Doggone Academy

Chapter 51: Friends (2)

Chapter 51: Friends (2)

Admin Note: The translator has changed, new chapters will be uploaded with a new ToC.

***

Upon arriving at Rigved, we set foot on a bustling thoroughfare lined with shops.

It wasnt noon yet, so there seemed to be enough time to take a leisurely stroll.

Liria, with a nervous expression, continuously scanned the surroundings.

Liria?

Ah, yes?

I handed her the paper listing the ingredients for the fast-acting griffin potion.

We need to track these down by today. If we fail, well have to skip dinner together.

She skimmed through the list and nodded.

Okay!

The narrow streets were teeming with peoplenobles, knights, drunkards, clerics, and herbalistsall passing by us so closely our shoulders nearly touched.

I noticed girls around my age here and there. Most of them were dressed in elaborate garb, accompanied by a few armed escorts.

Seeing them, Liria seemed to feel somewhat inferior comparing their outfits to her own modest clothing.

She was visibly startled every time someone barely brushed against her, even more so because her slight frame was easily pushed around by the crowd.

Are you okay?

Yes Im, Im okay.

The plan was originally to split up and look for the ingredients separately, but seeing her current state made me think twiceit wouldnt do to leave her alone.

In such a bustling crowd without the certainty of not encountering someone with ill intentions, it felt too unnerving to let her venture by herself.

Liria. Grab onto the hem of my clothes.

Pardon?

If you let go and we get separated, youll be lost instantly, so make sure to hold on tight.

Oh, okay!

She swallowed nervously and clutched the end of my top.

I navigated through the throng, casting anxious glances back at Liria who followed. A slight nudge and it seemed she would be swept away in the tide of people.

Hold on tight.

Worried about damaging my clothes, she was only lightly holding on with the tips of her fingers.

Feeling frustrated, I grabbed her wrist to ensure she wouldnt be lost.

At my sudden grip, Liria jolted, but there was no helping it. This was far better than risking her becoming a missing person.

I led her through the streets firmly.

***

Silveryn stood quietly by the window, looking down.

Three carriages from the North crossed the estates courtyard and slowly entered. They werent there to check on Silveryns well-being nor had they come to celebrate Gales admittance to Eternia.

They were messengers of death.

Following Northern traditions, Silveryn did not welcome them warmly.

Her heart sank heavily. How many times had this happened now? She barely remembered anymore.

She had retreated all the way down to far Weisel to avoid this scenario, yet the North had a habit of reappearing just when it had begun to fade from memory, once again seizing hold of her.

The butler went out to meet the Northern emissaries and escorted them inside.

Silveryn closed the curtains and changed her clothing.

Shortly afterward, she emerged in an undecorated, achromatic dress and descended the staircase, proceeding to the reception room.

As the door opened, the seven emissaries waiting inside all respectfully knelt on one knee.

We greet the grand sorceress, Silveryn.

Clutching a bundle of herbs in one hand, I settled by the fountain at Rigved Square. Soon after, Liria joined me, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder.

I extracted a piece of paper from my pocket to review the herbal list. We had acquired nearly everything we needed, yet there was one herb that continued to elude us, despite our searches.

Tears of Puglishi seems impossible to find.

The name could belong to some folklore or legend. Or could it actually be derived from an unknown creatures tears? Every herb store we checked had no clue about it; they had never even heard of such a thing.

Liria cautiously said, I dont think its a herb.

I had my suspicions as well.

Well inquire with the magus regarding the rest.

We moved towards the carriage at the edge of the square and loaded all the collected herbs onto it.

Not much time had passed, and twilight hadnt fallen yet.

Between the leftover funds from the purchase of the wooden sword and the financial support from the Weisel Knights, we had both extra money and time. Yet I felt no desire to squander it.

Time to proceed to our next destination.

At the mention of departure, Lirias gaze wavered.

Theres

She hesitated before speaking.

If we leave now, will we return to the square later?

Perhaps not.

Then theres a place nearby Id like to visit. Could we spare just a moment?

Seeing my puzzled look, she nervously said, It will be really quick uh, if its a nuisance, I can visit alone.

Her fidgeting seemed somewhat pitiable. A simple request would have sufficed.

No trouble at all. Lets go together.

Finally, relief spread across her face.

Yes! Its this way, come on!

Taking the lead, Liria guided me toward a large clothing store.

Her face was livelier than everfilled with excitement.

I couldnt help but smile at her enthusiasm.

So thats how it is. Liria, too, was a teenage girl who enjoyed pretty attire and accessories, just like everyone else.

She opened the door and quickly made her way to a section where dresses were displayed.

It appeared she had had her eye on a particular outfit from a previous visit.

The store seemed to primarily deal in womens wear, though mens clothing was also available. I waited near the entrance.

Inside, noblewomen and young ladies of rank browsed the displayed clothing.

A middle-aged man who seemed like the store manager walked up to Liria with a straight posture and hands behind his back. He then quietly observed her.

Liria spoke to the middle-aged man first.

Excuse me may I try on this dress?

She had chosen a purple linen dress, simple without extravagant details, yet it exuded an air of elegance suitable for daily wear.

The man eyed Lirias dress and said in a rigid tone, Im sorry, miss, but our establishment serves only those who are members of the Songbird Club or those who possess similar, noble qualifications.

Theyre gatekeeping clothing purchases now? That seemed a bit excessive.

At this, Liria shrank back disheartenedly.

Ah yes, alright

Noblewomen glanced over at Liria, smirking condescendingly at her predicament.

It wasnt a sight I favored.

I approached and put my hand on Lirias shoulder, stopping her from turning away and faced the store manager.

Excuse me, I have some questions if you dont mind.