Arata reflexively tapped Clemence on the shoulder. Those unstable episodes of rage were what made her kill Arata in the previous life.
Should I intervene? I have to, right? She's not in the right headspace.
"Hey, Miss Clemence, please calm yourself down. Are you sure you're in the right headspace to handle this? I'll talk to him." Arata rushed over; in a panicked voice, he attempted to talk some sense into Clemence.
I say that, but I am far too underqualified. What do I say to this man? He looks like a noble! As for me, I could've been confused for a homeless man when I entered the store.
The nobleman looked at Arata, his eyes glanced down with a poker-faced grin. His hair was majestic, golden and his eyes sparkled. He wore a sophisticated suit, much like the one Arata wanted to get from the store. A patch of his forehead was wrapped in bandages. His shoulders were broad and he brought his firm hand forward to shake Arata's.
This guy's grip is tight, and his hand is much bigger than mine… is he six feet? He seems like more of a main character than I.
"Sorry, sir, what business did you come here for again? It's unfair to point fingers, but if you could leave Miss Clemence alone." Arata pleads, hoping this man is reasonable, as he feels the man's grip tighten, threatening to break Arata's fingers. Talking to nobles is just like customer service; entitlement is to be expected.
The man lets out a haughty chuckle, "Ah, I see, no worries then. You have quite strong hands, boy. I hope we can meet as friends when more favorable circumstances arrive." The man, reading the room, begins to make his leave after grinding his foot into Arata's.
Arata smiles while Ravenna watches. In irritation, she groans, "That jerk, who does he think he is, flaunting something as insignificant as his status. I'm not gonna let him get under my skin!"
Really? You're taking the bait right now, Ravenna, whatever, I'll just send her back to the theater for now.
"Madam Kovalenko told me about you. You were well-mannered, but I'm surprised you could deal with someone so insufferable. You're more of a professional than I am." Clemence exclaims, seemingly impressed over something Arata saw as not a big deal.
"You deal with infuriating people all the time, don't you? Maybe it was just something personal welled up inside of you?" Arata asks Clemence before tagging on, "Madam Kovalenko?"
"She's the red-haired lady; she owns the whole establishment and is a trusted friend of mine. I won't bore you with her life story, though. She's the one who let Selena and you sleep on the top floor. What brings you out here this morning?" Clemence peers into Arata; she's still not fully trusting, considering he came out of nowhere and has yet to give her an explanation.
"I uuuh, needed to get some stuff like new clothes and get acquainted with this city. I was going to go find myself a new sword… any advice?" Arata slowly responds. Now Clemence looks concerned.
"What did you even come here to do that you need weapons? You're not involved with any sketchy people, are you?" Clemence questions Arata.
You've literally killed me in a past life. Whatever, I kinda understand, but she's gotta admit this town isn't always safe."Self-defense? I guess, looking around, it doesn't exactly seem to be illegal or anything? You've even got one." Arata replies, confused by what her point is.
Clemence sighed, shakily speaking back to him in hopes that he wouldn't be too mad, "Sorry, just that you didn't strike me as much of a fighter… You seemed lacking, no offense."
Really? I guess that's another thing on my bucket list, getting stronger. Maybe I can ask Ravenna for advice. The demon lord will have to wait.
"Maybe I should get used to this city first. What were you up to, Clemence?" Arata decides to try and change the topic.
"Well, uh, I'm a lawyer, I'm tackling a certain trial in a few days. You shouldn't concern yourself too much with my work since there's a lot to read through. I can tell you where the good workshops in town are." Clemence chuckles, rubbing the back of her head.
I'm actually interested now, though, maybe this can give me a bit of political insight into what this world is like. I really want to see now.
"I'm a pretty fast reader. I'm really curious, so can I please have a look?" Arata begs her. Wait, the text from earlier was basically unreadable. Why would I-
Clemence raises her eyebrow, "You can read? I thought you were a homeless man when I first met you, but you've got a good head."
I slipped up, just say something to set things straight, "Sure, I can read and also write, I-" Arata is, however, suddenly interrupted by a new wave of excitement.
"You're hired as my assistant. We've got a lot of work to do. I will pay you with a custom-ordered sword if we win the case." She grabs Arata; the poor man can't even say no.
What the hell was I thinking? That is quite possibly the worst thing I could say right now!
Arata follows her back to her office, the place is full of paper scattered across the floor, cramped brown wood rooms and dust floating in the air. He didn't exactly hate it, though; it was an opportunity for him, and his new boss was seemingly loaded with cash.