Chapter 27: From Day Off To Shopping - Part 1

"Aren't you acting a bit unreasonable back there?" "Well, I was mad because someone forgot to uphold his promise." As far as Arezu could comprehend, Lynn's sudden outburst back at the Adventurers' Guild was simply because he had unconsciously reverted to addressing her with proper honorifics. He knew he had made the promise while they were camping during the goblin-slaying quest, but to overreact and threaten the entire guild by casting a mystic spell was unreasonable—perhaps even childish. Watching Lynn cheerfully walk ahead of him, Arezu wondered if she was actually younger than her appearance suggested. "So, is there anything you want to ask, Mr. Arezu?" He did have many questions, especially after what happened at the guild. But seeing Lynn's mischievous smile—like she could read his thoughts—made him want to pretend otherwise. Regardless, if they were going to be a party of two for a while—as he had promised a second time—it would be wise to learn more about her. And, in return, it was only fair she knew a bit about him. "Since I'm in a good mood after my performance at the guild, I'll answer three questions from you, Mr. Arezu." "Why only three?" "Obviously, so that you'll appreciate the rare chance I've given you." As cheerful as she seemed, Arezu could feel she was serious. He understood her point. For a moment, Arezu couldn't help but smile wistfully. Then, as if to hide his true feelings, he resumed his laid-back demeanor and asked his first question. "Who exactly are you, Lynn?" Arezu expected her to hesitate—or at least give a vague answer. But Lynn's response was far from ordinary. She stopped walking, turned to face him, and marched proudly into the center of the street, drawing the attention of everyone around them. "I'm Lynn!... I'm who I think I was, and who I want to be!" It was a dramatic declaration of pride and self-esteem—unusual, bold, and impossible to ignore. Her answer was, in truth, a clever dodge. A non-answer dressed up as wisdom. And yet, somehow, Arezu found it more satisfying than any straightforward response she might have given. As they continued toward their destination on their day off, Arezu asked his second question—this time a more direct one, hoping for something specific. "About the Lady Impaler..." "What about it?" Her threatening smile returned. She seemed ready to shut him down over her infamous nickname. Or so he thought. "If you want to know, I guess I'll just have to teach you a lesson, Mr. Arezu." "Then I'd rather not." "Of course, I'm joking. I'll show you on our next quest why they so rudely call me that." For the third question, Arezu shifted focus. This time, he asked something not about Lynn. "Then what will our next quest be?" "Are you saying you're more interested in a simple quest than in knowing more about me?" How unreasonable can you be? Arezu thought, instinctively freezing as Lynn drew her crossbow and aimed it at him, eyes sharp with feigned rage. "A lovers' quarrel, perhaps?" "Shoot him already, girl." "Death to all bastards!" The voices of passersby only escalated the scene. Lynn, however, couldn't care less. What truly bothered her was that she had given Arezu a chance to know her—and he didn't seem to care. "You clearly don't appreciate the chance I've given you, Mr. Arezu." "I mean... I'd rather see you..." He never finished. Lynn lowered her crossbow before he could say more. After a moment of silence—for Lynn, thoughtful; for Arezu, anxious—she sheathed her weapon and smiled with satisfaction, as if she understood what he meant. Then, turning to walk ahead again, she gave her final remark: "Don't worry about our next quest. I'm sure you're going to enjoy it, Mr. Arezu." Regarding their next quest, Lynn had decided to take a few days off before accepting a new one—though she hadn't told Arezu it would be an orc-hunting quest. For now, her planned prank aside, they had more pressing matters—Arezu's weapon and gear needed updating before they could take on another quest. This led them to the current event: Lynn and Arezu arriving at the capital's shopping district. "Good day to you, Mr. Broody!" "It's Broc, you impudent girl." Lynn's playful greeting was met with a gruff reply from the old dwarf sitting at the counter of a two-story shop Arezu had followed her into. Inside, weapons lined the walls—knives, daggers, swords, spears, and even massive hammers. The collection was impressive, but what caught Arezu's attention was the old dwarf's comment upon noticing him. "So you've finally found a decent warrior." "Sure did." Lynn's smug posture—right fist over her chest like a salute—suggested she was more proud of herself for choosing Arezu than she was impressed by his skills. The old dwarf ignored her and turned to Arezu, studying him closely. "A halberd, huh? One mainly used like a great axe—for slashing and bashing—without the heavy hammer or spearhead. Instead, a scythe blade for better speed and balance." To Arezu's surprise, the dwarf had perfectly summarized his weapon style. "Impressive, right, Mr. Arezu?" "You mean Mr. Broc, right, Lynn?" Of course, the dwarf was impressive. But the look in Lynn's eyes said she was more pleased with bringing Arezu here than with the dwarf himself. Interrupting their banter, the old dwarf spoke again. "Sadly, I don't have any halberd-axes like that in my shop..." "You can just make one though." "It would take some time, so—" "We've got time to wait." "You do know my fees are—" "We've got the money, obviously." "You impudent girl..." Their exchange told Arezu two things. First, for whatever reason, the dwarf was reluctant to take the job. Second, Lynn didn't care—if she wanted it, she'd get it. They locked eyes in a glaring contest until Lynn's teasing grin finally broke Broc's resistance. "Fine! I'll have my apprentice make a basic one." "Make it two. One simple and quick, made by your apprentice. And one worthy of Mr. Arezu—crafted by you, of course." Arezu understood Lynn's logic. They'd need something soon for upcoming quests. But... "Why the custom one, Lynn?" She only responded with a teasing grin, offering no further explanation. Turning back to the dwarf, Lynn remained firm. "Fine. Just tell me your budget. I'll make something sufficient." "As for our budget... well, let's say it depends on how much you'd value these." She was bartering, Arezu realized, as Lynn pulled two familiar swords from the enchanted bag on her belt. So familiar, in fact, that he immediately recognized them. "Oi, seriously?" "My, my... what surprises you, Mr. Arezu?" "Lynn, why do you have Alex's twin swords?"