Chapter 144: Intertwining Paths
In the evening, Carmine came to the shop.
She does nothing in particular, just buying her gums and puffing it up as usual.
She feels a bit out of place, but I have grown accustomed to seeing her here.
As usual, she doesn’t play with anyone, but she seems to be enjoying herself in her own way.
[You sure always only buy fruit gums huh, Carmine.]
[Eh?]
[We have other gums like 10-rim Gums and Fruity Bubble Gums, you know? I was wondering if you won’t buy anything else.]
Product name: Fruity Bubble Gums
Description: Contains three flavors: blueberry, sourberry, and yogurt. Eating it will improve your eyesight for a while.
Price: 80 rims
It’s round pieces of gum in a plastic container.
In Luganda, it was a popular snack for middle-aged adventurers with poor eyesight.
The sight of middle-aged adventurers with presbyopia, chewing gum with the aroma of either blueberry or yogurt, evoked this sense of melancholy……
Sales aren’t as high as before because this area is filled with children.
However, since there are three different flavors to enjoy, they seem to be very popular purely as a snack.
However, Carmine only buys fruit gum.
[Why don’t you try something different once in a while?]
[I have a no-cheating doctrine……]
[Buying a different gum doesn’t mean you’re cheating on it, doesn’t it? Try being adventurous.]
[Hmm, I’ll think about it.]
I don’t intend to force her to eat them, but all of my snacks are ones I highly recommend.
I hope Carmine will enjoy them too.
Speaking of adventurous, did Kurtz and his group come back from the dungeon?
It was getting dark by now.
As I gazed at the street while cleaning the storefront, anxiety crossing my mind, the tired-looking trio returned.
[Oh, they’re back safe and sound. Good grief, I was worried for a moment.]
Before I knew it, Carmine was suddenly standing beside me, also looking at Kurtz and the others.
[Doesn’t their countenance look different?]
[They’ve been through the dungeon. The expression they have on their faces would definitely change.]
[Hmmm……]
Lit by the setting sun, Kurtz’s group arrived at the front of the store.
All three were covered in mud on their faces and gear.
They must have gone through a fierce battle.
[Welcome back. Are you hurt?]
.
[Ou, all three of us just have a few scratches.]
Kurtz, Gort and Kikka are all smiling.
[You guys did well. Not getting injured is the most important thing.]
[Our dream is to find the treasure in the deepest part of the dungeon. We can’t afford to stumble around here!]
[So, how did it go?]
[Hehe, look at this!]
Kurtz unfolded the contents of his small leather bag into the palm of his hand and showed it to me.
There were several small copper coins and magic crystals in his bag.
I suppose the total amount would be about 1900 rims.
[If we can make this much earnings with just the three of us in our first actual exploration, it would be superb.]
Even if it’s impossible for them to become a professional adventurer, such an amount isn’t as bad as pocket money for a student.
Moreover, Kurtz’s group is still going to get stronger.
Carmine, who had been watching our exchange, let slip a few words.
[Dungeon huh, I wonder if I should also try it out……]
Kurtz reacted reflexively to these words.
[You feel like trying out the dungeon? If you don’t have the ability and knowledge, you’ll just get yourself killed.]
He may sound a bit pompous, but what he says isn’t wrong.
However, I’m kind of curious why Carmine, who is reluctant to do many things, showed interest in the dungeon.
It’s a dangerous place, but if they’re just going to the 1st Underground Floor……
[Carmine, are you serious?]
[Unnn, becoming an adventurer after graduating might be good too.]
[However, going into the dungeon alone is dangerous. Why don’t you at least get some friends to go with you?]
[I don’t have any friends.]
As if she was making fun of Kurtz, Carmine declared.
[A weak Royal Academy student going into the dungeon? Becoming an adventurer after graduating? You must be kidding. Go serve at the royal castle like how you lot usually do.]
Students of the Royal Academy are elites, so many of them become bureaucrats or high-ranking military officers.
[What I want to do is entirely up to me to decide. Besides, I’m not weak.]
[What?]
[I can use Offensive Magic.]
[Don’t act all proud just for that. Even though Kikka is a fighter, she can use Wind Magic!]
At those words, Kikka looked triumphant.
[I certainly can’t engage in close combat. However, I can use Support Magic.]
[You can also use Support Magic?]
Oh, the three of them looked surprised.
[I can also use Healing Magic and Curse Magic……]
[…………………..]
The trio fell silent before Carmine’s excellence.
Come to think of it, Michelle did mention how Carmine has excellent grades.
Kurtz stepped forward and looked straight into Carmine’s face.
[Then, I’ll test your abilities.]
[Oi, don’t start fighting.]
[We aren’t fighting. It will just be a Mobile Force match!]
Kurtz slammed down his challenge brimming with his emotions, but Carmine’s response was simple.
[Nah, I’m good.]
[You gonna run!?]
[Ehh……]
Kurtz straightforwardly steps forward, but Carmine always keeps her distance.
I wonder what kind of reaction occurs when their paths intersect.
I’m kinda feeling curious about it.
[Why don’t you give it a little try? I’d also like to see Carmine operate your Mobile Force again.]
[If that’s what Yuusuke-chi says……]
Carmine takes her Gyan out of her bag.
She always seems to carry her Gyan like that.
Perhaps, even Carmine secretly wished to have a match with someone.
[Seems like you’re finally motivated now. Let me show you how strong I am.]
Kurtz also took out his Gufufu.
Both Gyan and Gufufu are Mobile Forces that excel in melee combat.
Hearing the commotion, the children gathered around them.
[I’ll be the referee then. Let the battle begin.]
And so, the match began.
<Translator’s Notes>
Fruity Bubble Gum
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