Preparing For A Birthday Party

Ten days before Paia is turning three, Brian was looking at party decors that would be perfect for celebrating in their house.

His choices were really limited to only paper mache and few wall arts that at least were colorful for the eyes of a growing kid. If only the Item Shop offered the same things plus more with normal market price, Brian will not be having difficulties looking for one.

It has been more than a month since Nova has opened, and three weeks after finishing the last quest of the System. This silence from the System is the longest Brian had experienced so far. Although it's not like he hate being left alone on his accord.

"I already used 320 gold for the cake in the item shop. Maybe I could hire part-time monsters to play as a mascot during the party… No, I rather not invite strangers for our first birthday celebration here."

Brian was going for more of a birthday party like back on Earth rather than the formal celebrations the Brian in Auzeweth has experienced most of the time.

Money can now be said not a problem for the life of Brian and Paia. His Nova Blacksmith has been doing quite well for the time he was not present, and it has earned him more than twice the amount of what he needed for his quest before. So in total, he has about 2,500 gold he can spare.

Of course, if he does not consider the fact it is barely is a drop of water in an ocean of debt he currently has from the System.

"I guess this should be enough for the party. The most important things are the people invited and the big cake Paia specifically requested."

Preparing for Paia's birthday was not the only one Brian was busy with. He was finding ways to extend his connections as his alchemy shop is about to open the day before Paia's birthday.

From what he understands, the System should be waiting for his next shop to open before handing the next quest. Maybe it would be the same as hiring someone to work under his alchemy shop. No matter what it is, Brian is already planning ahead.

He can only ask Ogz and his fellow gatherers for his future plans about ingredients concerning alchemy products while also making sure Raju can introduce him to someone in the Hunting Guild for supplying Pests that are also needed.

'Alchemist seems to be very rare even in Soliel. Most of the known ones are taken and hired by big families.'

He heard alchemists can be commonly found in Azure City, but that is days of travel from Soliel. Leaving the safe haven this city provided them is a dumb idea for his current situation.

There was no reason to risk venturing to other cities when it would be his daughter's birthday the following week. As long as he was not time-constrained, he prefers to stay with Paia.

"Did you find him yet?"

"Still no evidence besides some people saying that they saw him."

"He is staying quietly here, but why does it look like he is hiding from us on purpose."

While Brian was jumping from one district to another, a common sight can be seen ever since he was staying in his blacksmith in the least amount of time. What stranger was the fact it is the same people or the same bird race that are having the same conversations.

He was able to eavesdrop many times and joined some gossip concerning these people. And from what he has learned, the people from the Avian kingdom were also looking for an Alchemy Master to create something that concerns a very important person in their kingdom.

Who or what exactly is the reason of all of these, the gossipers can only make up the rest of the story.

Brian could not care less because this alchemist master they are looking for is supposed to he someone great. He only needs a normal alchemist then the System will handle it… Maybe

"Boss Bry, it's unusual to see you here." A frequent customer recognized Brian as he traverses on the somewhat busy roads.

"Yup. I'm just roaming around to look for an alchemist."

"You're also looking for one?"

"No, my business is not related to those looking for this master whose name I don't even know."

"Oh, ok… By the way, when are you going to add another of those Specialty Product? The brush was something really magical."

"Maybe soon, but I don't know when."

When he asked the System concerning this, it replied that more Specialty Products can be added every after the blacksmith level up. Since it is still level 1, he was only given two of those slots.

Brian does not know how many would he have when it reaches level 2, but he knows the condition for leveling his blacksmith according to the System is by earning a total of 10,000 gold in net profit.

He will need about a month or two in his current pacing to reach that so it was not a lie that a new Specialty Product will be added soon. Although Brian can only hope System will provide him a good one.

Brian decided to take a break in a tea house he found along the way in District 3. He was not really familiar with the place and its famous spots, but the tea house seems like a nice and peaceful place for a quick drink.

"The black tea is good here."

The only customer sitting on the opposite corner walked closer towards Brian and brought the fragrant green tea he was just sipping with.

Brian observed this weird one-eyed young man who suddenly came beside him. He did have that distinct of having one eye, but it was not the thing you will notice first when looking at him.

Above the head is supposed to be the hair, most of the time. However, this man who suggested black tea while drinking green tea has more than what you can call hair.

"My hairstyle is amazing right? The one who popularized this called it Typhoon."

"uh… It's unique."

Typhoon was the perfect name for a hairstyle that looks like a tornado just passed by through it. Such a messy style with hair forming what seems to be a badly shaped cone. Paia will most likely play with it if she saw his hair.

"I know right! Only few people can appreciate this beauty."

"Who popularized that style again?"

"I forgot his name, but he works for the king."

'Hoping that guy is not working as the wardrobe adviser for the King. I have not seen him yet, but I can't imagine someone so respected rocking with this style.'

Far away from where the king is currently is, a shop owner already has a bad impression of him without seeing him first.

"Are you having a party in your place?" The weirdo saw the content of the small bag Brian was bringing.

"My daughter is having one soon."

"Can I be invited?

Brian almost dropped the glass containing the freshly brewed black tea when he heard what he just said. As long as he can remember, he only knows a single individual who is this shameless when they first met. And that individual was not a monster nor a person.

However, since he has been talking with different kinds of people, he tried to entertain this person because they can always be his potential customer.

"I don't even know you so why would I invite you to my daughter's party?"

"Ah, sorry about that. My name is Samon. So can I now be invited?"

"Hot!" Brian spilled some tea on his pants when Samon tried his luck again.

"May I know your reason why you want to go to a stranger's party"

"Nothing really. I just got bored with what I have been doing so I'm exploring new things."

It was not a reason that can move Brian, more so make him invite a stranger. Although he was not sure what Samon was doing in the first place that made him bored enough to go anywhere where he wants.

He was just about to reject him the second time when he suddenly realized this person could be perfect.

Brian did want to celebrate with family and friends only. However, he wants to find something unique and entertaining to go along with it. One of his plans was to invite someone to act like a clown. Now that thing is served in front of him on a silver plate.

Not only does Samon look like a clown already with that wacky hairstyle, but he also felt this one-eyed man has a personality fitting for entertainment.

"Samon right? I can invite you if you play as a clown for the party."