One of the joys of TRPGs lies in collecting small items.
Some GMs enjoy detailing the journey, and the system often includes equipment that, while useless in combat, holds significance in role-playing. In fact, some consider this very aspect the true joy of TRPGs.
Take the adventurer’s kit, which bundles tools like ropes and lanterns, or tinderboxes and flintstones for lighting fires. There are cooking knives, dining sets, teapots, and even cloaks that offer no defensive value—items that spark the imagination merely by being listed on the inventory sheet.
Sometimes, as part of character development, one would deliberately decide certain items wouldn’t suit their character, or they might choose to borrow them from others instead of carrying them around.
Besides adding flavor, these items often play a role in the story for GMs who emphasize role-playing. Not having them could even result in penalties, like losing hit points due to lack of proper camping gear.
“Do you really plan to drink soup without dishes? If you fail the action check, that’s 1D4 damage.”
I can no longer recall the face of that friend who casually said this, but it was a memorable session. We ended up sharing a single cup for our meals, and the party’s bond grew strangely strong. By the session’s end, we had all declared ourselves sworn brothers of the “one-cup faction.”
Reflecting on those nostalgic times, I finished my preparations.
As I won’t be rolling dice during this trip, I used my savings to prepare thoroughly. This time, my favorite piece of equipment is likely the excellent backpack, which can be mounted on horse gear or worn on the back. Fortunately, since I’m getting both Castor and Pollux, I’ve arranged four of them to carry plenty of supplies.
I’ve also put a lot of thought into the contents. The tent, a classic design with one central pole and stakes to secure it on all sides, is a sturdy canvas model that took considerable courage to purchase. However, considering how bad sleep affects my constitution, I decided that scrimping on quality would not serve me well.
The bedding, too, includes two new, warm yet thin blankets—one for the ground and one to cover me with. The ground can be much colder than you’d imagine, even in summer, so it’s essential to insulate myself from it.
I’ve prepared two pairs of sturdy boots and an abundance of socks, along with three complete sets of linen travel clothes. A quick “Purify” spell will keep them fresh throughout my journey.
For cooking and dining, I’ve opted for lightweight metal utensils. The set, a clever design of nested bowls fitting inside a cylindrical pot, I found during a stroll through the Imperial Capital. Crafted in the East, it’s wonderfully light, durable, and appealing to my sense of adventure.
I’ve used it on several outings with Mika—it’s delightful how cooking a hearty stew with it alone invokes the thrill of true adventuring.
Other essentials include leather water pouches and a reasonable supply of medical provisions. High-proof distilled liquor, useful for warming up on cold nights or disinfecting wounds, proves its versatility.
The remaining space I’ve filled with souvenirs from the Imperial Capital, completing my preparations for the journey home.
Since I plan to travel leisurely along the main roads, I haven’t brought much preserved food. I have a shortbow and an Eastern-style crossbow—I’ve grown quite accustomed to them over the year—so I should be able to hunt some game if needed.
There’s also an assortment of sewing supplies, carving knives, and rasps for woodwork, alongside an immaculately stored suit of armor in its case.
After double-checking everything, my preparations should be complete.
Though I’d moved most of my personal items out, I paused to take in the unchanged boarding house, reflecting slightly on my time there.
At first, I nearly complained to my employer about getting stuck with what seemed like an accident-prone apartment, but it proved to be quite cozy. Memories flooded back of fixing broken furniture and meticulously polishing the creaky floorboards over several months.
Running my hand over the furniture, I descended to find an unexpected parcel on the immaculately wiped dining table, even though there had been no sign of anyone cooking.
Opening it, I found sandwiches. Apparently, a popular dish in the Western Continent, their origins are hotly debated among countries vying to claim them as their own. Regardless, these were unmistakably crafted in the Northern Island style by my unassuming housemate.
She has truly been a great help, someone I feel indebted to, almost like a second mother during my stay in the Imperial Capital.
“Grey Maiden…”
As I considered taking the sandwiches along for the road, I noticed writing on the wrapper.
“Close your eyes,” the blurred handwriting prompted. Was this part of the note or added later by the neighbors? Obeying, I closed my eyes, only to find myself embraced unexpectedly.
The soft fabric enveloped my face, its pleasant scent of soap lingering. It was fleeting, but a gentle kiss was placed on my forehead, a parting gesture from the fairy who’d cared for me during my time in the Capital.
Was this kiss a blessing? It certainly felt like one.
Confirming that the lingering scent had faded, I opened my eyes to find no one around. She’s always been shy, so showing herself was out of character unless it was an accident.
Still, she seemed determined to say goodbye properly.
Checking the note again, the writing had changed.
“Blessings on your travels, my beloved child.”
The words vanished quickly, leaving behind a clean wrapper and delicious sandwiches.
“Thank you, Grey Maiden.”
Wiping away the tears welling in my eyes, I decided to deliver the small gift I’d prepared for her earlier than planned. I’d saved some premium cream destined for Agrippina’s black tea specifically for her.
A house fairy binds themselves to a home, having driven away several disliked inhabitants to stay here all this time. She’ll likely remain here, so this is where we part ways. I’ve asked Agrippina not to rent the room to anyone ill-intentioned, but I can’t be sure how it will turn out.
So, my gratitude must be sincere. While I may not fully repay the kindness, I hope it at least conveys my appreciation.
Gifts to house fairies should be subtle—milk or cream, shiny stones, old coins—and gold hair is especially prized. For house fairies, hair from a blessed child is akin to gold, and soon enough, in the lower town districts of the Magical Quarter, one could see fairies adorned with grand gold necklaces.
In the hearth of the kitchen, her domain, I placed a cup of cream.
To her delight, I added a strand of my long hair, neatly tied with a strand plucked from the root. I’m not one to boast, but it turned out quite elegant.
Its usage remains a mystery, yet if it pleases her, then it is a gift well given.
Dawn approaches.
“Leaving now.”
Saying the usual goodbye, but with a decisive difference, I stepped out of the boarding house…
【Tips】 Favors for fairies often include milk, cream, sparkling stones, old coins, but gold hair is particularly cherished. Hair from a blessed child is akin to gold to fairies, and soon, in the lower districts of the Magical Quarter of the Imperial Capital, one could see fairies adorned with lavish gold necklaces.
The day of departure is always described as a fine, clear day, with heroes squinting into the bright sky in anticipation of great adventures ahead. However, today, it seemed the Sun God was feeling lazy, or perhaps the Rain God was upset, because the heavens unleashed a torrential downpour.
“Can’t they cut me some slack?”
In a story of revenge or war, this rain might set the stage, but I’m just a regular citizen who would’ve preferred a sunny day. While I have no standing to complain to the gods directly, I couldn’t help but feel my good spirits dampened.
Nevertheless, a downpour wouldn’t halt my departure. Over my new travel outfit, I wore a hooded greatcoat. Umbrellas are more a fashion statement for the aristocracy, often used as sunshades, so during rainstorms, one typically manages with coats and hoods, enduring as necessary.
I quietly cast a limited-range “Barrier Spell” to shield myself from the rain, which, to onlookers, might appear as raindrops sliding harmlessly off my coat.
It’s just that fall rains can get quite cold, especially here in the northern Imperial Capital.
I need to make my way south before the snow hinders my progress. The plan involves first following the main southern route to avoid the snow, then switching to the stable Western Road leading toward the picturesque Königsstuhl Manor in the prestigious Heidelburg District.
The last journey took three months, but this time, traveling alone and lighter, I won’t be delaying at inns as Agrippina might have done, so I should arrive sooner.
Still, I wouldn’t mind making a few sightseeing stops along the way. I’d like to visit the state capitals of some of the larger administrative districts and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the Königsstuhl Fortress.
If I happen across a martial arts tournament along the way, that could make for an entertaining diversion, perhaps even earning some travel funds.
Speaking of which, now unemployed, I intend to adapt to the adventurer’s life by traveling as much alone as possible. In part to improve my travel speed, but also because I’ve never truly journeyed solo—I’ve always had at least Mika with me.
At the familiar stable, the stablehands, knowing of my impending departure, bid me heartfelt farewells. The thought that no boy would be tidying up with pocket change in exchange for cleanliness was sure to leave them with some additional chores.
“Ah!”
Dodging the now-familiar headbutt from the mischievous unicorn horse has become second nature. Its attempt to nibble my hair was thwarted, though it responded with an annoyed clip of its teeth. As I recently learned, this troublemaker was none other than Lord Raizenitz’s carriage horse. What kind of grudge does he have against me?
This is probably the last time I’ll see his face, so I attempted to pat him goodbye, only to be met with a mouthful of slobber instead of a proper bite.
Clearly, we’re just not meant to be…
Turning away from the unicorn horse, I approached his spirited twin brother who, despite potentially being considered old by noble standards, still exhibited a magnificent physique.
I must push forward so they don’t go hungry today…
【Tips】 Unicorn horses, indigenous to the western central continent, are a breed of immortal horses renowned for their unwavering loyalty and ability to traverse hundreds of miles without fatigue. Unfortunately, their requirement for purity in their handlers limits their use to only a few regions.
In some royal families, a pure-blood unicorn horse pulling a carriage signifies the purity of its rider, becoming part of the dowry for a marrying princess.
In the next chapter, the long-awaited return home unfolds.
The joy of meticulously collecting items often leads to an overflow of inventory sheets, filling their backs with dense notes, a tradition in TRPGs.
