A few hours quickly passed by.
Following their unexpected arrival, I entrusted my house to their care and headed to the city streets to purchase some necessary items for our excavation.
As for the location of the ruins, it had already been mentioned in the novel, so there was no need for me to worry. As long as I could obtain the key, everything else would fall into place.
"Rider, your order is ready."
Upon entering the shop, I was greeted by a child wearing a knight helmet. He held a small box with both hands and looked up at me.
"Noah, do you need help?" I asked.
"No, thank you. Rider-san, the potions you ordered from my father last night are in this box. He said it would be added to his tab. You can pay for it later when you come back."
Rider Darthwil, my current identity in this city. The name didn't hold much significance; I simply found it cool, which is why I chose it.
The young boy in front of me was Noah. He's the son of the shop owner I befriended in order to reach the old noble.
"Rider-san, can we play chess again?" he asked eagerly, his body shaking with excitement.
"We can play later. I still have a lot to do today." I patted his helmet-covered head. Since he was wearing a helmet, I couldn't ruffle his hair as I had intended.
Pouting his lips, Noah looked at me with a cute and frustrated expression. "Rider-san, stop trying to mess with my hair every time we meet, humph!"
"Alright, alright. No need to get upset. You're acting like a little girl." I shook my head and let out a helpless sigh.
"But... I am one."
"Yeah, right. You should spend time with other children instead of insisting on helping at the shop. You're still a little kid; you should enjoy life with others instead of being alone."
Being an introvert in this world is perilous. Failing to engage with others can easily lead you down the wrong path.
"Anyway, I'll be heading back now," I said, accepting the box from Noah and turning around. "I'll try to visit again tomorrow if possible."
With that, I left and made my way back home.
...
..
.
As Saber's figure gradually disappeared into the distance, Noah returned to her original position behind the counter.
Soon after, a handsome blonde man entered the shop, accompanied by his party.
"Julius, is this the shop?" a woman dressed as a nun inquired.
"Yeah. We should stock up on supplies as much as we can before heading to the ruins that one of my men reported," Julius replied, his gaze fixed on the shelf containing potions.
"Hey, boy." Upon noticing Noah, Julius approached her. "Can you direct me to your father? I need to speak with him."
"Brother... That's a girl," the blonde girl beside him corrected, giving him a playful nudge.
"Ahh... my apologies." Flustered, Julius rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment and let out an awkward laugh.
"No worries." Noah smiled and said, "I'm used to being mistaken for a boy because of how I usually dress up. And sure, wait there. I'm just going to call for my father."
As Noah finished speaking, she stepped inside the door behind her. After a few minutes, she returned with a tall man trailing behind her.
The man scrutinized Julius and his party, and then his eyes widened in recognition. "Saintess! Hero! What brings you here?" His voice quivered with a mix of awe and excitement.
Noah looked at her father and then turned her attention back to Julius and his companions. "Hero...?" she mumbled under her breath.
"Ah! I apologize for speaking so casually earlier." Noah bowed her head apologetically.
"No need to apologize. I'm the one who mistakenly took you for a boy earlier. Besides, we're here to stock up on some potion supplies," Julius replied with his usual cheerful smile.
Noah's father nodded fervently. "I'll prepare EVERYTHING!" he exclaimed, turning around and heading back inside.
Before long, he reappeared, carrying a large crate filled to the brim with potions.
Julius and his party exchanged glances as they stared at the crate for a moment, then turned their attention to the man. "Erm... We don't need this much. Besides, we can't even carry such a load," Julius explained.
After some explanation and the man's insistence, Julius and his party found themselves with no choice but to load up the carriage with the excess potions.
---
(Saber's POV)
"I'm back."
Entering the house with a small box tucked under my arm, I glanced around to see Occiditis, the leader, busy sweeping in the living room.
"Where are the others?" I asked as I walked in, placing the box on the table and heading toward the bathroom.
"Solis and Odium are still in your room playing the board game they found. As for Reaper, she's currently in the bath-"
"You pervert! Get out!"
Occiditis was abruptly cut off by Reaper's voice, and before she could finish her sentence, a soap bar she threw connected with my face.
Before long...
Sitting on my knees and staring at the floor, I could feel Reaper's exasperated sigh after scolding me.
Occiditis cast a brief glance in my direction before continuing to sweep.
Meanwhile, the other two were on the stairs, observing the scene with amusement.
"Learn to knock."
"Yes, ma'am."
"There won't be a next time."
"Yes, ma'am..."
This is my house... And yet, I feel like I don't own it anymore.
After a few minutes, Reaper finally allowed me to stand up.
"I guess it was partially my fault for forgetting to lock the door... But, I won't apologize."
I understand.