Vol 2 Chapter 8 – Childhood – Spring at Age Twelve

I used to respect people who did cosplay in my previous life, but I never imagined that my experiences in this life would only deepen that admiration.

Look, there they are—a person who even weaves a cloth tunic and crafts full-plate armor. I had admired the guts it takes to join the summer festival dressed like that, but…

“Uh, it’s so hard to move!?”

That spring, at the age of twelve, after donning the finished armor, I realized it was far more of an ordeal than I had ever imagined.

“Well, that’s just how armor is.”

Smith Oyakata, who had crafted the armor, looked at me struggling and sweating in it and smiled in satisfaction.

I couldn’t have complained in the slightest about how well it was tailored to my frame. Leather armor usually has a lame reputation, yet this piece—dyed a dark hue—had a thoroughly heroic appearance that completely overturned that impression.

The chest plate, affixed with thin metal, and the torso section, formed by layering tubular strips of hardened leather, were designed for ease of movement; the woven parts could easily be adjusted to accommodate my growth.

The streamlined shoulder pads—designed to guard against diagonal strikes—were reassuring, and I was pleased that the arm guards protecting my upper arms employed the same structure as the torso.

The forearm guards were studded with rivets on the outside to boost their defensive power, while the inner side was fastened with leather strips, making them adjustable as I grew.

Even the hinged gauntlets covered only the back of the hand to facilitate a better grip on a sword—a welcome feature indeed. With this design, I could protect my hands with thick gloves during the bitter winter, or even swap them out for metal gauntlets.

The belt guarding my waist was studded with evenly spaced rivets that sparkled, offering sufficient protection against blades. Moreover, the drapes protecting my thighs and groin were lined with woven fabric, ensuring reliable defense for my lower body.

The final piece—the helmet molded into a cannonball shape—ensured a wide field of vision, and the nose guard provided extra protection in case of emergency. Also, the thinly woven fabric covering the lower face, much like a mask, was a clever touch to shield against shrapnel.

Perhaps the most delightful feature was the fish-scale patterned drape that guarded my neck from attacks coming from behind. While a teardrop-shaped neck guard could fend off frontal blows, having protection for the back of the neck was equally essential.

With the addition of shin guards and studded leather boots, I’d have a look that any self-respecting adventurer could wear without shame. It was genuinely cool—a design to marvel at for a while—but…

Unfortunately, it didn’t feel as comfortable as regular clothes.

Of course; otherwise, there’d be no need for training to move in armor if you were in the military.

The design of the armholes, the joint structures, and the layered fabric worn under the armor to cover the gaps all combined to make movement rather cumbersome. I wasn’t completely immobilized, nor was any particular action impossible, but overall, everything felt awkward.

It was as if my movements were a beat behind—a constant sense of dissonance. Every action felt subtly clumsy. I could manage, but it was far from smooth; I don’t know how to express just how frustrating it was.

“Well, you’ll get used to it. Hard leather armor just won’t bend—it’s like wearing light plate armor. You learn by falling and stumbling.”

Smith Oyakata laughed at my trivial grumbling. “That’s right,” I agreed.

However, I possess a rather cunning ability to convert extra effort into tangible results. I decided to immediately rely on my inherent supernatural aptitude. If I can’t move nimbly in this armor, there’s no way I could venture into forests or ruins as an adventurer.

So, I allocated some proficiency points to 《Light Armor Martial Arts》 under the 《Physical Techniques》 category that I had been eyeing. Once I reached the 《Basic》 level, I began to grasp the technique, and the awkwardness lessened. Pushing on to the 《Skilled》 level, the indescribable discomfort improved significantly.

I see now: by consciously considering my joints’ range of motion and the interference from the armor, even the simplest actions can be optimized. With deliberate movement, I can both refine my motions in armor and earn proficiency at the same time. Maybe later I’ll venture into the forest to further adapt.

“Hey, hey…”

After lightly hopping around and trying out a few stances, practicing swings with empty hands, Smith Oyakata looked genuinely surprised. Indeed, in just a few seconds, my previously clumsy, robot-like movements transformed into my usual fluid style—astonishing, to say the least.

“Damn, you’re amazing. You’re not actually an incarnation of a martial god, are you?”

“If I had been born that remarkable, I’d have long since been terrorizing martial arts tournaments or something like that.”

Well, I try to live a normal life, so that’s not me. Still, I did hear tales from my previous life about reincarnated types who went wild from the age of two. If I had been that exceptional, I suppose I’d have had far more troubles.

Taking into account my parents who brought me into this world—and deciding there was no need to rush through life—I was satisfied with how the armor turned out and how it moved. Next, I’ll ask Mr. Lambert to train me while I’m wearing it. It’ll be perfect for racking up proficiency, and I need to investigate just how much damage reduction I can achieve when combined with my ability to take a fall.

My display shows neither a hit-point gauge nor any stat indicators, so I’ll have to learn by experience how much damage it takes to slow me down or knock me out. Trying a physical or life-or-death check on the spot was simply too terrifying for a timid person like me.

That reminded me—in donning the armor, I unlocked quite a few skills. In the 《Swordsman》 category, there’s a martial art that lets you deliver flexible slashes while still armored. The 《Knight》 category is filled with advanced armor proficiencies, including 《Heavy Armor Martial Arts》, and in the 《Scout》 category, there are skills like 《Silencing Modification》 to enhance the armor’s quietness.

Truly, even among armors, there are many variants depending on one’s profession. I’m not experiencing any trouble with this one now, but eventually, I’d like to combine some affordable skills to craft a more formidable build.

It took a lot of effort to get this, and I plan to treasure it, given our long association.

“All right, then—consider this a gift from me to future adventurers.”

“Eh!?”

Just as I was thinking I should take it off to get used to donning and doffing it, Smith Oyakata suddenly placed a box on the counter. It came with a strap for carrying—it was an armor chest, essentially a storage case for armor.

“You need an armor chest, after all—you can’t be wearing your armor around all the time.”

“Eh!? Really, is that okay!?”

The armor chest, while simple, was built solidly enough to show at a glance that it wasn’t a cheap piece. Certainly, on long marches you’d need to remove your armor—and I had even marked it down as an essential item—but…

“Of course, even if I say it’s a gift, it’s not entirely free. When you become famous in the future, at the very least drop my name. That’ll boost our clan’s reputation.”

He’d mentioned that within the craftsmen’s guild there were factions based on style, but that was likely just an excuse to cover up their embarrassment. With a mismatched wink, Oyakata handed the armor chest to me.

“Alright then, let me show you how to store it.”

“…Thank you.”

It would be impolite to refuse at this point. I humbly accepted the kindness of someone older—and received his meticulous guidance.

【Tips】Armor consumes a great deal of stamina. Moreover, in certain environments, wearing armor can impose a severe debuff. In freezing temperatures, plate mail may become a perilous hazard beyond its defensive capabilities.

Coinciding with the completion of my armor, as always, the spring festival season arrived. It’s been five years since magic proved unreliable, and the ring I carry everywhere now serves no purpose.

“What a delightful day!”

“Yeah, it is.”

It’s been five years, and one might think that, but perhaps the key is to accept our human limitations and wait patiently. After all, miracles won’t just happen by wandering among the spring festival stalls.

I went to the festival with Margit, as usual, to tease the traveling merchants who had set up their stalls. I vividly remember what happened here last autumn.

In hindsight, it’s a good thing Margit wasn’t there at that time. Had someone witnessed my so-called first kiss, things would have gotten unbearably messy.

As always, while exchanging words with Margit—who clung to me—she suddenly started smacking my head gently.

“Mm—…”

Our little princess, perched on my shoulders, was clearly in a sulky mood.

“Oh dear, Eliza, you mustn’t hit your brother’s head.”

The true culprit behind her sour mood, with an air of nonchalance, chided her. Meanwhile, Eliza—twisting her little belly—began smacking more rapidly, which only made matters worse.

The reason Margit is clinging to my chest today instead of my neck is because Eliza has occupied my neck. Apparently, she was miffed when I tried to take Eliza out with my pocket money, as she ended up tagging along instead. Lately, our little princess has been exceedingly possessive.

All this is because I’ve been away from home more often. When I head out hunting or camping, I sometimes don’t return for two or three days, and even on the days I’m home, I have less time to spend with them.

That’s why Eliza’s clinginess hasn’t changed even at seven years old. Yes, as a siscon older brother, I’m secretly delighted.

Even as I strolled among the stalls while being patted by those adorable little hands, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. There were shops selling foreign sweets and others displaying assorted imported goods—the usual fare. I can’t really afford those pearl-like treasures I see every day, but if a small accessory or something could lift their spirits, that would be great.

“Hey, Eliza, check it out—the accessory shop! Isn’t it lovely? Is there anything you fancy?”

I crouched in front of the stall selling reasonably priced accessories, but the little princess—already having been scolded once—was being rather stubborn. She simply turned away, not even glancing at them.

“Ah, this one is lovely.”

Meanwhile, the princess with spider-like legs was in high spirits. She picked up a simple pair of earrings, apparently crafted from cherry scallops, and held them up to catch the light.

Although she appeared as if a young girl enamored with pretty earrings, in reality, she was even more indifferent. Knowing me—a keen-eyed hunter—I figured she’d be nitpicking, expecting them to be damaged or something…

“Oh dear, shopkeeper, something seems to be missing here. And that makes one libra exorbitant, don’t you think?”

“Eh…? Well, it’s not really a big deal…”

“The earrings should be close to your hair, you know? Please, go ahead and feel them. If there’s a snag like this, it could entangle a maiden’s life—surely it should be, at the very least, 25 As, shouldn’t it?”

And so it began. As a hunter, since I deal in furs that lose significant value if damaged, I’ve naturally become adept at 《Social》 skills like 《Appraisal》 and 《Bargaining》. Once you learn not to get lowballed, you can turn that to your advantage—it’s quite fearsome.

As someone who normally pays the marked price, this scene was hard for me to get used to. Still, in this world it’s typical to tack on an extra 10 to 20%, so I suppose it’s about time I ventured into those 《Social》 skills.

In the end, the cherry scallop earrings, originally priced at one libra, were obtained for a mere 40 As and ended up in Margit’s possession. That means the stallkeeper was a bit too kind when dealing with the assertive manor women.

She merrily played with her new loot, but then she suddenly noticed something.

Margit doesn’t have pierced ears.

Piercing culture seems to vary by race in the Empire; while it’s not common among humans, spider-women often have their ears pierced. Additionally, it’s not unusual for them to adorn their bodies with tattoos.

Margit’s mother is always so kind to me, but every time I see someone who looks almost identical to her daughter—with jingling piercings in her ears and a navel decorated with spider-themed tattoos—I’m utterly taken aback by the sheer perversity of it.

I wonder if, eventually, Margit will adopt a fashion sense like her mother’s. I mean, while in my previous life that had become a niche trend, imagining my childhood friend doing that and clinging to me makes me feel… well, it’s complicated.

No, no—get a grip, me. I really shouldn’t have any loli tendencies, should I?

“Hey, Erich.”

“Hmm? Ah, what is it?”

As I was trying to shake off some vague, distracting thoughts, I noticed Margit looking up at me with a teasing, challenging smile. Then she crawled up my body and deftly pressed her lips to my ear as she whispered:

“I’m scared of piercing my own ears… Won’t you help me?”

Her voice took on a tangible quality as it entered my ear—as if it were licking my brain and soul. That familiar sensation surged through me from my tailbone to the crown of my head.

Ah, geez, this childhood friend is really…

For a while, I completely forgot about our little princess who was still smacking her head, and I became absorbed in thinking about what to do about my childhood friend princess.