Rising from the Slum City of Reincarnation in Another World ~ Gathering, Hunting, and Living a Slow Life by Eating

Chapter 41 Armor

“Now, let’s finally buy some armor.”

I had been thinking about it for a while.

Wearing those cheap clothes alone provides significantly low defense.

Especially if a strong blow lands on the chest, it could be a fatal wound.

It’s fine if your arms get scratched, but the torso and head are vital areas.

I really want some armor.

As for the shoes, they’re inexpensive leather shoes, but cheap leather is uncomfortable to wear. On the bright side, it’s rigid and provides decent defense.

“We need breastplates, right? Just like I thought.”

“Nya.”

“Yes, you’re right.”

Since Minya and Lania don’t really have a well-defined chest yet, they’ll go for the same type as mine.

“Please give us three children’s breastplates. We need ones that have at least a minimal level of practical defense.”

“Oh, I see. You’re not looking for imitation pieces with excessive decorations like those meant for nobles.”

That’s right.

There are noble-specific breastplates that are lightweight and heavily adorned, but their defense is low. It might sound foolish, but that’s how the world works. By the way, high-ranking nobles wear ridiculously expensive armor that is both decorative and defensive, but those are usually custom-made and not available as second-hand items.

And so, we all equip the breastplates together.

Indeed.

They are generally made of leather but have thin iron plates incorporated, making them lightweight yet strong. They are designed for practical combat, considering both defense and mobility.

Aside from these, there seem to be options with lighter leather only or the aforementioned imitation pieces with lightweight decorations.

In reality, we have no other choices.

“We’ll take these, please.”

“Thank you for your purchase.”

Well, the price comes to one gold coin and a little more. There’s still some room in the wallet.

Equipped with weapons and armor, we now look like fledgling adventurers. We no longer resemble slum kids in the slightest.

Out of curiosity or perhaps a personal interest, I take a moment to browse through the shield section.

“These are the shields in this area.”

“Thank you.”

The shopkeeper, once again, kindly explains with a smile. This person leaves a favorable impression. From the start, she treated us as customers and her customer service is excellent. She’s not unnecessarily rigid and is precise in her assistance.

There are round shields, kite shields, and wooden shields lined up. Their imposing presence is impressive, but many of them are too large for me to handle. There are also bucklers. Bucklers are small round shields with a metal surface on the entire front.

Although the term “Bucklers” also refers to a round shield, this one is made of wood with only the edges and central area reinforced with metal.

We have enough money for this. Surprisingly, the smallest round shield is cheaper than I expected.

“Hey, everyone, can I buy this small shield?”

“Huh? Well, if Ed wants it, go ahead and buy it.”

“Yes, I think it’s a good idea for me to get one too.”

With the agreement of both parties, let’s go ahead and buy it.

Hahaha, wielding a sword and a shield, I truly resemble a swordsman or a knight.

I strike a pose while holding the sword and shield.

“Wow, Ed, you look amazing! So cool!”

“Ed, yeah, you look cool.”

Somehow, both of them are more enthusiastic than usual, showering me with praise. It almost feels like I’m actually incredible. Of course, I understand that it’s just about appearances. I have no intention of getting conceited.

“Hehe, well, it’s nothing special if it’s me.”

“Giggles, Ed.”

“Giggle. Oh, Ed.”

The shopkeeper also watches over us with a warm gaze. She’s a great salesperson who doesn’t lecture or get overly serious with children.

With this, I should be able to block a goblin’s club at least. I can’t think of many other threats, but perhaps wolves are scary. It would be difficult to block them with just a sword. Having a shield really adds a sense of security.

I’ll be at the forefront, protecting everyone from harm… Oh, it’s kind of cool.

Just to be clear, I’m halfway serious about this. I won’t allow any harm to come to Minya and Lania; I swear on my pride.

“With a shield, you can defend against something like a fireball.”

“Ohh!”

“While it doesn’t have any magical enhancements, its defensive capabilities are significantly higher than having nothing at all.”

“I see.”

“Would you like to make the purchase, then?”

“Yes, please. Thank you.”

And so, we make the payment. Another gold coin disappears from my possession. Though I received the change, it’s still disheartening to see the gold coins diminish.

“Well, how about grabbing a bite to eat for a change?”

“Huh, is it okay?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Thank you for the meal.”

We head towards the opposite side of the marketplace. Beyond the quest counter, there’s a tavern, as is customary in fantasy worlds. Though it’s a familiar sight, I’ve never been to one before.

We take seats at a square table in the corner. Since it’s a four-person table, Minya and Lania sit facing each other.

Oh, how do we place an order here? As I anxiously look around, a waitress in a maid-like uniform, accentuating her ample bosom, approaches us.

Her outfit resembles a maid costume, emphasizing her large breasts. She’s also wearing a white brim on her head. Ah, this kind of attire is quite appealing. The fact that it’s not just a cosplay and she’s a professional adds extra points.

“Have you decided on your order?”

“Um, uh, well, what should we get?”

“Chicken karaage set!”

“Oh, then I’ll have that too.”

“I’ll go with that as well.”

Minya has been craving karaage ever since seeing Eggbird. We can’t have chicken karaage at home, so buying it is our only option.

“Three chicken karaage sets, right? Just wait a moment, hehe.”

The waitress winks at us and departs. Her flirtatious glance sends a shiver down my spine, feeling rather seductive.

“Hmm.”

“Ugh.”

For some reason, Minya and Lania’s gazes were piercing through me.

These are eyes of accusation. Have I done something wrong?