“Oh, kid. Did you really like the way the miko outfit looked on the little miss that much?”

“Pretty much. I could tell you all about it if you’re interested, but we might be here until midnight.”

“I’ll pass.”

“Regular clothes might have worked great as armor in the world you went to, kid, but they have their limits here. Actually, this is the kind of thing a seamstress or tailor would handle.”

Ah . . . That would be the lady who made Filo’s clothes—the one who looked like she would write doujinshi or something. I bet she was chipper as ever.

“I’ll hold on to it for now, but don’t get your hopes up.”

“Understood. Just do whatever you can.”

“Mr. Naofumi, haven’t you been treating me a bit like a dress-up doll lately?”

“Call it a father’s adoration for his daughter.”

“Mr. Naofumi, what is that supposed to . . .”

I beat around the bush a bit to avoid answering Raphtalia’s questions. I was sure the old man wouldn’t let me down.

“That should do it for now. I’ll be back once I manage to make a bit of money, so see what you can do until then.”

“Righto! Studying this equipment of yours should keep me busy for a while, kid.”

“I’ll be expecting something good.”

We wrapped things up and left the weapon shop.

Chapter Four: E Float Shield

“Now then . . .”

I figured it wouldn’t be a bad idea to talk to the queen about my plans going forward. I was already planning on getting some old equipment from her anyway. We returned to the castle and asked where she was. She had just finished a meeting and was still in the room, wrapping up some paperwork. That’s where we found her, behind a desk with mountains of paperwork piled up on top.

“Queen.”

“Mr. Iwatani. What is it?”

“It’s alright if I take some equipment out of the storeroom, right?”

“Yes, that’s fine. Just be aware that much of it is damaged from the recent battle.”

“I know. I just figured I could use it at my territory if you don’t need it.”

Now we just needed to go and see what was there.

“Alright. Raphtalia. Filo. Rishia.”

“Yes?”

“Start loading up some things onto a carriage. We’ll be using it at the territory, so look for lighter equipment, preferably. Filo, I’ll be counting on you to make regular trips to transport the stuff by carriage.”

“Okaaay!”

Raphtalia and the others nodded and headed for the storeroom, leaving me behind. Filo was still in a weakened state due to the effects of the curse, so I wasn’t actually sure if she could carry anything too heavy. That made me think that maybe I should raise another filolial.

“Ah, yes. I was actually just about to summon for you, Mr. Iwatani. I’ve had the Spirit Tortoise materials rounded up at the training grounds in front of the storeroom, so please take what you need.”