My Demons

In response to an unexpected response, I turned to Ilton and asked, “You don’t sell crossbows? Why not?”

Ilton clarified, “It’s not that we don’t sell them, but we can’t. Selling crossbows would lead to imprisonment for both me and Phoenix.”

“What?!” I exclaimed, taken aback by his revelation.

Ilton explained that the laws of the kingdom prohibit the sale of crossbows to civilians without special permission. He sold other weapons such as spears, poleaxes, war bows, and armor, but crossbows were off-limits.

I found it hard to believe and pressed further, “So, you sell all sorts of weapons like armor, swords, axes, and shields… but not crossbows? What’s the reason behind this distinction?”

Ilton replied, resigned, “There’s no point in arguing with me. I simply follow the rules.”

“It’s not about arguing… Then what do we do?” I questioned, glancing back at Ellen, who displayed her disappointment with a deep sigh.

“Well, it seems we have no other choice. Should we consider buying hunting bows or something?” she suggested.

“Have you ever used a bow before?” I asked her, growing concerned.

With a confident expression, she responded, “No.”

I felt an urge to punch her in the face.

“But… you plan to use a bow in the dark sewer?” I exclaimed. Even when she mentioned buying crossbows, I worried about this wand-wielding girl accidentally shooting an arrow into my back. But now a bow? Is she trying to kill me?

I may not be an expert, but a bow doesn’t strike me as an easily wielded weapon.

Ellen, having run away from the palace and gained some experience on her own, perplexed me with her statement. Why was she suggesting this?

“But you can’t enter the sewer unarmed, can you?” Ellen reasoned.

“No, why bring a weapon you can’t handle? It would be better to go in empty-handed,” I replied.

“I can learn, can’t I? After all, it might become necessary someday,” she insisted.

What is she saying?

Observing her stubborn expression, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Hey, you can use magic, why bother learning how to handle a bow? Don’t waste your time…”

“How do you know that?” she shot back, giving me a cold glare. Startled, I let out a sigh and spoke with confusion in my voice, “…Huh?”

“Do you think I’ll be able to use magic? Do you think I’ll become an Archmage? Ha, don’t speak comfortably when you don’t know anything.”

“That’s not what I meant.” 

“I’m just a half-baked wizard who can’t even produce a flicker of mana. I’ve been training every day since I was seven years old. And I don’t even have-” she stopped speaking abruptly, attempting to calm her emotions with a sigh.

I felt sympathy for her. In moments like these, it’s the responsibility of an adult like me to yield first.

“Well, I didn’t mean any harm. I guess I upset you. I’m sorry,” I apologized sincerely.

“No, I got a bit carried away. It’s not your fault,” Ellen replied, calming down. As we paused our conversation, Ilton, who had been observing us, interjected with a subtle smile.

“Um… by any chance, are you looking for a weapon to use in the sewer?” Ilton asked.

“Um… well, yeah. Why?” I replied, curious about his sudden question.

“In that case, I have a recommendation for you. How about a crossbow?” 

What kind of nonsense is this again? 

“Well, you mentioned earlier that you can’t sell crossbows due to the kingdom’s laws, right?” I asked, trying to make sense of his suggestion.

“What? No, I can’t sell crossbows, but I can sell a  crossbow.” 

“What?” I exclaimed in surprise, unable to comprehend the sudden change.

Ilton then pulled out a peculiar-looking item from behind the workshop.

“What is this?” I inquired, examining the item he presented.

The object resembled a small crossbow overall, but the front part was curved downward, and it had leather pads attached during assembly.

“It’s a crossbow. Instead of arrows, it shoots molded coal or iron pellets.” 

As Ilton described, the item he presented was a crossbow known as a stone bow or stone-throwing bow, which utilized stones as ammunition instead of arrows.

“Wow, a slingshot? Is this for real? I didn’t know such things existed,” I expressed my curiosity, prompting Ilton to eagerly elaborate.

“It’s small, easy to handle, and you can easily find ammunition! Moreover, it possesses considerable power. If it hits its target properly, it can shatter someone’s head,” Ilton enthusiastically explained.

“How do you use it?” Ellen inquired, showing interest as she touched the crossbow.

Ilton patiently demonstrated how to operate the crossbow, guiding Ellen step by step.

“You hold the back part against your belly or thigh. Yes, pull the trigger all the way back. Place the stone there. Oh, don’t shoot when the trigger is empty! It could break. Also, remember to release the trigger when not in use. And here, occasionally apply oil… Oh, aiming is…”

The crossbow was compact, about half the length of my arm, making it easy for even Ellen, who had a small build, to handle.

Observing Ellen diligently handle the crossbow, Ilton smiled and added, “Well, its range is short, and it doesn’t have much penetrating power, but it can easily take down the Ratmen that come out of the sewers. Even if you encounter an Ossa… well, it won’t do much damage unless it’s the armor Phoenix wears. Of course, it’s best not to get hit.”

“Do you find it appealing?” 

“I think it’s fine. How much does it cost?” Ellen asked Ilton, clearly interested in the crossbow.

“Hehe, this item has been unsold for a while… Just six silver coins, please,” Ilton replied with a hint of embarrassment.

Wait a moment, what?

“Hey, six silver coins? Are you saying this small thing costs the same as my shield? Does it even have a good bowstring?” I questioned Ilton, feeling slightly incredulous.

“Calm down, Phoenix. This is a highly intricate item to make. It was originally intended to be presented to the Lord, so we used expensive sandalwood for the body and handle,” Ilton explained, extending his hand awkwardly.

Now that he mentioned it, the crossbow did have a shiny metallic color, and intricate leaf patterns were engraved on it.

“Hey, is this meant for actual combat?” I asked, still finding it hard to believe.

“Well, of course, it’s meant for actual combat,” Ilton replied confidently.

Ilton was truly an intriguing individual. His enthusiasm and innocence were clearly evident on his face. Perhaps keeping someone like him as a receptionist was due to the relaxed nature of the affiliated company.

As I continued questioning, Ilton sighed and revealed, “Actually, it was originally made with the Lady of the Lord in mind. She enjoys hunting…”

“Hah, so it was intended for a noblewoman?” I exclaimed.

“Yes. Although we missed the opportunity to present it when the city suddenly became surrounded… it’s still a well-crafted item. It has sufficient power.” 

So, it was essentially a leisure sports equipment for nobles.

Upon hearing the story, Ellen seemed even more delighted. Without any further negotiation, she handed over the six silver coins and received the crossbow.

Ilton mentioned that further lowering the price would not even cover the cost of materials. As a bonus, he even provided nicely polished iron pellets. Reluctantly, I agreed to the deal. Well, as long as Ellen was happy with her choice.

After concluding the transaction and leaving the workshop, Ellen began picking up stones from the roadside.

Gillius chuckled as he observed her sparkling eyes. “Hehe, she’s really excited, isn’t she?” he remarked.

“Yes, she is.”

“Still, you have to be careful. Being overly excited and running around like that could lead to mistakes. She might end up with a broken skull,” Gillius warned, expressing his concern.

“I’ll make sure she’s careful. Well, I’m glad she found something she likes,” I said, relieved.

In response to my remark, Gillius stroked his beard for a moment before speaking again.

“This might be going too far.”

“…?” I glanced at him, confused.

The old man gestured with his chin towards Ellen, who was clutching a handful of stones in the hem of her cloak and mumbling to herself.

“That young lady, she can’t even use magic, so why is she carrying around stones? Is she really a noble lady?” Gillius pondered aloud.

“Well, as far as I know, she isn’t.” 

“Really? Her appearance and actions resemble those of a noble lady…” the old man stroked his beard and asked further.

“Then, could it be… ‘that kind of a’ relationship?”

“…What nonsense are you talking about? Can’t you see? She’s just a child, a child,” I said firmly.

“What child? She’s all grown up. If it were me I would take her as wife,” Gillius remarked, his gaze fixed on Ellen as she crouched down. There was something ambiguous in his expression.

…Did I see it wrong?

“Do you have any intention of joining our group?” he suddenly asked.

“Why all of a sudden?” I questioned, caught off guard by his inquiry.

“It’s a harsh world to be carrying around a girl who can’t do anything,” Gillius explained his concern.

It felt strange. The tone of his voice remained the same, but there was an unpleasant undertone.

I forced a smile and replied.

“Old man.”

“Hmm?”

“If you think it’s going too far, then please stop. It’s starting to sound strange.” 

“It sounds strange? What am I…” Gillius appeared puzzled as he looked at me.

Our eyes met, and he swallowed nervously, his expression becoming tense.

“Cough, well, alright. I may have taken the joking too far,” he admitted, coughing awkwardly and turning away for a moment.

Meanwhile, Ellen turned around and called out to me.

“Hey!”

“Hmm?”

“Come and take this!” She had gathered a pile of stones, likely picking up every single one she could find nearby, and she was struggling to carry them.

I was dumbfounded and clicked my tongue in annoyance.

“Hey, what are you doing? There are plenty of stones around the inn.”

“To get used to it, I need to shoot this many. Ah, come and take it quickly.”

“Fine,” I sighed, lowering my shoulder to prepare for setting down the round shield I was carrying. Ellen then placed the pile of stones on top of it.

Sigh, she seems happy, so I’ll just go along with it.

As soon as we arrived at the inn, Ellen grabbed a few rotten planks and set up makeshift targets.

She started shooting the crossbow several times, and it seemed like she was getting the hang of it.

Thump, thwack!

“Oh!”

“I hit it!”

The rotten planks shattered, and Ellen jumped up and down with joy. No, she was literally jumping up and down, expressing her delight.

The crossbow seems to be quite easy to handle.

I wonder if Ellen has a natural talent for this. I’ve never seen her wield a long-range weapon in the game, so I’m not sure.

“Did you hit your target?”

“No, I aimed a little too high. I should aim a bit lower,” Ellen replied, her expression serious as she continued to practice.

The child who had been weary and weak for the past few days now looked ecstatic, like a child who had just received a new toy. It was a heartwarming sight to behold.

It feels good. Even if she only contributes half of what she’s capable of, it will significantly alleviate my burden. Her morale seems to have improved as well, which is fortunate.

With a light heart, I checked my equipment and supplies before taking a well-deserved rest.

Ellen continued shooting the crossbow until the sun went down, but eventually, her arm started to ache, and she couldn’t continue practicing.

It seems this kid has a bit of a foolish side.

Unfortunately, the next day, we were unable to embark on our sewer exploration.