Jash's New Armor

Offering a genuine grin, Bil gave the armor a pat-down. "It offers mobility over protection, but it will reduce a lot of damage. And you can wear something over the chest piece to either conceal it, or you can wear the crest of your employer. Considering we're in a town, I don't think you'll find anything better here."

"Oh! You already know!" the shop owner agreed, leaning on Bil's shoulder like an old friend. "And since it's your eighteenth birthday, I'll give you a discount! Thirty gold drits!"

"HOW MUCH?!!" Aghast, Jash looked at the shop owner in horror. "I can't–"

"Take fifty!" Without hesitation, Bil placed a stack of rectangular gold coins on the wooden counter.

"Y-YES, SIR!!" Gleefully, the shop owner swiped his hand over the pile of gold. The man's ring twinkled with yellowish-brown light as the gold vanished.

While the owner was filled with enthusiasm for catching such a big fish in the market, Nelphy and Jash felt differently. Their eyes were still glued to the table where the gold was a moment ago.

"B-Bil… Since when–"

"Jash, if there's one thing you never skimp on as a warrior it's your armor and weapon." Bil ruffled his hand through the young man's auburn red hair. "We both know that you'll be joining the city guard the moment we settle in Frantoch. Consider this an investment in your protection and growth.

"And Nelphy, should you want anything like this, I'll happily pay for yours as well."

Throwing up her hands in protest, Nelphy shook her head emphatically. "No need! I'm just… surprised is all. I've never seen you throw out money like this.."

"It's because I don't throw money around aimlessly that I can spend money on what matters," answered Bil. "Besides, it's standard to pay extra for cleaning and polishing. And we're in a hurry so we need it done by noon."

"Consider it done!" The armor vendor rushed to Jash's side, already prepping his spatial ring. "Are you also in the market for a weapon, perhaps?"

Jash was still in shock but he replied, "W-well, I'm most used to swords–"

"We don't need a weapon," Bil chimed in.

"B-but.. All I have is that knife…"

But Bil promptly removed the sword from his hip and pressed it against Jash's chest. "Here. Now hurry out of the armor so he can start cleaning it. We don't have time to waste."

"Y-YES!" Rushing along, Jash took the sword with him into the changing room, forgetting to leave it with Bil or Nelphy so it wouldn't get in the way. But the armor expert made quick work to remove the armor while instructing Jash about some basics of armor wear and care. Then, Jash ran back to Bil while still clutching the sword. "Are you sure?! Don't you need–"

Calming Jash, Bil put both hands on the boy's shoulders. "Jash. When have you ever seen me wield that sword?"

"U-um, when hunting and stoking the fire.." Jash answered while examining the burnt-up sheath.

Bil nodded. "So I'll be fine without it. Besides, this is the sword I taught you to wield. Until you've had the chance to wield all sorts of weapons, this is the sword you're most familiar with. That means this is the sword you most trust with your life. Never forget that."

The young man nodded, gripping the sheath more caringly.

"Now, is there anything else we need in the market?" asked Bil, looking back to Nelphy.

"Umm, all I wanted was that pendant.." She shrugged and took Bil's hand. "If you already have gifts ready, then I can wait till tonight."

"In that case, let's head to the bathhouse."

Bil let the kids lead the way. Jash kept thanking Bil, which Bil eventually refused to accept. Nelphy was quiet as they passed multiple booths of varying accessories. But Bil didn't stop and check either since Nelphy was keen to leave.

They took their time reaching the inn from earlier, which was attached to the largest bathhouse in town.

There, Bil stopped. "You two go on ahead. I'll meet Jash in the bath after I finish some business at the inn."

"Umm…"

"I'll explain later," Nelphy stated, grabbing her brother's arm. "Good luck!"

Finally making use of his walking stick, Bil entered the inn and found the reception desk. The receptionist was surprised to see him again until Bil said, "I'm here to see Amma."

"Oh, right!" Setting a pile of papers aside the receptionist rushed out from behind the counter. "Follow me, please."

To Bil's surprise, they climbed two flights of stairs and stopped before a set of large double doors. The receptionist gave a subtle knock before holding the door open for Bil. "Right this way."

Thanking the receptionist with a nod, Bil stepped into the room. The door closed as Bil located the main table with his walking stick.

"Please, sit where ever you like," said Amma, bowing to the blind man as he sat across from her. As she sat down she added, "Would you like anything to drink or eat?"

Nodding, Bil sniffed the air. "Tea would be great."

Amma quickly yet caringly poured him a cup from the pot beside her. After the first sip, Bil sighed in relief, putting Amma a little more at ease.

"You're more nervous than I'd expected," remarked Bil, catching her off guard. "So, what's this personal matter you wished to tell me about."

She recomposed herself with a cough and straightened back. "As you know, I'm the mayor of this town."

"And you own most of Emor's inns."

"How can you tell?" asked Amma.

Sipping his tea, Bil paused. ".. Your inns and bathhouse use a homely, welcoming potpourri, unlike the other inns that have none. It's the same potpourri that you used thirteen years ago. And now that you're the mayor, I also assume you've invested a lot of personal funds into Emor's growth, which you probably used as justification to nearly monopolize the hospitality industry as a means of getting your money back."

"Th-that's not wrong…" Amma fumbled her words while tapping on the table. "So.. you already knew?"