One afternoon, I was drifting through the skies above the territorial capital with a backpack on my back.

My destination was a small shop located on a side street just off the main thoroughfare of the commercial district.

I descended in altitude until I was just above ground level, as I was almost there.

The main street was bustling, yet this alleyway was completely deserted.

Well, it’s always like this around here—nobody passing through.

As I proceeded a little farther down the alley, I spotted the shop I was looking for—Rob’s shop.

It had been a long time since I’d come here, but just like always, the exterior gave no indication of what kind of shop it was.

He dealt in leather goods, but you’d never know it from the outside—he had zero interest in marketing.

Anyway, let’s head in.

◇

“…Hm? Sera?”

“Hey there… has it gotten smaller in here or what?”

As I entered, Rob, who had been working on something while sitting at the counter right by the entrance, looked up.

This shop is more like a workshop in the back, but even so, there used to be space up front too.

But now, the inside of the shop was overrun by wooden crates filled to the brim with leather materials.

I’m floating, so it doesn’t matter to me, but there’s hardly any room to step.

“It’s not smaller… but I stocked up big time in preparation for the rainy season. So, what’s up today? You alone?”

Rob moved the tools that were spread out on the counter to the side, then asked if I’d come by myself.

I usually come with Alec or Teresa, after all.

“Yup yup. Just me today. I wanted to ask for some maintenance… are you busy?”

I placed the backpack I was carrying on the counter and took out its contents.

Inside were the goggles I use for high-speed travel with the 【Floating Orb】 and the pouch I use to carry small items while hunting.

Including the backpack itself, all of these were made at this shop, and I use them regularly.

Honestly, I thought the goggles would be obsolete now that I’ve got the 【Magic Cloth】, but they still come in handy during long-distance trips.

I brought not only my own but also Teresa’s and a spare pair.

During the rainy season, those who usually hunt outside tend to take vacation time, and the craftsmen get busy maintaining their gear.

This year, a dungeon was discovered, so things might be a little different, but judging by the stacked boxes inside the shop, it looks like the schedule hasn’t changed much.

“Nah, I’ve still got some breathing room for now. …But why the hell are you wearing so much bling?”

“Lady Seriana and Teresa picked them out for me.”

Today, besides my usual rings, I was also wearing two bracelets on my right wrist and one on my left—the ones I received the other day.

I guess when you’re facing someone like this, your eyes naturally go to those things too.

With this, the bangle of the 【Monkey’s Arm】 should blend in pretty naturally.

Upon hearing my reply, Rob just let out a disinterested “Hmph,” and shifted his attention to inspecting the goggles and other gear.

They’re all built tough, but since they get used in dungeons and forests, they go through a lot.

Even if it’s within the 【Magic Cloth】, the wear and tear must be greater than items used in town.

Rob fell silent as he thoroughly checked everything, but it looked like he’d finished.

He placed the last item he was checking—the backpack—on the counter and spoke.

“There are a few spots that would be better off re-stitched, but I can have it done in two weeks. That okay with you?”

Two weeks, huh… guess I’ll take it easy and hold off on hunting for a bit.

“Yeah. Please take care of it.”

“Got it. I’ll deliver it to the estate like always… oh, right.”

Rob had just started writing up the order form when something seemed to come to mind and he looked up.

“Yeah?”

“You’re here on personal business today, right? Not work for the Knight Order?”

“Hmm? Yeah, just personal. Why, is something going on?”

Am I involved in something that would need the Knight Order’s help?

“I’ve got a job from the lord, passed down through your captain. Thought you might be here to report on the progress… but if not, never mind.”

Saying that, he went back to drafting the order form.

A job for a leatherworker from Liesel…?

Rob didn’t seem interested in explaining what the job was. Still… what could it be?

◇

“Hey, old man! You in?”

Just as I finished signing the completed order form and paid the deposit—about ready to take my leave—someone came in through the back door.

Maybe another craftsman?

“Oh! What’s up?”

“Ah… oh, a customer. Huh? Isn’t that Vice-Captain Sera?”

The man who came in circled around to the front, and I recognized him.

He’s a weaponsmith who also does business with the Knight Order.

When he saw me, he made a face like he wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Maybe work-related?

I didn’t want to get in the way, so I figured I’d take my leave.

“My business is done, so… anyway, Rob-san, once it’s ready, deliver it to the estate as usual, please.”

“Yeah, got it.”

As I stepped out of the shop, I caught a snippet of their conversation.

Something about irregularities in shipments from other countries…

It sounded like they were gathering intel to report it up the chain.

Hmm… The city seems lively enough, but maybe things look different from a craftsman’s point of view.

Wouldn’t know myself.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Sera ・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garment】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Lung of the Dragon】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・4 cards

Seriana ・【Area Identification】・【】・39 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards