Chapter 316

Should We Make Metal Armor?
Since Ulla wanted metal armor, I came to "The Gleam of Molten Iron."
I haven't been here in a while because I've been out and about so much lately, but it looks quite bustling.
Now then, where are Teysa and Hannon?

"Hm? Isn't that Lily? Do you need something?"

"Oh, Teysa. Perfect timing!"

"Perfect timing? Got something to discuss?"

"Yes, actually..."

I explain Ulla's situation to Teysa.
Upon hearing it, Teysa made a very serious face.
I guess it's still too early for metal armor?

"Hmm, I wouldn't really recommend it. Considering the budget, plate armor's out of the question, so it'd have to be chainmail or scale mail. But the maintenance, well..."

"Ah, that's what you're concerned about?"

"Of course. Damaged armor can't perform at its best."

Ah, my leather armor is kind of like that too.
So even metal armor shares the same issue.

"Besides, that Ulla kid. Can she even move properly while wearing metal armor?"

"Huh?"

Ulla seemed caught off guard by this.
She's proud of her physical strength, so she probably hadn't considered it much.
Now that I think about it, metal armor does weigh a fair bit, doesn't it?

"For now, come over here. I'll let her try on some chainmail."

"Thank you so much!"

Ulla seemed so excited about it.

I hope this will be okay.

"Ugh... It's so heavy..."

It wasn't okay.
Even leather armor has some weight, but it's much lighter in comparison.
Plus, Ulla's leather armor spreads the weight around since it fits snugly in various places.
The chainmail she's wearing now, on the other hand, is like putting on a heavy net of chains from head to toe.
It's a long-sleeved shirt that covers down to the hands, complete with a hood made of chains. It must feel incredibly heavy.
When she tried running in it, she was completely out of breath after just two minutes.
This isn’t practical for actual combat.

"See? You get it now. You're not ready for metal armor yet. Build up more stamina and try again later."

"Y-Yes... Thank you very much..."

"Also, if you shop at Lily's store, you can get full-body leather armor for about the same price as metal armor. I think that's the better deal for you."

Oh, that's true.
I asked Teysa about the price of the chainmail she just tried, and it really was about the same as getting a full set of leather armor at my store.
Apparently, my shop is unusually affordable, but if there's no specific need for metal armor, leather seems like the better choice.
And on top of that, chainmail and scale mail make clinking noises, so they’re not suitable for ambush tactics.
This was a valuable learning experience for Ulla.
It was for me too.
Now, what will Ulla decide to do?

What do you think about this chapter?