Wof, Age 13 ⑧
The day after I had absolutely no luck.
I came to sell yesterday’s haul.
It sold for a decent price.
While I was here, I decided to ask about knives.
Leaning against the counter, Arifa-san grumbled.
“Knives, huh.”
“Are there any cheap used ones?”
“Used blades, and cheap ones too, aren’t very good. New ones are better.”
“Does an Antique Shop owner really say that?”
“Good point.”
Arifa-san gave a wry smile.
“Right. Wof. About that ring.”
“Come to think of it, what happened with that?”
I’d forgotten until she mentioned it.
“It seems it was a commissioned item. As promised, I’ll give you the payment without taking my cut.”
Saying that, she placed a bag on the counter.
“Is this it?”
“That’s right. Take it.”
“How much is it?”
I hope it’ll help, even just a little.
After all, I can’t enter the Dungeon for the time being.
Before coming to the Antique Shop, I got curious and went to the Dungeon, only to find it closed off.
‘Closed off’ means it’s sealed by a barrier from a Relic wielder.
I had a vague idea this might happen because of the earthquake.
But actually seeing it sealed off made me feel sick with anxiety and worry about my future.
I need to buy a knife, too, so I hope this helps, even if only slightly.
“127,000 Oro.”
“Huh!? 120,000!?”
I yelled unintentionally. That was more than I expected.
Wait, that’s more than the Seeker registration fee!?
“The client was very pleased. They said they wanted to meet you and thank you in person, though.”
“Ah, well, I’m sorry about that.”
“Figuring as much, I accepted their thanks on your behalf.”
“Thank you very much!”
I bowed my head.
Arifa-san sighed.
“It’s fine, really. But you can’t keep doing that once you become a Seeker.”
“Y-Yes, ma’am.”
“Going solo to be cautious isn’t a bad idea, you know.”
“In my case, it’s also part of my personality…”
“I bet.”
Arifa-san gave a slight wry smile.
I’ve been bad at socializing since my past life… and that still applies to me now.
Hahaha… Old habits die hard, I guess.
“I know I need to do something about it.”
“Normally, someone aiming to be a Seeker would become a Hired Pup, though.”
“…Right.”
My expression turned gloomy. Hired Pup.
It’s basically being a servant hired by a Seeker or their party.
The main jobs involve personal chores and being a Baggage Carrier.
Apparently, there’s a salary, but it’s supposedly peanuts at best.
To put it bluntly, it strongly brings to mind the image of a convenient slave.
That’s probably what it actually is.
I’ve heard that their poor treatment has become a problem even at the Seeker Guild.
However, no resolution has been reached.
Or rather, it seems like they have no intention of solving it.
The reason is Hydrangea’s largest clan.
‘Koon Hunt’—there isn’t anyone in this frontier who doesn’t know of them.
“It used to be much better, you know.”
“It’s different from the past?”
“Back then, they were treated more like a knight’s squire, or a master and apprentice.”
“Heh…”
“I was a Hired Pup like that myself, you see.”
“You were?”
Arifa-san as a child, huh.
I can somehow imagine she must have been energetic.
“Well, honestly, I have my doubts about how Hired Pups are treated now.”
“As I thought…”
“I can feel that the quality of Seekers has dropped, too. Though I know the cause.”
“Koon Hunt… is it?”
Arifa-san gave a wry smile, as if confirming it.
Koon Hunt, the largest clan in Hydrangea, no, in the frontier.
The clan’s master is a Tier I Seeker.
One of the Kings of Seekers, of whom there are only 27 in the entire world.
That’s why their name is widely known.
At the same time, Koon Hunt is constantly surrounded by bad rumors and ill repute.
It’s said that since Koon Hunt employs Hired Pups in large numbers, no improvements are being made.
That’s what people say.
I think that’s probably true too.
“Wof, you be careful too. Especially.”
“Y-Yes, ma’am.”
“By the way, hey, Wof. You can buy a knife with this now, huh.”
Arifa-san grinned.
“Ah, you’re right.”
“They’re used, but there are knives lined up on the shelf back there.”
“But didn’t you say used blades aren’t good?”
“Ahahaha, well, just go take a look.”
“Okay.”
As directed, I headed towards the shelves in the back.
Various swords and knives were crammed onto the shelves there.
I peered at the dusty wooden shelves.
Knives of various shapes and sizes, some sheathed, some bare, were placed haphazardly.
“This one’s good. This one too. This one, and this one too, huh.”
There are some good items even among the used ones. I picked them up one by one.
The prices… 20,000, 40,000, 60,000… 150,000… expensive.
They’re this expensive even though they’re used?
Well, they’re expensive by my standards, but perhaps not for a Seeker.
Me, who paled at the mention of 120,000.
Arifa-san, a Tier III Seeker who remained unfazed.
This must be the difference between a Seeker and me, a kid with nothing.
The knives lined up on the shelf.
They’re all good, but I feel like every single one is missing something for me.
What is it? What could it be?
Even though they should all clearly perform better than my old knife.
They’re all lacking something for me.
I don’t know what’s missing.
“Mm… what are you… doing?”
“I’m choosing a knife, but somehow… nothing feels quite right.”
“…Feels right…”
“I don’t know what it is, but it feels kind of off, I guess? Or like something’s lacking.”
“Mm… lacking…”
“Hmm…”
Huh. Who am I talking to right now?
When I turned towards the voice, I was surprised.
There stood a beautiful girl with pinkish-white hair.