The Retired [Armed Merchant]’s Laid-back Journey Across the Continent 6

Chapter 6: The Rip-off Artist Works for Free.

After a night’s sleep in our Magitek Train cabin, we stepped out onto the Im City station platform, feeling a little sleep-deprived.

We’d skipped breakfast, but that was part of the plan.

“Im City is in the kingdom’s breadbasket, a major grain-producing region. It’s not just wheat; dairy farming is also big here, so there’s plenty of meat and dairy products.”

“Meaning?”

“The food here is delicious. Plus, there’s something I wanted you to try.”

With a curious-looking Al in tow, I walked down Im City’s main street.

This main street was one of its famous features, and it was a truly big street.

The width, which could accommodate eight horse-drawn carriages side-by-side, was quite a sight.

“Alright… there it is. That’s the one.”

After walking along the edge of the main street for a few minutes, I spotted the sign I was looking for and pointed it out to Al.

“‘Ice Cream’? Is it… like hand cream or something?”

“It’s something to eat. You like sweets, right?”

“I love them!”

“Then you can’t miss this.”

We walked up to the counter at the front of the shop, and I ordered two ‘ice creams’ from the friendly owner.

This confection, which can only be made with fresh milk and an abundance of sugar, is not often seen in other cities.

Even if you could find it, it would be a luxury dessert reserved for royalty and nobility.

But in Im City, it’s an easily accessible sweet that you can buy just like this.

“Here, try it.”

“…It’s sweet and cold!”

Al’s eyes lit up.

Yes, that’s the reaction I wanted to see.

“What is this?!”

“Ice cream.”

“I’ve never eaten anything like this! How do they make it?”

“I don’t know the details, but I hear it’s a confection made by chilling fresh milk mixed with sugar.”

Im City is also home to many businesses that process meat.

That means there are a fair number of freezing magic users for transportation, and this dessert is said to have been born from their playful spirit.

“I’m so glad I came with you, getting to eat something this delicious!”

“I feel the same.”

My true feelings slipped out in response to Al’s excitement.

If I had been alone, I probably wouldn’t have bothered getting off in Im City, and I wouldn’t have remembered about ice cream like this.

I had been thinking of a carefree, solitary retirement journey… but I’m genuinely happy that Al came with me.

“There are lots of other delicious things in this city. For now, let’s decide on a place for breakfast.”

“Okay!”

We walked down the busy main street, eating our ice cream, as people hurried by.

I thought I’d be more nervous, but the distance between us felt no different from a normal day off, which was a bit of a relief.

I also felt like I’d gotten over some of my hang-ups.

“Heehee.”

Giggling happily, Al’s hand touched mine.

I reflexively squeezed it, a remnant of when she was my cute little brother… but it seems that was the right move in another sense as well, as Al started to hum a little tune.

To think that the grimy little pickpocket is now walking beside me with a woman’s face—life is truly strange.

“—!”

Suddenly, something came falling toward us as we were enjoying the peaceful, calm moment.

It was fragments of a broken wagon bed, and a wheel.

I quickly flicked my fingers, deploying the Missile Protection spell to deflect them.

I’d be fine, but what if they had hit Al?

“Al, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. More importantly, look…!”

In the center of the main street, a cloud of dust was rising.

When I strained my eyes, I could see several carriages tangled together in a mangled heap.

“There’s been an accident. This is bad.”

“There’s a woman still over there!”

Amidst the struggling horses, cows, and raptors tangled in their reins, I saw the figure of a young girl with long brown hair.

From her clothes, she looked like a dairy farmer or something. She seemed to be unconscious.

But if she stayed there, she’d eventually be kicked or crushed.

However, the people around were just watching from a distance, not daring to approach.

I understand not wanting to get hurt, but surely there’s a better way to handle this.

“Rody-san…!”

“I know. I’ll be right back.”

For a brief moment, I hesitated, thinking, “There’s no money in this,” but I’ve already closed up the “Rip-off Company.”

I don’t need to think about future business just for doing a simple act of kindness.

“Out of the way, I’m going in.”

Pushing through the crowd, I flicked my fingers.

Expand the range a little, lower the depth slightly, duration as usual is fine.

“—Sleep Mist.”

The activated spell spread a soft, pale blue mist, lulling the panicked draft animals to sleep.

Confirming this, I quickly ran over and lifted the fallen farm girl into my arms.

Ah, this is bad. She’s coughing up blood. Was she already kicked?

But her breathing, though shallow, was there.

That’s a relief. It’s hard to save someone who’s already dead.

“Sanigu-grandajn-cikatrojn, malpezigu-doloron…”

I chanted the magic words while flicking my fingers.

Due to my profession, I’ve trained to cast magic with just finger flicks as much as possible, but high-tier magic still requires chanting.

“—Cure Serious Wounds!”

As the magical light was gently absorbed into the farm girl, color returned to her face.

I breathed a sigh of relief, glad I’d made it in time.

“Hey, you cargo owners! Do something about this while you can!”

I shouted at the gawking crowd.

If this continues, the main street will remain blocked, and the draft animals might start rampaging again when they wake up.

I can’t be expected to handle everything.

“…What happened… to me…?”

“Oh, you’re awake? You were caught in an accident. Can you stand?”

The farm girl nodded, stood up, and checked her body.

“It doesn’t hurt…?”

“I’d imagine not. Well then, I’ll be on my way.”

I gave a small wave and walked through the crowd.

I had no intention of getting any more involved, and it seemed like I might get dragged into some other trouble.

Besides, I didn’t want to keep Al waiting any longer.

We still hadn’t even had breakfast.

“Welcome back!”

“Yeah, sorry for the wait.”

“That was so cool!”

“Thanks. It was literally before breakfast.”

I replied with a light laugh and held out my hand.

Al looked at it with a puzzled expression.

“Hm? You’re not going to hold my hand?”

“Oh, oh…”

Al took my hand in a strangely flustered manner.

I squeezed it back and tilted my head.

“Was something wrong?”

“No, I just realized you have a surprisingly cute side, Master.”

As Al giggled, I tilted my head even further in confusion.