Chapter 21
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Xrecker
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: First Friend (7)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Good day to you, mister! Welcome back! And Ms. Pamela, a pleasure to meet you for the first time."
Shasha, who had been waiting for us in front of the warehouse, greeted us with a bright smile.
"This is Pamela. As you know, she's my friend and comrade. And this is Shasha, the owner of Cat's Commerce and my business partner."
"I-it's a pleasure to meet you! I-I'm Pamela!"
"Hehe, no need to be so nervous. So, mister, you're here to get equipment for your first party member, right?"
"That's right."
"Then let's go right in! I've already set aside a few items that might suit Ms. Pamela!"
We followed Shasha back into the familiar warehouse.
"Wow..."
Pamela's mouth fell open in awe at the sight of the equipment-filled warehouse.
"Since you're a witch, Ms. Pamela, I thought a robe that boosts magic power would be good for you. I've picked out a few, so please try them on."
Shasha gestured towards several robes hanging on the wall.
Each one was a high-quality item that I recognized from the game.
"I-is it okay for someone like me to wear such nice clothes?"
"Of course! You're the friend of my special partner, mister! Think of this as a welcome gift!"
"B-but... I-it's too much for someone like me...."
"Pamela."
I called out to Pamela, who was hesitating.
"Just try it on. If it doesn't suit you, you can just take it off."
"B-but what if it doesn't look good? What if I look like a monkey in a fancy dress? What if it's so ridiculous that you end your friendship with me...?"
"Don't worry about that."
I spoke, imbuing my words with will.
"We're friends. The clothes you wear won't change that."
[You have pierced through anxiety.]
"...O-okay. I-I'll try it on."
"Good."
'The mouth-jutsu is just too convenient.'
If it weren't for this, I would have had to spend more time trying to persuade her.
Pamela took one of the robes and went behind a curtain set up in the corner of the warehouse to change.
"You're quite something, mister."
Shasha gave me a sly grin.
"What do you mean?"
"The way you handled her just now. Was that your secret for winning over women? First, you pierce their defenses with a serious face, then you disarm them with a gentle follow-up. A classic technique."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Come on, don't play dumb. It's the same method you used to get me to trust you, isn't it?"
'Was it that obvious?'
I didn't think I had made it that apparent.
Perhaps Shasha's intuition as a merchant was sharper than I thought.
Or maybe it was because she had experienced it firsthand.
'Either way, I need to deny it.'
"It's all in your head."
"Really~? I wonder."
Shasha's teasing smile deepened.
Just then, the curtain opened, and Pamela emerged.
She was wearing a black robe with purple embroidery. It was an item that increased the power of debuff-type magic.
"H-how do I look? I-it's not weird, is it...?"
"It looks good on you."
"Really?!"
"Yes. You look like a proper witch."
"A-a proper witch...!"
Pamela fidgeted with the hem of her robe, her face flushing.
"It really does suit you! Wow, Ms. Pamela, you have an incredible figure~. The robe fits you perfectly."
"I-incredible...?"
"Yes! Especially that part!"
Shasha pointed directly at Pamela's chest.
It was true that Pamela was quite well-endowed.
Her usual hunched posture made it less noticeable, but when she stood up straight, it was clear.
"M-my chest?!"
Pamela covered her chest with both hands, her face turning bright red.
"Hehe, as a fellow woman, I'm quite jealous. Right, mister?"
"It is a fine chest."
"Huh?!"
My honest and immediate answer seemed to shock Pamela even more. She let out a small, strangled sound.
"See? The mister thinks so too! You should be more confident!"
"B-but... to have someone like me be confident...."
'Looks like she's about to spiral again.'
I decided to change the subject.
"Try on the other robes too. You need to see which one feels best."
"O-okay!"
Pamela quickly retreated behind the curtain.
"You're surprisingly straightforward, mister. Praising a woman's chest right to her face."
"You asked, so I answered."
"Hehe, I like that honest side of you. Most men would try to be evasive."
After trying on a few more robes, Pamela finally chose one.
It was the same black robe with purple embroidery. It seemed she felt most comfortable in it since it was the first one she had been praised in.
"Next is a wand and some accessories... but before that."
I spoke to Shasha.
"Pamela needs a subspace ring."
"Ah, a subspace ring. That's a must-have for an adventurer. We have a few in stock, but they're quite expensive."
"I'm not asking for it for free. I'll pay for it."
"Oh? With money?"
"No. With the materials from the monsters I'll hunt in the future. We can add it to the contract."
"Hmm, that's fine, but... it's a bit much to give a subspace ring to a new party member right off the bat, isn't it? No matter how much of a special partner you are, mister."
She was right. A subspace ring was a luxury item.
Even if it was part of a contract, it wasn't something to be given away so easily.
"Of course, I have a condition."
"A condition?"
"I'll bring you five Red Half-Moon Bear hides within the next five days."
"...Five? In five days?"
Shasha's eyes widened.
"Are you serious? Red Half-Moon Bears are rare, you know?"
"I know. But I'll do it. If I succeed, you provide the subspace ring. If I fail, I'll provide you with double the amount of regular Half-Moon Bear hides for free."
It was a gamble.
But it was a gamble I was confident I could win.
With my current skills and Pamela's support, it was more than possible.
Shasha looked at me, then at Pamela, then back at me. A merchant's glint appeared in her eyes.
"Alright. It's a deal. You bring me five Red Half-Moon Bear hides in five days, and a standard-issue subspace ring is yours for your friend."
"It's a promise."
"Hehe, I'm looking forward to it, mister."
The deal was struck.
"N-no! You can't! A subspace ring is too much for someone like me! And to make such a dangerous promise...!"
Pamela, who had been listening to our conversation, protested frantically.
"It's fine, Pamela."
I placed a hand on her shoulder.
"It's an investment. An investment in my most valuable party member."
"Y-your most valuable... party member...!"
"So don't worry. I won't fail."
"B-but...!"
"Trust me."
Once again, the magic words.
Pamela's protests died in her throat, and she just stared at me, her eyes wide.
"I-I'll trust you... Mr. Shih-han."
"Good."
'I might be overusing this, but it's just too effective.'
With Pamela's equipment selection complete, and a new goal set, we left Cat's Commerce.
Our next destination was the cafe Shasha had taken me to.
The one with the delicious apple pie.