「 I knew there were 10 people. 」
Mere seconds after encountering Hifumi, they were all dead.
「 Fuu… That was truly enjoyable. My thanks. 」
Hifumi said smilingly to the piles of corpses.
「 Ah, dammit 」
Looking at the state of his uniform stained with blood, Hifumi cursed while sheathing his katana.
「 All members are dead. Well, lets see who instigated them. 」
「 May I investigate as a member of the Knights? To be honest, we Knights are somewhat uneasy about the real nature of these people. 」 (Midas)
To Midas’ proposal, Hifumi had a cold expression.
「 Like that, carefully erasing evidence of any links to your Knight Corps….. is that it? 」
「 W-Wait please! Really people like these do not exist in our Knight Corps, we know the dangers of starting a fight with Hero-sama! 」
Abruptly coerced, Midas instinctively panicked.
「 Fuu…. All right. In any case, I don’t really want to spend time investigating. Do as you like. 」
「 Th-Thank you. 」
Leaving Midas waiting for assistance, Hifumi and company returned to the shop area.
Is my observation okay? Well, no worries.
「 Well, now that the enjoyable event is over, we should schedule shopping as next on the list. 」
「 Ne, ne 」
While walking, Kasha called out.
「 What? 」
「 Some time ago, master’s fighting methods, I saw something like that for the first time. Where in the world did master learn that? 」
「 Ah…. That, huh. In my hometown, such a way of fighting is not unusual. Like me, in the country where I was born and grew up, there were not a lot of people with heavily built physiques. Nevertheless, a certain period of fighting divided the country into pieces, and it was from such an environment that the gaps in power can be overcome by technique. Even if a person wears armour, they can be efficiently killed. 」
「 Power gap by technique…. 」
Thinking about something, Origa ponders.
「 On the battlefield, on killing an enemy it was a custom to harvest the heads. Also there were various other techniques used to destroy an opponent’s mental balance. 」 (Hifumi)
「 H-Heads? 」
A frightening image seemed to float in front of Origa and Kasha, Hifumi didn’t particularly feel like correcting them.
「 Indeed. The heads of the enemies were tied around the waist of the general, to show off their military exploits. 」
While discussing the finer points of old battles, Hifumi walked onwards, accompanied by two slaves who seemed slightly green-faced.
They reached the armourer’s shop at last, near the shop they had eaten in. Like a convenience store, it was completely crammed with various equipment.
Further in, there seems to be a workshop attached, it’s entrance covered by a screen of sorts. This too seems to be a shop that Kasha is acquainted with.
「 If it’s here, weapons can be made, armour too. Though not their area of expertise, there is equipment for magicians as well. 」
The elation from shopping aside, Kasha was quite tense.
Inside the shop,a short elderly man was sitting next to the screen wearing an unpleasant expression.
「 You two huh. 」
The old man looked at Kasha and Origa with a sullen expression.
「 I look away from you, and you’re slaves. 」
Looking at the tattoos on their shoulders, the old man says with a sigh.
「 Aa, there were a number of reasons. Right now, this man is the master. Master, this is the owner of the shop, Thorn of the Dwarf race. 」
Introduced by Kasha, the old man turned his scowl to Hifumi.
Ooh, this fellow is a dwarf? It’s my first time seeing the real thing!
Meeting a fantasy race for the first time, Hifumi was excited.
Then, a question arose in his mind.
「 Huh? Weren’t humans and demi-humans hostile to each other? 」
「 Fuun, a brat that knows nothing. The humans are quarrelling with the beast race. Us dwarves are scattered throughout the world, polishing our skills, and elves don’t come out of their territories in the first place. 」
「 Is that so. Not complex at all. 」
Though Thorn was scowling throughout the explanation, his face might originally be like that.
「 Well, aside from the Demon race, the beast people and humans are the only sources of revenue for weapons. 」
They seem to be a business-minded race.
「 You know the weapons suited for yourselves. Do not mind the amount of money, you like it, buy it. 」
Telling them to promptly choose their weapons, Hifumi says magnanimously. Actually, a lot of money remains.
「 Is that fine? Slaves are usually not allowed to carry weapons, and if they are, usually cheap ones. 」
After having joy fill her face for an instant, Origa asked uneasily.
「 Will you be able to fight if not wielding weapons? Though the cost is trivial, you should choose an easy to use and durable weapon. It is necessary to avoid the possibility of the weapons breaking in combat. 」
Next to Hifumi, Kasha nodded with an ‘un un’. (TL: I dunno how else to phrase this.)
「 It is as master says. As expected, master understands. So, I can choose without reservation. Now Origa, you need to chose a staff. Using magic without it is not possible, how will you fight? 」
Hifumi heard Kasha’s words.
Magic cannot be used without a staff? Is this the general practice of this world? Though I can use my Dark Magic normally without one….
However, neither the slave-shop owner nor the doorkeeper had any different reaction when I used it to bring out the money. Though it may be a peculiarity of Origa, various staffs on display are embedded with crystals and jewels, why they are used is unknown.
Still, I need to know more about this world.
Looking at the various products, Hifumi reaffirmed once again that he was really in a different world.
「 Origa does not look good in this. 」
「 Kasha’s arms and legs are long, many dresses suit you very well. 」
Though the conversation started resembling one that would not be out of place in a clothing store, Hifumi decided to ignore it.
It would be troublesome for Hifumi if he got entangled in women’s shopping.
「 Nevertheless, Knife, one-handed sword, two-handed sword, axe, mace, there are only 5 kinds. Full body leather armour differs from it’s metal counterpart only in hardness. 」
To Hifumi’s grumbling, Thorn retorts,
「 What are you saying. It is dangerous if defence is not tightened, yes? Besides, the only weapons not here are the spears used by the Knights. 」
It seems that leather armour is the norm here, metal armour is primarily used by officials and other ranking people, and there are truly very few varieties of weapons.
「 For instance, can I order some custom work? There is something I want you to make. 」
At first trying to explain with words and failing, because it is not possible to understand it that easily, finally parchment and ink was prepared and some drawings were made.
「 Because this and this are weapons, forge this properly. Also, this moves like this, do not make it fixed…. 」
「 What kind of weapon is this? I’m seeing such a thing for the first time, how to use it? 」
「 Aa….. Words won’t suffice to explain, it’s better if I show you. 」
Hifumi handed over about 20 gold coins to Thorn who was constantly tilting his head.
「 The advance. The rest will be paid upon completion. 」
「 Well, if I can earn money, I’ll make it. Lets see…… 3 days, it will be done. 」
As expected of a dwarf, the work speed was upto Hifumi’s satisfaction.
During their discussion, it seems
that Origa and Kasha were finished with their selections.
「 Have you decided? 」
「 Yes, though it seems to cost a lot of money, is it fine? 」
Hifumi laughed cheerfully at the two who had an apologetic air.
「 It’s allright, there is still plenty more money I took from the castle. 」
「 ….Is that really allright? 」
Though Kasha twisted uneasily for a different reason, she asked Hifumi directly for two one-handed swords and metallic armour. Beneath the armour were simple clothes.
Origa chose a robe that snugly wrapped around her small body, and a staff with a tip embedded with a stone of the same emerald green colour as her eyes.
In all 22 gold coins. Half of it was the cost of the magic staff.
「 I’m sorry… 」
To Origa who was feeling like a burden, Hifumi paid while telling her it was fine.
「 Master is not buying anything? Even though master’s clothes are uncommon, it is dangerous without a leather armour at least… 」 (Kasha)
「 Oh? Worried about me? 」
「 Wh-What is master saying… 」 (Kasha)
On Hifumi teasing her, Kasha blushed and looked down. It seems like she has no experience in banter like this.
Since her face and figure are easy on the eye, seeing as the Adventurer profession is mainly a man’s, her pure reactions are quite strange.
「 Armour is unnecessary because it is heavy. As for a weapon, there’s this. 」
Hifumi said as he touched the katana at his waist.
「 However, I just placed an order for a weapon. 」
「 ! Is it a weapon from master’s world? 」
Origa jumped into the conversation.
「 Are you interested? 」
「 Yes. Just some time ago, master fought using an unknown technique. If possible, I would like to learn that technique. 」
Origa looked at Hifumi frankly and asked.
「 Is that so. 」
Hifumi had practised in not just Japanese martial arts, but also overseas martial arts for many years, he was glad to be asked to teach it.
「 I, I want to learn as well! 」
On Kasha declaring her participation in a hurry, Hifumi was in a good mood.
「 Yosh, if that is the case, then display your abilities once. After seeing that, I will guide you. Origa is a magician, yes? Do you do close combat? 」
「 I could only fight with magic till now. But, I got into this situation, and I regret not learning it…. 」
「 Origa…. 」(Kasha)
Though Hifumi noticed that it was related to how she became a slave, he decided not to broach the topic.
「 There is a rule. My guidance is severe, resolve yourself. 」
「 Yes, thank you very much. 」(Origa)
「 Master, a little….. No, please go easy on us. 」(Kasha)
Following Hifumi who was feeling quite good, Origa and Kasha followed wearing their newly-purchased equipment.
Leaving the store in high spirits, the daylight had started fading.
A lot of time seems to have passed while Hifumi and the other two were on a shopping spree. Absorbed in the selection and discussion of equipment, all tension had fallen from them.
「 ….. For now, a hotel. 」
「 ….. Yes. 」
Hifumi’s guidance would start the next day.
Chapter 7: Warning
In the residential area neighbouring the shopping area, they were able to get a room safely. Though not a high-class hotel, neither was it a hotel that the poorest segment of the population uses. Adventurers and peddlers seem to frequent it.
「 Since I cannot sleep with another person nearby, you two will be in another room. 」
There are no hotels that are cheaper for slaves, some allow camping out in the stables, but since there is the matter of meals and equipment, the two slaves accepted.
Since they were wearing tidy equipment, the slave tattoo was not visible, so the landlady did not say anything either.
「 Put your luggage away and gather in the dining room. 」
While Hifumi paid the landlady the lodging expenses of the three, the two went up to the upper rooms quickly.
「 Good grief, he’s not gentle, nor somewhat concerned. 」 (Origa)
「 Perhaps he is not interested. As far as master is concerned, a man is either an enemy or not one, does he find anyone other than an opponent interesting? 」
To Origa’s muttering at Hifumi, Kasha tilted her head.
「 Though he seemed to talk to Thorn from the weapon shop quite easily. 」 (Kasha)
「 That, I think it was because of the topic of weapons. 」 (Origa)
Origa’s words were somewhat dissatisfied.
The hotel in which Hifumi stayed, ‘Matthew Peak’ had the dining room on the first floor, and the guest rooms on the second. It is not very big, and has only two kinds of rooms, single and twin. Once Hifumi confirmed that there was no one inside his room, he stepped inside and looked around. The window was not of glass, it was a simple wooden one. Recalling from memory, none of the shops had any glass, though there was some in the castle lighting. It seems to be a high-quality article.
Worn out bedding spread out over a simple single bed, with a wooden pitcher and cup on a small shelf next to the bed. Other than that, no other furniture.
Storing his katana in the Dark Hole, Hifumi removed his equipment.
He sat on the bed and started planning.
First off, I need to sort things out before leaving this town.
After the meal, Origa and Kasha should be asked, if they don’t know, it will be necessary to investigate tomorrow.
Value of gold and silver coins, about Magic, about Adventurers, about demons, about this country, about this world…..
There are a lot of unknowns, and because of preparations to travel, it is necessary to think about it. How to travel in this world? There cannot possibly be trains and cars, so by foot or a wagon? It seems that travelling between relay stations while fighting demons is likely.
When Hifumi descended to the dining room, Origa and Kasha were already seated. Their food was ready, but still untouched.
Hifumi smiled wryly at the dutiful slaves, sat down and began to eat the prepared food.
Today’s menu: stew mixed with vegetables and meat, along with a potato salad.
「 I’m getting used to the food here. Though the taste is a little thin, it’s delicious enough. 」
「 This is thin…… Master must have been born in a rich family. 」
From the conversation during the meal, it seems that salt and sugar, etc are not very easy to obtain. Especially so for the castle-town they were in, it took ten days or more for the wagons to come in from the sea.
「 Aa, after the meal, I am coming to you room. 」
To this casually delivered sentence, Origa and Kasha react with a twitch.
「 That is…. 」
「 Understood. 」
Though Kasha started to say something, Origa interrupted with an acknowledgement.
The double room which Origa and Kasha were using, it was simply double the size of the single room and had two beds and shelves.
Hifumi sat on one bed, and the two sat opposite him with their arms folded and listening hesitantly.
Suddenly, Kasha lowered herself to the floor and bowed deeply.
「 I have a request. 」
「 So suddenly? Changing your way of speaking, that’s disturbing. 」
「 Di-Disturbing…… Um, please do not lay a hand on Origa… is my request. I will take her place. 」
「 Kasha?! 」
At this unexpected incident, Origa opened her eyes wide in surprise.
「 Origa, that… her body is not so strong, that sort of thing is too early. 」
「 ….Ah. 」
Looking at Kasha’s deeply flushed face and her hurried words, Hifumi understood her explanation and laughed.
>
「 D-Don’t laugh… Please. When I was bought, I was prepared for such a thing…. 」
「 Kasha, me as well. 」
Origa lowered herself next to Kasha and lowered her head towards Hifumi.
「 Master, I understand my position since I was also bought by master. Therefore… 」
「 Wait a minute. Don’t just advance your delusions by yourselves. 」
Hifumi snorted, ordering the two to sit on the bed as before.
「 Don’t misunderstand. I haven’t particularly thought of sleeping with you. 」
「 B-But purchasing us, two women as slaves…. 」
「 Ah, that kind of implication can’t be helped. For now, because Kasha and Origa are beautiful women, that kind of thinking was to be expected. That is not my purpose. 」
On being called beautiful women, both women looked down with reddened faces. Origa’s gesture was lovely, Kasha’s ears were red. Their aura of Adventurers completely dissolved, becoming that of young women instantly.
「 I do not wish to sleep with an unknown companion, I would rather do so with a consenting partner. Using a situation to do this is something I absolutely dislike. 」
The mental strain suddenly released, Kasha gaped at him with her mouth open.
Therefore, Hifumi did not intend to treat them like slaves, he continued,
「 Today, my feeling of slaughtering was completely satisfied. In the first place, I don’t feel the need to sleep with a woman. 」
To these words, Origa and Kasha were shocked.
After waiting for the two to calm down, Hifumi began his knowledge gathering.
– The various coins are gold, silver and copper. One Gold coin is 100 Silver coins, and one Silver is 100 Copper coins.
– The demons are of two types, the Beast type and the Undead type. The Beast type has particular disposition to the ferocity of animals. The Undead type has Zombies or Ghosts. Due to the territorial nature of the predatory Demon-kin, the chances of encounters rise on leaving towns and highways.
– Magic has the Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Light, Dark attributes. Though there are many who can practice magic, especially due to systematisation, the usage seems to differ based on the image of the individual, and the teaching of the master. Generally, the magic and image are brought together by the staff, but a skilled person can, with practice use magic without the staff.
Summoned Slaughterer - Book 1 Page 5
