Chapter 85

After being jolted in a carriage that ran all night, Tōru and the others returned to the city in the early morning of the fourth day since their departure.

They arrived at their destination by midday on the first day.

From there, they proceeded along the central route and spent the night at the Great Sphere Rock.

In the latter half of the second day, they arrived at the second campsite, the Great Long Rock.

After confirming the dense area of blue crown grass, which was also the habitat of the rock lizards, they returned and spent another night.

On the third day, they set off early in the morning, retraced their original route, and returned to the carriage stop just as the sun was setting.

It was a rather grueling schedule, having spent a whole night traveling back in the carriage.

Even though it was early in the morning, the city was already bustling with activity.

White smoke rose from stalls scattered around the square, and the sound of vendors advertising freshly made goods could be heard.

Craftsmen and cooks who had finished their morning purchases at the auction market were seen hurrying through the streets.

"Phew, we're finally here. Mmm, it smells good. I'm so hungry."

"Indeed, it's a relief to return to a familiar place."

Yūrill smiled fondly as she watched the girl who had just stepped down from the carriage yawn widely.

Sora, who usually falls asleep easily, didn't seem to have slept well during the first experience of sleeping in a moving vehicle.

On the other hand, Mū, who could sleep soundly anywhere, was still dozing off, drooling and breathing peacefully on Tōru's back.

"Mr. Yūrill, shall we buy something for breakfast?"

"Yes, we only have the cat's food left. Oh, and there's a place I'd like to stop by afterward."

Yūrill, who was carefully straightening Sora's disheveled clothes, slightly frowned at the sand that was falling off.

She had tried to remove it thoroughly before getting into the carriage, but some of it was still hidden.

"Sora, can you help me for a moment?"

"Sure, Mū is still sound asleep. Uh, did he get a bit heavier?"

"He's growing."

Tōru, who had received the luggage handed down from the carriage, gave a small tip to the driver and shook hands with him.

Although the fare had already been paid, he followed Galwood's sensible advice to leave a good impression for future use.

Two tents and various other items, along with bundles of rock lizard skins and a leather bag full of the tips of their tails.

Carrying a large amount of luggage, they crossed the square and reached the appraisal window.

Since it was early in the morning, no one was in line. When they rang the bell, a red-haired man appeared from the back.

It was Chief Shiēka, who had been considerate before their departure.

"Good morning. How was the wilderness?"

"It was decent. Is the receptionist off today?"

"During this time, there are few people who volunteer to work."

"…I see. That must be tough."

"No, compared to the difficulties of others, this is nothing. Shall we proceed with the appraisal?"

Tōru nodded, and Shiēka quickly began counting the tails on the counter.

He didn't hide his surprise and praised the large number.

"Such a remarkable achievement, indeed. It exceeds my expectations. …No, it's truly impressive. To have eliminated so many. This will help us for a while."

"It's thanks to the excellent guide. Still, there were a lot of lizards. Could it be a sign of danger?"

"No, that area is too vast for a large outbreak to occur frequently. Besides, the territory of rock lizards is quite small."

Tōru nodded in agreement, recalling the dense area of blue crown grass.

While handing over the bounty, Shiēka asked about their next plans.

"Regarding the next carriage, can I reserve a spot for the beginning of next week?"

"Another three days…"

Glancing at Sora and Yūrill, he saw their eyes filled with anticipation.

Despite the tight schedule, they didn't seem to mind at all.

"Then, I'll ask for a reservation."

"Understood."

Tōru handed over 40% of the reward to Sora and Yūrill.

The rest he kept to cover necessary expenses and other payments.

Tōru then headed to the buyback shop, while Sora and the others went to buy food.

They planned to go to a bathhouse to shake off the sand.

After handing over the rock lizard skins, Tōru went to a familiar store in a back alley.

There were a few customers in the morning shop, and the owner, Lamou, and his son, who looked just like his father, were serving them.

Sitting on a chair at the end, Tōru waited until the owner, noticing he was free, approached.

"Hey, you look a bit sunburned. Hmm, what's this?"

"It's just me today."

Lamou's face clearly showed disappointment.

"You seem unhappy, old man."

"Of course, I'd rather deal with the refined young ladies than a rough guy. Well, you're a bit too young to call a lady, aren't you?"

Lamou laughed heartily, and Tōru handed him the tag from the rock lizard skins he had just received.

The owner's face brightened even more.

"Good, good, quick work. It takes a week to process the leather, and another week after that."

"About two weeks, then. Do you think the quantity will be enough?"

"Yes, this should be more than enough."

Incidentally, the skins brought to the buyback shop are processed into leather.

If you want the leather back to make equipment, you receive a tag, but the quantity is reduced due to processing costs.

So, you need to bring in a lot more to avoid unexpected high costs.

"By the way, I have another request."

Tōru then took out the cut-off hind legs of the rock lizards.

Lamou took them and examined them with interest.

"What a unique souvenir. I've handled the leather many times, but I've never seen the live legs before."

"Can you take a look at the soles of the feet?"

"Hmm, they have an interesting texture."

"Yes, I thought that if we attached this part to the soles of boots, it might make walking easier. What do you think, old man?"

Lamou frowned and thought for a moment before speaking.

"Hmm. If we process it into hard leather, the shape will be retained, but the softness will be lost. On the other hand, if we use tanned leather, it will be too soft for the soles of shoes."

"But it's for walking on sand, so I don't think durability is a big concern."

"I see. Hmm, that sounds interesting. Let me try making one pair."

"Great, thanks, old man."

"Don't get your hopes up. It's just a test, a test."

The craftsman slightly lifted the corners of his lips, and Tōru handed over the remaining legs.

"Then, I'll come back when they're ready."

"Hmph, bring your companions next time."

"Got it. See you, old man."

After exchanging farewells, Tōru left the shop and continued north.

Crossing a bridge over a dry moat and approaching a place where the outer wall was clearly visible, the sound of metal being hammered became louder.

This area was known as the Armory Street.

Among the large stores lined up, a small shop was squeezed in.

Tōru's next destination was this seemingly poorly frequented workshop.