“...Hmm, I’m really torn on what to bring. For now, I’ll buy this and that new, and maybe leave this behind...”

“Tetsuya, what are you mumbling about over there?”

“He’s been like that ever since he got back from shopping. Seems like he’s choosing what gear to bring for tomorrow.”

At Mr. Lange’s question, Lilia answered for me. After finishing our shopping at the market this afternoon and returning to the store, I’ve been preparing for tomorrow’s departure to the capital.

Thanks to the Outdoor Shop’s ability, I’d made some preparations ahead of time, but once I started doing the final check, I kept finding more things that seemed like they’d come in handy.

Even though Ms. Ferry’s storage magic has a pretty large capacity, it’s not unlimited, so I need to be mindful of the space. With the Outdoor Shop’s ability, I can buy new gear once we’re there, so I should really only bring what’s truly necessary.

Still, why is choosing camping gear so much fun? Honestly, this might be the best part of the whole trip.

“Hmm. Sounds fun, but I think I’ll wait until tomorrow to enjoy it for myself.”

Looks like Mr. Lange noticed how absorbed I was in picking out camping gear.

Apparently he overdid it at the barbecue yesterday and had to rest, but he was back on his feet by evening and came to the shop. Honestly, shopping with everyone was more stressful than fun—there were just too many stares from people around us...

Well, maybe someone like Mr. Lange doesn’t mind that kind of attention. He’s a cool-looking elf himself, so maybe he drew even more eyes than usual.

“So, are you all playing cards?”

“Yes! This thing called 'playing cards' is so fun! And to think you can play so many different games with just one deck—it’s amazing!”

“I love the game called ‘Rich Man’!”

Yes, since the Outdoor Shop’s ability leveled up to 5, I was able to purchase playing cards and other types of toys and games. These days, Outdoor Shops sell more than just camping gear—they have all kinds of travel-friendly entertainment too.

I plan to bring other toys and games along for the trip to the capital as well. Thankfully, just like with the picture books, the numbers on the cards were written in letters this world’s people can read.

Mr. Lange and the store staff had already played with them, but this was Ms. Berna and Ms. Ferry’s first time seeing playing cards. While I checked over my gear for tomorrow, Lilia and the others were playing together.

“I’ll join the next round. I also like ‘Sevens’—that one’s fun.”

“Ah yes. That game isn’t just about luck, you need to use your head too. And the game called ‘Cheat’ was pretty fun as well.”

“I don’t know that one yet. Please teach me!”

“Sounds fun, teach me too!”

Ms. Berna and Ms. Ferry were completely hooked on the cards. In this world, entertainment is scarce, and it seems games like these are practically nonexistent.

Given that, it’s no surprise that games from the old world like playing cards would be a big hit. The fact that a single deck can be used for dozens of games is honestly kind of an incredible invention.

Rainy days are more dangerous than usual, and there are times adventurers can’t go out on quests, so something like this is perfect for them. That said, since cards can also be used for gambling, I wonder if I should really be selling them and spreading them throughout this world.

For now, there doesn’t seem to be anything like a casino in this town, but if one sprang up because of playing cards... that’d be a bit uncomfortable. Maybe I should start by selling toys that aren’t likely to be used for betting.

“Cheat!”

“Tch, you got me. Damn, another lie exposed...”

“Lilia, you’re too honest—it’s easy to tell. Still, Ms. Ferry and Mr. Lange are impossible to read...”

“I’m good at this sort of thing!”

“I’m pretty good at these games too! I won’t lose~!”

“………………”

Looks like Lilia isn’t very good at games like ‘Cheat.’ On the other hand, Ms. Ferry, who barely shows any expression, and Mr. Lange, who can lie with a straight face, are probably pretty strong at this game.

Seeing everyone having so much fun playing cards together makes me want to join in too.

Yeah, I think this is enough preparation for tomorrow. The rest I can handle as it comes. It’s been a long time since I played cards with a big group, but I think I’ll let myself enjoy it like a kid again.