Magic Item Shop

Karina-chan here!

I beat the pirate in a drinking contest! Was I cheating? Nope — Spatial Magic is basically an external stomach, so it's totally legit!

 

 

Riding that high, I "left" the Merchants' Guild — meaning I slipped into my storage space instead of heading to an inn.

After a night's rest, I walked out of the guild like nothing happened.

"Time to go procure some lotion."

The guild paid me about 15 silvers for the booze. That's after deducting what I gave to Harumikazuchi-oneesama and what Blade-senpai used for negotiations — a solid profit, if I do say so myself.

Sati-tan, did you cut me a sweet deal? I'll have to thank you next time we meet.

Anyway, off to buy lotion…

Which means I need to visit… a magic-item shop.

A magic-item shop!!

"Fantasy world magic-item shops are the stuff of dreams."

I'd love to try making magic items myself someday. They're so handy.

Huh? You're saying Spatial Magic can already do everything? Well—

A magic tool for lighting fires? I can just store fire in Spatial Magic!

A magic tool for producing water? Store water in Spatial Magic!

A magic light? Store light in Spatial Magic!

—Okay, fair point. The Goddess' Spatial Magic is way too overpowered!!

Still, there are Magic Tools that do things Spatial Magic can't.

Spatial Magic feels like an extension of my own hands, which means others can't use it. If I ever get party members, Magic Tools will definitely come in handy.

Besides, I can't exactly make lotion with Spatial Magic.

Yep, Magic Tools definitely have untapped potential!

I pushed open the magic shop door and stepped inside.

From the outside, it just looked like a house with a sign — kind of shady. Inside, though, it had a general-store vibe.

Random trinkets whose purposes I couldn't begin to guess were scattered around, none of them with price tags. What is this bumpy thing even for…?

"Excuuuse me! The Merchants' Guild said I could buy lotion here."

I called toward the back of the shop. After a few *"Hello? Anyone there?"*s, a man who looked like the owner finally appeared.

"Welcome. Lotion, you said? We make it here. How much do you want?"

"Um, as much as I can afford? After I check the quality, that is."

"Here's a sample."

He placed a small pouch on the counter. White powder inside. I wet my pinky, dabbed some on, and tasted it.

… Hmm. No particular taste or smell — probably the good stuff.

This whole transaction feels kind of like a drug deal, doesn't it?

A bit outlaw-chic. I dig it.

"Nice. How much per pouch?"

"One silver each. How many do you want?"

Hmm, one silver. That's the same as Harumikazuchi-oneesama's buying price. Zero profit margin… normally I'd actually lose money on expenses.

For a second I considered just duplicating the powder, but that would break my self-imposed challenge. So no.

Time for some good old-fashioned haggling.

"How about a discount if I buy 30 silvers' worth all at once?"

I've got around 50 silvers. Considering I want to pick up some other items too, that seems like the right amount to spend here.

"No can do. Powder of this quality — nobody else carries it. Ask the Merchants' Guild if you don't believe me."

"Come on! A girl's gotta make a living too!"

"… Hmm, what to do."

As he said that, I caught his eyes flicking down to my chest.

Oh? Would letting him cop a feel get me 10% off?

If you're fine with boobs that the bathhouse aunties kneaded in exchange for fruit milk, I wouldn't say no. As a former guy, I understand how important boobs are!

"Hmm, what to do."

"… Can't you budge on the price at all?"

"Hmm, what to do."

Hey, that's a full-on stare now, not a glance. I crossed my arms to cover my chest a bit.

Is he waiting for me to offer?

If he'd just asked outright, I might have considered it… but not like this! What a coward.

"Then how about this — I'll buy some magic items too. This is a magic-item shop, isn't it?"

"… Yeah. If you bundle it with magic items, I can do 10% off."

Yesss! In that case — it all depends on what the items cost.

"What's that bumpy thing over there, and how much is it?"

I pointed at the knobbly gizmo from earlier.

He frowned like he was trying to remember. Hey, man, know your own stock.

"Ah, right. That's a Magic Tool for cutting parchment into a specific shape. One silver."

"A specific shape?"

"You place it on the parchment and it cuts along the outline. See how it's rectangular? You line it up just right, push the button, and it cuts to size."

"… Couldn't you just use scissors?"

"That's exactly why it hasn't sold. I'd appreciate it if you took it off my hands."

"I see."

This magic shop might not be doing too well.