Disciple of Immortal

Act 2: Chapter 14: Exploring 《Mithril's Cane》

After receiving the pass, we were guided by Gannet for a tour around 《Mithril’s Cane》.

The floor was covered with thick carpet, and the wall was decorated with elegant drawings. The items that were encapsulated into cases look completely like works of art.

Different from all stores that we visited so far, this place was obviously dominated by silent, researcher-like people.

Though they obviously nodded toward Gannet upon seeing us, they didn’t seem to mind Pomera and I who were clearly out of place.

Maybe because Philia was really shocked hearing receptionist say, 『How can we give a pass to this underage kid.』, she became more obedient than usual.

「… Philia is a good child.」

「Thanks Philia, that helped me a lot. Sorry for doubting whether you can act obediently or not…」

I thanked Philia and patted her head.

She shut her eyes, seemingly enjoying it.

「Ehehehe, Phili, got praised by Kanata.」

Judging from the receptionist’s reaction, leaving Philia behind might have been the better option, but honestly, it was nerve wracking since who knows what she was going to do once she starts throwing a tantrum.

Since Pomera had never seen 《Adamant Ore》 before, even if I lend her the 《Akashic Record》 in case that they didn’t have the thing I was looking for, she might not be able to find the item that could be used as its substitute.

On the other hand, the situation in which Pomera was left behind to take care of Philia while Gannet took me on a tour wasn’t an option either.

I mean, the whole reason we got the pass was because Gannet wanted to get on the good side of Pomera after all.

Though the second option was possible, I don’t think it was a good idea.

… In addition, leaving Philia behind with a complete stranger was not an option either.

The girl herself was a completely innocent child, but it didn’t mean that she wouldn’t summon the Progenitor Dragon out of nowhere once she threw a tantrum.

When I was in the middle of praising Philia, Pomera was talking about various things with Gannet.

Pomera kept sending a glance towards me as if asking me to save her while she did her best in replying to Gannet.

… M-Maybe I’ll have to wait for a while longer before entering into their conversation.

The one Gannet wanted to talk to was Pomera. He might regard me as a nuisance if I entered their conversation by force. Offending a big shot like him was the last thing I wanted to do even if his level was far below mine.

I looked around at the displayed items while walking.

The details of the items kept in the cases were written on a board attached to the case.

《Mithril’s Cane》was completely different compared to all the stores that we’d visited before. All of the items displayed in this place were rare, genuine articles.

Since that was the case, I might be able to find the item I was looking for in this store.

But… there is one thing that I’m worrying about.

「Uhm… Gannet-san, we’re actually looking for a certain item but, the problem is, we might not have enough money to buy that item right now. That’s why we need to apologize to you since you’ve been guiding us for a round tour despite your busy schedule but…」

I mean, even a D-rank item was priced more than three hundred thousand gold.

The price for an S-rank item, 《Adamant Ore》, might be more than double the above price.

At worst, it might even go up to one million gold.

And when it comes to those numbers, I’m afraid that we’re far from having enough money.

「I see. But, if Pomera-dono is okay with it, you can pay it the next time you visit this place. I want to build a long relationship with you after all.」

Gannet spoke while maintaining a gentle smile on his face.

That’s a nice suggestion but… My guts is telling me that it would be much better if we didn’t have too much debt of gratitude towards this person.

「Well then, what is the name of the item you’re looking for, Pomera-dono?」

Gannet asked Pomera.

「E-Eh… it’s an ore. Right, Kanata-san?」

Pomera glanced toward me, asking for confirmation.

I nodded lightly.

Gannet sent a doubtful look upon looking at Pomera and I.

It seems he was trying to guess the relationship between Pomera and I.

When Pomera was looking at Gannet again, his face was already back to the face of a kind smiling uncle as if his expression from before was a lie.

「Oh is it, leave it to us. Here at 《Mithril’s Cane》, we are confident in our collection of ore. Anyhow, the quality and the quantity of mage in our place is said to be comparable to royal palace after all.」

Gannet spoke with a proud look on his face.

We followed Gannet from behind and climbed up the stairs and then entered a certain room on the third floor.

「Normally, only those who have possessed a pass for more than a decade can enter this room but… let’s use my authority to give special permission to Pomera-dono and co.」

There were numerous glass cases inside the room, and in each glass case was a sample of many ores.

The colorful ores that were lined up aesthetically was truly a wonderful spectacle.

「W-Wooow..!」

Philia couldn’t hide her admiration, and then, she closed her mouth in a hurry.

「Right? We arranged it to make it a sight for sore eyes. If you find one that you like, I’ll make it as a present in the form of a necklace.」

Gannet lowered his line of sight as he spoke, looking at Philia.

「Really?」

Philia’s eyes were sparkling upon hearing that.

At that moment, I could feel the color drain from my face.

The ores in this place were sold for at least a million gold at minimum.

As expected, I couldn’t allow myself to have that much debt toward Gannet.

「Y-You can’t trouble Gannet-san like that, Philia-chan. Please be patient for now, okay?」

「… I see. If Kanata says so, Philia will be a good girl.」

「Let’s come again to buy one for you once we save enough money…」

「YAAAY, KANATA GOING TO GIVE PHILIA A PRESENT!!」

Philia was making merry, flapping her arms around happily upon hearing my remark, and then, she suddenly blocked her mouth with her hands the moment she noticed that she was getting too excited.

「Hohoho, we don’t mind a slightly louder voice here. This is a soundproofed room after all.」