As Hazuki stood there, still recovering from his unwanted "engagement," the vendor leaned in close and whispered, "Remember, young man… a pinky promise is not something you should play with. These rings? They are the witnesses to your vow."
Hazuki gulped. "W-Witnesses? Oi, oi, don't make it sound like a damn contract!"
The vendor narrowed his eyes. "It is."
Hazuki felt cold sweat run down his back. "EHHHH!?"
The vendor continued, deadly serious. "I once heard of someone who made a pinky promise… but didn't honor it. And guess what happened to him?"
Hazuki's face paled. "Oi, oi, oi! What happened?! Tell me!"
The vendor shook his head, his expression grim. "You better not know… for now."
Hazuki shivered. "EEEEHHHH!?!?"
Before he could panic further, Ellyn smiled up at him. "Uncle! Uncle!"
"What?" he asked, turning to her.
She gestured for him to lean down, pretending to whisper.
Confused, Hazuki leaned in, and then—
SMOOCH!
Ellyn planted a kiss on his cheek.
Hazuki froze. The adventurers gasped dramatically. "OHHHHH!!!"
Ellyn giggled and waved. "Bye-bye, Uncle! Don't forget the promise, okay?!"
Without another word, she skipped off to join her mother.
Hazuki stood there, completely stunned. Then—
SMACK!
An adventurer slammed a hand on his back, grinning. "Good luck, Shitman."
The rest of the adventurers burst into laughter.
Hazuki clutched his head, feeling his sanity slipping. "WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING TO ME!?!?!?!"
Just as he thought the nightmare was over, the vendor suddenly held up his palm. "That'll be 10 silver coins for the rings."
Hazuki felt his soul leave his body. "EHHHHHHH!?!?!? TEN!?!? FOR REAL!?!?"
The adventurers laughed again.
The vendor grinned. "Of course. A sacred vow comes with a price, young man."
Hazuki gritted his teeth. "SACRED MY ASS! I GOT TRICKED INTO THIS!"
Before he could pull his hair out, the merchant who bought the forest boar parts stepped forward, chuckling as he handed some coins to the vendor. "Here, I'll cover it."
Hazuki blinked. "Huh?"
The merchant shoved the leftover money into Hazuki's hands. "And here's the rest of your payment for the goblin drops."
Hazuki looked down at the coins in his hand. The merchant patted his shoulder, laughing. "Good luck, young man! Hahahaha!"
Then, he walked away, still chuckling.
Hazuki stood there, gripping the coins, staring blankly. "What the hell just happened to my life?"
Hazuki stood there gripping his coins, his mind racing. If Ellyn were an adult right now, he would've jumped at the chance. Marry a cute catgirl? Live a peaceful life in this town? Maybe even own a shop and retire early? HELL YEAH!
But— SHE'S A KID. And worst of all— EIGHT MORE YEARS!?
Hazuki groaned, running his hands through his hair. "I don't think I can wait that long!!!"
The adventurers burst out laughing. "BAHAHA! LOOK AT HIM, HE'S STRUGGLING!"
The merchant wiped a tear from his eye. "Patience is important, young man."
Hazuki slumped. "I didn't sign up for this…"
Now what? Was he supposed to live his life waiting for Ellyn to grow up?! Damn it.
Then, a terrifying thought hit him. What if—when she turns 18—she grows full fur? A furry catfolk?! "Ugh!! No way!!!" He shuddered.
Then came another horrible thought. What if she's not even cute or beautiful?! Hazuki clutched his head. "Damn it! What if she becomes some weird-looking beastwoman?!"
The adventurers snickered. "Hah! You're doomed, Shitman!" "Better hope she turns out cute, huh?"
Hazuki let out a deep sigh. "Whatever… I'll think about it later. Duhh."
For now— sightseeing. Err… actually, better visit the bank first. He patted his coin pouch. Can't just walk around with this much money.
And so— Hazuki headed off, hoping for a moment of peace. But knowing his luck, that probably wasn't happening.
As Hazuki stepped into the bank, he immediately froze. Behind the counter stood a stunningly gorgeous receptionist.
Inside his mind— "OHHHH! SHE'S GORGEOUS!"
He quickly straightened up, trying to act normal. "Ehem… I would like to open an account?"
The receptionist smiled politely. "Oh, here. This way, sir."
Hazuki followed her, trying his best not to stare. Inside his mind— "I take back everything! THIS is where I should've made a pinky promise!"
But first—he needed to focus. He was here to secure his money. Right?
When Hazuki arrived at the counter, a male clerk looked at him with mild disapproval, probably judging his less-than-impressive clothing. "How may I help you, sir?"
Hazuki cleared his throat. "Err… I'd like to open an account?"
"Minimum deposit is 10 silver coins."
Hazuki pulled out his coin pouch, quickly calculating in his head. "Alright… let's see how much I've got."
He carefully counted his savings. First, there was the 5 silver coins saved from his wall repair job. Then, 6 silver coins from the payment for forest boar parts sold to the merchant. Lastly, 4 silver coins after deducting the cost of those damn rings.
Hazuki's eyelid twitched. "Damn it… I really lost money because of that so-called engagement…"
After a quick total in his head, he realized he had 15 silver coins and a few copper left for spending. He decided to deposit 13 silver coins and keep the rest. "I'd like to deposit 13 silver coins."
The clerk nodded. "Please provide your ID."
Hazuki handed over his adventurer card. The clerk gestured to a glowing processing orb. "Place your hand here."
As Hazuki complied, the clerk continued. "Since you have an adventurer card, your account is linked. You can withdraw money from any bank or the adventurer guild."
Hazuki blinked. "Huh? The adventurer guild also handles transactions?"
The clerk gave him a weird look. "Yes. Why did you come to the bank when you could've opened an account at the guild?"
Inside Hazuki's mind—
"UGH! THAT CAPITAL CITY GUILD BITCH RECEPTIONIST DIDN'T EVEN TELL ME THIS!!!"
He forced a smile. "Umm… okay." Damn it. He could've saved himself the trouble of coming here.
The clerk handed Hazuki's adventurer card back to him. "Your account is open, and the money has been deposited."
Hazuki nodded. "Thanks." He slipped his card into his pouch and turned to leave.
Stepping outside, the fresh air greeted him—along with a far more important sight: beautiful women everywhere. Long legs, curvy figures, elegant outfits.
His eyes gleamed. Inside his mind— "WOOHOO… THEY ARE HOT!!!"
Forgetting everything else, Hazuki strolled through the streets, happily admiring the scenery.
Since he finally had a little money, Hazuki figured he might as well eat something decent. Spotting a street food stall with tables outside, he exclaimed, "Oh, that looks good!" Without hesitation, he walked over and took a seat.
A waiter quickly approached, bowing slightly. "Good evening. Would you like to order?"
Hazuki grinned, feeling rich for once. "Ah yes! A lot of meat! And a big ale!"
The waiter nodded. "Coming right up, sir."
As Hazuki leaned back in his chair, satisfied with his choice, he savored this rare moment of luxury. Finally… a proper meal!
While waiting for his food, his mind drifted. Where should he stay tonight? He had no idea how much inns cost in Yumia Town. Maybe a cheap stable would do? Saving money was crucial—especially since he was alone in this world. No family. No connections.
Japan? Hazuki sighed. No point in thinking about that now. Maybe one day he'd find a way back. Or maybe… he'd just end up living here until he died.
Before he could dwell on it, his food finally arrived. "Whoa! Big portion!"
With a grin, Hazuki grabbed the ale and took a deep gulp.
"Gulp gulp gulp! Fwaaaah!!"
Nothing like good food and booze to help him forget his worries.
( End of Chapter )