I Got Fired As an Adventurer, So I’m Starting Anew As an Alchemist! Frontier Exploration? Alright, Leave It to Me!

139.1. It’s Best To Ask A Maid About A Woman, Isn’t It?

I’m now at a jewelry store, brought here by an alchemist I thought was indecisive and spineless.

Though I’ve peeked through the shop window before, I’d never actually stepped inside.

“Huh?”

The alchemist ignores my confusion and calls the shopkeeper.

“I’m looking for a gemstone that would suit her. I think something in red would be nice.”

“Huh?”

The shopkeeper glances at me in surprise but quickly shifts into a smile, rubbing his hands together in delight.

“Oh, yes, yes! With hair as translucent as light blue water, a vivid red would look stunning!”

Somehow, the way he pronounced “vivid” didn’t quite match the word I know.

“Wait! Wait a minute! Why are we here!?”

Half panicking, I see the alchemist scratching his head casually.

“Well, I was kind of told off.”

“Told off?”

“Yeah. It was Eva who suggested we have dinner, right? But apparently, just that wasn’t enough to show sincerity.”

“No, it wasn’t…”

“I figured, as an apology from me personally, I should show some sincerity. It’d help me feel better, too, if you’d accept it as a way to make up for my foolishness.”

That’s sneaky.

This guy is sneaky.

Put like that, there’s no way I can refuse.

If he says it’s to make up for his own mistake, turning him down would feel like I’m holding him accountable.

Really, it’s sneaky.

“…Alright.”

I had no choice but to answer that way.

At that moment, the shopkeeper immediately holds up a gemstone.

“How about this ruby? Its deep red reminds one of a rich wine.”

“Hmm.”

Craft stares at the ruby for a while but shakes his head.

“…No, I think this one suits her better.”

“Oh! A carnelian! Yes, indeed, this might suit her more than the ruby!”

The shopkeeper is full of praise, but compared to the ruby, the carnelian leans more orange. I think the ruby would suit me better.

The carnelian is cheaper than the ruby.

First offering an expensive gem, then switching to a more affordable one—he’s already eliminating any excuses for refusal.

If I wore a pendant back home, my two younger sisters would probably freak out.

While I was thinking up excuses, my right hand was suddenly taken.

(Huh?)

Without hesitation, the alchemist slipped a ring onto the ring finger of my right hand.

I wasn’t wearing any magic rings today, so I was completely caught off guard.

Wait! Do you even understand the meaning of this!?

Before I could even protest, the alchemist nodded in satisfaction.

“Yeah, it’s fine since it’s not the left hand.”

You do understand!

Even if it’s not for marriage or a proposal, it’s still the finger you give to someone like a lover!

I couldn’t help but shout.

“I like Raidoc-sama!!”

In hindsight, it was incredibly embarrassing to blurt out, but there was no way this thick-headed guy would understand without me saying that much.

However…

“Yeah, I get that Raidoc’s a good man… but you know, Solar’s around. Might be better to give up.”

So what you’re saying is…

I should give up on Raidoc-sama and choose you instead!?

“I mean, I like Solar and Eva both, so I want to support both of you…”

Like!?

My mind was spinning so much that I couldn’t think straight.

Even in front of a vicious hydra, something as dangerous as a dragon, I’ve kept my cool.

But now, my reason was crumbling so easily.

“The resizing is finished. Here you go.”

By the time I came to, some time had passed, and the resized ring was on my finger.

The alchemist nodded with satisfaction.

“Eva, this is my way of showing sincerity. Please accept it.”

I’ll refuse.

I’ll clearly and firmly refuse.

With steel resolve, I opened my mouth.

“As… as a friend…”

“Of course!”

Huh!? What!?

“Well, it’s about time for dinner. Let’s go.”

I was in such a panic over my own words that I couldn’t move.

The alchemist tilted his head, studying me for a moment, then seemed to conclude, nodding once before taking my hand.

“Wha!?”

“Ah, sorry. I’m still not familiar with the layout of this town. This way.”

And so, I was led off, hand in hand.

He hasn’t even told me where we’re going!

I wanted to shout that at him, but for some reason, no voice came out, and I was dragged along to our destination.

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