Chapter 27: Threads of Intent
"So you're a level 7," Rhea said, arms folded, leaning casually against the counter. Her expression was unreadable, but something flickered behind her silver eyes. "Alright, you can take the robe. But—" she raised a finger, "you'll have to pay me within a month."
Rei tilted his head, not quite surprised but still cautious. "Why? You don't strike me as the type to give discounts."
Rhea smirked. "I'm not. Normally. But you? You look about twenty and you're already level seven. That's either pure insanity or pure talent. I'm betting on both."
Rei blinked, then slowly nodded. "I see. So, this is an investment."
"Exactly. You're strong. You'll fight monsters, gather materials, and sell loot. Bring me some high-grade stuff along the way. That'll cover it. Deal?"
Rei extended a hand. "Deal."
They shook. Rhea's grip was firm despite her size.
"Now," Rei said, glancing around. "I need a sturdy sword. And some daily necessities. Soap, maybe. Rope. A few survival tools."
Rhea raised a brow. "That's quite a switch from magic robes. But yeah, I've got you. Follow me."
She led him to a side section where the shelves were more utilitarian—flint boxes, water canteens, small tools, and basic rations. She plucked a few items with expert speed and handed them over.
"And the sword?"
She walked to the weapons case, unlocked it, and pulled out a blade. It was simple, not ornate—but solid. Polished steel, slight curve, balanced weight.
"Not enchanted," Rhea said, handing it to him. "But it'll hold up better than most junk on the market."
Rei tested the grip, gave it a few slow swings, then nodded in approval.
"That works."
As he was about to thank her, something tickled his curiosity. He looked over his shoulder. "You have a skill related to crafting or something? You pulled this stuff too easily."
Rhea chuckled softly. "No. But yes."
Rei frowned. "...What?"
She stepped back behind the counter and tapped her temple. "I've got a skill, but not for crafting. It's for blacksmithing. Strictly combat-related gear—armor, blades, nothing decorative."
Understanding dawned. Rei nodded. "Makes sense. That's why the gear quality here is oddly high for such a remote shop."
She grinned. "You're sharper than you look."
Rei shrugged off the compliment. "What will you do now?"
Rhea glanced at the robe now hanging snugly on Rei's shoulders. It suited him oddly well, almost like it had always belonged to him.
"You wear that too naturally. It's eerie," she muttered.
Rei turned. "I'll head back to the inn. I have a party member."
"Oh?" she raised a brow. "Need anything for them?"
He paused, then thought of Ailith. Her current clothes were serviceable, but clearly worn. He imagined her shrugging off any gifts, especially clothes. If they didn't fit, or weren't to her liking, it would only create tension.
"Clothing might be tricky," Rei admitted. "But I remember her using a dagger to skin wolves. She's probably more comfortable with those."
Rhea nodded. "Then a dagger it is."
She walked over to another display case and unlocked it. After a brief moment, she retrieved a dagger—a blend of elegance and utility. Its handle was wrapped in deep blue leather, the blade a thin yet strong alloy with a faint ripple of enchantment.
Rei eyed it, impressed. "This looks better than my sword."
"That's because I made it," Rhea said with a wink. "It's sturdy, easy to conceal, and sharp enough to slice a raindrop."
"How much?"
She did a quick calculation. "Seven gold and twenty silver. That's including the survival kit and the sword. Excluding the robe, of course."
Rei reached into his pouch and handed over the coins. But as she counted, he mentally did the math.
Wait. I only had ten gold... and three silver. He quickly masked his expression. He was now down to three gold and a single silver.
Looks like I'm doing a mission tomorrow, he thought. Urgently.
"Well, thanks," he said, voice calm. "See you around."
Rhea nodded. "Yeah. Don't die before paying me back."
He gave a small wave and stepped outside.
---
Rhea remained still for a long moment.
Then, slowly, she looked at the now-empty stand where the robe had rested for years.
"That robe..."
She hadn't wanted to bring it out. Not really.
The thing had been cursed—or so people claimed. Every person who had ever tried to wear it had been rejected violently. Some were wounded. One had nearly died. She'd nearly gotten rid of it several times.
So why had she chosen it today?
It wasn't impulse. It was something else.
"That kid... he's weird," she whispered. "Didn't flinch. Doesn't smile. Doesn't show anything. But strong. Too strong. The robe accepted him without hesitation."
She narrowed her eyes.
And for a second—just a flicker—she remembered the whisper. A feeling in the air when Rei had put it on. Like the robe had awakened.
No. Not awakened.
Recognized him.
She shook her head. "Don't get involved, Rhea," she muttered to herself. "You've got enough problems."
Still, unease prickled at the back of her mind.
She walked over to the window and glanced up at the morning sky.
The clouds moved unnaturally fast. The wind carried a sound—soft and barely audible. Like whispers. Like eyes that couldn't be seen but could still watch.
Rhea frowned. Her hand drifted toward the pendant hidden beneath her vest.
"Why did I really give him that robe?"
High above, something blinked in the clouds.
Not a star.
An eye.
Watching.