Hmmm....oh, jeez...

　Else was troubled by a difficult look on her face. As she sat at the dining room table, her beloved gauntlet, dull and silvery, was in front of her. However, the gauntlet had been damaged in its fist.
　It was the fault of the demon she had fought yesterday. A demon with a body of stone, a gargoyle. To be precise, there was a member of the bandit's gang who controlled dark magic, and it was that guy who was summoned.
　Surrounded by a number of gargoyles in the form of stone demons, we struggled to keep up with them. They were so hard that their swords didn't work. Magic is ineffective, and arrows can't penetrate it either. The only one that could do any real damage was Else, a striker.
　Linse also destroyed gargoyles with explosive systems like Explosion and Bubble Bomb in the middle, and I took advantage of the gap and used Paralyze to paralyze the sorcerer and get out of trouble. The captured bandits and wizards were turned in to the kingdom guards.
　The guild's request was completed, but Else's beloved gauntlets are still intact.

''I'll have to buy a new one........''
'And if I do? I could fix it with my 'modeling', but I probably can't fix it to metal degradation, so it'll break again.
This was the most comfortable one I've ever had.

　Else tells us in disappointment. 'Well, it's sad when something you're attached to is destroyed.

'What do we do? You wanna go to Kumahachi's for a new one?
He's gone. They said they'll be back in five days with the same type of gauntlet.

　It's going to take quite a while. Well, even if we say gauntlets in a nutshell, unlike the gauntlets with full body armor, the demand for heavily armored gauntlets, which are intended for fisticuffs from the beginning, is low to begin with.
　It seems that people like Else, who fight with fists and body arts as weapons, and who are called "martial artists" in this world, are rather in the minority in this country. On the contrary, in the sub-human kingdom of Mismid, it is said that there are quite a few of them. It is said that the beastmen have superior physical abilities, so I can understand why.

''Winter's night, take me to the capital. We can't wait for five days!

　You're impatient. I don't mind. Compared to Linse, Else is the type of person who acts immediately when an idea strikes her. While Linse would hit the stone bridge before crossing it, Else would run through it before it broke. Just like that.

''If it's the royal capital, it's 'Berkut'........ That's right, there was a gauntlet that granted magic like 'rigid basket hand' or something like that.'

　'Belkut' is the store where I bought this coat that has been given a ton of attack magic reduction for all attributes.

'A rigid cage?'
Well, something about a muscle-enhancement feature in it or something.
Oh, my God, that bothers me!

　With a twinkle in her eye, Else stands up, grabs my hand and pulls me into the backyard.

'Alright, let's go! Let's go now! Here we go!
Early? Do you have the money!
I just dropped him off from the guild, so he's fine!

　If I really had an idea, I'd act fast! As I was being dragged away, I was thinking in my head that this kid should be a little more relaxed.



'Welcome, welcome to 'Belkut'

　The lady who had served me when I visited the store before greeted me again. Unlike before, she didn't ask me to show my ID. I wonder if she remembers me. If so, that's great.
　I'm not sure if Else, who is beside me, was also judged to be my companion, or if she didn't show her ID. The person in question is looking around the store, scurrying around at the unexpectedly high-class restaurant. You'd better keep your mouth shut........

''So what can I do for you today?''
'Um, do you still have the 'rigid basket of power' that I saw here before?'
I'm sorry. That item has already sold out...

　Oh, what a shame. The neighboring Else also cried out for help. Well, if the armor with the grant is not an imperfect product like my coat, it won't remain unsold.

You are looking for armor?
'Yes. I'm looking for a combat strike gauntlet.

　You're going to hit them with it, so it might be a weapon of sorts, but it's armor of sorts. It's not surprising that it's here, an armor shop. Or rather, it's natural.

'Is it a gauntlet for striking? There are several items with magic effects attached to them.
'You've got a magic effect attached to it? Can I see that?
Very well. Now come on in.

　With these words, the sister leads us to a corner in the back of the store, where I found my coat. This is where my coat was placed.
　She picked up two gauntlets that were displayed there and laid them out on the counter.
　One is a beautiful gauntlet with a metallic green coloration and a flowing, streamlined form.
　The other was a gauntlet with a sharp, angular design, colored in gold and red.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the ability to deflect long-range magical attacks, but it does have a high level of magical defense.

　The clerk takes up a metallic green gauntlet and explains. So it deflects attacks from a physical distance? Apparently it's impossible to deflect even a magic attack, but if the magic defense is high, the damage caused by a hit is minimal, isn't it?

And this one has been given the effect of increasing the destructive power of a single blow by accumulating magic power. It takes some time to accumulate magic power, though. At the same time, the grant of hardening is also deployed, so it won't destroy the gauntlet itself.

　This time, the shopkeeper explained to me with another gold and red gauntlet in hand. Is it the opposite of the metallic green one from earlier, with an attack-oriented grant? I guess it means that you can do a "tame" attack, like in a game or something.
　Should I take defense or attack? It's a tough question. I'd rather take the metallic green one because I'd rather defend and take out the enemy for sure, but Else is going to choose the gold and red one, which is more attack-oriented.

I'll take both.
What?

　Surprised by his words, I couldn't help but look at Else beside me as I was comparing the two gauntlets.

''You're buying both?''
I can use both of them. Why don't you just equip one hand on the right and one hand on the left separately?
Do you have another set to spare?
I'll keep it in reserve, of course. You never know what might happen if it breaks like this.

　Sure, as long as it's used for hitting, it could happen. However, when I asked him if he would be able to use a spare one, he said it wouldn't be a problem.
　To begin with, he says he doesn't fight with only one side of the body. I guess they call it a switch-hitter in boxing.

It's very funny. If you feel uncomfortable with the equipment, please let me know. We can adjust it for you.
No, I'm fine.

　Else said as she equipped both gauntlets in turn and checked the feel of them.

''Then this one, the green one, has 14 gold coins, and the gold and red one has 17 gold coins.

　A total of 31 gold coins. 3,100,000 yen. Every time my finances are out of whack.

............Winter Night.
What?
Can I borrow a gold coin? I don't have enough.
You should check...

　I took out a single gold coin from my wallet and handed it to Else.
　I paid the clerk for three white gold coins and one gold coin and paid the bill. They put two sets of gauntlets in the bag and I took them because they were too bulky. It's no different in any world for a man to carry luggage.....

''Thank you very much. We look forward to seeing you again.

　We left "Bergt" while being seen off by the shopkeeper.

After all, it is the royal capital. We have a good selection of goods. But it was expensive for that.

　Else, who was walking beside me, was in a good mood. Well, since she was able to get the things she wanted, it's no wonder she's floating around a bit.
　However, four gauntlets are indeed heavy.... Shall we go into an alleyway somewhere and quickly return to the inn at the "gate"?

Else, the alleyway down there...

　I tried to talk to Else beside me, but there was no one there.

'Huh?'

　Scurrying around, I looked around and saw Else standing in front of the store all the way back. She was staring at something through the window. What is it?
　I turned back and checked it out over Else's back. Haha, here it is.
　A black jacket with white ruffles. A large ribbon tie at the chest. And a black three-tiered ruffled mini-skirt with lace.
　It resembles a so-called gothic loli costume, but it feels a little different.
　Else continues to stare at the outfit through the window.

''........You want it?''
Huh? Huh! And winter night!

　Backing away from me who called out to her, Else shouts with a bright red face. What's that reaction?

''Oh, um, koko, this is! Yes, Linse! I thought Lindsay would look good on you! She's going to love this kind of stuff, isn't she? Unlike me!

　Else opens her mouth as if to mumble. 'Heh, you're a sisterly sister.

''But if it suits Linse, it should suit Else as well.
Wha...

　Else's face turns bright red and her mouth crunches. So what, your reaction. You're acting weird.

'What are you talking about, there's no comparison between me and Linse...'
'Really? They're both pretty, and they're twins, so that's not true.
What's going on? What are you talking about!

　Thud! And Else's fist gouges his side. Ughhhh! It's pretty painful!

'No...so...I thought Else would look good in this outfit too...'

　I hold my side and explain to Else as I hold my side and endure the pain. Oh, I'm starting to sweat fat?

It wouldn't look good on me if I wore it...
No, you don't.
Don't worry about it. I know myself better than anyone else.
No, so...

　Why do I have to be in such denial? You don't believe me? You look great in it, I'm sure. I'm starting to get annoyed with you.

"I'm not the type of girl who looks good in that kind of thing, and...
'Oh my God! You'll know it when you try it on! Let me try it on!
'What? No...! Winter night!

　I pulled her hand away from her stubborn denial and forced my way into the store. I asked the shopkeeper's sister to bring me the clothes that were on display and pushed Else into the fitting room with them.

''Hey! What are you doing?
Come on, come on, get dressed.

　I closed the curtain of the fitting room and moved to the corner of the store. I passed the time looking at the belts and accessories that were there. After a while, the curtains of the fitting room slowly opened.

'Oh,'

　There was a different Else there than usual.
　The gothic loli style outfit looked very good on Else with her long silver hair. Look, it's just like I said. It's rare to find a girl who looks so good on you.

'See, it doesn't look good on you. I told you...
'Huh! What are you talking about?

　She looked down unsure of herself, and I let out a disgusted voice. Where do I get the idea that I would come to such a conclusion? You still won't admit it, this girl!

You're looking good. Hey, clerk!
Yes, that's a good look for you. You look great, sir.

　She and her sister, the shopkeeper, mouth to mouth, praise Else. There would be a mirror in the fitting room, but she didn't see herself, did she?

''Yeah, well...''

　She picks up her skirt and spins around slowly in place, her cheeks stained. Yes, it still looks good on you. It's pretty.
　Okay. I call out to the clerk.

'Excuse me, can I have this dress?'
What?

　I pay the clerk in spite of Else's surprise. Three silver coins, huh? It's quite a lot of money....

Hey, Winter Night! I'm not buying it!
No, no. I'm buying it. I'm giving it to Else.

　Can I leave without buying an outfit that looks so good on me? And I want everyone to see it, too. I get a paper bag and give it to Else. It's to hold the clothes I was wearing from the beginning.
　When I left the store, Else, who was looking down in embarrassment, looked up and thanked me.

''Thanks........''
Okay, let's get home and let everyone else see it!
'What? Wait, that might be a little embarrassing...

　I ran off with a well dressed Else in tow.


I showed everyone Else in her new clothes, and they all complimented me on how well she looked in them. I knew it was. So there was no madness in my eyes.　
　But for some reason, when they realized that the clothes were the ones I bought for them, they all had a complicated look on their faces, and for some reason I had to buy clothes for all of them this time.
　........How did this happen?