At this moment, the air seems to have stopped flowing, which is undoubtedly a quiet that even the passage of time has lost its calculating significance......

Even if it's just for a moment, you can't now—

"Hey, guy over there!"

You must not turn around or turn back now! If you do this, you will not only be exposed, but needless to say......

It will also affect the whole store. So there must be no turning back!

However, at this juncture, it would be even more suspicious to be indifferent to such an order. So—

In the blink of an eye, Vain, who was in a dilemma, was also a little skilled.

The other party is a patrol sent by Ozman, who has been monitoring the whole of Midgard these days.

The originally peaceful town was turned into a prison like a prison by these guys.

It makes people panic......

Not only that, but it is said that the Ozman guy also frequently issued so-called new decrees in an attempt to further restrict people's freedoms.

Of course, this did work very well as expected.

Now, not only is everyone at risk, but they even have to tremble when they talk to each other.

As a result, under such high pressure, the vast majority of people dare not speak out.

Because, they are afraid to resist.

- If you resist, you will be met with relentless retaliation.

Even the loss of life happens from time to time......

In the days when Vane, as well as the Twelve Knights and others had to hide in Tibet in order to avoid pursuit, such news was not uncommon.

The moment they watched innocent people being murdered for various reasons, they were very uncomfortable and blamed themselves.

But what can be done is repentance...... You can't ask for more.

"Hey, turn around and show us your face-"

At this moment, Vane had to grit his teeth and turn around......

Because she couldn't do anything like that to everyone here anyway.

At this moment she tugged at her hood, trying to hide her face as deep as she could. However, the other party seems to insist that she lift the gray hood! ——

If you do that, your face will definitely be recognized by one of these people!

“......！”

So she wanted to avoid such a situation anyway. So he shook his head slightly. Refusal was expressed.

"Hurry up!"

However, the other party's tough attitude was obviously telling her that she had no right to refuse.

"Is that all there is to it?"

But just as she was about to lift her hood, the shopkeeper suddenly trotted over to Vane—

Then he pressed her head without hesitation!

And at the moment when she was surprised, she couldn't help but hear such a conversation-

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the child of a relative of my family, and I called her to come over and help today."

"Because of the lack of manpower......"

The suspicious patrol then turned his gaze back on Vane, as if to ask her to see if this was the case.

Of course, she did not deny it, and at the same time she was very grateful for the kindness of the owner. It's just that out of prudence, he didn't speak.

"This guy is very scared of life and has always behaved very cold in front of strangers."

"And this guy had a burn on his face, so-"

"Please don't remember the villain's ......"

As soon as the words fell, he motioned with his eyes to Vane to hurry up to the stall to help.

“......”

For this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay away from the patrols, she certainly couldn't let it go.

So I left there as fast as I could.

In the meantime she saw that the shopkeeper seemed to have given the patrol something, and they all seemed to be content to leave.

This made her sweat......

Whatever it was, I'll have to thank him later.

After a while, the shopkeeper dragged Wayne into the hut behind the stall. Here, it turned out to be a warehouse-like place.

That is, it is used to stack goods.

"They're all gone, huh?"

The shopkeeper obviously meant that Vane didn't have to hide his face so tightly anymore.

"Why didn't you just report me and help me?"

In an instant, she threw out the question she most wanted to know the answer to at this moment.

"If you tell me, there's a big bounty to claim, right? The amount is also enough, so you don't have to work hard to run this kind of small business. ”

Why?

This is undoubtedly the question that most wants to get an answer from him right now.

"Why? The answer is actually quite simple—"

However, the answer that seemed to be "something anyone can think of" in his mouth actually surprised him a lot.

"Because I don't want to make money without conscience. If you have to say it, that's all. So I'm not going to do that. ”

"Besides, I hate that Ozman guy too."

"Specifically?"

Maybe unconsciously, the atmosphere has gradually eased a little, right? The conversation has become lighter, too.

"Arrogant? Well, maybe so, right? ”

Hearing this, Vane couldn't help but laugh.

"Like him, I used to be in power, right?"

She couldn't help but be reminded. The shopkeeper couldn't help but smile wryly.

"If I have to say, I still prefer people like you-"

"We don't see us as dispensable props. You can throw it away at any time......"

"Really?"

As soon as the words fell, Vane couldn't help but feel relieved. She had been very nervous until now, even now...... The palms of his hands were also sweating.

Obviously in such an environment, why?

Obviously, even she couldn't figure it out herself—

"If it hadn't been for your help, I might have been caught by those guys by now. Thank you so much! ”

Then, as if it was only now that she remembered that she had to be thanked.

"It's okay, it's up to me, nothing to thank......"

In fact, it is exactly what it is. But even if this is the case, the gratitude must be conveyed in a tangible way.

"So what? Why did you choose to show up at this point in time? ”

"And deliberately dressed up so eye-catching?"

Huh? Catch someone’s eye? Is this what you mean? Vane, who was completely unaware, was speechless.

"I think I've picked out a set of outfits that are as unobtrusive as possible. Sure enough, it still doesn't work? ”

No way.

The shopkeeper affirmed it without thinking.

After all, there are some things that can't be hidden no matter how much you wear them. Such as temperament and words and deeds......

"As for why you chose this time...... It's just that the food and water stored are nearing the limit. ”

"That's why I took the plunge out to see if I could get some ingredients. After all, this is the toughest problem we're having at the moment—"

After hearing this, the shopkeeper shook his head helplessly and sympathetically.

What kind of feelings does his sigh contain?

I'm afraid that at this moment, no one can know except himself, right?

"Why don't I help?"

"Really?!"

This proposal undoubtedly seemed like rain in time for Vane and everyone who was willing to support her at the moment.

Let them finally see hope in this seemingly never-ending despair-

Therefore, Vane's eyes lit up with excitement in an instant......

However, no matter how stupid she was, she knew that this was not a gratuitous favor.

Although the shopkeeper just now referred to Vane as "the child of his own relative".

However, in fact, the two have nothing to do with each other at all.

Besides, she couldn't bear to let the shopkeeper who was so kind enough to help him do a loss-making business.

"Of course it's not for free, what are you expecting...... I'm going to be bothered by those looks. ”

"Sure enough. I guess that's going to be ......."

In an instant, Vane fell like a rotten eggplant......

The shopkeeper shrugged his shoulders and smiled like nothing.

"In that case, what do you want me to offer?"

"Of course, help! Didn't you just say that? You are the child of my relative's family. ”

"Huh? So? ”

For a moment, Vane was a little confused. Because in her opinion, it was at best a reason to say so in order to fool the patrolmen.

Isn't that more than that?

"Those guys have already seen you, and I'm sure you'll be staying with me for the next month."

Give me wait? What is that? What's that???

"I haven't heard of that!?"

"I told them just now when I asked you to leave."

"So if you suddenly disappear so quickly, they might be suspicious right away—"

"That's what I said, but—"

Indeed, if this possibility is also taken into account, it is necessary to do so.

"So, please use your current status to stay with me for a month."

"In that case, I will keep my promise and provide the necessary ingredients."

"Uh......"

Vane began to look left and right, as if hesitating. But she also knows better than anyone else—

This kind of good thing is almost equivalent to pie in the sky...... I can't refuse. Nor can it be refused.

"How? That's a good deal, right? ”

It wasn't until now that Wayne realized what a bold guy the skinny shopkeeper in front of him was.

"Well, if you think it's okay to take even a little risk, I'm fine."

Of course, as for the extent of the risk to each other, both of them know very well. ——

In the meantime, if it's exposed, it's over. That's what happened.

However, this is not an easy fact to say in any case.

"In that case, it was decided! Then hurry up and pack up and get ready to get started——! ”

"Alas!"

I always feel that I can't keep up with his energetic appearance anytime and anywhere.

"Well, let's say it's started. Where are you actually going? ”

"Go into the city to buy goods. Mainly jewelry and the like......"

This guy turned out to be a jewelry merchant, huh? No wonder those guys gave up so quickly -

Vane couldn't help but think so.

"It's likely that you've taken a fancy to all his expensive jewelry, right?"

"Okay."

So Wayne had no choice but to follow him out of the hut, and after some setbacks, the two finally rented a carriage at an acceptable price.

Of course, it is used to pull goods. And in order not to be obtrusive, Vane managed to hide himself under the canvas.

In other words, she is now equivalent to goods in a sense.

Relying on this strategy, the two of them successfully evaded the guards and got the so-called pass. This was followed by the purchase of jewelry, which was as usual without any interrogation.

"Huh? Who is this kid? ”

However, after unloading the goods in the tavern, it was inevitable that the shopkeeper's acquaintance would ask him so. Probably, just out of curiosity, right?

"Abel, is this your child? But you're celibate now, aren't you? ”

Seeing this, Vane hurriedly pulled off his hood. Because she doesn't want to be recognized yet...... So, hopefully, that argument still works.

"So it's a relative's child! I'm here to help for the time being. ”

Thankfully, it was accepted. Although the letter will be doubtful...... However, there is no doubt that it can be relieved.

"Please give me that-"

"Yes, it's still the same, isn't it?"

"That's right. The child's words ......"

As he spoke, the shopkeeper glanced down at the menu again.

“......”

At this moment, for some reason, while seeing his seemingly absent smile, I suddenly had an ominous premonition.

And this feeling gradually turned into a certain conviction.

"Just give her a children's menu, right?"

“！？”

This guy ...... Kicking your nose and face should be enough, right?!

However, she never expected that it would be such a prank. And...... I will be taken for granted as a child.

However, even if it is too late to say no.

Because Vane simply can't just talk casually while maintaining the status quo.

Therefore, at this moment, although she wanted to complain a few words, she had no choice but to do so in the end.

And the shopkeeper is getting along with her more and more as a "relative's child". Before I knew it, I was quite familiar.

Although it is highly likely that this is just wishful thinking.

But the longer the two got along, the more Wayne learned what it meant to be a "businessman's network."

And, he is really becoming more and more proficient in using the temporary identity of "the child of a relative's family......

"I don't know where to start complaining-"

"Is the food available? No problem! But this kid is really surprisingly cold, huh? ”

"Isn't it mute?"

"Hey, you guys have to try it again?!"

In an instant, she wanted to say that......

However, for some reason, I can't speak. I always feel that it is so angry!

As soon as the words fell, the words seemed to poke at Vane's sore spot - I saw that she slowly raised her head and seemed to show an angry expression.

"Hehehe, I'm guessing!"

The stall owner in front of him is quite refreshing-

"What are you talking nonsense! This guy is just a little bit of a life-conscious. Shut your crow's mouth! Right? ”

“......”

So, she had to agree with this statement.

- Because I can't speak casually, I can only nod my head or shake my head to indicate yes and no.

In this case, misunderstanding is inevitable. And although this body is not conspicuous, it is very strange to wear, and it is easy to attract attention.

However, so far it has not been exposed.

Before he knew it, at night, Vane could finally untie his hood. She couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief......

"Great work! I have to say that you worked together quite perfectly, it was simply impeccable. ”

“...... Thank you. ”

In the case of "I can only do that", what kind of expression should I show when I get this kind of evaluation?

To be honest, I don't know if I should truthfully show my emotions at this moment.

But in short, the first attempt was finally completed.

However, this time, in addition to the procurement of ingredients and daily necessities, Riveria actually told another thing when she was leaving.

That's ...... If possible, find a way to inquire about Lemuel's whereabouts.

"Because it's my brother who is very important to me, so please—"

"Really? You mean you want me to help, don't you? ”

"Is that okay?"

Of course, the reason why he talked about it with the owner was because he was trustworthy.

This was undoubtedly the conclusion that Vane had come to after a day with him.

"Got it, I'll help you inquire. And then—well, today's ingredients have just been shipped. ”

As he spoke, he gestured to the spot by the window.

"Thank you."

With that, Vane left. She didn't want to delay too long, lest she get into trouble.

So quickly put on the cloak again; Put on the hood and say goodbye to the shopkeeper.

Then it quickly disappeared into the seemingly sparsely populated street......

"It's really you, you solved this matter so quickly!"

The moment she entered the house, Riveria couldn't help but say that she had given her a bear hug!

"Wow?!"

Suddenly provoked Vane and was almost thrown to the ground!

"Although there are still many things to consider, the most critical problem has finally been solved!"

At this moment, she looked even more excited than she was.

"By the way, Sister Riveria? It's rare to see you eating with everyone...... Seriously, what are you busy with in the lab every day? ”

To this, her answer seemed to be a little mysterious, which couldn't help but arouse Vane's curiosity.

However, in the face of her soft and hard questioning-

"I can't say it yet...... Because, I don't have much confidence yet. Anyway, I'll tell you when it's done. ”

In other words, even if you continue to ask questions at this juncture, you will not get any answers.

Because Riveria has quite a knack for keeping her mouth shut—

"Huh...... I know. ”

So, Wayne had no choice but to give up honestly.

"But today, to be honest, I'm going to treat you well! Wait, I'm going to make dinner! ”

"Ah...... Thank you. ”