Life as an Adventurer with the Banished Marquis' Daughter - Chapter 29: Shopping with the Exiled Marquis' Daughter, Part 1

Chapter 29: Shopping with the Exiled Marquis’ Daughter, Part 1

“Shin, what exactly is an adventurer’s rank?”

This happened while we were having dinner at an inn’s dining hall. 

Naturally, Erika had never cooked before, and while I could cook, I couldn’t make anything suitable for her.

The dishes I knew were mainly those cooked outdoors by adventurers. 

My mentor and fellow disciple never cared about the taste of food, so the meals I learned to prepare were the same.

Because of this, we often had to eat out. It’s difficult for adventurers to cook for themselves due to time constraints, so Hecatai has many inns and taverns catering to adventurers, making it easy to find a place to eat.

“What do you mean by ‘what’?”

I asked while swallowing a fried potato.

By the way, we were eating at a slightly pricier inn, thanks to the money from selling the Golden Ogre’s magic stones.

“When you mentioned the adventurer ranks a few times, I thought it represented strength. So why didn’t our rank increase after defeating the Golden Ogres?”

That was a common misunderstanding.

“The Golden Ogres are considered urgent subjugation targets by the guild, right? Defeating them should be enough proof of strength, don’t you think?”

Erika didn’t seem to be complaining or dissatisfied about not getting a rank increase; she was just curious.

“Indeed, an adventurer’s rank does represent strength.”

I wetted my lips with some water before continuing.

“But rank isn’t determined by strength alone. Completing requests successfully is also important for ranking up.”

I explained, waving my fork like a conductor’s baton. 

Fortunately, Erika ignored my lack of manners.

“You can’t achieve a high rank just by being strong.”

However—

“But a weak adventurer will never reach a high rank either.”

“I see,” Erika said.

“So, since we failed the request, our evaluation must be low.”

Erika smiled as if she found the situation amusing.

“We’re starting not just from zero, but from a negative.”

Erika narrowed her eyes happily, like a predator spotting prey or setting a goal.

“This is interesting.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

I said, sincerely from the bottom of my heart.

＊

The next day, we went shopping in the district where all the stores were.

Our main goals were to get Erika some adventurer gear and replace my broken sword.

“This is…” 

Erika handed me a piece of armor with a bewildered expression. It was overly revealing.

“Is this really okay?”

I had to question the sanity of the shopkeeper who decided to put this on display.

“Some adventurers like to use this kind of armor. They believe that as long as the vital points are protected, it’s enough.”

“I see.”

Erika nodded, but I hoped she wouldn’t choose it. 

I wasn’t sure my sanity could handle it. 

The shopkeeper seemed to have already lost his sanity, judging by his hopeful eyes, but I still had mine.

“By the way, only the most hardcore adventurers wear just that.”

The shopkeeper clicked his tongue but looked away when I glared at him.

“Erika, you’re more of a typical magic swordsman type. This kind of armor is an option, but…”

The shopkeeper kept making triumphant gestures.

“Given your physical enhancement abilities, you could also wear armor suited for pure swordsmen, but I wouldn’t recommend it.”

“Indeed, I would be a bit troubled even if it was recommended.”

Erika put the overly revealing armor back on the shelf. 

The shopkeeper behind her gritted his teeth in frustration, but we ignored him.

What kind of shop is this, and what’s up with the shopkeeper?

If Lana from the guild hadn’t recommended this place, we’d have left immediately.

Despite my irritation, the store had a wide selection, low prices, and good quality items. 

Aside from the odd shopkeeper, this was a great place. I picked up a pair of monster leather gauntlets, pondering the unfairness of the world.

“By the way, Shin, do you have a favorite color?”

Erika asked while looking at the items in the shop.

“A favorite color, huh? Not particularly, but if I had to choose, it would be blue.”

“Why is that? And for someone who claims to like blue, you don’t seem to have anything blue.”

I looked down at myself. My clothes were mostly black to hide dirt, with the only other color being the brown of my leather belt. 

There was no trace of the blue I claimed to like. I chuckled and replied.

“I like blue because it’s the color of the sky. I don’t wear it because I tend to shy away from things I really like.”

“That’s very much like you.”

Erika seemed thoroughly convinced.

I wondered which part she agreed with more. 

Erika nodded thoughtfully.

“I’ve made up my mind.”

With that, Erika walked over to the counter.

Left behind, I decided to wait outside. I told Erika, who was talking to the shopkeeper, and then stepped out of the store.