Ryouta was deep in thought.

Aside from procuring a dimensional bag, he had also went around digging for information. Money made people talk, so he did not hesitate to spend his cash like water. The weight in his pouch had diminished so much that he wondered if the money that he had been carrying prior to arriving in Bluer Port Town was simply his illusion. Did the king really give him that much money?

The answer was, yes. Yes, the king did.

However, having a goal in mind allowed him to fully focus in his preparations, making him forget that the money he had on hand was not limitless. Soon enough, all he had left was barely a quarter of what he started out with.

Ryouta weighted the coin pouch with one hand, smiling wryly at its lightness. He sighed, regretting the fact that he did not bother to live frugally. A moment later, he placed the coin pouch within the newly purchased dimensional bag—after flashing his money at the attendant, he had been immediately brought towards a VIP room, and was allowed to select a few things that was being put up for sale before the auction began.

Truly, money was such a frightening thing!

The dimensional bag he chose was similar to a sling bag, and was made out of some kind of dark brown leather. The inside was rather spacious; it was about the size of a small cupboard. He was able to put many of their things in as well as the provisions he had bought for their impending journey.

“Shiro, let’s start to live frugally starting from today, okay?” He patted the girl’s head which only reached the height of his chest.

“Hoeh?” Shiro tilts her head, confused at the sudden head pat. “Mn!” She smiled widely, showing her assent. Shiro was originally homeless, so she was used to living outdoors, so camping is easy-peasy! Shiro also doesn’t need to eat solid food like most mortals, so they won’t need to waste money in that area as well~

Shiro puffed her chest, her face full of pride, as if saying, ‘just leave it to me!’

Ryouta smiled at her antics, patting her head again, thinking, ‘good girl, good girl,’ like a parent praising their child.

“That’s right, Shiro, make sure to look out for a better map. The one I have right now only shows places within the kingdom, and not the whole place. Then, we’ll have to look for a ship that can take us to our destination. I heard that it’s hard to get to the Republic through land.” Ryouta continued to chatter as he piggybacked the girl. He knew full well that Shiro probably did not even have a clear idea of what they were doing; perhaps her childish mind was thinking that they were out roaming around the docks to play around or go for a walk.

Which was probably true, considering how she was happily waving and flailing her limbs, giggling with mirth.

Waaaa~!

The air~

It’s salty~

The sea spirits and the wind spirits were also happily playing with Shiro. The tiny spirits twirled and danced around the girl, making her laugh in amusement at the sight of the adorable little things ‘dancing’. She could not help it; the ‘dancing’, in her eyes, were simply bouncing! Clearly, their idea of dancing was different, but endearing nonetheless.

Ehehe~

Ah, that’s right! Shiro should ask the little spirits about the things Ryouta wanted. Hee~y, do you guys know about these things~?

Ah! It seems like some of them do! Ryouta, Ryouta!

Hurry and follow them~

Shiro stops her flailing. Instead, she pointed towards a direction, “Yoo-ta, Yoo-ta! There! Go!”

Ryouta, who was busy looking around for a place that sold maps, was suddenly startled by her calls. She repeatedly hit him with her tiny hands, “Huwwy!”

“I got it, I got it, so stop hitting me,” he complained.

Though he was puzzled by her actions, he still humoured her. Whenever Shiro would point to an area, he would jog over to it immediately.

“Shiro, where are we going?”

“Jwust a wittle bit, we’re awmost thwere!” Shiro pointed excitedly towards an alleyway. Due to her excitement, she could not control her lisp. Ah, Shiro wants to grow up faster~

“Shtop!” Shiro slapped Ryouta’s shoulder for the n-th time, signalling that they have arrived.

“Shiro, wha….t?”

Ryouta stared at the sight in front of him, dumbfounded.