While the rest handled their jobs, Theo and Alea headed to the supermarket to buy the spices and water bottles.
The supermarket itself was a square building with a giant "M" on the front door. Of course, Alea brought her hat and mask that covered her mouth and nose. She also tied her hair into a ponytail to make her a bit unrecognizable, so Theo didn't complain about going together with her.
Theo and Alea entered the building and grabbed a cart. Theo pushed it while Alea brought all the spices they needed.
"That's right, Theo, do you want to grab your arm guards? I think my grandfather has finished the creation." She asked while handing a bag of salt and sugar to Theo.
He grabbed the two bags and put them in the cart while thinking about the visit. Since he needed it to go tomorrow, it would probably be good to have another layer of protection. Alea was the one who had any relationship with her grandfather, so bringing her would smooth the process. "Sure. I'm planning to buy another spear as well. And probably the night vision glasses."
"If you're worried about the glasses, I will be the one supplying them."
"Are you sure?" Theo glanced at her, who was picking another spice.
"Yes. You don't need to worry about it."
"Well, I will be shamelessly taking it for granted." Theo nodded. "I will try not to break it and give it back to you after everything is done."
"…" Alea thought for a moment and decided not to say, "You don't need to." Since Theo might not like it. Even a cheap skill alone made him feel a bit uncomfortable, so she didn't push everything even though it was her basically giving him things.
Theo probably didn't like how he always received things and did not give anything since Theo kept mentioning give and take.
"Say… How about you join my family? I mean, we have a few groups that act as our personal agents. They all are sponsored by the family and trained into an elite. If you join, I think we can talk about salary and such." Alea asked with a hesitant tone, wondering how Theo would react.
Surprisingly, Theo remained silent for a few minutes, making her tense the whole time. Ultimately, Theo shook his head and said, "I don't have a plan to join a family at the moment. I will think about it after the Grand Gaia."
She made a smirk as if she understood what he was planning. "Trying to increase your value first, eh? It's a smart move."
Theo shrugged and continued. When they finished, the lady at the counter kept looking at them with a smile.
Theo and Alea thought of it as nothing and quickly left the building with many spices in hand.
Alea took a glimpse of Theo's indifferent face and asked, "Why do you think that lady grinned at us?"
"She probably thought we're couples. A stupid thought." Theo shook his head in disappointment.
Alea didn't say anything nor felt hurt about his remark. After all, their relationship was only at the level of comrades. Putting that aside, Alea also didn't want Theo to enter the Eilric Family in this way for a few reasons. First, the family was warfare for inheritances and shares of their own business. Second, knowing more would put him, someone who didn't have any background, in danger. Third, he would surely be hated by her pursuers. They might even kill him in the process.
That was why Alea never looked at Theo as a love interest.
After leaving the building, the two headed to the other side, specifically Nart Eilric's shop.
When they saw the same old man standing on the counter, Alea waved her hand, telling him she was visiting.
"Hmm?" Nart was surprised that Theo was with her but didn't mention it.
"Grandfather, I know you have finished Theo's armguards." She put down her mask and smiled.
"You girl… Shouldn't you say 'I miss you, Grandfather,' first before asking for equipment?' Nart shook his head helplessly.
"But we met last night…"
"Anyway, it's true that I have finished the armguards." He nodded and took out a pair of armguards. Nart then pointed at the metallic part and explained, "This armguard has the length of your lower arm. It should perfectly fit your arm. Underneath this metallic part which comes from a Silver Iron Lizard is leather from Pugion Bear. The leather had good durability and I had added some cushions so your arms wouldn't get hurt when someone hit you.
"I am confident with this one… It should be able to protect you from a level 200 monster's attack, so yeah, no need to hesitate to use it." Nart gave a thumbs up to end his explanation. "How about you try it first?"
Theo furrowed his eyebrows and looked at the armguards. He grabbed one of them and placed it on top of his lower arm. He then gently pulled the belt under the arm guard and tightened it.
"Ah, let me help you." Alea offered the help, to which Theo didn't object.
After successfully putting it on, Theo extended his hand to the front and tried to make all kinds of movements he could think of and said, "It fits perfectly. Although it does feel a bit uncomfortable since I've never put on something like this, I don't think it will hinder my movement."
"That's good." Nart nodded and asked him to try the second one.
While Theo put it on, Alea told Nart what happened in the school, including their missions, hoping he could help them to hunt more monsters, especially the monster nests and rare Hero Rank Monster.
"I can't say no to my granddaughter." Nart only laughed it off while saying, "Still, since you're going to leave for fifteen days, you should bring all your equipment, you know."
"Don't worry. I have cleaned up my gloves and greaves back home." Alea winked her eyes.
"Then, I don't think I will need to worry about you anymore." Nart then agreed to her request completely, feeling assured. He then turned to Theo and said gently. "Boy, please take care of my granddaughter. I know she is a pain in the ass, but I hope you can do this favor for this old man."
"Grandfather… How about you tell him something good about your granddaughter…" Alea's eyebrows twitched.
"I will." Theo nodded with a smile as if he already accepted that fact that easily.
"Wait. Don't agree with him that easily!" Alea's face turned pale, trying to correct him.