A Chance Encounter

It was the same as always, but Galan had gotten used to Serie's speaking style and personality and didn't say anything more.

"By the way, have there been any traces of Rivale recently near [Äußerst]?"

Recalling the news he had heard at the tavern and his own guesses, Galan couldn't help but ask Serie.

After all, it wouldn't be difficult for her to detect the other person's presence within the city's surrounding area.

"Rivale? Oh, you know him. I think I did sense his presence a couple of days ago, but he disappeared quickly after realizing I'd detected him. I'm not really interested in him anyway."

As expected, it was because of Serie. Galan nodded to himself, feeling somewhat pleased with his earlier clever guess. However, Serie's voice sounded rather uninteresting, indicating that she really had no interest in Rivale.

Galan had initially thought that there might be some sparks between these two battle-loving fanatics, but it seems he was mistaken.

"It sounds like you've known him for a long time? How did he manage to escape from you? That Rivale is really strong."

Upon hearing her words, Galan immediately sensed that there were many interesting aspects to the matter.

Judging from Serie's words, the two seem to have had some interaction before.

"As a warrior, that guy is indeed top-notch, but that doesn't mean I can't deal with him. If I want to kill him, I can definitely take care of him. It's just that after he failed to challenge me and was rescued by the Demon King hundreds of years ago, he has never challenged me again."

"As expected of you..."

"But you might not be able to handle that guy right now. If you really run into him, you'd better pray for good luck," Serie warned.

No matter what, he is still the strongest warrior among the Demons. Although Galan is quite strong at the moment, he seems to have little chance against an opponent of this level.

If Galan has enough Mana and is sufficiently familiar with [Blood Manipulation Magic], he might be able to challenge the other party.

"Can't I ask you for help? Although I don't seem to have any plans to go out recently, I probably won't have the chance to run into him." Galan was a little doubtful. As long as Serie was in [Äußerst], no matter where he got into trouble, he should be able to get out of danger by asking her for help.

He could always swallow his pride and beg again; knowing Serie's personality, she probably wouldn't abandon him in his time of need.

"I'm going out of town in the next couple of days, to the Imperial Capital [Eisberg's ]. I'm not even here anymore; in fact, I've already left and won't be able to reach you for a while, so I'm letting you know in advance," she replied.

"Going to the Imperial Capital? Is it for the [Continental Magic Association]?" Galan asked. "After all, some old fogies in the Imperial Capital seem quite unhappy about my establishing the association. If we can't get them to talk this time..."

I don't know how much trouble this will cause me in the future.

When the conversation turned to those people in the Imperial Capital, Serie's voice in Galan's mind turned noticeably colder, indicating that her "influence" would require some tough measures.

As expected of her, daring to go to the Imperial Capital to take action. In today's world, there is probably only one person Serie who can do that.

When he was a [Shadow Warrior], he had a certain understanding of the Imperial Capital's defenses.

It's safe to say that even if the Great Demons went to the Imperial Capital, they would most likely perish there.

However, Galan had no doubt that she could do it, after all, in the future, the [Continental Magic Association] would be the only official organization managing Mages.

It seems that her actions this time were quite fruitful, without encountering any particular obstacles.

"Alright, have a safe trip then? I feel our connection is getting weaker and weaker." Galan smiled. "Hmph."

After leaving behind that one word, Serie made no further sound.

Galan's mind returned to silence, as if everything that had just happened was merely his imagination.

The noise from the surrounding streets reached his ears, giving him a sense of disorientation.

"Looks like we've come a long way."

With that thought, Galan moved again toward the clothing store.

"Hmm, this dress looks nice, and that one looks nice too... What do you think, Lia? Maybe I should just buy them all."

Frog looked at each display case again and again, with a surprised Lia beside him, seemingly also dazzled by the store's dazzling array of clothes.

In the past, all the clothes she wore were hand-knitted by her parents. This was the first time she had ever seen such brightly colored clothing, and she couldn't help but show a look of amazement.

"So beautiful..."

She murmured to herself, unconsciously glancing at her simple white tank top. Compared to it, her clothes seemed somewhat plain or outdated.

But in Lia's heart, this dress remains her most important possession.

"Right? What do you say? I'll buy them all then."

Seeing that it seemed to be Lia's first time in a place like this, Frog splurged a little, since he had plenty of money and only needed to buy a few clothes.

After having dinner with Lia, he felt that she was dressed a bit too simply and hadn't brought any other clothes to change into after leaving the settlement, so he brought her to this clothing store to buy her a couple of outfits.

"The boss, how much do you want for all those clothes I just looked at, wrapped up?"

Frog called over the shop the boss, who, upon seeing a big spender, quickly greeted him with a beaming smile.

"Hehe! This customer has excellent taste! The clothes she picked are all the latest styles in the store, and they suit this lady very well."

"In that case, how about I give you a discount, making it five Lacir Gold Coins in total?"

Five gold coins?

Lia, who had been looking forward to wearing new clothes, was now somewhat dumbfounded.

She stared blankly at the three pieces of clothing in the shop owner's hands. Did they really cost so much?

Lia remembered that she and Galan had eaten such a lavish meal at Lake's shop, and it only cost less than two silver coins...

"That's a bit expensive, isn't it? The boss, you're not thinking I'm easy to take advantage of, are you? Come to think of it, you don't have any price tags in your shop. No wonder I couldn't find the prices of those clothes anywhere. So you're trying to rip me off, aren't you?"

Frog's voice was somewhat cold; he was a businessman, after all, and extremely sensitive to price matters, although he wasn't unable to pay the money.