worshipper and the intelligence leader of the Haisens Imperial Intelligence branch, a person of great ability. I sensed his sharpness from our first encounter.
He quickly caught my momentary surprise.
I worried that even the slightest trace of my emotions might leak out. He could easily see through my attempts to remain calm.
So, I tried my best to calm my mind.
Well done.
Sitting behind a desk piled with documents, the leader spoke with a tone that lacked warmth.
Not at all.
No need to be humble. Its not in your nature anyway. The duke is also very satisfied. Well, you know that better than anyone.
Haha
Phiri laughed coolly, while I maintained my inner composure.
The leaders gaze occasionally turned towards me. Then, he shifted his attention to me.
Carlyn has been very active, right?
Yes. He saved Toun Zaha and planned the events in Tumak.
The leader nodded slowly.
I had high expectations, but I didnt expect this level of achievement.
Though his tone was calm, his gaze was cold and sharp. Perhaps the events at the Kahalin Mountains made him uncomfortable?
Well, that was just my perception; it was hard to say for sure. I just smiled.
Should I thank you for choosing the Empire?
No need. Its because of that choice that I feel Ive grown a lot.
The leader let out a bitter chuckle.
Its frightening to think how much more you might grow.
Superficially, Phiri seemed to take his words as praise. The leader tapped the desk.
How about it? Are you willing to take separate missions and leave Phiris side?
Huh?
It was a sudden proposal, or was it an offer? Either way, I personally wanted to refuse.
It was too early. I needed to stick with Phiri a bit longer. But it wasnt the right time for me to speak up.
Youve done so well that it wont matter much. However, theres a need to take you further along while training.
The leader turned his arrow-like gaze toward me.
Carlyn, do you think the same?
Yes, I am learning a lot under the vice leader.
The leader put his index finger on his chin and took a deep breath.
Still, it should be okay to be apart for a while, right?
Do you have another mission for me?
Yes, you need to move alone for a bit. Well discuss the details later.
Okay.
It would be fine to handle one mission. I let out a relieved sigh inwardly.
During that time, Carlyn, I will give you a new mission as well.
Yes.
This was a bit concerning.
Apart from being separated from Phiri, there was also the aspect of knowing the future.
Of course, it could be an excessive sense of anxiety. We couldnt continue to stay together forever, after all.
If Phiri had to go through it, I would too.
Dont worry too much. The Chief of Intelligence is showing interest in the Northern region, which includes the Empire. We wont act recklessly.
I regained my composure as I thought about it calmly.
Meanwhile, the Leader took out a small box from under the desk.
And this is your reward for successfully completing the mission.
Huh? What is it? I dont have anything like that.
Phiri also showed interest when I asked curiously.
Its an elixir. Theres one for you too, so dont act so surprised. Its not that great, so dont expect too much.
Okay. Thank you.
Phiri smiled contentedly. Even someone as strong as Phiri couldnt resist the temptation of elixirs. I could understand that.
Anything to get a little stronger.
Carlyn, wait outside for a moment.
Okay.
I stepped out into the corridor and waited. I couldnt hear any sound from inside.
It seemed like magic was in play.
About five minutes passed like that.
Phiri opened the door, walked toward me, and put the paper in her pocket. I couldnt read her expression.
I asked cautiously,
Is something serious?
Phiri stared at me for a moment. I felt like I shouldnt have asked.
It was common sense not to ask about things that werent shared, and I had been doing that.
Even if she concluded that everything was fine, I still had lingering concerns.
Its nothing serious. After we take the elixirs and rest for two days, we will depart.
Where are we going?
We have to go back the way we came. Its in the southeast of the Empire. Well join other agents there. Well discuss the details later.
I nodded.
Dont worry too much about being apart from me. Youre capable.
Im not worried.
In response, Phiri was looking at me playfully.
It wasnt that kind of worry though
Just do as youve been doing.
I nodded. After all, it was my first mission as an Inquisitor.
I wouldnt take on the role of the one in charge, but I had to do well.
I needed to show that I could excel even in Phiris absence.
There was a chance that people might misunderstand and think that Phiri had taken care of me.
Give me the box you received earlier. Lets see whats inside.
In less than five seconds after handing her the box, I saw a hint of disappointment in Phiris eyes.
Ugh, what is this?
He told us its not anything great.
Still, I thought they would show some appreciation for what we did. Anyway, this is so underwhelming.
I tried to hold back a grin as I teased Phiri.
Where did you receive yours?
Well, about that
Two days passed quickly. We made efforts to recover from fatigue and absorb the effects of the elixirs.
Since Phiri couldnt tell me where she was going, we decided to part ways at the plaza.
At the last moment, I struggled and finally spoke.
Phiri, be careful, okay?
Huh?
Phiri looked at me for a second and then burst into laughter.
Youre worried about me? You should be careful since youll be away from me.
I chuckled awkwardly. The chances were low, but I still had lingering concerns.
Just take care of yourself.
Phiris words werent wrong. I didnt know what would happen, but I had to do well on this mission.
After all, thats what Haisen had failed to do in the game.
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