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“So this is No-Betcha?”
“It’s Alrescha. Do you like it?”
“It’s quite nice. The wind’s a little salty, but it feels good.”

Even from inside the wagon’s cargo bed, I can smell the rich scent of the tide. It’s the distinct smell of a land by the sea.
The townscape visible from the cargo bed has the atmosphere of a foreign port town. The slightly old-fashioned style of the buildings adds to the pleasant ambiance. As a tourist spot, it seems more than adequate.

…I should have properly talked to the loli grampa about food as well.

Being able to sleep as much as I wanted in a quiet place was attractive, but if I had stayed there, I would have starved to death.’
Since someone who’d given me a ride happened to pass by, I decided to leave my birthplace… and this place seems pretty nice. I want to find somewhere to take a nap soon.

“Well then, I’ll be going around here.”
“Ah… w-wait a moment, Arje-san.”

As I try to climb down from the wagon’s cargo bed, Zeno calls out to me.

The name Arje, which I’ve grown used to being called over the past few days, was honestly chosen quite randomly.
My full name is Argento Vampyr. Argento means silver in Italian, and Vampir means vampire in French.
I could have given my name from my previous life, but Kugane Ginji is completely a man’s name.
I’m spiritually a man, but physically I’m a woman, so I went with a name that fits.

“What is it?”
“Take this, and this.”

Zeno climbs down from the wagon and rummages through the cargo bed before handing me a black hood and a leather pouch.
When I pick up the pouch, it makes a clinking sound. It’s fairly heavy, so is it metal inside?

“It’s not much, but please use it as travel funds.”
“Oh, money… Are you sure? You’re a merchant, you know?”

I hadn’t thought about funds at all, so honestly I’m very grateful… But isn’t money the most important thing for a merchant? Is it really okay to hand it so casually to someone like me, a basically random person?

“You’ve saved my life, after all. And while you’re in town, try to keep that hood on. You stand out a lot, Arje-san. If you keep the hood on, you’d… well, get hit on less.”

Ah, that might be troublesome.
From my perspective, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call my current appearance that of a peerless beautiful girl.
Judging from the reactions of the Terrier bandit gang and Zeno, it’s not a mistaken assessment.
In that sense, hiding my face might be important. I’m not interested in men. Unless they’re willing to support me.

…Zeno-kun seems to be the serious type, huh.

If I married someone like that, I’d have to help with his family business, and that sounds like a hassle.
And since his business is a traveling merchant, unless he retires in old age, he probably won’t settle down anywhere. He’s a bit outside my latch-on target. What a shame.
Also, the cargo bed of the wagon isn’t very comfortable to sleep in, which is a slight minus.
Even taking that into account, there’s no doubt Zeno is a good person. He’s done this much for me, after all.

“Hmm… I kind of feel bad.”
“It’s fine. I received the horses, after all.”

No, that was just something left behind by the Terrier bandit gang that you picked up.

“I still feel bad. But I don’t have anything to repay you with right now… Can we save it for next time?”
“Next time?”
“Yes. The next time we meet again, if you’re in trouble, let me help you.”

What I asked of him in exchange for saving his life was food.
I’ve already received that payment. So in my mind, being brought here and receiving clothes and money are separate matters from that earlier agreement.
Even if it’s natural for him, the idea of not being able to repay his goodwill makes me feel uncomfortable.
I’m lazy, but I’m the type who wants debts and credits settled properly.
That said, right now I have nothing but my own body. Even what I’m wearing was given to me.
In times like this, the only thing I can offer is a verbal promise.
Of course, even a verbal promise is still a promise. If we meet again someday, and I have something I can pay with, I will. That’s the feeling behind this promise.
We make that agreement, and for now, parting ways here should be fine.

“…Understood, let’s do that then.”
“Yes. Then I’ll take my leave. Thank you very much. You should really hire proper guards next time.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Take care, Arje-san!”

I properly put on the hood and, this time, jump down from the cargo bed.
Though there’s a lingering reluctance, I don’t turn back. I quickly slip into the crowd.
Now then, first of all…

“…Shall I get some lunch?”

A nap would be nice too, but since I have the money I was given, I might as well gratefully use it. Money is meant to be spent, after all.