Chapter 83
I said a temporary farewell to Erika in front of the Church.
Of course, in what world would a man borrow his wife's help to obtain a ring to give to her?
The time limit is one week.
It's partly because Erika is being targeted, but if I'm away from her for too long, I'll die.
I honestly can't think of a way to assassinate a human who can completely overpower Oganight, even if they're missing an arm, but I'm already worried and feel like I'm dying just five minutes after parting.
But still.
I grit my teeth, holding the words "good luck" that Erika gave me at our parting close to my heart.
She probably wanted to say a lot more; her face showed that kind of expression.
That's why the weight of that single phrase fills me with determination.
Alright, humans can get through most things by gritting their teeth, even if I miss her so much and feel lonely enough to die.
*
I ran back home, hurriedly prepared, and made a quick return to the street of the Adventurer's Guild.
I rushed so as not to bump into Erika on her way home, so I'm drenched in sweat.
Honestly, I'm certain that if I see Erika's face right now, my resolve will break on the spot.
Just seeing a red-haired human walking through the town nearly breaks me; if I see her in person, I'm done for in an instant.
Let me be clear, the sweat I'm shedding right now is because it's hot, not cold sweat.
Anyway.
I arrived at the usual armor shop.
As always, for some reason, the most eye-catching spot in the store is filled with risqué women's armor and equipment.
Frankly, it's insane.
I approach the shopkeeper at the counter, stunned to see a "sold" tag on women's armor that probably couldn't even protect vital zones.
The shopkeeper is looking around as if searching for something, but unfortunately, it's just me today; Erika isn't here. I'll gouge out those eyes of yours, you jerk.
"I'm looking for something."
I called out to the shopkeeper, who made an obviously disappointed face.
*
"I'd like to use the library."
I said so at the Adventurer's Guild.
The guild staff on the other side of the counter looked at my face for a moment, tilted their head, then turned around and raised their voice.
"Lana! It's the usual guy!"
The female guild staff, who's probably three or four years older than me, said only that before leaving the counter.
While I wondered what that was about, I waited, and then Lana (the usual) took her place at the counter.
"What are you doing?"
That's the first thing Lana said.
"I'd like to use the library."
Ignoring Lana's words, I stated my business.
"No, no, that's impossible. It's just not happening."
Lana shook her head exaggeratedly.
"Why are you wearing a mask like that? What's wrong with you? Or rather, what are you trying to do?"
"So, about using the library—"
"There's no way I can just ignore this, right? You're Shin Longdagger, aren't you? I mean, I don't even need to confirm, you're definitely Longdagger, right?"
I neither confirmed nor denied it.
I don't want to lie, but I also can't admit that I'm Shin Longdagger.
Considering what I'm about to do, I can't go around declaring that I'm Shin Longdagger.
If it gets out that I'm me, people will think Erika is a woman who hasn't even received a ring from her husband.
Even though it's due to my own incompetence, I can't let Erika bear such a disgrace.
That's why I'm wearing this mask.
I stared at Lana intently through the slit, willing her to understand.
Please, let my feelings reach her.
"Huh? Are you just going to ignore me completely?"
Lana made a face like, "What's with this guy?"
Was the pressure not enough with this smooth, egg-shell-like white mask? Should I have gone for the more expensive mask shaped like a chicken's face?
"About using the library..."
"Are you seriously going to push through with that?"
Hearing Lana's voice filled with exasperation, I almost tilted my head, wondering why she's so certain that I'm me.