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“There’s plenty of money, so I should get anything that looks useful…”

 

Wasteful shopping occurred when you wasted something that you bought. As long as it is still usable, it is not a waste, no matter how much you have. Or so I told myself.

 

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There was a sign that read, ‘Crimson Variety Shop.’ The sign itself was the color of blood. As was the door. And the interior and everything sold within. It was an eyesore of the worst degree.

 

Still, I was able to buy some cutlery that we’d be able to use. I was told that there were many variations of red, but my eyes were in too much pain to tell the difference.

 

“Cups, spoons, forks, plates…bowls…all red…”

 

I stuffed them in my bag and went off to search for a store that sold magic goods. I couldn’t help but rub my eyes a little as I walked, which resulted in my shoulder bumping into someone else. It was completely my own fault.

 

“I’m sorry, are you alright?”

“Ah…damn-damn, it hurts…”

 

I blinked and looked at the stranger. He looked like an Adventurer. A dirty one…

 

“You’re injured?”

“Injured? Aye, you broke my bones you bloody fool!”

 

He howled as he clutched his left arm. As I had hit him with my right shoulder, it should have hit his right as well…

 

Regardless, he wailed in pain. Heads began to turn in our direction. That was no surprise. Well, it couldn’t be helped. Though, there was a bit of sneer in his look that I didn’t like.

 

“Hey, you! Don’t you have anything to say!”

“I’m very sorry. I will pay for your treatment.”

“Then I guess we’ll have to go to the hospital!”

“Sorry, if you can tell me where it is.”

“Bah! That’s fine. Just give me the money, alright?”

 

I sighed at the predictability. It was never nice throwing your money away. Besides, it would just encourage him.

 

“Oh, I just remembered. I know this remedy that was passed on in the family.”

“What!?”

“You have to cool off the injured limb.”

 

And so I held my hand over his left shoulder and sent out a wave of ice magic. It would feel cool and nice. I even used the energy around us to create a block of ice. His right hand was now fixed tightly to his left shoulder. I was too kind.

 

“He-hey! What is this!”

“Yes. Cool it down with ice and keep it still. This is perfect. You’ll be fine now.”

“Damn you! You bastard!”

 

He tried to kick me with his legs but missed. He then lost his balance and fell on the ground in an awkward position. The spectators laughed.

 

“Is that man crazy? He tried to take on Silvergreen!”

“Don’t you know? He was the runner up in the Imperial Sword Tournament!”

 

They pointed and jeered with laughter. The face of the fallen man was red with embarrassment as he gritted his teeth. Still, he stayed down. This really was a matter between me and him, and so I became annoyed at the spectators that were throwing insults. Well, annoyed enough to activate Legs of the God Wolf for a second and making them disperse. 

 

“…Regardless, I should have watched where I was going. You are fine, though?”

“Ah…yes…”

 

I converted the ice into water. Now that he was free, the man stood up and bowed somberly.

 

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I need to be more careful.”

 

The matter was settled. People were walking away after losing interest. 

 

“Well, I have to be going.”

“Yes…”

 

And so I continued to walk. It was a reminder that I now had a certain status in this city. The label of being the first runner up. It would affect my interactions with others. I felt a little sad about it. A private feud with someone could cause a whole mob to turn against them if it escalated. It didn’t seem right.

 

“I have to think a little more before I act…”

 

My eyes still felt a little sore, but my head hurt even more. 

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