*Kat kat kat taaan!* The sound of typing on the keyboard echoed through the room. Even though Aurora is pretty good with computers, there’s no way she could type this fast given her hand size. It’s me who’s operating it. Aurora, meanwhile, is munching on some finely crushed rice crackers while watching the news. Of course, she hasn’t forgotten her warm tea.
As for me, I’m searching online for equipment. I figured I’d pick out some new gear myself…
“Hmm… what to do…”
I’m deep in thought. Adventurer gear can be easily bought online without any issue, and money isn’t a problem either. But as I was researching, one particular phrase kept catching my eye: “When buying equipment, it’s a hundred times better to visit a physical store and get something custom-made rather than buying online!” or something along those lines. Though I say this as someone who’s been using second-hand gear, I completely get it. Herb gathering and trap hunting somehow worked out fine with what I had, but trying to take on an Aoooodaisho with used gear would’ve ended in instant failure. Heck, even facing off against a slightly aggressive Kinoki Deer might have gotten me killed.
One wrong piece of equipment could lead to disaster. That’s why I’m putting in the effort to research thoroughly… but things aren’t looking great. Yeah, there’s only so much I can do on my own. If that’s the case, then I’ll just have to rely on those I can count on. Friends are a precious resource — and right now, I’ll consult with Budo-san from the Adventurer’s Guild!
“Hmm, let’s send this: ‘Looking for a place to buy equipment.’ Oh, he replied quickly.”
‘Figured you’d ask, so I already checked with our partner stores. There’s one nearby with fewer items, and another farther away with a wider selection. I’ll see if they can let us in after closing time.’
“What? Is this guy a god or something?”
True, when I was talking with Amagasaki-san, we did mention equipment, but Budo-san wasn’t there at the time, right? Maybe Tomokaze-san or Amagasaki-san told him beforehand? Either way, it’s a huge help, so I’ll gladly take him up on the offer.
So, the choice is between a nearby shop or one farther away… but honestly, the answer’s obvious. More options are always better. After sending that reply, he quickly responded again: “Got it, I’ll ask them.” Alright, while waiting, I might as well prep some side dishes. Hmm, there’s broccoli… maybe I’ll make *agebitashi* (fried and marinated veggies).
・
・
・
It’s lunchtime. Today, I quickly whipped up some instant noodles, turning them into something resembling *tsukemen* (dipping noodles). With plenty of toppings, it looks almost as good as something from a restaurant. Aurora seems to be enjoying it too.
“Oh, a message from Budo-san.”
“—?”
“Let’s see… ‘The negotiation went well! In exchange, they want us to promote their shop on Twitter or during a stream, but is that okay?’ Hmm, that’s fine with me.”
Along with that message, he sent the URL of the store’s homepage. That’s not a big deal. Chiba-san from Rounders has been promoting his *mangas meat* sales anyway, and most viewers won’t care… though some might complain, but whatever.
So, we’re heading to the shop farther away. Since I want to dive into the dungeon early, we decided to leave tomorrow at 21:00. Budo-san will come to my house in my car, and then we’ll head out in his car that’s parked at my place. By the way, I kinda decided all this on my own, but what about Aurora?
“Aurora, I’m going to buy some gear tomorrow night. Do you want to come along?”
“—!”
“Alright, let’s go together.”
Aurora, who had already finished her *tsukemen* and was relaxing, seemed super eager to join. Moreover, as soon as she heard the name of the shop, she rushed over to the computer, opened the store’s homepage, and started investigating like crazy. Um, hello? We’re going to buy *my* gear…? Well, if Aurora wants something, I guess we can buy it. She’s got plenty of money left over from the super chat donations during her fashion show streams.
“By the way, Aurora, it’s fine that you’re researching, but once I finish eating, could you help wash the dishes?”
“—!”
Hmm, I feel like a mom now. Though, biologically speaking, that’s technically correct.
Ah, right! During today’s stream, I absolutely shouldn’t mention anything about going to this shop. Who knows, it might cause trouble for their business. As long as I’m careful, everything should be fine.
Still, I can’t help but feel excited, like a kid again. Come to think of it, I’ve never been to a big equipment store before. Hopefully, I’ll find some good gear.
