13 13. Preparing Formalities...

I awoke at five in the morning, thanks to my alarm. I seven more hours until I meet with the king. Before then, I need to gather some supplies, and then I could mess around with my ability.

'Let's see...'

Since I haven't eaten anything yet, I decided to explore the town in hopes of finding a vendor. I left the Inn and started walking around. After a couple of minutes of walking, I find an empty food stall. I walk over to it.

"Welcome, Cu... Oh, why is a child..."

"Please not there. I'm an adventure and am here to buy some of your wares. What might you have?"

The male who was behind the stall was a bit shocked but regain his thoughts momentarily. "Oh, uh... Excuse me! Welcome there... Adventurer! I have some tasty noodles! One of the best around here too! One cup for three copper coins."

One of the best? Then why is there no one around? Though, I'm so hungry that I don't care what I eat.

"Okay, I'll buy one cup. Oh, but can you break a gold coin?"

I took out a gold coin, but the man stared with eyes widen.

"Ack! Uh, umm..."

Suddenly the guy went to his knees and is almost balling.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't think a noble spy would go after me! Please, I beg of you... Forgive me!"

...

"Huh?!"

"Listen! They started it, okay! I mean, those brats at that 'Cup of Stick' tried to run me out of business. They sent people over and said that my noodles were gross. They even tried putting bugs in their food to seem like my food is unhealthy and grosser! They deserve their building getting set ablaze! Plus, they have all the money in the world to rebuild, so it not like anything will happen to them."

I watch as the dude talk for a while. As he does, he continues to bow on his knees. All in all, this person decided to take revenge by burning his competition. That within itself is horrible.

Technically, removing the competition is the best way to grow, but it is also the most un-ethical. I should report him immediately. Maybe I should ask the King or the guards at the gate.

"Ahem. I could look the other way if I got a cup of noodles for free."

The male immediately gets up and runs to get his noodles. Then he rushes to me with a hot cup of noodles. I accept the cup and dig in. The noodles were not that great, but that didn't matter. I finished eating in under a minute.

After finishing the food, I ask the man if there is an open merchant anywhere.

"Hmm... I think there is one nearby. I believe it's a couple of blocks that way."

I bowed to the man and followed the direction he pointed. I passed by many houses, storefronts, and stalls. The noodles didn't quite fill me up, but I should be satisfied until dinner, so I ignore most stalls.

After walking for a bit, I finally find a storefront with a thread icon on it. I didn't ask for a clothing merchant, but this works out. Maybe he told me a different one, but this is what I wanted. I walk toward and inside the building.

A ding sound went off when I entered. Then, a female approached me.

"Welcome! Oh, what a cute little child. Are your parents about coming in too?"

"Sorry, but no. I am here alone."

"Huh? I don't think this or any stores are appropriate for someone of your age. Please refrain from joking if you were. Maybe you are lost? I can..."

"Sorry again, but I'm not lost. For some circumstances, I am alone in this town and applied to be an adventurer. If you need proof, I can show you my guild's card, but that would be a hassle. Anyway, I am here as a customer."

The female hesitated for a moment while looking at me with widened eyes. She is taken aback but recovers after some seconds. Afterward, she nods and takes me further inside the store.

"Okay, customer-sama. We have many selections of clothes. Do you have anything in mind?"

"Yes. Do you have anything formal, like a suit or something similar?"

"Formal, yes, of course."

She starts walking off but then freezes. She turns around with a sad expression.

"I forgot, but... We do have many selections of formal wear and others, but the selections will not fit customer-sama. We can create to fit, but it will take some time."

"Eh. How much time?"

"It depends on the cost and other things. If I had to guess, it would take roughly three to four days."

That is too long. I need it right now or under 3 hours! Now what?

As I ponder in thought, a middle-aged man enters our conversation.

"Huh? Why are you entertaining a child and not working?"

"But I am working. This child is a customer."

"Hah? You must be kidding me, right? You, why are you really here? Hold on, can you even understand us? You look too young to."

"That is a bit rude, but yes, I can understand you. I would like you to reframe from harassing me. Now then, is there any other way to decrease the delay? I need it for today, before noon."

"Why you... Wait, need what? You! Tell me what happened." (Men)

"Yes..." (Women who proceed to tell the men everything)

"Hmm, that is a predicament. Even if we could, it would cost quite a bit. Far greater than what a child at your age would be carrying or even own."

"How much?"

"Let's see... For the suit, it would cost 20 silver coins. By giving us more money, we could decrease the time it takes, but it would cost even more."

Wait, only 20 silver?! I didn't even need to do a quest! Well, I ranked up, so I guess it was worth it...

"What if I give ten gold coins. Could it be done by noon?"

I proceed to grab a bag filled with gold to prove that I have the money. Both the woman and the men look bewildered at me.

"Y-yes! With this, we will be finished by noon. No! We will be finished in 2 hours! You take his measurements right now!"

Things started to get loud, so after they were finished with me, I decided to return to the Inn while my suit is being created. They had me be measured and then asked questions about the color palette. I didn't care that much, so I gave little detail and left it up to the male. All I said was that it had to be formal and either black colored or dark blue.

After returning to the Inn, I had five hours before the meeting with the King and two hours before picking up my suit. With this, I should program while I have the time.

I popped my fingers and opened my console.

Time to program!