Leaving the bar with a weary face, Gabriel invited Kaizoku to search for the fortune teller.
"Ah... Time to find that person and remove that bone hand from your eye."
As Gabriel was about to walk further, he stopped and looked back. "But... Before that, we need to replace those filthy clothes of yours."
Gabriel tried to stay enthusiastic and speak positively. However, seeing Kaizoku's face and listless body language made Gabriel doubt his ability to lift the other's spirits.
This was a new challenge for Gabriel - he had never experienced anything like this before. He was a fighter, not a caretaker.
Gabriel knew he needed to understand what Kaizoku liked to motivate him again. He had to know who Kaizoku was to help him become a worthy hero.
Of course, Gabriel knew nothing about cowboys or the Wild West; they came from two different worlds. How could Gabriel know what Kaizoku liked without asking him directly?
Like it or not, Gabriel had to try. He needed to understand Kaizoku better.
"I know you miss Sylphy and Hizo, but come on, Kaizoku. They're not here right now. Hizo returned to Aetherforge to meet his father and grandfather, and Sylphy... Just forget about her, please, Kai..."
For a moment, they stood in silence, staring at each other. After pushing away several thoughts, Kaizoku finally spoke.
"Fine... I'll try to stay positive, but I'm not making any promises..."
Kaizoku's words rekindled Gabriel's spirit slightly - perhaps there was still hope for Kaizoku to continue living and defeat the demon lord.
Gabriel's face brightened with renewed enthusiasm, clapping his hands as he watched Kaizoku's willingness to try.
"I respect you, Sir Kaizoku. Let's find you some clothes - my treat," Gabriel said with a wink.
As they resumed walking, Kaizoku finally began moving again, following Gabriel from behind.
The sounds of mud and Auricomous's native residents brought a small smile to Kaizoku's face, as it reminded him of his village back home.
Villagers helping each other build houses, farming, trading, and raising livestock.
Lost in these feelings, they eventually arrived at an old blue wooden house. Without further thought, they entered.
The wooden house looked quite aged and somewhat fragile. They began searching for shirts and pants that Kaizoku might like.
After browsing for a while, Kaizoku chose an expensive light brown denim coat made of leather.
When Gabriel saw the price, he smiled in shock. However, he had to hide his surprise to keep Kaizoku happy.
"G-Great choice, Kai..." Gabriel said, still containing his shock.
Gabriel took the coat and placed it on the cashier's counter, while Kaizoku continued browsing for other clothes.
Finding suitable pants, Kaizoku immediately pulled them out for a closer look.
Satisfied, Kaizoku took the pants and walked to the counter.
However, just before reaching it, Kaizoku spotted a black leather fedora that looked similar to a cowboy hat in the window display.
Kaizoku's heart stopped for a moment - a hat that looked like a cowboy hat? In this world? He immediately ran to grab it.
He took it and placed it on the counter, along with his chosen pants.
After seeing the clothes Kaizoku had chosen, Gabriel could only sigh and hope that his wallet contained enough money to pay for everything.
After tallying everything up, the cashier announced, "The total is 3,000,000 Piin."
Gabriel's mouth fell open before he quickly closed it, trying to maintain his composure.
"Three million Piin? This will leave me broke..." Gabriel thought to himself.
With slight hesitation, Gabriel pulled his wallet from his back pocket and counted his money.
After counting through his bills, Gabriel placed three notes on the counter.
It seemed this world had quite a different currency system. From what Kaizoku could gather, the currency here was called Piin.
"Three million Piin, gone just like that. I hope this makes you happy, Kai," Gabriel said after paying for Kaizoku's clothes.
Kaizoku finally smiled a little - at last, he had found something similar to what he'd seen in his previous world: a hat that resembled a cowboy hat.
After Gabriel completed the payment, Kaizoku rushed to the changing room with his new clothes, eager to try them on.
Removing his tuxedo, Kaizoku quickly donned everything with excitement.
This brought back some of his spirit, wearing new clothes that were clean and suited him well.
Not forgetting the hat he'd chosen, he put it on after everything else was neatly in place.
Leaving the changing room, Kaizoku and Gabriel thanked the cashier before exiting the clothing store.
"Now... It's time to find someone who can remove that hand. Let's head over there," Gabriel said, pointing to the left.
Kaizoku simply nodded and followed Gabriel from behind.
Along their way, they passed an open farm where various animals could be seen: cattle, goats, chickens, and even horses.
Seeing the horses immediately brightened Kaizoku's face with longing, but he reminded himself to be grateful to Gabriel and not ask for anything more.
Horses must be expensive, Kaizoku thought. However, he promised himself that he would own one someday.
Without Kaizoku realizing it, Gabriel noticed his lingering smile as he gazed at the horses.