Chapter 73 – His First Friend
Chapter 73
His First Friend
Date : Day 5 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Hyoren walked alone in the middle of Merchants' District after he sent Elise to Jena's place. His steps were steady. Purposeful. The absence of Elise beside him was noticeable. The space on his arm where she had latched was empty. The silence was different without her voice filling the air.
"It's been more than three weeks since I walked alone like this."
He chuckled. The sound was quiet. Almost lost in the ambient noise of the district. The realization was amusing. Three weeks of constant companionship. Three weeks of shared steps and conversation. And now, a simple walk alone felt strange.
"But, I need to get used to it. It's weirder for us to be glued together all the time with Elise... Sometimes I want to go to places Elise is not interested in. Or Elise wants to talk with her friends."
He looked around. Checking his direction by looking at the signs. The street names were clearly marked. The directions were visible. He was alone now, no Elise to lead him around. He needed to get a grip on himself. To learn the city. To navigate without assistance. The skill was necessary.
"Okay then, time to check the bookstores Elise told me about, then afterwards, to the Adventurer's Guild."
He then continued walking.But after a few steps, he remembered something. The realization emerged from the morning's conversation.
"Oh wait. I can't neglect my training. Elise said I need to keep using Aethell Sense whenever I can to train my Magic Manipulation skill."
He stopped and stood on the side of the road. The crowd flowed around him. Pedestrians passed by. A wagon rolled past. The city continued its rhythm.
He then activated his Aethell Sense. The shift was immediate. The perception of Aethell now layered on his vision.
Ambient air was now full of Aethell. It was drifting like a fog. Danced in invisible currents. The presence was everywhere.
He looked around. On the magic lamps on the street. He saw that the runic arrays glowed dimly, even though the lamps were off. The complexity was visible. The craftsmanship was evident.
He looked at the crowds. Now, he could see people's cores. The glow emanated from within each person. Based on their Aethell Core, Hyoren calculated they were mostly low level. Under level 5. The difference was subtle but visible. The majority were civilians. Their cores were dim, barely flickering.
Some adventurers were stronger. The distinction was clear. The cores were brighter. Larger. More defined. The energy pulsed with greater intensity. The difference was measurable.
And when he looked at the Knight who walked nearby, he was surprised with his core. It was way bigger than Elise's core. The size was substantial. The Knight was higher level than her. Hyoren couldn't really gauge how strong he was though. The measurement was beyond his understanding.
He then closed his eyes. Trying to understand how long he could use the skill.
"I think I can use this skill for about one to two hours consecutively. To avoid depleting all my Aethell, I will only use this for half an hour. Then wait for my Aethell to regenerate first, before using it again."
He nodded. His own training regimen was decided. He would train hard, but still be mindful about repercussions.
He then started walking. While using the added perception on his views. The change in his senses made him walk slowly. He needed to get used to processing extra information. The world was different. Each glance revealed more data.
The ambient Aethell in the air. A glowing Aethell core on each person. A glowing runic array on magic tools scattered around. On the magic lamps. Tools inside the shops. Storage bags carried by some people. Or magic weapons held by a high-ranking adventurer or knight. The information was endless.
"This is quite... harsh."
When he was using it to investigate Stonewell Village, the village was empty. So the information he needed to process was small. The scope was limited. The data was manageable.
But the city was full of people. Full of magic tools. It gave him a headache with the flood of information.
He then deactivated his skill. His head couldn't take it anymore. The world returned to normal. The overlay vanished. The headache receded slightly.
"I think my current problem is not my Aethell reserve... but my own mind's capability to process this load of information. Using it for five minutes inside the city already overloads my mind. My head hurt..."
He massaged his own temple. The fingers pressed against the throbbing. The pain was real. The limitation was clear.
"I will keep trying to get used to this sensation though... I need to persist. This is all for learning magic!"
He decided. And hardened his resolve. The determination solidified. The goal was clear. The path was difficult. But necessary.
He started walking again. Towards his first destination. Now without Aethell Sense skill activated. The headache was fading. The training would continue later.
***
Not long after, Hyoren arrived at the side road Elise pointed out before. Merchants' 4th Avenue. The sign was visible. The lettering was clear. He quickly turned his direction. The transition from the main road was immediate. The noise faded. The crowd thinned. The atmosphere shifted.
His footsteps echoed on stone pavement. The sound was distinct. The road was sparse. Fewer people. Less commotion. Trees, flowers, and bushes made the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming. The greenery was well-maintained. The leaves rustled gently in the autumn breeze. The flowers were in their last bloom before winter. The bushes were shaped with care. A deliberate cultivation of peace.
He passed an open terrace cafe. The smell of coffee and baked goods drifted from the seating area. A few customers sat at round tables. Sipping drinks. Reading books. Enjoying the quiet morning. The clinking of cups. The soft murmur of conversation. A peaceful interlude in the busy district.
A luxurious four-story inn came next. The building was grand. Imposing. The sign proclaimed its name in elegant script. The entrance was flanked by potted plants. The windows were large. Offering glimpses of a comfortable interior. The kind of place where wealthy merchants stayed. Where nobles rested during their travels.
A few fancy stores lined the street as well. Boutiques with curated window displays. Specialty shops with handcrafted goods. The kind of establishments that catered to those with coin. Those with status. Those seeking quality.
And after walking a few minutes, he saw it. A two-story building made with similar material as the rest of the city. Ironwood combined with grey stones. The construction was solid. Enduring. The style was consistent with the district. Blending in while maintaining its own character. From the window, he saw many books displayed on the showcase. Leather-bound spines. Colorful covers. Parchment scrolls. The variety was evident. The collection was substantial.
On the top of the door, there was a wooden sign which said "Gentlemen's Knowledge." The lettering was carved. Painted. Weathered by time but still legible. The name was unusual. Curious. A play on words perhaps. Or simply a name with history.
He stood in front of it. The moment of decision. To enter or to continue. To explore or to move on.
"This is it? It is definitely the only bookstore on this road. Time to check it out."
Hyoren opened the door. The bell clinked as he entered. The sound was soft. Welcoming. A notification of arrival. A greeting to the establishment.
Inside, the interior was warm and cozy. The light was set to be dimly lit but still provided ample light to read. The atmosphere was deliberate. Calming. The kind of environment that invited lingering. That encouraged exploration. The warmth was a contrast to the autumn chill outside. A refuge from the weather. A haven for readers.
There were many tall bookshelves on the wall. Full of books. Thick, thin, leather-bound, paper-made, parchment-made. The variety was staggering. The organization was methodical but not rigid. The spines faced outward. Titles visible. Authors proclaimed. Subjects categorized. The sections were marked with small placards. The navigation was intuitive.
And then, there were a few sofas with tables inside small booths scattered around the wall. Between bookshelves. Near the window. The seating was comfortable. Designed for extended stays. For reading. For contemplating. For escaping into other worlds. The booths provided privacy. A space for readers.
The setting was like a combination of bookstore and reading cafe. The concept was clever and practical. He could even see behind a simple menu displayed on top of the counter. Tea, coffee, and small pastries. The options were limited but sufficient. The focus was on the books. The refreshments were supplementary.
The owner at the counter looked up from his book when he heard the bells signaling visitors. He put down his book, and smiled widely. The greeting was genuine. Warm. The smile of someone who loved his establishment. Who welcomed fellow readers.
"Welcome to the Gentlemen's Knowledge, customer. How can I help you?"
***
Hyoren approached the counter, and looked at the owner closely.
He was a male beast-kin. Still looked young. Maybe in his thirties, forties at most. But he couldn't assume his real age as people of this world aged differently compared to Earth. What appeared young might be centuries old.
He was wolf-clan, based on his ears. The pointed ears sat atop his head. Covered in dark fur. Twitching slightly at sounds. And there was his gentleman moustache decorating his clean-shaven face.
His hair was trimmed. His black hair was slicked and combed. Not a strand out of place. His looks were complemented with a neat suit. Dark fabric. Tailored fit. Creating what Hyoren's mind supplied as "Gentlemen Butler" looks. The appearance was refined and sophisticated. The kind of presence that commanded respect without demanding it.
He smiled in understanding. Maybe that was the reason the owner chose that name for his store. He really screamed "gentlemen." The pun was intentional. The image was deliberate. A bookstore owner who embodied the very concept of refinement.
"Hello, I decided to visit because I was told this bookstore is one of the best in the city."
The owner smiled. He touched his moustache with an amused gesture. The motion was practiced. His voice was deep, but clear. Resonant without being loud.
"Hoho. Thanks for the compliment, dear customer. I'm Dandi, the owner of this store. May I ask for your name?"
Hyoren sat at the stool in front of the counter. The seat was comfortable. The height was appropriate. Designed for conversation. For transaction.
"I'm Hyoren Enjo. You can call me Hyoren. Nice to meet you, Dandi."
Dandi nodded. The wolf ears twitched slightly. Processing the name. Filing it away.
"Hyoren. Slightly unusual, but got a nice ring to it. Okay, Hyoren. Are you looking for books to buy? What kind of books? I have quite a selection, and I got my own channel. If I don't have the books you need, I can order them for you from the capital."
Hyoren smiled wryly. Scratched his cheek. The gesture was self-conscious. Slightly embarrassed.
"Actually, I don't have specific books yet. I used to love reading, but it's been a while since the last time I read books."
He then explained his prepared backstory. About surviving from the forest after plague hit his village. Then moved to a different settlement and arrived in Akela a few days ago. And now he had started to settle in this city. And he wanted to restart his hobbies. The story flowed smoothly. Practiced. Delivered without hesitation.
Dandi's wolf ears deflated a bit. Processing his story. The news was sad. Tragic. But not uncommon in this world. He didn't doubt a single thing. The sympathy was genuine. The acceptance was immediate.
"I see. My condolences for your loved ones. It must be harsh..."
Hyoren then clapped his hands. The sound was sharp. Deliberate. Trying to dispel the heavy atmosphere. To redirect the conversation toward something lighter.
"No need to be sad, Dandi. I already moved on."
He smiled. Reassuring. The past was past. The present was what mattered.
Dandi then nodded. The wolf ears perked back up. The mood shifted. The topic changed.
"Okay then, Hyoren, I will help you get back to your hobbies! Just tell me what you need."
Hyoren thought about it a bit. He already owned basic dark magic spellbooks. And Oria already gave him the basics of magic manipulation. He was settled on magic books for now. The foundation was there. The instruction was provided. What he needed was time.
For monster encyclopedias and other practical things, he preferred going to the guild reference room instead. As Elise said, they were the best place to read about those kinds of books. Specialized. Comprehensive. Focused on adventurer needs.
So he wanted something different. Just for his hobbies. For relaxed reading. Not for practicality. Not for training. For pleasure. For escape.
"Firstly, Dandi, not only read, I love writing too. Journal, diary. Do you have writing utensils?"
Dandi smiled widely. The wolf ears perked forward. The enthusiasm was evident.
"Ohh. Not only an avid reader, but also a writer! I like you already, Hyoren. Of course I have!"
Hyoren nodded. The first requirement was met. The foundation for his hobby was available.
"Okay, that's good. And for the books..."
He then explained to him about his preferences. Something not practical. Something not magic. Might be a story. Folklore. Or knowledge about worlds. Anything to read in his spare time. To relax. The criteria were broad. The category was flexible. The purpose was clear.
Dandi nodded. Noted his preference. The wolf ears twitched occasionally. He played with his moustache. Processing Hyoren’s request.
"I see. I got a selection of spellbooks if you need in the future though. But for now, I see you want other kinds of books."
He tapped his fingers on the counter. The sound was rhythmic. Thoughtful. Trying to remember books which suited Hyoren. The selection was vast. The choices were many. Finding the right ones required consideration.
After a while, he decided.
"Okay, wait a bit, Hyoren."
He then went to the back room. Searching for books. From the storage shelves. From the boxes. The sounds of rummaging echoed through the shop. Pages flipping. Covers sliding. The hunt for the perfect recommendations.
Hyoren patiently waited. Excited. The anticipation built. The prospect of new reading material. New worlds to explore. New stories to experience.
Not long after, Dandi was back. He was holding two books. One book was so thick and the other was thinner. He dropped them on the counter. The sound was solid. Substantial. The weight of knowledge. The heft of entertainment.
He pointed at one. The thickest one.
"Firstly. This is 'The Folklore Collection of Kingdom Altaria's Western Region.'"
Hyoren picked it up. The leather-bound book was heavy and thick. The book was made from parchment. It was sturdy. The binding was tight. The cover was decorated with embossed patterns. He checked the content. The book was printed — the quality matched what a printing press produced— though here, maybe using magical technology. The process was different. The result was similar. Quality reproduction. Clear text. Consistent formatting.
He flipped through the pages. The content was varied. Stories about magical forests. About the legend of some village. And other short stories. Compiled in book form. The tales were diverse. The origins were varied. The collection was comprehensive.
"This is perfect for reading when I want to relax, Dandi."
Dandi smiled proudly, and touched his own moustache again. The wolf ears stood tall. Satisfaction radiated from his expression.
Then he pointed to the second book. Thinner than the first, but still quite thick.
"This is, Gourmet Guide of Viscount Yerregor. He was famous for being a gourmet, and liked to travel around the world."
Hyoren picked it up. It was lighter, but actually had more pages than the first book. It was made from high-quality paper. Not as sturdy as the first book, but the quality matched modern paper, despite the color not being as white. The pages were smooth. The texture was fine. The craftsmanship was evident.
The cover looked fancy. With pictures of some man—Viscount Yerregor, definitely—in front of tables full of food. The portrait was detailed. The feast was lavish. The promise of culinary adventure was clear.
He opened the inside. And was awed. It listed many restaurants in the world. Where they were located. Which food was recommended. And Viscount Yerregor's own score. Was the restaurant worth visiting or not. The organization was meticulous. The information was practical. The scope was impressive.
He flipped the pages, and found Akela’s section. The books even listed a few this city restaurants. Few in Merchants' District, and one in Adventurer's District—Bertho's Dining. The place where he and Elise celebrated their achievement.
And to his surprise, Viscount Yerregor did score Bertho's Dining at 4 out of 5 stars. No wonder it was always packed. Even the gourmet who visited restaurants around the world liked the food there.
It was like a Michelin guide, in another world. The concept was familiar. The execution was parallel. The value was immense.
"How is it, Hyoren?"
Hyoren looked up from the book. Smiled widely. Excited. The discovery was thrilling. The possibilities were endless.
"This is great. I planned to travel around the world if I can. And this is going to help me a lot!"
Dandi nodded. The agreement was mutual. The satisfaction was shared.
"Good. I'm happy to help fellow readers and writers."
He then leaned forward. The posture was conspiratorial. Friendly. Offering more.
"Anything else, Hyoren? Or maybe you want to read the books you buy here? You can also borrow my other collection at a cheap price to read here. I can provide simple refreshment to accompany your reading."
Hyoren scanned the surroundings. The offer was tempting. The atmosphere was inviting. He saw many interesting titles on the shelves. The booths looked comfortable. The environment was perfect. And the atmosphere was cozy.
But he decided, and shook his head. The plan was set. The day was young. There was more to do.
"Maybe in the future, Dandi. I got a plan already after this. But I would love to visit this often! It's like I'm home. I definitely will come back!"
The excitement was palpable. The book lover in Hyoren was awakened. The joy of discovery. The pleasure of acquisition. The anticipation of future visits.
Dandi nodded. He was also happy to share moments with fellow avid readers. The connection was established. The bond was forming.
"Okay then, so for your writing utensil. Which are your preferences? Paper base, or parchment base? And quill or fountain pen? Some people prefer one to another, so which one are you?"
Hyoren thought about it. He put his fingers on his chin. The decision required consideration. Practicality versus durability. Convenience versus tradition.
Parchment was more sturdy for storage, but he needed a quill which was kind of a hassle to use. The maintenance was higher. The process was messier.
He then decided. The choice was clear. Modern convenience won.
"I have a storage bag, so I can store my stuff in good condition for a longer period. Give me a paper base and fountain pen, Dandi."
Dandi smiled. Noted his order. He then went to the cabinet nearby. The sound of drawers opening. The rustling of materials. He went back to the counter bringing two fountain pens and one thick paper base journal.
Hyoren checked the journal. The cover was a sturdy hard cover. The paper inside was smooth and sturdy, despite yellowness. The pages were lined. The binding was solid. The quality was evident.
"This is good. Really good. So, how much for everything, Dandi?"
Dandi then counted them all in his head. The calculation was quick. Mental arithmetic. The experience of a merchant.
"The journal and pens cost 5K Kres. And the two books cost 15K Kres."
Hyoren's eyes widened. He already expected to spend a fortune for the books. The assumption was based medieval times earth. Knowledge should be expensive. Books should be luxury items.
"What. So cheap!"
He increased his voice. The surprise was genuine. The shock was evident.
Dandi tilted his head. The wolf ears shifted.
"Is it? I think I priced everything fairly, Hyoren."
He was amused by his reaction. The surprise of a customer was not uncommon. But this particular surprise about book price was interesting.
Hyoren then thought again. The realization came. The mistake was clear.
He was assuming books and writing tools were expensive in medieval times. He was careless. Elise was not here to remind him about his common sense. He should be careful not to show his surprise every time he got shocked by differences between his assumption and reality.
"Sorry, Dandi, living on the sticks makes me not really understand about fair prices."
Dandi laughed. His wolf ears perked up. The sound was genuine. Warm. Amused but not mocking.
"Hahaha. Maybe I should swindle you and increase my price then?"
Hyoren smiled wryly. Scratched his cheek in embarrassment. The teasing was friendly. The joke was clear.
"Please, don't..."
Dandi smiled. Amused. The wolf's expression was kind. Understanding.
"Don't worry. I won't... I know with a glance if someone actually loved books or not. And you are one of them. I will never charge more than needed for someone like you, Hyoren."
Hyoren's expression turned softer. The gratitude was genuine. The connection was real.
"Thank you again, Dandi. I definitely come here often. To buy books, to read books. And maybe just chat with you about books."
He just met this gentleman wolf-clan beastkin. But he already felt a connection with him. Maybe because they both liked books. Or their personality was just compatible. The trust was building.
Their friendship had started to bud.
Hyoren then took his guild card, and gave it to Dandi.
"Here, Dandi, payment."
Dandi took the card. And with practiced motions, processed it on his own magic tools. The magic tools glowed. The transfer was authorized. The payment was confirmed. After a few moments, he gave the card back to Hyoren.
"Okay, payment confirmed, Hyoren. Happy to do a transaction with you."
Hyoren took the card back. The transaction was complete. The exchange was done.
"It's my pleasure too, Dandi."
He then took the books, journal, and pens he bought inside his storage bag. The void easily took everything. The items disappeared. Stored safely. Ready for use.
He then stood from the stool. The departure was imminent. The day continued.
"Okay Dandi, I will go for now, but I will come back."
Dandi bowed a bit. The gesture was formal. Respectful. The farewell was sincere.
"I will wait, Hyoren. Thanks for the purchase, and safe travels!"
Hyoren nodded at him, then turned around. Walking towards the exit. The door's bells clinked as he exited the doors. Leaving the cozy bookstore with the gentleman shopkeeper alone. But now with promise to come back to read more of his collections.