He was now inside the most luxurious boutique near the academy with Lua.
“Oh, welco!”
A woman in her thirties, who seed to be the shop owner, broke out in a cold sweat when she saw Philip.
“… Is that young man the lover of Lisriel Joseph?”
It was an absurd misunderstanding, but she couldn’t help but think that way.
Otherwise, there was no reason for Lisriel Joseph to personally handle all the clothes chosen by the young man.
There were many expensive items in this boutique that even nobles would find burdenso.
Philip looked at the hostess and spoke.
“Oh, nice to et you. This young lady here is looking for so clothes. Could you please recomnd a few outfits that are comfortable for everyday wear, excluding anything with a corset?”
The shopkeeper couldn’t help but notice that he was the most handso man she had seen in a while. She quickly composed herself, realizing that saying anything wrong could lead to retaliation from Miss. Joseph, the head of the Joseph Association.
Lua wandered around the boutique, her eyes widening at the array of glamorous clothes on display.
“Do you see anything you like?”
“It seems like there’s nothing suitable for to wear.”
Many of the dresses showcased in the boutique were designed for adult won, not girls like Lua who were still growing.
“Just choose sothing that catches your eye. Once you buy it, we can make the necessary adjustnts to ensure it fits you perfectly.”
Philip settled himself on the couch inside the store, offering his guidance.
The shopkeeper, taken aback by his words, blinked in disbelief.
‘What did he just say?’
It was a remark that seed oblivious to the world of fashion. Altering ready-to-wear clothes? By that logic, why would children’s clothing even exist? Caught between professional pride and the threat to her livelihood, she held back her comnts with a disheartened expression.
“It looks like sothing a princess would wear.”
Lua observed, her eyes lighting up as she admired dresses adorned with lace or cute one-pieces with frills and ribbons.
“I should pick a few.”
Philip chuckled as he watched Lua’s excitent.
He got up from the sofa and perused the clothes on display, considering the color coordination.
“Her hair is brown, so beige or white would complent it nicely. Pink also looks good.”
Lua was still at an age where she hadn’t fully shed her baby fat.
Therefore, cute clothes seed to suit her better than more mature attire.
“Do you have a fitting room where I can try on a few outfits?”
“We have a dressing room set up over there. By any chance, do you have a maid…?”
Young ladies who visit this place usually co accompanied by a maid or nanny.
“…”
Philip silently gazed at the lady. His eyes conveyed the ssage, ‘There is no maid-like person, so am I expected to assist her with changing?’
“I will be glad to assist you. Please co this way, miss…”
Lua followed the lady and went behind the curtain where the fitting room was located.
She tried on multiple outfits, eventually selecting a dress with a polka dot pattern, a one-piece dress adorned with frills and a shawl, and comfortable sleepwear.
Philip warmly smiled at Lua as she erged wearing the chosen dress.
“You know, it would be even cuter if you tied your hair up.”
As n age, they often beco more attuned to their feminine side, developing a fondness for delicate hobbies or possessions.
Knitting, gardening, or even raising pets, among other things.
Naturally, Philip was no exception to this trend.
Feeling as if he were out shopping with his niece, he decided to elevate the mood even further.
“Co over here for a mont.”
“Yes.”
Philip selected a sky-blue ribbon that would complent her brown hair and skillfully tied Lua’s hair, creating an elegant look.
“Hmm.”
The end result was remarkably satisfying.
Curious about her transford appearance, Lua approached a nearby mirror, and her mouth beca slightly agape in astonishnt.
Reflected in it was a girl she hardly recognized. Wearing a knee-length white dress, with a sky-blue ribbon adorning her hair, she appeared completely different.
“It’s like I’m looking at soone else.”
Philip nodded as Lua mumbled softly.
The child was exceptional from the very beginning, not only in terms of her well-nourished appearance but also in the way she carried herself. Additionally, her naturally pretty face was complented by tastefully chosen attire, making her truly adorable, like a ticulously crafted doll.
“I would like everything to be delivered, please.”
As Philip spoke, the hostess nodded in understanding. At that mont, Philip’s eyes caught sight of a dress in a beautiful shade of blue. It was an exquisite piece, adorned with jewels and lace.
“Oh, please add that to the list as well.”
“Of course, I understand.”
It was a rather satisfying shopping experience, particularly since it was financed with soone else’s money.
“Now, let’s leave.”
Philip took Lua and exited the boutique. There were still too many things left to purchase.
—
Their next destination was a shop that served as both a blacksmith and a weapons store.
Tucked away in a secluded corner of a back alley, it was a sowhat secretive establishnt and happened to be the shop Philip frequented the most in the ga.
“Where are we?”
“They sell items such as swords, shields, and armor here. Once we enter, just remain quiet and don’t say a word. The proprietor has a rather unpleasant disposition.”
“Understood.”
“You’re a good one.”
Philip absentmindedly tousled Lua’s hair and entered the shop.
“What…? Who referred you?”
The place was perated with the scent of tal and oil.
A burly man, clad only in overalls and wielding a hamr, greeted Philip and Lua.
“If one cos without an introduction, do you not sell anything? Well, I know precisely what kind of place this is.”
Philip’s inquiry prompted a dissatisfied expression from the shopkeeper, who lowered his head.
“No, I suppose I must make a living too. However, I won’t sell extravagant items to soone unqualified,” he retorted with a hint of frustration.
‘Indeed, he is quite demanding.’
Philip thought to himself.
The na of the store was ‘Younson’s Emporium,’ and its proprietor, a well-built man nad Younson, was a forr mage and a skilled blacksmith who had formally studied magic at the Golden Arcanum Tower.
In the lore, Younson was the only person on the continent to successfully fuse the arts of tallurgy and magic.
While other traders could be disregarded, establishing a friendly relationship with Younson was essential for future convenience.
“So, what do you intend to purchase?” Younson inquired.
“I’m interested in acquiring a suitable sword and a suit of armor for her,” Philip responded.
“Are you the one with the funds?” Younson clarified.
“Yes,” Philip affird.
“In that case, I need to witness your abilities. Show your most exceptional talent, and I will provide you with a product comnsurate with its value.”
Younson was a remarkable artisan, proud of his craftsmanship and skill.
Even in the original ga, acquiring a certain level of skill or knowledge was necessary to purchase equipnt from him.
Philip pondered for a mont.
‘I believe it would be best to demonstrate my proficiency in manipulating magical energies,’ he concluded.
If he was going to impress Younson, he wanted to showcase skills that would leave the blacksmith astounded.
“Just lend a sword montarily,” Philip requested.
Having left Neria at the mansion, his waist remained unadorned. Younson furrowed his brow at Philip’s plea.
“Would a dagger suffice?” he questioned.
“That will be sufficient,” Philip agreed.
Philip accepted the dagger handed to him by Younson, firmly grasping it in his hand.
‘Let’s concentrate.’
Soon, a radiant blue aura surged from the dagger. Witnessing this spectacle, Younson involuntarily let out a snort.
“Hmph. Those who know how to wield a short blade are a di a dozen. Is that all there is to it?”
“You couldn’t be more wrong.”
Philip grinned mischievously and brandished the dagger through the air.
To everyone’s astonishnt, the aura unleashed by Philip suddenly extended like a whip, reaching several ters away before colliding with the opposite wall.
Younson stood there, gaping at the scars left on the sturdy bricks.
“… What the hell! What did you just do?”
Philip furrowed his brow in response.
“Why the profanity when there’s a kid listening?”
“Do you think I care? Explain what you just did. No, how did you manage to transform the aura externally in such a manner? That’s sothing only magic can accomplish. Moreover, the total amount of mana didn’t change, did it?”
“But it worked, didn’t it?”
Younson gritted his teeth, frustrated by Philip’s answer.
It was an event that defied Younson’s understanding of the world, sothing that should never have occurred right before his eyes.
A swordsman’s manipulation of mana takes the form of “aura,” refined and exerting influence on the external world. anwhile, mages directly manipulate mana itself.
Magic was the phenonon where mana undergoes changes in movent and properties, governed by specific laws established through spells and incantations.
Philip, who appeared to be a swordsman, had breathed the quality of “flexibility” into the refined aura without employing any spells or incantations.
For anyone well-versed in magical knowledge, it would be inconceivable to believe what Philip had accomplished without witnessing it firsthand.
“As I suspected, being a forr mage allows you to instantly grasp what I’ve done.”
It was a slightly gratifying feeling. Philip stroked his chin, exuding satisfaction.
“Well, then, how did you do it?”
“If I don’t tell you, will you refuse to sell the item?”
“Damn it! That’s not fair!”
Younson’s steps pounded the ground as if his body was ablaze. The sensation was imnsely satisfying.
“We’re not exactly close friends, so I can’t casually reveal that information, can I? How about we start by taking a look at the rchandise?”
Philip’s voice carried a subtle insistence, and Younson quickly grasped his intention.
‘Right. This guy wants a good look, knowing he’ll be a frequent visitor.’
“Just wait a mont.”
Despite his youthful appearance, Younson thought Phillip exuded an air of seasoned experience, and exhaled a sigh before making his way towards the warehouse.
When he returned, he held in his hands a sleek obsidian longsword with a leather sheath, accompanied by a pair of leather armgurds.
“… I never expected to sell this. This black beauty goes by the na ‘Guidemaster,’ a blade like no other for novices. With frequent use, it adapts to its owner’s body, adjusting its length and weight accordingly.”
Younson extended the black sword toward Lua, who stood in awe. Then he presented the leather armguards.
“These armguards are crafted from wyvern leather and imbued with enchanted manticore blood. They provide sturdy protection and can deflect powerful impacts that might make the sword slip from your grasp.”
The re descriptions conveyed the exceptional quality of these items.
Philip accepted the armguards and sword, securing the longsword at his waist. However, as he attempted to slide the armguards onto Lua’s wrist, he realized she was attired in a one-piece dress.
He planned to co back for that.
“Damn it… Forget the armguards, but there was soone eyeing that sword. They’re bound to return, causing all sorts of trouble.”
“Oh, and there’s one more thing I’m interested in purchasing.”
“What now?”
“Among the swords you have for sale, do you happen to possess any infused with mithril?”
“… No, how did you find out about that?”
Younson’s excitent beca palpable as he once again licked his lips. While such an item did indeed exist, only a few were aware of its existence.
“May I have a look at it, then?”
After affirming his understanding, Younson briefly disappeared only to reappear monts later.
He returned, holding a sleek silver sword in his hand. Philip couldn’t help but let out a hushed exclamation upon seeing the blade.
‘Indeed, it hasn’t been sold at this stage.’
The sword’s slender and elongated form resembled a rapier, its exquisite craftsmanship making it seem almost too beautiful to be used in practical combat.
However, Philip knew exactly whose hands this sword would fall into.
‘I can’t allow it to end up in the possession of that deranged half-elf.’
“I’ll take this as well.”
“This? This is a failed piece. It’s embarrassing to even claim it as my creation. It’s a re object with no magical properties whatsoever. If you’re determined to buy it, I won’t dissuade you. Just pay the value of the mithril it contains.”
‘Selling that fraudulent item for a bargain?’
Philip expressed his gratitude by slightly bowing his head.
“Oh, I intend to give it as a gift to my sister.”
With those words, Philip handed a piece of paper to Younson. It was a promissory note stating that Joseph Association would handle the paynt for all the purchases made by this young man.
“Joseph Association? What exactly do they do? Are they so kind of nobility? They certainly give off that impression.”
“… Excuse , sir, but what kind of establishnt is it?”
Younson inquired after a mont of hesitation. Whether it was a secret weapon of a certain kingdom or a mber of the renowned “Sword Saints Guild,” he was prepared to be astonished.
“Are you referring to ? I’m the newly appointed swordsmanship instructor at the Academy. I’ll be visiting frequently, so please refrain from being too disrespectful.”
Philip stated as he left Younson’s antique shop.
“A swordsmanship instructor? What a load of nonsense.”
Younson murmured to himself, now left alone.
The skills demonstrated by Philip had showcased a remarkable and innovative utilization of mana, one that could potentially redefine the boundaries of swordsmanship.
“I must find out who you really are.”
He had the intention of finding out Philip’s true identity through his connections.
And exactly 30 minutes later, Younson was able to completely uncover Philip’s true identity.
——-
Translator’s thought:- If you’re enjoying the novel, please consider adding it in your reading List at NU, and make a written review. It would help this book get more exposure.
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