30 Cursed (1/2)

The next day, I'm inside the inn talking with Jiang and Zhenya about the raid on the fort. Surprisingly, nobody was too injured and all 38 bandits were captured. When Jiang went into the dungeon to arrest Bao, she vanished and the bandit she killed down there happened to be the bandit chief.

Jiang: ”There's also the issue of the current bounties you've collected.”

He was sorting through paperwork for the raided fort. It's really is abandoned but he thinks he could find some use for it. I don't know for why he'd want a fort but it's good he's doing his job as lord somewhat. The girls were starting to believe he was lazy.

Steven: ”What do you mean? I processed all of mine with Zhenya.”

Zhenya: ”He means the 4 bandits you captured in the fort.”

Zhenya had his head down on the table, hungover from last night. I had a hard time trying to figure out if he's still tired or regretting drinking so much.

Steven: ”Oh that? I said I only cared about Niroja.”

Jiang: ”Well, we found 2 in the forest already beaten when we started the raid, one with an arrow through his neck and the other unconscious against a tree. And 2 more in the fort, one gutted and another dead in the dungeon.”

Bao did that, why am I getting the credit?

Zhenya: ”Nobody wants to take credit for your work.”

He hands me 4 sealed envelopes. I never checked inside them due to the seal to prevent fraud, but I'm told it's a report and a signed letter from an official, which is usually Jiang for me and Zhenya, confirming that we caught the bounty and allowed to collect on them.

Zhenya: ”He doesn't know how to collect, jackass. I did everything for him.”

Jiang sighs and takes back the envelopes.

Steven: ”There's the issue with Bao.”

If she got away, she would've already found me. I'm not sure if she's going to stalk me until we head back to the village or she ran away back home scared. I'll fight her like I did last time, but I'd rather avoid it.

Jiang: ”Yeah, we can't arrest her anyways. Either way, you have no choice but to have Zhenya collect and deliver the bounty pay.”

It was 15,000 for each bandit and I got 4 of them, so it's 60,000 Yingbi just waiting there for me to collect. Well, I should collect but there won't be any use for it soon. I'm leaving back to the village with the girls.

Steven: ”60,000 Yingbi, right?”

Jiang: ”It's actually 295,000 Yingbi.”

Steven: ”How?!”

Zhenya: ”Heh, yeah the bandit chief actually had a bounty of 250,000.”

He must've been someone evil to accumulate a bounty that high. Now I'm even more reluctant to collect the bounty. I mean, Bao was the one that actually killed him. Besides, where am I going to fit so much money?

This is making my head hurt.

Steven: ”I don't have that big of a wallet, Jiang.”

Steven: ”A caravan?”

Jiang: ”I already told you, didn't I? You unofficially have the town's support. Well, not really, your village looks like they could use new equipment, so it was either give you them or to the trash they go.”

I remember now. He told me that when he was loaded with alcohol. I guess he wasn't drunk talking when he said so. The town doesn't support us officially and denounces us, but unofficially, he'll get what we needed. He probably doesn't even mean it still and is just getting rid of the equipment and we happen to be convenient for him.

I'm glad either way. I was actually about to give up and buy the equipment instead.

Jiang: ”2 wagons filled with crafting equipment and a chest filled with 295,000 Yingbi. It's really good equipment, Steven. So you better be grateful.”

He said half-jokingly.

Steven: ”Thank you, Jiang.”

Zhenya: ”You going to kiss him on the cheek too? Don't say it like it's the last you'll see of us. We're going too, the horse and wagons aren't yours to keep.”

Steven: ”Right.”

Jiang: ”If you're going to be a smartass, then you better do it with your head up.”

I should now have a little over 350,000 Yingbi. Which means I'll be living comfortably for the next couple of years should I choose to live at the inn. If bounty hunting is this lucrative, why isn't everyone doing it?

Steven: ”Well, what do we do now?”

Zhenya: ”I'm drinking. Helping you the past week has me living comfortably for the next few months or so.”

Jiang: ”It'll take some time to load the wagons, so do what you want for the next hour or two.”

The girls should be at the river, they'll be happy to hear we actually succeeded at the last minute.

Excusing myself, I head out to the river near the front of town. I never got to really take in the scenery here. The mountains slope beautifully in the background, the trees lined up perfectly across the river, birds flying about and the girls look really amazing as they relax by the river.

I could really get to take in the scenery now that there's nothing going on.

Dai-tai: ”Steven, are you lost?”

She calls in the distance.

I walk up to them to see Niroja hiding something behind her back.

Steven: ”What's behind you?”

Niroja: ”Nothing.”

Steven: ”Alright, but guess what! We have the town's support.”

Dai-tai: ”Are you kidding?”

Her face lights up as if she achieved something.

Steven: ”Yes! They're loading up the wagons with the tools we needed.”

Dai-tai: ”We should celebrate!”

Niroja: ”I don't feel like drinking right now.”

Steven: ”We should do something that'll last.”

Dai-tai: ”Oh! Will you buy us new clothes?”

She energetically stands up.

I do have quite a bit of money now and it's not like they have expensive tastes like I do. I actually planned on buying them coats for winter anyway.

Steven: ”Well, alright. I'll give you 3,000 each.”

A coat does sound decent but what about armor? I don't want to wear something that'll bear me down with a lot of weight and I like to be light on my feet. Jiang or Zhenya should be able to help me out. Then again, I don't want to bother them with something that seems trivial.

Niroja: ”Thank you!”

They both start to hug me out of nowhere and catch me by surprise. I don't really understand why they're getting riled up over new clothes, but it puts a smile on my face to see them happy.

I decided to tag along with them, believing they might go a little overboard and spend more than I gave them. Heading to a tailor, whose collection of clothes seemed more like it came from Ostroven. It has to be inspired or the tailor is Elven.

Tailor: ”Ah, hello. How may I help you today?”

Another Goblin! I knew it, they make excellent craftsmen.

Steven: ”What's the style of your clothes? It reminds me of my home.”

I point towards a wooden mannequin in a suit. The suit itself looks almost identical to what we'd wear in Ostroven.

Tailor: ”That's because it is. This town is essentially for artisans all over, so you're going to be seeing all kinds of different styles.”

The girls are already looking at the dresses before I knew it. I may as well pick something out for myself, I'm going to need to hide from the Royal Family.

Steven: ”Are there any cloaks? Something sturdy and will last.”

Tailor: ”I have something, if you're either to walk through the rough crowds of Shi De Emo or keep your skin healthy as you walk the beaches of Zheng De Meinu, you can easily trust a cloak made of a sturdy cotton material.”

He retrieves the cloak he mentioned from the back and shows it off. It's forest green, hooded, a single button would secure it around my neck and there are slits on the sides so I could easily use my hands. It fits perfectly and I'll be able to easily hide my face if someone like Bao was nearby.

Steven: ”What's the price?”

Tailor: ”250 Yingbi.”

Steven: ”I'll pay with their clothes too.”

Tailor: ”I'll keep it on the counter.”

Dai-tai and Niroja finally pick out a rather fancy looking fur-trimmed coat. It's hard for me to put it into words, it's simultaneously regal yet rugged. It's made of black suede and a brown fur that covers the lapels and the central opening of the coat. They really kept the winter in mind. It seems rather long, ending just above the knees.

Tailor: ”These are my personal favorite coats. They're 1,000 Yingbi each.”

His work backs his claim up. These look like they were made with exceptional attention to detail.

Steven: ”You could get more if you like.”

Dai-tai: ”Could we get Young Mi one too?”

Steven: ”Sure, but that's all you want?”

Niroja grips her coat tightly.

Niroja: ”Yes.”

Steven: ”Alright, get Madelyn one too while we're at it.”

I'm pretty sure she doesn't have any clothes for winter too. I wasn't sure how cold it would get and even went as far as to buy myself a simple one that'll fit comfortably under the cloak.

Tailor: ”Then everything shall be 5,150 Yingbi.”

After making the exchange the girls hurried back to the inn and started wearing their new coats. I'm starting to wonder if I'm the odd one, to not get excited over new clothes.

I'm still debating whether or not I should get a set of armor. I don't want something heavy, so metal is out of the question except for maybe chainmail. Leather armor seems pretty common, and it sometimes looks stylish.

I really will need Jiang or Zhenya to help me.

I head inside the inn and ask him to accompany me, to which he willingly agrees as he was getting bored of watching Zhenya drink. Reaching the road as he speaks up.

Jiang: ”Where are we going?”

Steven: ”Leatherworker. I needed help in picking out a good set of leather armor.”

Jiang: ”You could've asked Zhenya to come, why me?”

Steven: ”I didn't want to interrupt his drinking.”

Jiang: ”Are you scared of him?”

Steven: ”A little at first, to be honest. But he's really a good person if you get to know him.”

Jiang: ”Hoo, you're pretty open-minded.”

Well, being an alien in a completely different world can do that. It probably did me some good. I might've ran when I first met Nikita.

Steven: ”I am, my first friend was a Nekomata.”

Jiang: ”They're not very common. Nekomatas I mean, they like to keep to themselves and not bother anyone.”

Steven: ”They're really friendly and helped me out a lot.”

Jiang: ”Though, the only one that's really known is a terrorist.”

Steven: ”A terrorist?”

Jiang: ”Or so they say. He was a lieutenant for the Elves during the war. The story goes that he led 25 men and slaughtered nearly 1,000 soldiers.”

Steven: ”I don't believe it.”

Jiang: ”Neither do I.”

How does one small group of people take on 1,000 and win? Soldiers, on top of that. It's not even feasible.

The leatherworker was barely opened by the time we arrived. The worker himself was barely waking up and the way he carelessly welcomed us made me chuckle a little.

Leatherworker: ”Ah~ good morning, Jiang.”

Jiang: ”No, ”welcome to my shop?”

Leatherworker: ”Hm, check back in another hour and then maybe. What can I help you 2 with today?”

Steven: ”I need a… good set of leather armor.”

Leatherworker: ”There has been a set I've been working on and've been trying to get rid of it. Actually… let me see.”

He unveils a set of armor that draws me in. This armor was no joke. Jiang was examining it, saying it was crafted from vegetable-tanned leather and possessed a brown finish. Studs made of brass and stitching helped reinforce its structure. The white, indented trim beautifully decorated the edges.

The cuirass was multi-plated, providing protection to the torso and straps were adjustable to customize its fit on the user. A gorget was built-in, shielding the lower neck and the attached tassets helped the upper leg.

The pauldrons secured itself easily with leather ties, with articulated plates and sword breakers enhancing their defensive power. A single, right-handed gauntlet with suede protected the sword hand.

The long sleeved tunic was red and grey layered fashioned from wool, felted with hot water to increase its durability. It was intricate, with embroidery and elaborate trim accenting the tunic, matching perfectly with the armor.

Jiang and I were completely drawn by the armor.

Jiang: ”Where'd you learn to craft something like that?”

He laughed in amazement.

Leatherworker: ”Remember those books you brought me a while ago? There was one about Twilight Squadron and how they made almost anything.”

Jiang: ”Twilight Squadron?! Haha, this is amazing!”

Steven: ”What's Twilight Squadron?”

Leatherworker: ”You don't know who they are?”

Steven: ”No, I don't.”

He scoffs.

Leatherworker: ”A legendary group of mages and scholars alike!”

Jiang: ”They go back, even way before I was born. A really powerful group that supposedly shaped the world into what it is today. Now, they've fallen into obscurity.”

Leatherworker: ”They were responsible for making all magic as powerful as it is.”

Jiang: ”So they say. But on a serious note, did you really craft Twilight's armor?”

Leatherworker: ”I believe so, I had the help of the Magus with the translations. It was in the old language. It's just a replica, it's not even enchanted with their magic. Magus said he'd pass out trying to understand it.”

An old language and ancient order. I don't want to have to cross paths with them if they do still exist, it's sure to bring nothing but trouble. Which I already have too much of.

Steven: ”Is the armor good?”

Jiang: ”It gives a lot of mobility and protection just by looking at it, and it does look very durable.”

Leatherworker: ”It's one of a kind as far as I'm concerned and I want to get rid of it.”

Jiang: ”Why? It could be sold to a historian or museum.”

Leatherworker: ”It stands out from everything else in the shop, it's too much of a ”wicked yet grateful” sense for me.”

Steven: ”If it fits me, I'll buy it off you.”

I jump at the opportunity and leatherworker was more than happy to lend me the armor for a test fit. The armor felt really expensive and I treated it as such at first even though Jiang said otherwise. That if the armor itself can't handle the wearer being rough, it was no good to begin with.

The armor itself fit perfectly snug against my body after moving some of the straps around and still gave me full maneuverability as I did before I wore it. There isn't any shaking or bouncing around at all when I move in it. Though like I feared, it weighs a bit, not more than 20 or so pounds, it's not too bad actually. It hurts a little in the arms, they're probably too tight than it looks and cutting my circulation.

Jiang: ”Everything alright?”

Steven: ”Yeah, my head hurts a little.”

I'm already sold on it but Jiang appeared to say otherwise.

Jiang: ”Can it take blows?”

Leatherworker: ”My armor saved your life before hasn't it?”

Jiang: ”Yeah, but this armor is experimental.”

Leatherworker: ”Whack him a few times then.”

Steven: ”What?”

The leatherworker reaches behind the counter and hands Jiang a metal rod and points to me. Motioning him to use it on me. To avoid being hit, I'm being chased around the store by Jiang with a rod. He's not even being generous, he swings it with force!

Steven: ”That rod isn't the same as a sword!”

I tried to reason with him to avoid being hit.

Jiang: ”It's better than nothing, just hold still.”

He jabs me in the side, making me flinch and stumble. He takes the advantage and swings the rod against my chest with a brute force.

Jiang: ”See? It worked.”

It doesn't hurt! I'm laughing in relief that it did save me from Jiang's powerful blow, it went as far as send me back a couple of feet into the counter. I was so worried it might've hurt that it made me light-headed.

Leatherworker: ”Now, if you're still wanting to buy, I can let it go for 20,000 Yingbi.”

Steven: ”That's ludicrous!”

The average cost for a good set of steel armor should go for 3,500 Yingbi, so leather going for that much? It may look amazing, yes, but I'm not blinded enough to pay for it so easily.

Jiang: ”That's pretty high, even if it's a Twilight set.”

Leatherworker: ”I paid a lot of attention to details making this armor and spared no expense. I even had help from the Magus and Tailor. We all agreed that the price is reasonable.”

Jiang: ”Well, what do you say, Steven?”

Steven: ”I know it's an armor of Twilight Squadron, but what does it have that really sets it apart from the others?”

Leatherworker: ”Let's see, it's a good set if you ask me. Ehh… oh, the Magus did enchant it to have both magic and physical resistance.”

Jiang: ”Then why didn't you say so? That changes everything.”

Enchanted weapons and armor are rare from my experience. The only other enchanted items that I know of is Livia's dagger, as she claims, and my sword Nikitis. If this armor set really is enchanted, the price isn't completely unreasonable now. Though, it's still a little higher than usual, as enchanted armor should go for 15,000 Yingbi. If the prices are the same as Everhand.

Steven: ”The price is non-negotiable?”

Leatherworker: ”There's one price and it isn't moving.”

Well, I do have quite a surplus, especially after the fort raid.

Steven: ”Then we have a deal.”

Jiang: ”You couldn't resist, could you?”

He sighs.

Leatherworker: ”Don't be so down, Jiang. I could make and sell you another one if you liked it so much.”

Jiang: ”I prefer my armor, thank you.”

I handed the last of my biggest bills to the leatherworker, leaving me with nearly 18,000 and some loose change. Seeing the massive difference between the last couple of days really left me disappointed. My money management was supposed to be really good. Trying to see a bright side, I have another 295,000 in a chest somewhere on a wagon.

Jiang: ”Let's see if you could walk back to the inn while wearing it.”

It wasn't until we went outside when it hit me; I stick out from everyone else! Maybe the new cloak I bought would be more useful than keeping me dry if it rains. Assuming if it fits over the armor of course.

We headed back to the inn where Zhenya started looking at me confused.

Zhenya: ”Steven? What are you wearing? I'd lash you if you were one of my men.”

Steven: ”You're all heart, Zhenya.”

Jiang: ”It's actually Twilight Squadron's armor.”

He whispered.

Zhenya: ”What?! You know what this means!?”

He exclaimed, alerting both of us and catching the attention of the other patrons.