Searching in the Dark (7)

The meal was almost over when I declared.

"Today, the inn is closed for business."

Leonardo and Vittorio exchanged puzzled looks and tilted their heads. I smiled lightly as I looked at them.

"You know, when a person works hard, they need a day to rest. Of course, it's not just about lying around and doing nothing."

After having firmly threatened Viscount Lopez, Leonardo and I had agreed to join the search for Leovald's corpse.

Although I hadn't received the script yet, we might visit the underground sewers in the next scenario, possibly very soon.

But we couldn't just go into that uncomfortable place unprepared. Above all, I needed to investigate the disaster that had perplexed me ten years ago. Now, with some free time on my hands, it was the perfect moment.

To put it in gaming terms, it's like buying torches and stockpiling supplies before entering a dungeon.

In short, this is a time for information gathering and shopping.

"This is all part of employee welfare. Think about what you might need. It's a day when the boss' wallet is open."

I decided to equip Leonardo, who had been wandering around bare-handed until now, and took Vittorio along since he would be upset if left out. As for me, I would focus on gathering information. It seemed like a fitting arrangement.

Since Leonardo had been busy with side quests and had accumulated a good amount of silver, our funds were sufficient. Vittorio, on the other hand, mumbled that he had never asked anyone to buy something for him before and looked troubled by the idea. Meanwhile, Leonardo thought for a moment before saying:

"I do need a sword, but it's probably going to be too expensive, right?"

"Doesn't matter. If it's too much, just put it on credit."

"Alright then."

I nodded with satisfaction, calculating how much more debt would pile up for Leonardo today. If he could pick an expensive, good sword, it would increase both his mental and physical debts.

But a sword? Until now, he seemed to focus mainly on physical training. Was he finally at the level where he could seriously wield a weapon? Or was he just planning to have one on hand, just in case?

Setting aside doubts about Leonardo's current training level for later, the three of us headed toward the market alley.

Walking with Vittorio and Leonardo on either side of me, a few of the merchants I'd grown familiar with over the past few days greeted us. The world felt less foreign than it had a few days ago. As the scenario progressed, things had become more stable, and the strange aspects of this world no longer stood out as much.

Even the extras, whether they were minor characters or not, seemed natural—expressions, conversations, and reactions flowed smoothly, as if the narrative had built up and created a believable world.

All creation starts from a small fragment of thought, often full of gaps, but when those fragments connect and interlock perfectly, they form a complete piece, don't they?

That's how I decided to understand this world.

In any case, as we browsed the market, I found quite a few things that caught my interest.

First, Leonardo's sword. After asking around, I learned that to get a good sword from the blacksmith, you typically have to make a reservation and pay a deposit for it to be crafted. So, the only sword we could get immediately was one of mediocre quality.

Leonardo skimmed through the weapons and picked out a sword of a suitable length. It was a longsword with a long hilt, but it didn't seem to be made from particularly high-quality materials.

Usually, in stories like this, the protagonist would pick out a legendary sword hidden in the blacksmith's shop, and the blacksmith would exclaim, "Ah, you have a good eye, young man!"—a classic trope, right?

But Leonardo, with an unusually dry demeanor, picked a sword that looked like it would just be used and discarded. The blacksmith had no reaction either, simply taking the payment.

Was this really it?

I stared at Leonardo, who now had the sword sheathed at his side, feeling a bit dumbfounded. I was more reluctant about the whole situation than he seemed to be.

"Are you sure you don't want to look around a bit more?"

I glanced at the shabby iron sword and asked, and Leonardo shook his head.

"This is enough."

"Still, you never know what we might face in the future."

As I spoke with a hint of regret, I suddenly noticed Leonardo's expression had changed. It was faintly similar to a smile, but there was something oddly different about it.

"The weapon itself doesn't matter. Unless it's a truly legendary sword, the difference isn't that great. But it would be good to have it blessed by the church."

His expression was one I'd expect from a hunter preparing for a hunt. It was only for a split second, but it was unmistakable. I studied his expression for a moment and then nodded.

"Right. Then let's stop by the church on the way back."

I had been planning to visit the church anyway. Disaster tends to stir up a faith that's barely holding on, and religion shines brightest in times of calamity—though it often crumbles just as easily.

Anyway, the church should have records of the disaster from ten years ago. They also oversee funerals, so if I search through the related records, there's bound to be something useful.

Leaving the blacksmith's shop, we headed back into the bustling market. The streets were lined with proper shops selling goods, more established than the usual street stalls. Carriages passed by frequently, and the crowd moved lively and thick through the streets.

"Watch out."

Worried that Vittorio might get bumped into, I held the kid's hand. At first, the boy flinched, but soon enough, he relaxed and let me hold him. The warmth of the child's small, soft hand wrapped around mine was unmistakable. With a smile, I lightly swung his hand back and forth like a game, and the boy seemed unsure of what to do with himself, looked slightly flustered.

We continued walking through the market. The torch I had used in the underground was too hot and cumbersome, and it reminded me of how uncomfortable it had been to use. So I bought a pricey oil lamp instead. It wasn't an automatic lighting one, so I also had to pick up some flint separately.

I also bought new gloves that fit my hands, a cute little shirt that seemed perfect for Vittorio, and some interesting spices. Before I knew it, my arms were full of goods. Just as I was starting to get weighed down, Leonardo smoothly took my load from my hands. A perfect strongman, that one.

"Kid. Want an apple?"

I noticed a stall selling bright red apples that gleamed like jewels. When I asked, Vittorio nodded. I bought two apples, handed one to the boy, and cut the other in half, holding it up to Leonardo's lips.

With his hands full of bags, Leonardo tilted his head slightly, then took a bite, the juice dripping down and wetting my fingers a little.

He muttered to himself and scanned the area. The church stood large right in front of the square, and it had an open, welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

The medieval churches I know are usually secular institutions, exploiting peasants under feudal lords. But this church, perhaps because it's a fantasy world, looked more like a village hall with a much more open vibe.

More importantly, the consecration. This part felt quite fantasy-like… But then, does a sword really need a blessing? It wouldn't be for something like increased durability. Blessing is typically to ward off evil, after all.

Evil.

Could it be related to "those things" mentioned in the underground waterways?

As I was lost in thought, a soft, warm sensation touched the tips of my fingers. Startled by the tickling feeling, I turned around, and Leonardo apologized.

"I thought it might stain your sleeve."

Ah, the apple.

The juice from the ripe apple had soaked nearly up to my wrist. I handed him the remaining piece, then washed my hands at the fountain in the square before returning.

Even after I washed off the juice, the crisp scent of apples still lingered on my fingertips. I briefly pressed my fingers to my nose, then shook my head.

"Well, the shopping is pretty much done. Let's head to the church and get the sword blessed. In the meantime, I'll do some research inside."

I need to go and check out the underground sanctuary as well, and investigate the calamity from ten years ago.

The priest, who had been sweeping in front of the church's open main door, spotted us and smiled warmly. His gaze slowly swept over Leonardo, who was carrying the luggage, me standing next to him, and Vittorio, who was holding my hand. The priest kindly spoke.

"Welcome. Is your family out for a little outing together?"

I chuckled at the priest's joke, thinking how impossible it was for us to be related as siblings. From our body types to our appearance, it was obvious we weren't related by blood. Even if you considered me and the little Vittorio as brothers, it was a bit of a stretch.

But the priest merely blinked, and Leonardo spoke in a soft tone.

"We're not married."

Married… what?

Then Vittorio, as if to back up Leonardo, nodded beside him. It wasn't a casual joke; it was clear that they were correcting the misunderstanding.

"Oh, I see. I thought you all looked so close as you approached from the square. I must have been mistaken."

The priest accepted the correction with a smile. The only one feeling confused in this situation was me.

Wasn't it obvious that it was just a joke? Even if it was serious, wasn't it simply a light, casual question asking if the three of us were siblings?

"...?"

What the hell?