A Gift for Teacher Roxy

Cain pointed the gem in his hand at the Flamebone Dragon Guard and pursed his lips. He knew how to summon it, but not how to send it back. The shop assistant over there didn't know either...

So this rabbit-eared woman really was here to cause trouble, wasn't she? If she didn't know how to send it back, why had she summoned it herself? Was she trying to make me and Teacher Roxy pay for the repairs?

Before Cain could think any further, and without any command from him, the kneeling Flamebone Dragon Guard flashed into golden light and entered the orange gem. It felt just like returning a Pokémon to its ball.

How convenient!

Cain blinked at the gem in his hand, a smile tugging at his lips.

Yes, this would make an excellent Protective Magic Item. It was perfect for Teacher Roxy.

The rabbit-eared woman patted her chest in relief, then steadied herself and looked at the smooth orange gem in Cain's hand.

"Ahem. From what I just observed, Sword God, that must be a relic of the dragons!"

"A relic of the dragons?"

"Yes, and the rarest kind: a summoning item. It was most likely made from the Dragon Jade of an elite dragon king. An ordinary magic item couldn't summon a boss-level monster like that, so..."

"Would you consider selling it, Sword God?"

Cain slowly closed his hand around the Dragon Jade, keeping it away from the hands reaching for it. He narrowed his eyes at the rabbit-eared woman smiling broadly before him.

"I thought something was off from the start. You're not an ordinary shop assistant, are you?"

Seeing the suspicion in Cain's eyes and Roxy's as she came to stand beside him, the rabbit-eared woman dropped the act. She cleared her throat, lifted the hem of her skirt, and gave an elegant noblewoman's curtsy.

"I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself."

"I'm Leola Sein, the manager of this branch. Neris Otor is my master."

Leola lifted her chin proudly.

"Wait, Neris Otor?!"

Cain folded his arms and looked at Roxy, who had covered her mouth in shock. He was a little puzzled.

"You know her, Teacher Roxy?"

"Yes... Neris owns the Sharia Magic Item Workshop. The magic items she makes are famous in Sharia City!"

"Heh. I'm her final apprentice. So, how about selling me the Dragon Jade? I'll pay a thousand Asura Gold Coins! And I won't make you pay for the damage to the shop."

Leola Sein raised one finger and waved it, looking certain she'd won him over.

"No."

Cain refused without hesitation, then smiled at the stunned Roxy beside him.

The offer was twice what it would cost to make the Magic Armor, but this Dragon Jade already had an owner.

"Teacher Roxy, this Dragon Jade is a gift for you. You're the only one who deserves it."

With a gentle smile, Cain placed the Dragon Jade in Roxy's hand.

"W-wait. This... isn't it too valuable?" Roxy looked at Cain with pursed lips, her blue eyes filled with emotions he couldn't quite read.

There was no doubt the Dragon Jade held an irresistible appeal for any mage. An item that could summon a King-class, perhaps even Emperor-class, bodyguard was something every mage lacking close-combat ability dreamed of. And this was a Dragon Jade!

Roxy would have been lying if she said she didn't want it. Almost no mage who lacked close-combat ability could resist that temptation.

But it really was far too valuable... If sold, it could support someone for several lifetimes. Roxy felt terrible accepting it.

"Exactly! Are you really not going to sell it to me? I can offer more!"

"I'm not selling it to you! This magic item is a gift for Teacher Roxy in return!"

Cain folded his arms and pursed his lips, unwavering.

It can summon an S-rank Flamebone Dragon Guard as a bodyguard. Teacher Roxy will be much safer. Even after I leave, I won't have to worry so much about her. How could I sell something like this?

Leola's rabbit ears twitched. She pressed her lips together, looking close to tears. However bold she might be, she didn't dare fight Cain, the Second Sword God who had slain three Red Dragons, for that incredibly rare Dragon Jade.

All she could do was watch longingly as Roxy, red to the tips of her ears, smiled and tucked the Dragon Jade into her clothes.

"Wait!"

Cain frowned at Leola as her rabbit ears stood straight up. What was she trying to do, reaching out to stop them?

"What is it? I said I'm not selling it. If you try to take it by force, though, I'll have no choice but to kill you. I'm sorry about that."

Cain spoke calmly, his arms folded. He wasn't joking. It was a warning: no one was allowed to threaten Teacher Roxy's safety.

Don't say something so frightening!

Roxy pursed her lips and gently tugged at Cain's sleeve.

So that's how it is... They must be a couple. But even for lovers, that gift is far too valuable!

Leola Sein sighed and gazed longingly at the orange Dragon Jade clutched in Roxy's hand.

"All right. I give up..."

Wait, you really were thinking of taking it?

Roxy's eye twitched as she watched Leola Sein's rabbit ears flick and her lips twist.

"Could you hand me the Dragon Jade? I won't try to steal it this time. I just want to make it into a necklace. You can't keep pulling it out of your pocket whenever you need to summon it. That would wear it down, and it's inconvenient..."

Roxy sighed and smiled helplessly. After glancing at Cain, who stood with his arms folded and gave a slight nod, she offered the orange Dragon Jade with both hands.

Cain wasn't worried about Leola trying anything. He was a Sword God, and the rabbit-eared woman didn't even have any Battle Aura. He could think of more than nine ways to stop her from moving.

Roxy didn't absolutely need the Dragon Jade, either. She felt strong enough to protect herself. But Cain was so insistent... Well, she wanted it too...

He's so dependable...

Roxy looked at the necklace Cain had personally fastened around her neck. She pressed her lips together, then gave him a sweet smile.

It felt wonderful to have someone care for and protect her.

"Once I leave, the Dragon Jade can keep you safe, Teacher Roxy."

Cain smiled back. Roxy pursed her lips and nodded slightly, but disappointment tugged at her as she tightened her grip on her staff.

That's right. Cain, that foolish apprentice I'm so proud of, will eventually leave me and venture out into the world...

He's young, after all. He has adventures of his own!

Shouldn't I be happy for him?

Then why...

Why does it hurt so much?

Roxy pressed her lips together and managed a strained smile before finally letting out a soft sigh.

She didn't want Cain to leave.

Cain gazed at Roxy tenderly and gave a helpless smile, his eyes softening.

What if I stayed...

No. I can't. I still carry the dream of surpassing the gods: my master's dream, my own, and Teacher Roxy's...

I can't stop here!

Cain's gaze grew resolute. He and Teacher Roxy each had things they needed to do. Besides, she wouldn't like him if he gave up like that.

Leola puffed out her cheeks, her rabbit ears twitching as she stared at the orange Dragon Jade Roxy held. She wanted a powerful summoning magic item like that too!

I'm so jealous!

"We've paid the deposit. Sorry for the trouble, Miss Leola."

"Huh? You're asking that of someone you nearly killed, Sword God?"

Cain scratched his head and smiled apologetically.

"Sorry. As long as you don't take Teacher Roxy's things, I won't take your life. Please don't forget that."

Roxy pursed her lips. Was it because of me again? Ever since she and Cain had grown close, one thing after another had happened. Of course, Cain had resolved most of it...

Leola pressed her lips together and let out a heavy sigh. Her rabbit ears drooped slightly.

"I understand, Sword God... But if you ever obtain another Dragon Jade like that, please sell it to me. I'll pay anything. I'm begging you!"

Leola spoke earnestly, bowing her head slightly.

Cain and Roxy exchanged a glance, then looked at the bowing Leola in confusion.

"Why do you want a Dragon Jade so badly, Miss Leola?"

Does she have some reason she can't tell us? Does she need a Dragon Jade to save someone's life? Cain wondered, blinking.

"Because... I'm a longtime magic-item enthusiast. I especially love collecting rare magic items."

Seeing Leola's earnest expression, Cain and Roxy both felt their eyes twitch.

"Are you serious?!"

"Of course! I love magic items!"

Is she out of her mind? Who would hand over a lifesaving magic item just so she could put it in a glass case as a useless collectible?

That thing could save someone's life in a labyrinth...

Cain gripped his sword hilt. Truthfully, he felt like cutting someone down.

Roxy quickly caught his trembling hand on the hilt and pulled him aside.

At the same time, she gave Leola an apologetic smile.