Chapter : 16
The Bachelor Purchases a Noble Phantasm
Last night I accidentally misposted. If you haven’t read the previous chapter, I apologize for the inconvenience—please start from there.
Passing by the security guard, I entered the store, which was lined with numerous glass display cases.
Despite the old-fashioned interior, the display cases and the noble phantasms inside were extremely clean and well-organized.
They were categorized by type: rings, bracelets, necklaces, and on the walls hung weapon-type noble phantasms.
The ones at the front were for everyday or personal use, while those further inside became increasingly dangerous.
[Sharpening Master Bracelet]
Wearing this turns your sharpening skill to a professional level.
Can sharpen anything from swords to kitchen knives.
[Throwing Ring]
Significantly increases the range and control of thrown objects.
However, it cannot fix someone who is simply clumsy.
[Twist-in Hammer]
Allows you to drive a nail perfectly deep with just one strike.
Highly recommended for carpentry efficiency.
[Finger Shot]
Flick the finger wearing this, and it releases a small shock projectile.
The power is roughly equivalent to a snap.
Next to each noble phantasm in the display case, there were cards indicating their name and effects.
The selection ranged from items tied to daily life, to tools useful for work, to combat assistance devices—and some were so bizarre you’d wonder what they were even for.
They were all unknowns that could not be replicated by magic or modern technology.
“Nice.”
To me, a noble phantasm collector, this store felt like a cross between a museum and a toy shop.
“Wow… noble phantasms are still so expensive.”
“That’s only natural. Whether they have highly versatile effects or effects that are practically useless, a noble phantasm is a noble phantasm. These cannot be replicated by modern science or magic technology, so of course the price is high.”
Tristan, who was groaning while looking at the noble phantasms, was answered by a dwarf who emerged from the back.
Short and stocky, with small limbs and a thick beard, he wore a silver-rimmed monocle, probably from examining items just a moment ago.
This was Gwan, the manager of Aldeus’ shop.
He appraises, manages, and trades noble phantasms excavated from dungeons.
Many newly excavated dungeon noble phantasms are unknown, requiring appraisal skills and extensive knowledge.
Adventurers who find a noble phantasm and use it without appraisal risk total disaster.
Thus, it is common knowledge never to use a freshly found noble phantasm without appraisal.
“Ah, it’s you again. You were here just three days ago.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
Meeting a noble phantasm is a once-in-a-lifetime event. You never know when a convenient and wonderful noble phantasm will arrive. Missing it is frustrating.
“Seems like there aren’t any other customers today either.”
Looking around, the store was empty except for us.
“Don’t worry. We have a man who buys absurdly expensive noble phantasms.”
“That must be Zilk-san, right? How much has he bought?”
“At least two hundred. Considering he also buys elsewhere, he probably has around three hundred.”
“Three… hundred!? How does Zilk-san even have that much money…?”
Tristan stared at me with a glare.
“Don’t leak customer info.”
I wonder about this store’s compliance. You shouldn’t just hand out customer purchase records.
“Anyway, Gwan. Any new arrivals?”
“…Yes. Something you might like.”
“Show me.”
It seemed a new noble phantasm had just arrived today.
Following Gwan, he retrieved a case from behind the counter.
Opening the leather-wrapped case, there was a golden goblet inside.
It shone with an extremely clean luster, completely free of smudges.
Not a flashy gold, but an elegant shine.
Peeking inside, the entire interior was gold as well.
I had seen and owned several goblet-type noble phantasms, but compared to those, this one had a simple design.
No flared rims, no gemstones, no decorations.
Even having seen quite a few noble phantasms, I had no idea what this one was.
“What’s its effect?”
“‘Spring forth.’”
Gwan answered simply while holding the goblet.
From the bottom of the goblet, water sprang up with a fizzing sound.
Looking closely, it wasn’t just water—it bubbled like soda.
“A noble phantasm that produces carbonated water!?”
“Exactly. It’s called the [Bubbly Cup].”
Gwan poured the carbonated water from the goblet into a regular glass.
I examined it carefully, then took a sip.
The fizzy, popping sensation in my mouth confirmed it was indeed soda water.
“How much?”
I asked immediately after finishing.
In this world, there were rare springs that produced carbonated water, and some was exported.
However, it was hardly something an individual could enjoy casually at home.
With this, not only could I easily enjoy soda at home, but I could mix carbonated drinks with juices to make various cocktails.
“Wait, you’re buying it? It’s just a goblet that produces carbonated water!”
Tristan seemed unable to imagine such a use and complained foolishly. I ignored him.
“So, how much?”
“Thirty million Soro.”
“Sold!”
Despite the high price, I decided to buy it immediately.
I took out a check from my pocket and filled in the necessary information.
Gwan carefully wiped the goblet with a cloth and returned it to its case.
“WHAT!? Thirty million, Zilk-san!? You could build a house in the capital with that!”
“For just thirty million, I can make cocktails anytime. That’s cheap. Besides, I could even use it to open a bar.”
While partly for personal pleasure, this noble phantasm had even greater potential uses and could serve as future insurance.
Even if I didn’t open a bar myself, I could lend or sell it and teach cocktail recipes, making a tidy profit.
“Seems like you’ve already figured out a good use for it. Take it.”
“Yeah, I’ll take it.”
Although Gwan was the shop manager, he carefully chose whom to sell to.
He was also a true noble phantasm enthusiast. He probably preferred his sold phantasms to be used effectively.
“Isn’t it obnoxious to buy something like that in front of your poor, complaining subordinates!?”
“Don’t care. If you’re broke, that’s just poor self-management.”
It’s wonderful not to hesitate over a large purchase like this.
If you had a family, you might be questioned for buying it instead of saving for them.
But a single person is free.
Of course, freedom comes with responsibility.
You must live alone wisely and plan properly.
The responsibility and risk are yours alone.
If you handle them correctly, you are free—even to make a purchase of thirty million Soro without hesitation.
“Well…”
“Lunch?”
“No, I’m going home.”
“Whaaaat!? Aren’t you treating us!?”
“I’m not carrying a thirty-million Soro noble phantasm around.”
Even I didn’t want to wander around with such an expensive item.
“You just want to try it at home, right?”
“…I won’t deny that. I’ll treat you to a meal next time, so forgive me.”
Tristan’s piercing gaze lingered, but I ignored him and started walking alone.
“Well, no matter how rich or handsome he is, he’ll never get married like that.”
“True.”
I heard muttering behind me but pretended not to.
