novelraw Chapter 198: I Like Hats Too
Chapter 198: I Like Hats Too
In the game, hats are purely decorative. They don’t offer any special attributes—aside from adding a new accessory to the character model for extra personality, they serve no real purpose.
Leon knew about Hat Mouse. After all, once you earn your first achievement in the game, you receive a poorly spelled letter from this fishy fellow who lives in a shabby little cabin deep at the southern end of the Coal Forest, letting you know you can buy hats from him.
But in reality, things seemed a little different. The title of the book Hat Mouse handed him—Hat Mouse’s Magical Hats—already made Leon suspect that these hats, which had no bonus stats in the game, might deliver quite a different surprise in the real world.
Sure enough, the first page he flipped open showed a picture of a hat, its name, a description of its special ability, and—most importantly—the price.
“Rain Hat: A classic style often worn by sailors. Not only does it catch the eye, but the magic within keeps the wearer dry through storm and rain. Price: 1000G.”
“Triple Crown: A large amethyst surrounded by golden accents, a noble’s accessory that declares status. Wearing it inspires awe in those you speak with. Price: 2000G.”
“Old Timer’s Hat: A saggy top hat with a crumpled bill tucked inside. Looks like a hat with a story—perhaps that bill could lead you to a secret or untold past. Price: 1000G.”
Each hat had its own full-page spread. After just three pages, Leon had already seen three classic designs, each with its own unique magic.
The Rain Hat caught his attention the most. If wearing just one hat could completely block out the rain, he could stroll through downpours without a care, free from the suffocating discomfort of a raincoat.
The only issue was the price. It wasn’t that Leon couldn’t afford it, but… business was business, you know.“I’m really interested in these hats,” Leon said. “But since this is our first time meeting, how about a first-time customer discount?”
“No bargaining.” Hat Mouse shook his head, speaking in halting words. “Exclusive sale. Special hats. Rare items.”
“Do you have a business license for selling hats? And do you pay taxes on the profit?” Leon asked.
“???” Hat Mouse tilted his head, utterly baffled by Leon’s question.
“Never mind. Probably not, but it’s none of my business.”
He had been planning to spook the little merchant into giving a discount, but quickly realized this talking mouse was far from a regular shopkeeper. He felt a little foolish for trying.
“Really can’t give me a discount?”
“No.” Hat Mouse shook his head firmly.
“Then I’ll take a Rain Hat.”
Faced with a specialty item from what seemed to be a monopoly, Leon decided to give in—he really did want that rain-blocking hat.
But Hat Mouse didn’t hand it over immediately. Instead, he extended a furry little paw and beckoned.
“Money grubber,” Leon muttered, though he still obediently pulled out 1000G and handed it over. Hat Mouse happily took the money and then passed him a dull yellow hat—similar to a straw hat but with a drooping brim.
“Rain Hat: Keeps sailors dry in a storm. Ability—Rain Shield: Blocks any raindrops from touching the wearer.”
The System Prompt confirmed the hat’s effect. Unfortunately, the look of it was… not great.
“Can I change the color and style?” Leon asked.
“Yes,” Hat Mouse nodded.
“Does it cost extra?” Leon asked the crucial follow-up.
“No. It’s a free service. As long as the general shape stays the same, I can alter its appearance.”
“That’s good. Can you make it into a bamboo hat?”
Leon described the look he wanted, then handed the Rain Hat over. Hat Mouse took it, and the hat twisted and reshaped in his paws until it matched Leon’s request.
“Nice. Much better.”
Leon was satisfied with the new design—a style inspired by the conical bamboo hats worn by wandering swordsmen in wuxia dramas on rainy days. It was woven from bamboo strips, with the top fully covered. After all, ancient swordsmen had long hair, but with his short hair, Leon didn’t have to worry about a topknot poking through.
“Would you like another hat, customer?”
Having made a sale, Hat Mouse was cheerful and pushed the catalog back toward Leon. “You can take a look at the others. All are very good.”
“Too expensive for now,” Leon shook his head.
The magical hats were tempting, but their prices were steep for him at the moment. Aside from the Rain Hat, the others weren’t necessities.
“Alright. I’ll be here when you come again,” Hat Mouse said without pressing further.
“You’ll always be here, right?” Leon confirmed before leaving.
“Yes. You can come straight here if you want a hat. But not too late—I need to rest,” Hat Mouse replied.
“Where do you get these hats?” Leon asked, still curious.
“I make them myself, collect them, and sell for others,” Hat Mouse said. “If you have a hat you don’t need, I can sell it for you—there’s a commission fee.”
“No thanks, not for now.” If Leon hadn’t met Hat Mouse, he wouldn’t have known that hats—once just decorations in his mind—could have special powers.
“No problem. Whether you’re buying or selling, you’re always welcome here. I like hats,” Hat Mouse said warmly.
“I like hats too,” Leon agreed. After all, who wouldn’t like a hat with special effects?
Of course, green hats were the exception. They had special effects too—but all of them were negative.
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