Chapter 20: Renovating the mansion and making healing potions(3).
“Now that the shop’s set to open, it’s time to advertise.”
On my way back, I decided to hand out flyers, Heal Potions, and new breads to passersby. I pulled a large basket from my Magic Bag and filled it with flyers, potions, and breads.
“New shop opening, Elysion! Please come by!”
People were surprisingly receptive, accepting the samples kindly.
“Oh, thank you!”
“What’s this? Bread? It’s unusual.”
Those who took the samples responded with goodwill and curiosity.
Among the passersby, I spotted someone familiar.
—That man in black armor, I’ve seen him before.
An adventurer, perhaps? His striking physique was clad in full black armor.
—Right, he picked up my ribbon when it got caught and fell.
I recalled our encounter.
If he’s an adventurer or a knight, my Heal Potions could be useful. I wanted to give him samples.
With that, I approached him.
“Hello.”
“…Hello?”
Startled by my sudden greeting, he glanced around before focusing on me.
“…Haven’t we met before…?”
He seemed to vaguely recall me, his expression puzzled as he tried to place me.
His silver hair, peeking from the black armor, shone beautifully in the sunlight. The eyepatch over his right eye looked painful, but his sharp nose and thin red lips were striking. His left eye, a mesmerizing amethyst purple, was almost enchantingly beautiful. Without the eyepatch, he’d likely be a heartthrob for women—maybe even with it. He was captivating, though his subtle gestures to hide his right side suggested an unconscious effort to conceal the eyepatch.
Ignoring his possible self-consciousness, I nearly got lost in his striking appearance but shook my head to focus and brought up our past encounter.
“We passed each other before. My ribbon got caught on your armor, came loose, and you picked it up for me.”
“Oh! That time…”
His face lit up as he remembered. Seizing the moment, I handed him a flyer, a Heal Potion, and a sandwich wrapped in thin paper as thanks for the ribbon.
“What’s this?”
He looked confused but glanced at the flyer.
“…Elysion?”
He read the shop’s name.
“Yes! That’s the name of the shop I’m opening. I’m an alchemical mage, and I plan to sell potions essential for adventures and easy-to-eat breads. There’ll also be an eat-in space with daily rotating meals.”
“I see. And these?”
“Samples. Please take them. Try them, and if you like them, visit my shop. The flyer has a map. The Heal Potion is certified by the Commerce Guild, so it’s reliable in or after battle.”
I explained with a smile. He’d kindly picked up my ribbon, so he must be a good person. I hoped he’d become a customer.
“Got it. In that case, I’ll take them. You can never have too many Heal Potions.”
As expected, he was likely an adventurer. He seemed pleased with the potion.
“Oh, I should get going. I’ve got work to head out for.”
He tucked the sandwich and potion into his backpack, pointing toward the capital’s gate, indicating he was leaving the city.
Slender yet sturdy, clad in sleek black armor, he exuded strength. Something about him naturally suggested it.
But beyond the capital’s gate, magical beasts roamed. I worried for his journey, yet something made me hope we’d meet again.
“I wish you a safe journey. I’d love to see you again when you return. Please visit Elysion.”
His face showed surprise, as if caught off guard.
“…See me again? You’re not… scared of my face? My eye?”
He asked.
“…? Not at all. Whether you’re an adventurer or a knight, facing magical beasts means you might get injured. It just happened to be your right eye, right?”
I answered honestly.
“You’re fearless and kind-hearted. Not thinking my face is ugly… Alright. When I’m back from work, I’ll stop by your shop. Sound good?”
“…Yes!”
I replied, and he adjusted his backpack, ready to depart.
“See you then.”
“Yes.”
And so, we parted.
Just two brief encounters. That’s all it was.
Yet, somehow, I felt we’d meet again. No, I wanted to meet again.
I watched his back as he headed toward the capital’s gate, blending into the crowd, wishing him a safe journey.