Chapter 55: Progression 2
We decided to obtain the curative item and left the castle, making our way outside the royal capital.
Then, we continued our journey and entered the nearest forest from the royal capital.
"Huh, Jin-kun, aren't curative medicines usually found in dungeons?"
"Well, they can be found in dungeons, but it's closer to get them from here."
"Is that so? But are there really curative items here in this forest?"
I understand Chloe's feelings. This forest we're visiting is known as the "Wakaba Forest." It's a place where weak monsters appear, suitable for rookie adventurers to get accustomed to the environment. In the game, it's an area unlocked early on, and I used to level up here.
"It's a bit hard to find, but they are indeed here."
I said to Chloe and guided her to the destination.
A few minutes later, we arrived at a slightly open space in the middle of the forest.
"Jin-kun, is it here?"
"Yeah, well, you could say I brought him here."
I said so and took out the fruits I had prepared from the "interdimensional box" and placed them on the ground.
"Eh, aren't those fruits for the princess's get-well gift?"
"No, these are trade items."
"Trade?"
Chloe was puzzled by my words, and then a "merchant" attracted by the smell of the fruits approached.
"It's a monster, Jin-kun!"
"He's not a monster; he's a 'magic-being.'"
"Magic-being!?"
The appearance of the merchant was that of a goblin, but unlike other goblins, he possessed intelligence. Intelligent monsters are called "magic-beings" in this world. Magic-beings face persecution and discrimination because they are closely related to monsters. Though this country doesn't officially discriminate against them, they still rarely appear in public.
This magic-being in front of us often appeared in the game, and gamers often used him as a reliable source for trading valuable items. He usually conducts item trades through barter. So, before leaving the royal capital, I prepared some high-quality fruits to trade with him.
(From this world, bring me something you like.)
The goblin merchant received the fruits I offered and then presented the items available from his interdimensional storage, just like I did.
Among them was the item I wanted, and I decided to take it.
After I finished selecting the item, the goblin merchant disappeared into the depths of the forest once again.
"I've never seen this before..."
"It's not something you'd encounter in normal life. When I first met him, I was also surprised."
"Jin-kun, when did you meet that magic-being? You were always with me, but you never mentioned it before?"
I explained, based on what I had learned, and Chloe asked when I found out about him.
"I missed the timing to tell you. Sorry. I met him quite a while ago, and that's when I learned about trading with him for items like the supplies we gave him just now."
"I see... By the way, that magic-being seemed quite skillful with trading."
"I asked a bit when I first met him. He's been a merchant for a long time, so he's no different from regular merchants."
Honestly, I don't know exactly when he became a merchant. But not too long ago, I met him, confirmed that he regularly came to this forest, and decided to come here today.
In the game's settings, it was mentioned that his family were merchants, but the details were vague, so I don't know if that's true.
Afterward, since there was nothing else to do, we decided to return to the castle.
"Jin-san, I thought you went to accept a request since you left in the morning. You're back already?"
"Julius-san, we didn't go to accept any requests. We went to gather items that could be used for the princess's treatment."
"Items for treatment?"
Julius tilted his head in confusion at my words, so I showed him the item I obtained through the trade with the magic-being from the interdimensional box.
The name of the item I obtained was "Forest's Mystical Medicine." It's a medicine made by the elves living in the forest, a rare item that rarely appears in the market.
When the merchant presented it, I was surprised enough to think "Seriously?" This medicine is a higher-grade version of the medicine I originally wanted.
"Wh-where did you get this!?"
Julius, who understands the greatness of the item, shouted in surprise upon seeing it.
Realizing he had spoken too loudly, he looked around to check that no one was nearby.
"I got it through a trade with someone."
"...Is it authentic?"
"I confirmed it with an appraisal magic. It's genuine."
After Julius asked his question, I replied with a serious expression.
Then Julius said that the princess's condition isn't that severe, so he asked me to keep the medicine I had obtained.
"You should be careful not to show that medicine to anyone. People might even start a war just to get their hands on it."
"Eh, is this medicine really that amazing?"
"...Yes, it is. It's a medicine that can even regenerate lost limbs."
Chloe, who had only heard that it was a medicine for treating illnesses, was shocked and frozen in place upon hearing Julius's words.
"You've been aware that Jin-san is an extraordinary person, but this is unexpected..."
Julius said while looking somewhat tired and then excused himself, saying he needed some fresh air outside.
After that, I managed to snap Chloe out of her stupor and said goodbye to her before heading back to the room I was borrowing.