Ben and Louise were flying fast on a broomstick, covering kilometers in a matter of minutes. Since this was Louise's first flight, Ben decided not to rush too much and give the girl time to enjoy.
From a bird's-eye view, there really was a beautiful view that was worth seeing at least once in your life. Louise looked like a child who saw snow for the first time. Although various animals were used in this world to move through the air, Louise did not have the opportunity to ride them. Therefore, flying on a broomstick was a really unusual experience for her.
— Mmm... Ben, how reliable is this broom? — Louise asked as her excitement about the flight began to fade.
— Hmm... — Ben pretended to think: — Actually, this is one of the most dangerous modes of transport in my world. However, do not worry, if we fall from such a height, death will be painless. — Ben joked a little. However, his harmless joke made Louise snuggle closer to him, which caused Ben's lips to break into a modest smile.
— How much longer to fly? — the man asked, in order to dispel Louise's nervousness a little.
— I think at this speed it will take a few more minutes to get there... Oh, the chapel is already visible! — Before Louise could finish, in the distance she noticed a tall tower that towered over many buildings and structures. It didn't take long for Ben and Louise to reach their destination.
— Hold on tight. — Ben said to Louise, pointing the broom at the ground. The girl obediently followed the instructions of her familiar, and they landed safely on a deserted street located on the outskirts of the city.
— How does it feel? — Ben asked, putting the broom in his bag.
— Overall, I liked it, but... I feel safer on a horse. — Louise replied, calming her knees, which were shaking a little.
— Okay, we don't have much time, we have to hurry. — Louise pulled Ben towards the shopping street.
The city where Ben and Louise arrived was a cozy and picturesque place located not far from the academy. Narrow cobbled streets winding between ancient buildings with high pointed roofs conveyed the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The stone facades of the houses were decorated with vintage signs of shops and taverns, and Ben even thought for a second that he had returned back to his own world. He began to compare this city with the diagon alley, along which Ben often strolled in his student years.
This city was very popular among students, because here you could take a break from the strict rules of the academy. Shops with magical supplies, artifacts and rare herbs were located everywhere, which attracted both young wizards and passing magicians. Colorful stalls lined the streets, and the air was saturated with the aromas of pastries, spices and spicy wine.
The central square of the city was especially lively: people were always crowding around a large fountain with a statue of an ancient dragon, and street musicians entertained passers-by by playing cheerful melodies. There were also shops with weapons and armor on the sides of the square, where Ben and Louise were heading.
— It's pretty busy here. — Ben commented as he and Louise approached the gun shop.
— It's quite a common sight. — Louise replied, going inside the shop. Ben followed her in silence.
— How can I help you, young people? — The gunsmith said politely when Louise and Ben entered his shop. The merchant's name was John, he was a middle-aged man with a fox-like appearance.
"Rich kids, easy targets." — When Ben and Louise entered the store, John immediately appreciated their appearance. From their clothes, he immediately determined that they were quite rich, and Louise even wore the uniform of the Tristain Academy, which immediately indicated her status as a noblewoman. So John pulled a friendly smile on his face. He was looking forward to a big profit today.
— We would like to see one-handed swords. — Louise immediately said about her goal.
— Oh, of course! Come with me, our shop has a large assortment of one—handed swords for every taste. — The merchant solemnly said and led Ben and Louise through the shelves with numerous weapons to the place where the swords were stored. He tried to show only the most expensive and colorful weapons, hoping that this pair of rich kids would buy them.
— How do you like this one? — Said the Merchant, taking out a golden sword hanging on the wall, decorated with many jewels.
— It was forged by a famous blacksmith. This sword will perfectly emphasize the nobility and status of its owner. And the price is quite good, only 1,500 gold coins. — The armorer praised the sword in every possible way, which he held in his hand. Louise was somewhat interested in this sword, but Ben just shook his head in disappointment. Although he did not understand much about swords, in his opinion this blade could only be used as an ornament.
— Is it possible to see other options? — Ben asked, stopping Louise, who was already ready to buy the offered sword.
— I see you're a connoisseur. — The merchant said with a smile, showing another sword. Outwardly, it was less flashy, but it was immediately obvious that this sword was no different from the previous one.
— This sword was made in Albion and belonged to a famous noble family for a long time. I had to work hard to get him into my shop. I think this sword is perfect for such a handsome young man! — John continued to praise his sword, not forgetting to flatter Ben. The armorer tried his best to convince Ben of the need to buy an expensive sword.
Realizing that relying on John to choose a sword was a waste of time, Ben said: — Do you mind if we look on our own?
—Is something wrong, Ben? It seems to me that the swords that the merchant showed are very good. — Louise genuinely didn't understand why Ben wasn't paying attention to what John was showing. It did not occur to her that the merchant might have deceived them by selling an ornamental sword.
— Yes, yes, listen to your companion, she has a pretty sharp eye. — The merchant continued to coax Ben, not stopping flattering. He didn't want the big fish to get off his hook.
— Don't even go on. — Ben said sharply: — What you showed me is nothing more than a decoration. Simply put, these swords are garbage wrapped in a beautiful wrapper.
After these words, Louise also understood Ben's displeasure. Indeed, precious metals and gems are the most unsuitable materials for making a sword. Louise couldn't believe that she was almost tricked by some small-time merchant. The exposed merchant just grunted, gesturing that Ben and Louise could do anything. He was clearly unhappy that an easy target, in his opinion, had discovered his deception so quickly.
Having dealt with the unscrupulous trader, Ben and Louise began to search for the right weapon on their own. Now they were paying attention to the most practical options, which were completely different from what John had offered them.
After reviewing more than ten swords, Ben realized that none of them suited him. When he picked up the blade, he vaguely felt everything that he had felt during the duel. But it seemed to Ben that there was something else in this store. He felt it. After Ben tested the next batch of swords, he came across a box full of various junk standing in an inconspicuous corner.
— What is it? — Ben asked the merchant, whose politeness was gone.
— This? Just trash for the poor. I've wanted to throw it away for a long time. — John said indifferently, not even looking at the box.
Ignoring the merchant's words that there was garbage in this box, Ben began to examine the contents. Something inside him wanted him to do that, and lately Ben has begun to notice that his intuition leads him to quite interesting things.
Suddenly, among the junk, Ben came across a very old sword, which, due to its age, was in a deplorable condition, all covered with rust and notches. When Ben touched the hilt of the sword, the runes on his arm began to glow again.
— How much is this sword worth? — Ben asked the merchant, picking up his find.
— 10 gold coins. Such stuff is not even worth mentioning. — The merchant said dismissively.
Seeing Ben's determination to buy this sword, Louise became worried: — Ben, are you sure you want to buy it? I'm sure we can find something better. — She didn't understand at all why Ben was so interested in this piece of scrap metal.
— Trust me, this sword is not that simple. — Ben replied. These words made Louise give up. For some reason, she felt confident when Ben said that. Without saying anything against it, Louise paid the merchant for the sword Ben had chosen. The Armorer just looked at them mockingly, mistaking Ben and Louise for idiots.
— What should we do now? — Ben asked Louise as they left the gun shop.
— Hmm... — Louise thought, — Maybe we should take a walk around the city? — She suggested. Louise did not expect that she would spend so little on buying a sword, so she did not mind enjoying a quiet walk around the city. At the same time, you could visit a couple of shops and cafes.
Reading her mind, Ben replied: — With pleasure.
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I've finally finished this chapter. While I'm working on the second chapter, I decided to publish this one to brighten up your expectation a little. I hope I can finish today.