Chapter 7: An Unimaginable Request

It was our turn to be astounded. He sounded incredibly confident. Even if Earth was a strange name, most people wouldn't care and assume it's somewhere far away. Therefore it's natural that out of everyone in the entire world the first guy we bump into happens to be a geographic expert. What kind of horrible luck is this! If our cover was blown already...that would be quite bad. We can't admit it. So...

"There is, you simply have not heard of it" - Serena said, challenging him.

Nice job Serena. It's technically the truth after all.

"Hmmm you don't appear to be lying and yet..." - he shook his head "how unusual"

"Putting that aside for now, I believe you may be in need of our assistance, no?"

"..." - Serena turned to me. The unspoken question was clear, 'What should we do?'

This Quintus guy was weird. Judging from Serena's eyes though, he probably doesn't want to harm us. But I couldn't shake the feeling he wanted something. If we got help from them, it's only natural that we'd have to repay them somehow. Meaning we'll have to give up that 'something'. There were only two things in particular that stood out. Of which was Serena and...

I took a step forward meeting him eye to eye.

"I'd love some help...But I think you're far more interested in a deal for my clothes...isn't that right?"

In response to my wild and strange accusation he gave a wide smile.

"Yes that is exactly right"

Then Serena, the only person not aware of the underlying reasons. Chimed in.

"Mr. Quintus, are you perhaps a pervert?" - she said

Rorik in the driver's seat erupted in laughter.

"S-sir Quintus is nothing of the sort!" - shouted Gelda

As for the victim, he had a rather sorry expression now.

"Hahaha that's what you get for beating around the bush so much" - laughed Rorik

"Be quiet Rorik, it's not funny" said Gelda though she herself was smiling ever so slightly.

"Hmm I suppose that would be my comeuppance. Could I trouble you to explain to Serena?" - Quintus said regaining his composure

"Aah yes of course" - I said struggling not to chuckle myself

I filled in Serena with what was going on. You see, I happen to still be wearing my clothes from Earth. More specifically a black tracksuit. I knew it was going to be a problem but it wasn't like there was a fantasy clothes store down the street from the Goblin Hills. And unlike Serena I couldn't create them from thin air. Oh for the record she was wearing a large cloak and leather leggings. My alternative was going around in the nude but as it happens I still had a tiny amount of dignity left. Therefore that was the one risk I was willing to take. And it immediately landed us the attention of a seemingly uncommon merchant.

"By the way, where did you even learn about that" I said to Serena referring to earlier

"...I spent a lot of time examining records" - she said embarrassed after realising her misunderstanding.

"Uh huh" I said, giving her a look, that was the second time she mentioned the records, I'll interrogate her about that later. "Well it was good that you did".

It was unintentional on the part of Serena but the tension between the two parties has dissipated. And now that we've probed each other, we can begin an honest negotiation...for my clothes. Huh. Even though I imagined something like this might happen, this still ranked highly for me on the weirdness scale. It's just behind surviving a 5,000 feet fall.

Quintus and Gelda walked over after seeing that we had finished discussing.

"Shall we begin?" - he asked

"I would love to but I realised there's a slight problem"

"Hmm? Oh yes, I will of course provide you spare set of clothes free of charge and drop you two off at the next town"

"Ah thanks" - I said relieved "Then yeah lets get started"

Quintus invited us onto the caravan since it would be terrible manners to conduct business while standing up. The caravan was obviously very expensive. It was complete with a roof, lots of indoor space and leather seats. Unfortunately with it being a merchant's caravan a lot of that space was currently occupied by merchandise. Add four people into the mix and it ended up being quite cramped. When everyone sat down. Rorik on the driver's seat whipped the horses and the caravan started moving. As it did, the discussion to purchase a worn tracksuit began.

"Do forgive me for the lack of space, we weren't expecting additional passengers" - said Quintus

"Oh that's quite alright, we appreciate the lift" - I said sincerely

"Yes, thank you" - said Serena "and I apologise for calling you a pervert"

Quintus' face stiffened. "Well no one could fault you for that". He adjusted his glasses "Anyways. I'll get to the point this time to avoid further misunderstandings. I am very interested in your clothing. If I'm not wrong it looks to be the height of luxury and comfort in your...homeland. Although there is a rip in it, I'm willing to pay a high price for it"

"Um yes I see" I nodded. There's a tear in it from both when I'd used it for my first aid and where I was wounded.

Quintus leaned forward.

"How does…50 gold coins sound to you?"

"Master Quintus!" Gelda exclaimed

"...and that would be enough to afford accommodation?" - I asked

"It should be just enough to purchase a comfortable house" - he replied

"That...let me think about it" - I said hesitantly. I wondered what kind of face he'd make if he knew that I bought it second-hand.

"Why would you even need to th-" Gelda was saying before Quintus held up a hand.

"Take all the time you need" - he said crossing his arms

Let me see...If he wanted to. Gelda could have disposed of us a dozen times over. I didn't even see her move to Quintus let alone react. If it was a matter of blood ruining the tracksuit. Then trading for it like we are right now would be another option, then killing us and taking their money back. However Gelda wouldn't react like that if there was deception involved. Meaning he was completely serious about us walking away alive and with a small fortune to boot.

"...You're actually a good guy huh?" - I said

As expected from a merchant, his face didn't betray anything, maintaining a perfect poker face but...I wasn't looking at Quintus. I was secretly observing Gelda. Who gave an almost imperceptible nod of approval.

"Hmm, I wonder about that" - he said monotone.

I leaned over to Serena to consult with her, her being my partner and all.

After a few hushed whispers. I sighed and turned to Oliver Quintus. The person who had picked us up, the man who did not intend to exploit us and the guy who gave us such a generous offer.

"We refuse"

And we trampled all over his kindness.