Expecting to Fall into Ruin, I Aim to Become a Blacksmith Volume 4 Chapter 20-26
Volume 4 Chapter 20
A few days had passed since Rahsa showed me around the city.
The magic gem was getting accustomed to my body. In a fashion sense.
Rahsa has been treating me really well. So well that I almost never feel bored these days.
However, I am alone today.
Rahsa, even at his young age, is already quite busy.
He went to the capital’s royal art gallery for official business today.
It seems like he will have to deal with people who just love money, while listening to artistic songs there.
I also wanted to go but was stopped by Rahsa, as it appears that today’s meeting was not exclusively for art. He even promised to take me later, if I wanted.
And as such, I am have all the time in the world today.
He had told me that it was okay to do as I please in the castle but I didn’t quite know the extent of that freedom. I do know that it would be pretty bad to be wandering around naked, though….
Iris was busy with work and I could not even meet her as the place was a secret.
The things I can do alone are very much limited.
And even if I happen to find prince Arch, I don’t know what I would do with him.
At times like these, I used to smith at the academy.
It was practically a habit at that point–as natural as waking up and washing one’s face.
But, there probably isn’t a place like that in the royal castle… It isn’t really needed in the first place, too…
“Alright, I guess I will go meet Eliza’s mother.”
I told that to the capable attendant.
She prepares stuff within 3 minutes of asking her. A mysterious lady who uses Anywhere Door and even surprised me on the first day.
“Yes, I do not mind but that person is really unpredictable. Only this, I am not sure if we can meet her or not.”
What kind of a person is she? I kinda end up imagining a woman who is free and uncontrolled.
“The king, Tsukimi-sama and Rahsa-sama’s elder sister, Maria-sama, these three people are called the ‘Travellers’. They are always gone before one can realize it. At this point, their beautiful art of disappearing can be considered to be a talent in itself.”
“Travellers….”
To think 3 really important people like them are doing that… I can feel the worries of those around them.
—Wait, the king?! You shouldn’t be doing that!!
“If that’s the case, then I guess I will just wander around the castle alone… By the way, is it okay if I asked your name?”
“Supatifila. I had thought there was no need for you to remember my name and as such I didn’t introduce myself. My apologies.”
“No, it’s not something you need to apologize for. More importantly, Supatifila-san, you can rest today. I will just wander around the castle.”
“I can not do that. I have been told by prince Rahsa to be of use to you.”
“You are of use. Besides, he asked you to listen to my requests, right? I am requesting you to rest for today.”
“If that’s the case… Then I can go buy ‘Lovey-dovey Cafe Volume 2 Storm Arc’ without any constraint. Today is the release date and I had wanted to go.”
Saying that, Supatifila-san disappeared.
She is pretty capable but to think she had such desires inside. Don’t judge a book by its cover, eh?
Or rather, she disappeared so fast that I want to entitle her a Traveller too…
Leaving the room I had been in, I started walking down the vast corridor.
It was so big that I sometimes forgot that I was inside a building.
Having walked even further from there, I eventually ended up in a space so big, nothing could be seen in the distance.
Walking out to the area where sun was shining, I could see the town below.
As the castle was pretty high up, and I was on the 4th floor, the view was amazing.
There should be no way the sound would come this far but when I looked at the distance, towards the lively part of the city, I felt like I could also hear it.
“The view here is wonderful, isn’t it?”
Before I had realized, a good-looking, blonde-haired, old man was standing behind me.
It was the weird old man who I met in the bath the other day. We are comrades who slid 50 metres together and hit our heads.
I would have liked to not meet him anymore but we seem to have met in quite the unexpected place.
“Yes, one can enjoy an unbroken view of the city.”
“It’s one of my favourite places. Today, it’s sunny and wonderful but on rainy days or snowy days, the view can be a thing to behold.”
“I see.”
Old man, you have been coming here on rainy days and snowy days? I wonder if he is actually doing his work…
Certainly, from what I have heard in the bath, he seems to be someone important who handles the business related stuff.
“It has not been put to practical use yet but this townscape was built skillfully to protect it from foreign enemies. Actually, I had also ordered to make this too. It is being done even now.”
And for a while, I was being told how exactly he was making it to protect the town from enemies or intruders.
Is the old man perhaps a famous minister? It does not seem like he does business stuff anymore.
“Is it really fine telling me all that? It sounds pretty important.”
“No matter, I have not really revealed my trump card and besides, you are also part of this country, in fact, the person who will be looking after the Helan territory at that. I can’t think of any harm coming from telling you.”
“But you never know, I might just be an idiot who thoughtlessly spills it to the surrounding.”
“If that’s so then I am the bigger idiot for telling you such a matter. Well, I told you because I think you are not stupid. There isn’t really an important reason for this, I just felt like it. It is not something you should worry about.”
“Hmmm.”
The old man’s city building talk was very logical and I had fun listening to it.
I am sure he is a clever person but whenever I recall the bath incident, I can’t completely deny that he has no stupidity in him. No, he definitely has more stupidity.
“Well, let’s stop with the gossip. Actually, I have a much more important talk with you.”
A much more important talk.
A talk which is even more important than the capital’s military affairs…..? I am not really well-informed, so I can’t really imagine what it can be.
Not letting him sense my stiffness, I waited for him to speak.
“It happened quite recently but… there is a pretty girl in the castle.”
“……………”
Words won’t come out.
I wonder what kind of face I am making now…
“I didn’t really notice much at first but after looking at her a few times, I thought, I would like such a pretty girl as my son’s bride. Such a parental love is surging within me.”
“Weren’t you having some really praiseworthy talk a while ago? What happened suddenly? There is a cute girl in the castle? What are you, a guy going through puberty?”
“No, I have already dedicated my heart to my wife. I would not fall in love. But, it would be a waste to let such a pretty girl go. I also love my son like any father would. And so, if that girl is okay with it, I want her to marry my son.”
“Haaa–I feel stupid for getting tense. I probably see pretty girls once every 10 seconds in this castle–what happened now?”
“Once every 10 seconds?! I am jealous.. I have become so accustomed to the lifestyle here that my eyes have put on weight. Recently, only on good days do I see a cute girl once a day.”
I don’t want to know… I am absolutely not interested in your likes and dislikes, old man.
“But you see, after having seen this girl for a few times, I feel like my young heart has been resurrected. That my withered leaves are again starting to glow green. And so, I also hear that my son is quite unfamiliar in this field and I haven’t really done for him much so I thought it would be nice if I could be of use to him in this.”
I could feel how much the old man loves his son.
But, BUT, why tell me? We are just comrades who washed each others backs….
Uwah, we actually watched each others backs… I guess we are not strangers anymore.
“Your son, how old is he? Also, that beautiful girl, too.”
“Both of them are probably the same age as you. It would be reassuring if you were to help.”
“Well, if it’s just a little, then it’s okay with me. But, love affairs are mostly bothersome, are you okay with that?”
“I am fine. If push comes to shove, one can always make a run for it. I am good at running away, you see.”
Is that okay, old man? Is that really okay, old man?
I am not really that good at running away, you know. This is away for me, too.
“Alright, I will guide you to that girl. You must not remember the path we take from now. No, it is okay for you to remember but you must not reveal it to anyone. Alright? Otherwise I will get angry.”
I thought ‘why go through this path then if you might get angry?’ but I decided to nod and follow along.
After that, we followed a complex route and climbed two stairs.
I had no idea where in the castle I was but I was sure of the fact that I had rose two floors.
Hmm? Isn’t this supposed to be the secret floor? Where only important people can enter….?
“Umm, isn’t this bad?”
“We might get yelled at if we are discovered.”
“Even if you are fine, I might get more severe punishment, you know!?”
“Well, don’t worry. If you just walk confidently, no one will realize you are an oddball.”
I am not an oddball. YOU are the oddball.
“Uh-oh, stop. After this curve, the girl will be there.”
“Ehh, already?!”
“Yes, she is working so it is hard to talk to her. You, how about pretending you forgot the way and asking her?”
“After coming all the way to this secret floor and saying ‘Oh, I forgot the way’, that would be too suspicious, wouldn’t it?! It wouldn’t be weird if she were to shout right that moment.”
“I guess that is also true. Well, for now, try peeking. You might fall in love too.”
That cute?
Handing over my position to the old man, I peeked with my face out to look at the girl.
I captured a beautiful girl in sight.
Wearing the castle-exclusive employee uniform, she was courteously sweeping the floor…..
Hmmm? I know her, though.. I really, really, know her, though?!
Iris, you have been caught among the many beautiful women in the castle!
This old man wants to have you as his son’s bride! Run!
Withdrawing my face back from the corner, I faced the old man again.
“So? Cute, right?”
“Cute, yes. But, I will have to say no. Not her.”
“Why is that?”
“Hmm, I am sorry for your son but not her.”
“And you mean?”
The old man was wearing a disappointed look but I must tell him this truth. Before he goes in too deep and gets hurt.
“The girl, her name is Iris and, as you can see, she is pretty. There are probably many men aiming for her but, believe me when I say this, the prince also likes her.”
“Prince? Which one?”
“Arch prince. If one were to compete with that handsome prodigy, they will probably face some tough situations. It is very nice to think of one’s son but this might lead to your son getting hurt.”
“Arch…. I see, if that’s the case, then I shall back out.”
He actually gave up quite easily.
He might be desperately trying to hide how disappointed he is.
He has an unexpectedly kind, resolute side to him. I guess, I will be a little more kind to him the next time I meet him.
Escaping the secret floor where my heart wouldn’t stop thumping, I came back to the place we were in before with the old man.
“Thanks to you, I got to know something very important.”
“No, I am sorry I could not be of help.”
“That is not true. I have become indebted to you two times now. The next time we meet, I want to pay you back.”
“It’s fine, it was not a big deal anyway.”
“Is that so? Well, I guess if you say that….”
It’s not like I would be happy receiving something from the old man, anyway.
“Well then, till next time.”
“Right. If something is troubling you, come find me anytime.”
Parting from the old man, I returned to my room.
After that, I spent the remaining day reading.
In the end, I could not meet Rahsa after he had returned from his meeting that day.
Before going to sleep, I was told by the lady in charge of cleaning that I had something in my pocket.
I took it out.
It was a silver pocket watch. There was an eagle mark on the front. I felt like I had seen it somewhere before.
Why is such a thing in my pocket? It is not even mine in the first place.
Shutting it inside the drawer, I decided to hit the sack for the day.
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Volume 4 Chapter 21
“This was found in my pocket yesterday but… it’s not mine so does it belong to you, Rahsa?”
During breakfast, I showed the silver pocket watch to Rahsa, which was delivered to me at night.
The person in charge of laundry found it and brought it to me as soon as possible as it looked quite expensive. It was made of silver and there was an elaborately curved eagle mark on the cap.
“Bleughh!!”
Apparently it was so shocking that Rahsa ended up spitting the consomme soup he was having.
The soup spilled on the table napkin and the attendants hurriedly rushed over to wipe it off.
“I am sorry. I will clean the rest so can you excuse us for a while?”
Listening to Rahsa’s request, the 4 attendants left the room.
Him being that surprised just now and making everyone leave the room…. Did I perhaps pick up something bad?
“Aniki, I would like to ask you to forget about it but since you have already seen it, I will explain, okay? Uh, before that.”
Rahsa searched in his pocket and carefully brought out a silver pocket watch. The mark on the cap was different but they were of the same shape.
“I am glad. Looks like it is not mine. This pocket watch, it is only held by a very select few important individuals of this country. They have been asked to value it next to their lives so to think there is one who dropped it…. I can’t really say what it is in detail but if you want, you could look inside. The name of the person who dropped it should be curved inside.”
Rahsa muttered with a silent sad voice, ‘It is probably elder sister but….’. Rahsa’s elder sister is.. Maria-sama, if I am not wrong. I had heard she is a very sweet lady but judging from Rahsa’s worried state, it does not seem like she is too careful.
“……..Kururi Helan is curved inside…”
“Bleughhh!!”
He was about to drink the consomme soup to calm down a little but again, ended up spitting it out. The napkin also seems to be reaching its limits, taking the soup head on the second time in one day.
“Ca-can I have a look?”
“Hoi.”
As I threw it to him, he panickedly stopped it with his whole body.
“You must not throw it!”
“Ah, yes.”
I made him angry.
Still a bit panicky, Rahsa checked the watch in detail. It is somewhat similar to Iris’ eyes when she appraises magic stones.
“…..It is real. Exactly, when….?”
“It was in my pocket, said the diligent laundry person when they delivered it to me yesterday night.”
“Hmm, you have not received any explanation then. Hmm…. hmmmmm…. I don’t know if it is okay for me to talk about this….”
‘Is it that important?”
“Yes!”
After racking his brain for a while, Rahsa turned to face me, looking into my eyes as if he had made up his mind.
“The things I am going to say now, you must not, ever, tell anyone. Even Aniki is not an exception to this.”
“……Yes.”
“Then, I shall talk about it. This pocket watch, the only one who can issue the creation of it is this country’s top… The king.”
An evil thought — ’I wonder how much it could be exchanged for?’ had come up in my mind for a moment but I deleted it.
“I do not know why the king has made you hold this. You have not met him, have you?”
“I have not.”
I can say that much for sure.
“Well, my father is… an odd person so I guess it might be better to not think too deeply about it. What’s important is that you are the one holding that watch now, Aniki. If you were not told anything, then I think I was meant to tell it to you.”
I kinda feel like it was turning into quite a worrying conversation. If you were to ask me, I would say I was more excited about being taken to the ice skating place today. I happened to hear that there are a lot of pretty people there.
“This exhibits power during Kudan kingdom’s emergency situations. The king entrusts it to people he trusts to save the country during its disorder. This is your social status’ evidence and with it, you can get money, and even mobilize the army. It is like a mass of special privilege.”
“During peaceful times?”
“….It is the same as a boondoggle.”
“Ah.”
“What are you getting disappointed for….? Maybe it was granted to you for some achievement in the Helan territory or something. Aniki, it might be a burden but will you not keep it with you for me?”
“Yes, since I did receive it, I have no choice. I will keep it. It does not seem like something to show off to people either so I will just keep it secretly. I still do not think I can do much even in emergency situations…”
“That is not true. Surely, we will see results of the king’s judgements to be correct.”
I kinda felt like I was promoted or something.
It was not a bad feeling.
It means I was acknowledged by the king, right? That is a good thing.
But, exactly what did he see in me? Or rather, where is he even watching me from?
The king — full of mysteries.
“Ah, it is turning into a snow storm outside.”
Before I realized, the little snowfall had turned into a blizzard outside.
We could also have a snowball fight but the wind was so strong that I felt like the trajectory might change so much that they would become magic balls.
“I guess the skating is suspended, then….?”
“It is unfortunate but I guess we can’t help it. If you would like, why not visit the knight barracks? They have been quite noisy to bring you to them for a while.”
“Eh? Will I get the hell beat out of me?”
“Of course not, they are welcoming you. It is not a very clean place so I did not really want to guide you there but since our circumstances have become like this, if I do not bring you to them, they will get even noisier later.”
“I see. Will I be thanked for the swords or something?”
“I don’t quite think they are such conscientious people but I guess you could look forward to it a bit.”
And thus, we had a change of plans. From cute girls skating to dirty men’s office.
The knights seem to be in a different building inside of the wall. It seems like the important knights get a place in the castle but unfortunately, that is only for a very select few.
I also hear it is quite the severe road if one is not skilled or from a prestigious family.
I wonder if my friend, Vain too, would have come here if things went smoothly. No, surely would have. While having such thoughts, I looked up at the knights barracks.
I could hear a fussy voice from inside.
I guess it is impossible for a place with so many men to be quiet.
“Ah–prince.”
As we entered the building, a young men noticed the prince. He was about 20 years old. Definitely looked older than me.
“What have you come for, prince?”
“You people were so noisy about me coming, and so I came.”
“Hmm? That means, that red-haired person over there is Kururi Helan-san?”
“Yes, my Aniki, Kururi Helan-san.”
“Uuuoooooohhhhh! Are you serious?! Seriously?! He seriously came?!”
As he started making an uproar, the other people who had been relaxing inside came out one by one.
‘Which one?! ‘That red-haired one.’ ‘Really?!’ ‘Really not what I expected.’ ‘Isn’t he too young?’ ‘Imposter?’ ‘Possible.’ ‘An imposter the prince prepared.’ ‘It’s a fraud, a fraud.’
Saying anything you want to say… This isn’t a show! Be gone!
“Everyone, calm down! First, I shall talk.”
Dividing the crowd, a woman came forward. The impression I got from her and the sword on her waist, the one that I had made — If I were to judge from this, is it the woman Jeremy-senpai’s brother fell in love with? What was her name again?
“I am Mady. This sword I am carrying on my waist is the one you made. It is excellent — so much that it is of the level of a famous sword. Everyone was spreading rumors of how highly skilled you were, you see, and so the building’s hot topic was you. So much that it came to this situation.”
“Well, thank you.”
By this situation, does she mean almost all of the knights gathering together so much that their skin is touching? They certainly seem to be quite passionate about swords.
If I remember correctly, Mady-san is the one Jeremy-senpai’s brother is in love with.
“And so, first, I want to say this as the representative…. Could you make another sword?”
‘Haaa?!’ ‘I am first!!’ ‘If it’s money, I have a lot!’ ‘Make one for me too!’ ‘Idioooott!’ ‘you masculine woman!!’
Looks like she couldn’t let the last one go, and punched that guy flying.
Rahsa walked forward and stood in from of them.
“I am sorry but Aniki is on a vacation now. He won’t be accepting job requests. Today too, I just brought him because you people were being too bothersome. Think yourselves lucky you got to see him. Aniki is only my Aniki.”
‘That’s unfair!’ ‘Rotten prince!’ ‘Your face is pretty but you are evil!’ ‘Childish! Childish!’ ‘Raise our pays!’
Oi, the last one isn’t even related to Rahsa!
Say that to someone else. And all of you others, Rahsa is pretty scary when he is not kind, you know!?
“Now then, Aniki, we have fulfilled our obligation. Let’s go back and have sweets or something.”
“Ah-wait!”
Mady-san stopped us.
She looked as if she had just remembered something.
“That’s right, Kururi Helan-san, if it is okay, please meet with our leader. Leader Rotto has been wanting to meet you. He isn’t the type to meet people normally, that person…. It is quite rare so.. Well I have told you. It’s up to you, whether you want to meet him or not.”
Leader Rotto…
That’s Vain’s family name. They are a family of knights, so I guess it is his father.
Why would he want to see me?
‘Deceiving my precious son!!’– will he come chopping me yelling that, I wondered…..
If that’s so, then I don’t want to go. Ah, my thoughts are starting to get extreme.
“I know the knight leader’s room so if you feel like going, I can guide you.”
Yep, I was thinking about it but if he guides me, maybe I can go? The leader probably won’t do something too daring in front of the prince too.
“……I guess I will go.”
The knight leader’s room was on the first floor of the castle so we quickly arrived there. Before knocking the door, I felt a little nervous.
After knocking about 2 times, a rough voice from inside said ‘ Come in.’.
His voice is similar to Vain’s…. Or so I thought.
Immediately as I entered, I ended up leaking an ‘Ah.’
It might have been taken as being rude but I could not help it.
I mean, he was so big! Unbelievably big! A giant! I will get eaten!
Vain was about 2 meters tall and had muscles like a bear but his dad is 20 centimeters taller than that and had even bigger muscles!
“Sorry for leaking such a weird voice.”
“I don’t mind. In fact, it is quite modest for someone who is meeting me for the first time.”
I somewhat felt like I ended up seeing a sensitive side of this person. He is probably conscious about his physique giving the other party a wrong impression. Now that I think about it, Vain had such a side to him too.
“You also had someone scream?”
“…..My wife screamed the first time I had met her. It is a distant memory now.”
I see.
“It is quite rare to have guests from outside. Are you perhaps Kururi Helan-dono?”
“Yes, I am surprised you found out.”
“I just guessed from the timing and rumours. Did you come hearing I had wanted to meet you?”
“Yes, that is also correct.”
“Is that so? I am grateful. I had plenty of things I wanted to talk about when I met you but now when I have actually met you, I don’t know where to start. Sorry about that, our family isn’t really good at communication.”
“Yes.”
I understand. It would be kinda weird if they were to keep talking with that body. I can only imagine it being uncomfortable, scary and tragic.
“I guess, I’ll start with thank you.”
“Thank you……?”
“Yes. Thank you for being friends with that awkward son of mine.”
“Ahaha.”
“…….That’s all.”
That is all?! That’s weird!! To end the conversation here!!
“Umm, Vain… are you not angry about your son going to another country? Umm, I was like the one who encouraged him too….”
“It is not something to be angry about. I have been telling him to live freely since he was a child and besides, our family has the travellers’ bloodline. So in fact, he is probably living a more suitable path.”
Travellers’ bloodline…. It kinda feels adventurous. So cool. I kinda feel like travelling. I wonder what bloodline our family is of. I guess I will ask father when I return…..He will probably say he doesn’t know, though….
“I was surprised when I heard my son had made a friend but when I saw you, I could understand.”
What does that mean?!
“And so, I have nothing but gratitude towards you for it.”
“I see.” So glad I was not chopped down. Seriously.
The knight leader did not seem to have anything more to say so I decided to leave.
When I opened the door and was about to leave, Mady-san and the guy I met first in the barracks were standing there.
“What are you doing?”
The leader’s rough voice came from the other side of the room.
“Leader! This person is Kururi Helan! Are you done already?!”
“Nn? I know that.”
“No, if you know then there is something you should say, isn’t there?! Please make him make swords for us! You are always breaking swords left and right with your monstrous strength! If you have him make you one here, your budget will also improve in the long term.”
As if he had just realized there was some fault on him when he was about to reject their request, he hesitated.
“Hmm…”
He looked like he was pondering something.
“Sorry, it seems my subordinates are correct. Because I break too many swords, I am hindering the financial aspects of the knights. I had been using cheap ones till now but I think I should get a good one and use it for a while now. Can I request you? I hear you are quite skilled.”
I looked at Rahsa. As I had come accepting his invitation, I thought it would be better asking him and unlike the time with the knights, his expression said ‘If it is okay with you, how about accepting?’
If so, I do not really have a reason to deny either so it was settled.
“I shall do my best to make something great, then. It will take a little time.”
“Then I leave it to you. I will be looking forward to it.”
To that reply, the ones who were most happy were the two knights behind. Exactly how many swords did he break till now….?
When we were leaving, Rahsa told me an interesting story.
“The leader of the knights has quite a lot of anecdotes about him but there is a really recent one which is amazing. When he went to sweep clean a thief troupe, he ended up breaking his sword in two. From there, he didn’t even use his subordinate’s weapons or the enemy’s ones–he beat 30 of them with his bare hands. I heard this from his subordinates so I don’t know how much of it is true but from how excited they were there, I think it is true.”
…..I ended up sympathizing with the thieves but I guess it is only natural. If that giant comes charging at you, you won’t feel anything but fear.
“It is very rare for that person to want something. That is how much he acknowledges your swords.”
“Did he see my sword?”
“It has been the hot topic in the castle for a while. He has seen it too.”
I have also given Vain one of my swords.
So, it is a request from his father now, eh?
It seems like the budget is quite large so this might be a pretty big job.
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Volume 4 Chapter 22
“Heheh, today is my off day.”
When I woke up, there was a pretty girl sitting beside my bed.
The sunlight coming through the window shined on her, making her smile look even more radiant.
For the first scene I could see after waking up, it was the best.
“Morning. You seem pretty happy.”
“Yep, it is the off day I earned after working so it makes me even happier.”
“And, coming to my room first thing in the morning, perhaps you want to take me somewhere?”
“Yep! But it wasn’t my idea. I just met prince Rahsa a while ago and he said happily that we will go to an amazing place today.”
“Ohh, Rahsa did? I see.”
Amazing place, eh… I hope it isn’t amazing in a weird way.
“Nn? You don’t seem to be too eager.”
“No, it’s not that. Just a little sleepy still. I was working till late yesterday, you see.”
Laying out the plan on how to go about making Vain’s dad’s sword.
“That’s amazing. You’re already a professional. Why not shift occupation to that?”
“I will think about it.”
I did not want to make Iris wait so I quickly finished changing clothes and headed to Rahsa.
“Masquerade ball?”
“That’s right. It is held annually around this time of the year. I am not really interested in it but since you are here this time too…. It seems to be an event one should participate in at least once, to know the nobles as well.”
Nobles… you are royalty, though.
After Iris had come happily saying she had received an off day, this time Rahsa is saying this with a happy face. I can’t really refuse then, can I?
Should I try participating even though I lack the etiquettes of a noble?
It is a rare opportunity after all.
“Yep, if you two want to, I can go as well.”
“Really?! You’re okay too, right, Iris-san?”
“I am not a noble though. Is that okay?”
“Of course! I will do something about that. And besides, it is a ball where you hide your identity after all. Please choose a dress and mask as you like. There are tons of those in this castle.”
Certainly, I don’t doubt that. They will prepare something for me too so I probably won’t have to worry about the dress code.
‘Hey, you! What is with that, dirty looking clothe?!’ ‘This is a party, you know! A party place! This!’
It looks like I won’t have to deal with such embarrassing things.
When I go to an unfamiliar place, my thoughts just go crazy.
“Then, let’s go pick a mask right now. Since we are doing this, how about keeping each other’s masks a secret? You can look forward to meeting each other coincidentally at the hall that way.”
“Ohh, that sounds like fun.”
Yep, really fun.
But, that’s like finding the most pretty person and the most noble-like kid, right?
That would be easy.
And the two of them would just have to search for a person who seem like they do a lot of smithing.
“Let’s meet there then, after changing. We have quite a lot of time left so you can take your time dressing up.”
And so, we started preparing separately inside the castle.
Like always, Supatifila-san will be looking after me. I am quite grateful to her.
“Sorry, for having you stick with me even with this.”
“It’s fine, it’s my job after all.”
I somewhat feel even worse after being told that.
She guided me to my private dressing room.
There were various items lined up, from shoes to hats. Rahsa said it was okay to pick any from here but there are so many, I cannot decide which to pick.
“I will just go with a black tuxedo to be safe. Could you get me one for my size?”
“Since you are going, why not challenge yourself with red?”
……..Won’t that make me look like a magician?
“….I will go with it then.”
I will be hiding my face anyway so it might be good.
“What should I do about the mask? I think I will go with this white one to not stand out much.
“Since you are doing this, how about going with a more characteristic one?”
“……For example?”
“Like that bear there.”
Bear?! A bear mask at a masquerade ball?!!
And it looks a lot like a mascot-like bear mask too…
“……I will take it.”
Well, I am what you would call an amateur at this. So it would be better to leave it to Supatifila-san since she is probably more knowledgeable. Without going with masks which would look like I am trying too hard, the bear one will look quite lax and nice, right? As expected of Supatifila-san!
“All that’s left is a hat, right?”
“Right. How about wearing a silk hat to be safe?”
“Yep, that sounds good, let’s do that.”
“Are you okay with that?”
Why?! You are the one who suggested it!
“Since you are doing this, how about going a three-cornered hat? Like a pirate.”
I see. Adding some wildness to cuteness and nobleness, right? I can also hide my hair color with it properly too.
“…….I will go with that then.”
It’s no longer my coordination but I guess it is fine. With this, if the other people are going with the safer combinations, the possibilities of me biting my tongue rises.
After that, Supatifila-san helped me with the other minute coordination. The theme seemed to be smart and gorgeous. Was it just my imagination, or did she look like she was having fun?
“Then, we still have time left so let us head to the hall at ease.”
“Right. I leave it to you.”
She prepared a carriage, and I looked at the cityscape from inside while on the way to the hall.
I wondered if Iris and Rahsa were already heading there too.
I was curious as to how they dressed up.
I realized when I looked outside, that everyone was wearing masks.
Not only nobles, it seems like a similar event was being held all throughout the capital today. I see, so the fun things are not only among the nobles.
Crossing the busy city full of people with masks, we arrived at the old hall.
At the entrance, there was a line of people. Masks… Or rather, there were a lot of people who were completely dressed up. There were some birdman-like dress ups too…
That’s a relief, I am not the only one who looks weird.
Getting off the carriage, I bid farewell to Supatifila-san. It seemed like she will come pick me up when it is over.
When I said ‘Sorry.’ she replied with ‘It’s my job so.’……. I am very sorry.
“Can I have your name, sir?”
After a while of standing in line, my turn came.
“Kururi Helan.”
“Yes, you are in the invited list. Please wear this around your neck.”
It looks like a necklace with magic stones in it, I wonder what it is…
“This is?”
“It is a magic stone which can change voice. It only has power enough to last a day but rest assured it will work perfectly during the party.”
I see, they even change your voice.
Face, voice, and you can even act like a woman with the use of heels.
This…. I probably won’t be able to recognize Rahsa nor Iris like this…..
Leaving that aside, I guess I will look forward to new meetings.
As I entered the hall, I noticed that it was dimly lit and a crowd of people were packed in a narrow space. Everyone was talking in a low voice but it was quite noisy as a whole. But, it is just the perfect amount of noise to have a wonderful meeting and talk about secrets.
Now then, since I also got some tomato juice in the entrance….. Hmm? Why tomato juice?
We-well, I should pull myself together and try talking to someone.
“Ah…. ah…”
I tried checking my voice before doing that but I found out it was too rough. This voice was too rough!
Even though there were pretty ladies over there too, because of my voice the hurdle just rose so much.
But, it is supposed to be like this so would it be better this way?
“Excuse me. Can we talk for a bit?”
A stylish man wearing a silver mask came asked me. He appeared to be quite cool but his voice was very high pitched, making it really interesting.
“Yes?”
“Ah, no, sorry, I was just surprised by your rough voice.”
“I bet. I also feel really uncomfortable talking with it.”
“I am also having a hard time getting used to this high pitched voice. By the way, can I ask something?”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“By any chance, did you meet a woman named Iris?”
……Prince Arch!! This guy is definitely prince Arch! Now that I look properly, his pretty blonde hair is showing a bit from his hat!
So he also came to the ball…..
What do I do? I don’t really know where Iris is and I don’t feel like helping either.
“……..I talked to her, just a while ago.”
“Really?!”
“If I am not wrong, she said something about not feeling good and leaving…”
“What?! Darn it, I was too late….”
The person who is probably prince Arch–or like, definitely prince Arch, sat on a sofa on the sides, depressed.
He became more depressed than I thought he would be.
I kinda felt sorry for him…
“….Ah, sorry. The woman I talked to earlier was called Irin. I do not know of a woman named Iris.”
“Really? That is a relief! Then I still have a chance. Person with rough voice, I am grateful to you.”
He hurriedly went to the ring of the hall.
Bye bye, person with a high-pitched voice.
Well, now that the bothersome man has also left, I should go have fun by myself.
I guess I will go talk with pretty ladies while searching for Rahsa and Iris.
When I looked around the room, I couldn’t see anyone’s faces so they seemed pretty.
Honestly, I do not know who is who at all.
I wandered around the place while drinking the tomato juice.
And at that moment, I felt a shock–exactly as if my body was screaming.
‘This person is definitely a beautiful person’ my beautiful person sensor was screaming.
A pretty woman wearing a blue dress and a cute usagi (bunny) mask.
That person is definitely pretty.
You can’t have an aura like that unless you’re quite pretty. Maybe, that is Iris.
“Can I have a little of your time, lovely usagi-san?”
“Ara, that’s quite a rough voice. If it’s a little, then sure, Kuma-san (bear).”
Befitting of her aura, she replied with a clear and pretty voice. Hmm? She is using a magic stone, right?….. That kinda feels unfair. Even though I got a beast-like voice. This just makes it like the beauty and beast, doesn’t it?
“I couldn’t help but speak up, seeing such a delicious usagi.”
If I am doing this, might as well take on the role properly.
“Will a small bunny be enough to fill your stomach?”
Oho, looks like she is taking it.
“I desire quality more than quantity so there is no problem there.”
“Fufu, well then, I shall accompany you for a while.”
Making a toast with her carrot juice, she drank it at once.
Her gestures looked really elegant. She was not Iris, probably. Iris won’t do it like that. She must be a young noble.
“Do you not feel a little insecure? Coming into such a place alone, being a usagi.”
“Ara, even though I look like this, I am quite strong, you know? And besides, I am quick at running away.”
“Is that so? Sorry for being unnecessarily concerned.”
“That’s right. Even if it’s kuma-san, I could finish you with one attack, you know?”
“……I will be careful.”
She seems to be quite the strong-willed woman. If this is backed by actual strength, I must be a little careful. To not go through a painful experience.
“Do you come to these parties often, usagi-san?”
“No, I just came on a whim… And, with a bit of expectation. I do not come to these recently. I liked them before, though.”
“Before? Did something change?”
“Women are creatures who are always changing, you know?”
I could feel a somewhat heartrending feeling from her. I wondered if she was searching for someone…. In this hall.
“By the way, your gaze seems a little impatient. Even though you have me talking with you here.”
“Ara, did I make you notice it?”
“I have only been looking at you so of course, I would notice. If it’s fine with you, shall we search together?”
“………..”
After gazing at her empty glass, she looked up again.
“Are you okay with that?”
“I can’t leave a woman with a sad face.”
“Even though you can’t see my face….”
It seemed like she laughed just a little. I just felt like that.
“I have not met that person in a while. I do not even know if they are in this hall. However, it seems they are in the capital. And so, I thought just maybe, and came to this place.”
“Don’t be so sad. I am sure he is in this hall as well.”
“How can you say for sure, kuma-san?”
“Wishes are something which are accepted, usagi-san.”
She looked into my eyes for a while. It seems like my kind words resounded in her heart. That made me happy too, if it makes her happy, even if a bit.
“….You are a wonderful person, kuma-san. If I had not met that person, I might have wanted to deepen my bond with you.”
“I see. He must be a wonderful person. I am also staggering from woman to woman like this but, actually, I too have a person I long for. And so, I know how you feel. For me as well, if that person was not there, I might have wanted to know you more.”
“…..Such a bad kuma-san.”
“Then, Usagi-san, please tell me how the person you are searching for looks like. I am sure they are in this hall.”
“When you say it with such confidence, it makes me feel like he is actually here as well. Umm, his unique characteristic…
I already asked but… this is a masquerade ball. Even if they have a unique characteristic, won’t they hide it here? Hmm? Can we really find him?
“Right. He usually has soot stuck to his sleeve.”
Soot??
“….I am sorry but will there really be such a person here where the nobles have gathered?”
“You do not need to be so respectful. Of course, you are absolutely correct but, he is not just any noble. He is a somewhat… weird person…. That is what’s good about him, though.”
Soot in his sleeves, eh? Sounds like quite the mischievous guy.
“In this dimly lit hall, it would be difficult to spot such a thing. Are there any, more, kind of easy to spot characteristic?”
“Easy to spot….”
After pondering for a while, she thought up an answer.
“It would be difficult to spot with all the hats but they have red hair.”
“……….”
“Nn? Did something happen?”
Red hair and soot, eh…. I do have a clue…
“Usagi-san, sorry about this so suddenly but can I know your favourite food?”
“Favourite food?…. That would be potato.”
Bingo!
“Officially, I go with chiffon cake. But my answer to close friends is potato. To someone who likes potatoes as well, I can answer in more detail too…. Eh–Wa–Kuma-san?! Why are you running away?! Kuma-san!!”
Before I realized, I had started running.
Run, run.
From the woman I felt was pretty, run!
From that woman I thought would definitely be pretty, Eri—run, run!!
You do end up meeting unexpected people at unexpected places, huh?
Being a man, one should not go from one woman to another. They would definitely go through a painful experience.
At the place I had arrived after running for a while, I let out my breath and decided to stop fooling around.
I should find Rahsa and Iris quick and after enjoying that, I should withdraw as soon as possible.
I have had my fill today. So this is what they mean when they say ‘when your blood runs cold’.
I am done with that. So done. Now then, where is Iris and Rahsa?
=====
Volume 4 Chapter 23
“Please, stop it!!”
While I was searching for Iris and Rahsa, at a corner of the hall, I spotted a group of men forcibly pulling a woman’s hand.
It was a really sweet lady. Or so I assumed from her aura. I could not see her face, after all.
Not because the lady was pretty, but my heart of justice was burning. I shall strike them down with my fists!
I also followed them as they were taking her outside.
“Wait right there.”
All of them turned to face me.
3 hoodlums. All of them were wearing expensive accessories and splendid masks.
Really, learn something from me, wearing a kuma (bear) mask… Umm, can we please exchange??
“Haa? What are you? With that oddly rough voice.”
“This is because of the magic stone. Let the lady go. She is not liking it.”
“Haa? I don’t know what your origin is but you have to stay out of this. Don’t come crying when you get to know our families later.”
“Hmm? Do you get physical strength from your family?”
“Obviously. Authority is power. You wanna try?”
The guy who appeared to be the representative of the three came and stood in front of me.
“Do you think you can win against me here? Let’s assume you can win against us three here with your strength. So what about it?”
Nn? What is he asking me?
I don’t quite understand.
“No, if you shift to violence here, I plan on beating you all and saving the lady, though”
“First, you can’t even win against me. And even if you do, you will face even painful things later on. Do you understand?”
“No, sorry. I don’t really understand.”
“Ah? Are you making fun of me? I don’t know from which shabby noble family you are from but I know you are definitely lower than me. I can get that with a glance. Just try grazing me a little. I will destroy your family and you will forever be hated by your relatives.”
“…..Sorry, can you say that again?”
I do know that I was being provoked here but because of the magic stone his voice sounded really hoarse. I couldn’t understand the important part at all. And also, he was talking really fast too.
“That’s it. You will be executed. Just know that, I won’t accept any apology now.”
“Umm, can you take off the magic stone? I can’t really hear you properly. Sorry, after doing that, can you repeat all that?”
I heard a ‘Ggh!’ sound and understood the mask I was wearing had broken.
Looks like he punched me straight to the face. This is why I do not like masks. It makes the vision so narrow.
I could feel the pain in my cheekbones.
“Ouch!! This bastard, I won’t forgive you!”
The guy who punched me hurt his hand and was going into a frenzy.
I thought I asked quite politely but it ended up in an outburst.
Well, justice is on my side so I can fight him, right?
“Wait!” said a loud voice, and everyone faced that way.
It was the woman who was being kidnapped.
“Kuma-san, I am sorry. Don’t fight for me anymore than this. It looks like they are quite high ranked nobles. It will end up causing you trouble so just leave. I will…. Do something about it myself.”
“You know your place, don’t you, woman? So? The woman is agrees too. Well, I won’t let you run now anyway.”
Seems like he finally removed his magic stone and I could clearly hear it now.
“Well, it seems they won’t let me leave either and I can’t just let this go.”
“……Sorry, kuma-san.”
“Don’t worry about it. I came by my own will.”
The woman threw away her gorgeous feathered mask and said,
“I am Iris. If you are gonna target someone, target me.”
‘Woo’– I could hear one of them blowing whistle.
Seeing Iris’ beautiful face, it looks like they understood how big of a fish they caught.
….Wait, it was Iris?
Even though she was wearing a mask, they ended up getting the big prize.
“I was wondering that such a low status noble had mixed in but this… this….”
As if he were appraising Iris, the representative man looked at her.
The woman was my precious friend, Iris, and I already could not stand around bearing this.
I should end this farce about now.
“You fools, you went too far. I guess I will let you guys know a little pain.”
“You wear a stupid mask and your head is full of flowers as well? That’s fine, it feels the best to beat a justice-barking guy like you.”
“Like I said, kuma-san, wait!!”
Iris said again, with a loud voice.
“Kuma-san, you should just leave now. I will do something about this.”
“Something…?”
“The authority they speak of is honestly…. Kinda scary but we are not at fault here. Besides, they made the first move too so….”
Everyone of us waited for what Iris had to say. We were waiting but what came was a fierce high-kick.
The representative guy went flying. That was quite the kick.
After that, the two who were standing also took a straight kick and went down.
“…….I overdid it a little. I wanted to settle this peacefully, though..”
“Fufuffu, no, this is just about right for people like them, right?”
I took off the broken mask and as well as the magic stone.
“Ah, Kururi?! It was Kururi all along?”
“Yep, I found their delinquency while searching for you. Well, it is only natural to do this much to guys like these.”
“Sorry, because of me your face… does it not hurt?”
“Just a little. It is cold outside so let’s head back. Let’s go back to the castle after finding Rahsa.” “Yep… Sorry.”
“I saw it…!”
With blood all over his face, the hoodlum’s representative got up.
Blood all over his face… Iris’ kick was that intense? I better be careful not to get kicked.
“Red haired fool, your face, I will absolutely not forget it. These wounds and humiliation you gave me. I will make you regret it.”
I have something to say first… I was not the one who gave you the wounds and humiliation! It was not me!
“Well, since we are doing this, I will also tell you my name. It’s Kururi Helan. Pleasure to meet you.”
“Fuhahahaha, idiot! I was planning on getting you soon but you saved me all the trouble. Kururi Helan. My memory is good. Don’t forget my name. It’s Fregen. My family name is—”
“Ah, that’s okay. I will forget it anyway…”
And I can’t even see his face properly because of the blood.
“I will definitely not forgive you! I will tell papa about you!”
Oh no!! He will tell papa!!
He had some pressure being all bloodied up but that last sentence just ruined it all.
“Haa, I am not interested anymore. Let’s go, Iris.”
“Is it really okay? Leaving them like this.”
“It is okay. If you don’t go soon he will tell his papa, after all.”
Iris laughed a little.
“You shoudn’t…. Say that.. Pff”
Iris said with a low voice.
“You fools! You laughed, didn’t you?! I won’t forgive you, I won’t forgive you at all!!”
“If you come alone, I will take you on anytime. See ya.”
Taking Iris’ hand, as she was hesitating a little, we left the place.
The Fre… something guy was still shouting from behind. Something about his wounds and humiliation.
I wasn’t the one who kicked you, alright?!
“Sorry, Kururi. I can’t really adapt myself to the party, and I caused this trouble too– this is just the worst.”
“It’s fine. It might have been a serious deal… Now, let’s go find Rahsa and leave.”
“You sure? I would feel bad if you were having fun….”
“It’s completely fine.”
It’s that-that, surely, Rahsa will….
After searching for a while with Iris, we found someone like Rahsa.
“Hey, Kururi, I would feel bad for prince Rahsa if I am wrong but…”
“No, you are probably not wrong.”
Silently standing at a corner of the hall, a rather small guy.
Without drinking the mysterious drink in his hand, he was just standing there.
At a warm hall, that hawk-masked young noble was standing still.
“Really….? I thought prince Rahsa was more like, you know? Who would confidently go around places like these….”
“I don’t really know well myself but he is probably not that good at places like these. For a big crowd to assemble at one place and communicate without rules.”
“Even prince Rahsa has things he is bad at, huh? I kinda feel some affinity towards him now.”
“Right? Now that I think about it, he was probably like that the first time I met him too….”
“…..Let’s go back with him, shall we?”
“Yep.”
Stealthily coming from behind, I gently put my hand on his shoulder and said,
“Found you.”
“A…. Anijii…..”
Is it just me or was his voice shaking just now? I had thrown away the magic stone which changed my voice so he understood immediately.
Looks like he waited quite a bit. I wish I had found him sooner. That was all I was feeling.
“Let’s go back.”
“Yes..!”
We went back together in one carriage.
Maybe because we were leaving from an unfamiliar place, the atmosphere inside the carriage was quiet.
I felt with my whole body that the atmosphere felt kinda soft.
“I thought I would be okay if I were with you, but, as I expected, it was no good.”
“Don’t be so depressed about it. I was really, really bad too and besides, it isn’t something to boast about even if you are good at it, right?”
“That’s right but, but Aniki, you were able to hit on a pretty lady. Really, Aniki, you are amazing.”
So he was watching me…..
“Yes. No one would have such an appearance except you.”
What do you mean such appearance?! And let me just add, it was almost all Supatifila-san’s suggestion!
“Well, still, it’s that–you know, it was still a failure.”
I was wondering what to do for the most part too.
Even Iris looked at me like ‘Hee, so you were doing that.’
I really…. Strongly, want them to stop… Isn’t that what that place is for?!
“I lost sight of you two in the middle. It was the worst after that. Exactly where did you go?”
“Ah…”
Iris looked sorry.
Even though she is absolutely not at fault.
“A little event. It seemed fun so it is a shame I couldn’t participate.”
“Something like that existed? Well, I wasn’t feeling like that anyway so it’s okay.”
Rahsa sighed, as if he was sick and tired of it.
“I don’t want to go to such a place for a while now. Oh, now that I mention that, my brother was also there. As expected, he completely fit in–I should learn something from him.”
“Ah, he was.”
“Really? I would have liked to meet him.”
Those words! I want to tell it to him!
He would probably feel the best.
“I want to have some soy soup after I get back.”
“Same.”
—–
“You bastard, Fregen.”
“Hou, from that voice, is it prince Arch-dono?”
Having come outside after searching all around for Iris, he had found Fregen.
“……..Why are you so bloodied up?”
“……Don’t mind that. It’s fine. It’s been long, prince who went to a boondocks school.”
“Don’t make fun of it. It’s a proper school with tradition. And besides, there are interesting people there too.”
“Only an idiot would distance himself from the capital lifestyle for such a thing.”
“……Is the blood fine? I can’t concentrate on talking with your face covered in it.”
“I said it’s fine! I am in a bad mood now! I will execute that fool who did this to me!”
Raising his voice, he immediately made an evil laugh. He had remembered performing the ‘execution’ in the past and the distorted happiness he had felt.
“Your bad habit is showing. No matter how much money you have, there are things you must not do. Especially, in front of my eyes.”
Being threatened by the prince, the evil laugh faded from Fregen’s face.
They had known each other from long ago and had a bond before but now it was not anything to speak of.
“It is not related to you.”
“Is that so? Depending on the matter, I will add restraints personally.”
“You think you can do that to me….?”
They had glared at each other for a while but Fregen left the place first.
The prince did not stop him. He did not know what that guy was going to do and certainly, it was not good to stop him with force.
Fregen’s family, the Dartanel family, runs the number one company in the capital.
=====
Volume 4 Chapter 24
“Aniki, you have received two letters. Both senders do not seem like someone you would know but… they were delivered to the castle as official documents.”
At first I was really stiff in the castle but now that I have lived in it for more than a week, I had leveled up to be able to sit on the sofa with my legs crossed while having nice fruit sake.
It does kinda bother me how Supatifila-san who was standing behind would occasionally mutter something suggestive like ‘Iris-sama sure works hard…’
“For me? I wonder who it is from.”
I looked at the sender.
Fregen Dartanel and Gormen Areshik… Ah, I really don’t know these two.
“I do not know who this Gormen person is but I know Fregen quite well. He isn’t someone who would be Aniki’s acquaintance…”
“Hee, what kind of a person is he?”
“It is not much of a good name. I kinda have a hunch that something bad will happen. He has been colliding with my brother quite a lot from long ago….”
What an amazing person. Is he the god of infectious diseases or something?
Even still, to collide with the prince, he must have guts.
“Can’t you correct something like that with the royal family’s power?”
“That’s right… My father does not really like using authority much but… More than anything, the main cause is this Fregen person’s family, Dartanel holds quite a bit of power.”
“That amazing?”
“It is frustrating to say it but, yes. This country has the tendency to focus authority in the center and Dartanel family is the head of that. They handle the core of the capital’s economy after all…. Actually, they are also a big portion of why Kudan kingdom could prosper this much.”
I see, so money means power, eh? And they also have the merit of expanding the country.
I guess it would be quite hard to stop that once it goes on a rampage.
“The Dartanel family is a very distinguished family and their previous head was an extremely good person but their current head is more of a greedy person. And also, the next head would be Fregen, who keeps bringing trouble. It hurts my head to think of it.”
“That’s quite a lot of trouble… I thought our territory was having it pretty rough but everyone has it rough, huh?”
“Yes, but Helan territory’s development is certainly the best news as of late. Your father, Toral-dono is also a person of trust and my father also praises him frequently.”
Is that true?!
My father will be super happy when I tell him that.
He is a person full of emotions, after all. Even among that, sadness is more within him so I should let him take it easy sometimes.
“That Fregen bastard, he probably got the scent of some good business from the prospering Helan territory. Aniki, there is no need to fear. You can brush off all his pushy demands.”
Of course, I will.
My spirit has not gone so low as to yield to lowly threats and my love for my territory has not faded for me to sell it. In fact, I am full of spirit and miss my territory since I have not gone there in a while.
“I feel like tearing the letter apart after hearing that.”
“Yes, sorry about it. But since it is an official document, could you please have a look at it?”
If that is the case, I do not really want to bother Rahsa, so I guess I will properly read it.
‘Respected and affectionate Kururi Helan-dono,
I am in your debt for what you did the other day. I would really love to return the favour so please come to our house tonight. I am really hoping to meet you.’
“…….Or so it says.”
“Directly…. That is unexpected. I thought it would be something about the Helan territory…
Or rather, what? Aniki, do you know him? It feels like you saved his life or something.”
Right? I mean he also wrote respected and affectionate and what not.
Did I save someone on the way to the castle or something? I did greet a lot of people….
“I don’t really remember. I might remember if I see his face.”
“I see…. What will you do? Accept the invitation?”
“No, I will refuse.”
“You will refuse even considering the content of the letter? As expected of Aniki! I wanted you to refuse so it makes me happy!”
Actually, I refused because it seemed like Rahsa did not want me to accept it from the start. I would like Rahsa to feel better than someone who I don’t even remember.
“Hahah, now then, let’s just throw this away. Supatifila-san, please incinerate this. And also, please send a letter of refusal.”
So it is okay to throw it after reading, eh? How honest of him to properly maintain the procedure. Incinerate at that too. Exactly how much do you hate this guy?
Moreover, even Supatifila-san who was ordered to burn it also seemed a bit happy.
I realized this recently but she seems to be happy when Rahsa is happy.
Well, I made Rahsa happy too so her spell ‘Iris-sama sure works hard’ won’t be coming for a while probably.
“The other letter is from Gormen Areshik. I do feel like I heard the name before but let’s open it.”
“What will I do if it’s a love letter?”
“It is probably a guy, are you okay with that?”
“………..”
I opened it.
‘Respectable and affectionate Kururi Helan-dono’
Again. I am being respected quite a lot these days. Did the society finally come to know of my charm?
‘Acknowledging your skill as a blacksmith, I invite you to the Blacksmith Organization Ten Excellence meeting. I have important talk with you so I would really like it if you were to participate.
Blacksmith Organization Ten Excellence representative, Gormen Areshik.’
“Ahh, I see. So it is Gormen-san of the Blacksmith Organization. Aniki, don’t you think you should participate in this?”
“Is he someone famous? Also, what is this Blacksmith Organization?”
“It’s where the blacksmith masters are assembled in the capital to form an organization. I do not know well but half of the weapons the soldiers use are from Gormen-san’s company, Soul of Iron.”
“Isn’t there quite a lot of soldiers in the capital? Can they keep up?”
“Yes, Soul of Iron is quite the large scale smith.”
There is a place like that? I could see the spectacle of all the good blacksmiths gathering and brushing up their skills… It is quite different from me as I do it by myself so I got kinda excited about it.
“It seems interesting so maybe I will go to this.”
“Yes, I will send a reply then. I am sure they have acknowledged your skill.”
“That would be nice.”
On the day of the meeting, I wore the very noble-like clothes Rahsa had prepared for me and headed to the meeting place. The clothes really fit my body well so it was easier to move. Did he make it like this so that I can smith even while wearing this?
Won’t it look a little odd, though?–when I asked Rahsa that, he replied with, ‘You’re a noble so let’s display that identity.’
The carriage went on for a while, going further away from the middle of the capital. I guess it would be far from the noble city.
The driver said ‘We have arrived’ and I looked out to see the place. There was a building different from what I had imagined in front of me. I had imagined a place with soot all over it but… it was a much cleaner, pretty building made of brick.
There was a proper reception inside as well, to which I was also surprised. I had made up a somewhat coarse image of it on my own.
I was imagining a place which was surrounded by blacksmiths…. I guess I was taking it too lightly. Glad I wore proper clothes.
“Kururi Helan-sama, correct? We have been waiting. The assembly hall is deep inside. I shall guide you to it.”
Being guided by a polite lady, I walked into the building. At the hall, members were already gathered and I ended up drawing everyone’s attention. I was an invited guest and it was my first time meeting everyone here so it was the natural reaction but still, I kinda felt embarrassed.
‘So young.’ ‘Slender.’ ‘Wearing good clothes.’ ‘But exactly as we were told.’
I could hear some of them silently speaking.
“So you have come. Please, sit down.”
An old man sitting furthest inside the hall said that. The surrounding people were also old in appearance. There was probably only one man among them who was about 30.
I wondered what would happen now. It made me a little nervous.
“You have my gratitude for coming. You really are a noble. You are a person befitting of your alias, The Great Dancer.”
“The Great Dancer?”
What is that? Moreover, an alias? Me? Dancer even though I am a guy?…. I guess that one is fine.
“Oya? By your reaction, it seems that was the first time you heard it. You probably do not interact with other blacksmiths much.”
“Yes, I am doing it by myself mostly.”
“I see, I see. Well, everyone with amazing skill has an alias. By the way, I am known as the Iron Brain, Gormen Areshik.”
As I thought, this person is the one who invited me, Gormen Areshik. He looked older than everyone here so I had thought he would be the one but… I am kinda curious about his alias Iron Brain. Does that mean that’s all he has going in his brain? If that is so, he must be quite amazing. Both in a good way and bad way.
“Now then, since The Great Dancer has also arrived, let us begin the meeting. Today’s agenda is, as you all know, to select a person to fill the empty chair of Elder Camek, who passed away the other day. This might be your first time hearing The Great Dancer but we have been talking about you for a while after hearing rumours about you.”
The Elder part is the alias, right? If it is an alias, that means that’s the impression that person gave, right? So by elder, does it mean he was always old? I would like to hear more about this, please! Out of personal interest!
“And so, by chance, we were able to get a sword you made in our hands… And this sword was such a rare beauty. I could feel vivid energy from the sword and most importantly, it was delicate and gorgeous. On top of that, we got to know the person who made it is a young noble. It might have been selfish of me but I immediately decided to give you the alias, The Great Dancer.”
“So that is how it came to be… It is an honor receiving such a nice alias.”
I am so glad it wasn’t Youngster. If there is an Elder, I can’t deny the possibility of it happening.
“And so, this is the sword which gave us the deep impression at that time. It is a sword you made, correct?”
The sword Iron Brain held out… It was a sword I had made. It is not like I can remember all the swords I made but I definitely remember the ones where I curved my name on. By the way, it seems like one should call each other by their alias here so I should learn from it.
“Yes…. that is… right.”
“That’s quite an inarticulate way of saying it.”
Inarticulate? I mean, that is true. Surely, it was a sword I gave to someone but it wasn’t that well made. I feel like it is a sword I made when I didn’t get much sleep. In the first place, I did not make it with the intention to sell so I didn’t make it all that good. If such a half-assed sword of mine gets judged, to be honest, I kinda feel more embarrassed than happy.
“No, hahah, I see. It is good then. I am glad I came.”
“Yes. It is difficult to reach this level without natural talent. Do you have a teacher?”
“Yes, his name is Dogan. He is an obstinate person who truly has the spirit of an artisan. Do you know him?”
“Hoo, so Dogan is your teacher. I have been his teacher so naturally, I do know him. Among my students, he wasn’t that good but he was weird in a good way. I can see his genuine love towards smithing from you. To give birth to a dragon–that is quite the achievement, Dogan.”
What a weird turn of fate. To think teacher Dogan was Gorsen-san’s student. And also that he wasn’t that good–kinda makes me want to object as his student. But he probably knows teacher Dogan way better than me. The fact that he still remembers him means…..
So that means this person is the teacher of my teacher. Doesn’t that make him a really amazing person?
“Even he does not have an alias. Can you comprehend how amazing you are from that?”
“Means I am better than teacher? I do not really think that is the case, though…”
“How many years do you think I have been in this world? Dogan does enter a group of people in this world but is definitely not one of the top. The top, that is truly someone among these ten–that is what I think.”
I wanted to hear that from my teacher but I guess my teacher’s teacher would be good too.
“The ones at the top will decide what will happen of smithing from now on. Protecting as well as advancing smithing, is something the people present here should do. And thus, I can’t pick an unskilled person. I think you are worthy of one of these 10 seats. I wanted to hear your and the others’ opinions about officially inaugurating you to your position today.”
The explanation of the situation had ended and we were not entering the main topic for today.
I will pull the business world of the blacksmiths as one of the top?! Even though I had not even opened my shop, a dream like talk came fluttering in.
“May I speak?”
Gormen-san and I were at the two ends, facing each other, and there were 3 people on the right and 4 on the left. A man in the prime of his life raised his hand.
“Go ahead, Kabuki”
“I am against The Great Dancer’s addition to the ten excellence.”
“Hou, you always give clear opinions. Please, let us know the reason.”
“Yes, to be honest, I had approved of it before coming here. However, after looking at the sword once again, it kinda gives off a feeling of youth… It is a great sword and honestly, it is a kind which even I can’t make. However, when compared to my swords, I think it is inferior. I want to keep this place a place where only people the same as me or above exists. Sorry for being selfish.”
“No, it is an important opinion. The Great Dancer, do you have anything to say to this?”
Of course I do. He said it politely but I was being insulted as an artisan.
“It might come out as an excuse, and it is not like I really want to enter the ten excellence but that sword is not finished well. It was my naivety to let it get out to the world as a half baked sword and I will learn from it. Let me say this again, it is not like I want to enter the ten excellence. However, it would be troubling if one were to judge me by that sword alone. My skills are still evolving day by day. That sword is not my grand sum of skill.
I think I said pretty much everything I wanted to say…
I did not really know how amazing of a place this is but if one were to ask me if I want to join then, honestly, I do not. It seems like a bother.
“I am glad you are clear with your opinion as well. To think you can make swords greater than this… if that is true then that is amazing. Depending on that, you might even jump straight to the top…”
“Only if that is true. Youngsters always tend to exaggerate themselves. Please consider that as well.”
The Kabuki is definitely not accepting me but I can respect how he does not sugarcoat his words. Iron Brain said it too but I guess he is an honest person. Not a type I hate.
“I approve of him.”
Closest to me, on the left side of the table, the man who looked like 30 revealed his opinion.
“So you approve, Zeni Geba. You don’t often display your opinion so it is quite unusual of you.”
(TL note: Zeni means money in Japanese and Geba means die Gewalt (power) in German, so the title can be translated into “Moneypower”.)
Zeni Geba?! Are you really okay with that?!
I mean, it does sound kinda cool but they are calling you Zeni Geba, you know?!
“Youth is a strong point. That fact that he can make even better swords, whether that is true or false, the fact that he can make that sword at this point is important. I greatly approve.”
“There is also that way of looking at it. Certainly, we are lacking youth here. The only one here who is lively is probably you, Zeni Geba. And it is also true that the others, including me, tend to think one-sidedly.”
After that, there was a opposition of opinions between the opposing Kabuki and the approving Zeni Geba.
Iron Brain seemed to be on the approving side but because of his position, he had to stay neutral and thus, the situation came to a 4v4. As if the Iron Brain liked the meeting to be heating up, whenever it was about to calm down, he poured more oil.
Is it just me or do they look like they are having quite fun? Honestly, it is a situation where I alone am left out.
“Everyonee~ It is about time we have lunch~”
The young, receptionist lady came in carrying food and everyone obediently abided.
“With his assets, there is a rumour Zeni Geba is about to buy the position of a noble. And so, maybe he is happy about another noble joining.”
It looks like the Iron Brain can naturally scoop out a person’s thoughts. Zeni Geba’s cheeks got a little red while he was having lunch.
“Ah, yes yes, I did not yet tell The Great Dancer all about the ten excellence yet. As we are giving you such a position, of course a compensation befitting of it is also there. We have a foundation and from there, quite a lot of money is provided. Half of us here are refusing it but really, quite a lot of money is divided every year. Well, since The Great Dancer is a noble so it might just be about spare change to you.”
Money?! A good amount of it?!
“……….After how much time?”
“Oya? It seems you’re interested. Of course, all the time while you have the position. As long you go mad with your skills and don’t go mad yourself, we don’t really expel anyone either.”
“Is that so? You can never have too much money. I am the next head of the Helan territory, even if it just some spare change, I can use it properly.”
“I see, I see. It looks like The Great Dancer is quite talented. The prince also seems like a person who has it together–this country’s future looks bright. I can die in peace.”
Don’t say such things. But, him saying all that like he was having fun also kinda looked cool.
“Now then, since our stomachs are also full, let’s get to the conclusion. Saying that we will have a look at your other swords at a later date, let’s put out our opinions for now. I like the meeting heating up but I do not want it delayed.”
“Then, let’s go with majority rule like always.”
“Right. Let’s go clockwise starting from me. Iron Brain, approve.”
As I thought, he approves.
“Kabuki, approve.”
After that, unexpectedly, Kabuki also turned to approve. Even though he was initiating the opposition.
The person after that, and the person after that, and eventually everyone present there unanimously agreed.
……What exactly was the passionate discussion a while ago?
“And there you have. As you heard, the whole place unanimously wants to welcome you. Lastly, if you were to also accept, we would officially make you a member but….”
The progression was so fast that honestly, I became a little perplexed.
But, I am being acknowledged and… also, money? Seems like I will get a little money too… not like I really want it but… No, really.
I also want to restore my honour from the half-assed sword too so…
“It is an honor. Of course, I will gladly accept.”
“Very well! Well then, the Ten Excellence meeting is now over! Suspended! We will send the authorized proof later so wait a few days.”
As the Iron Brain announced ‘suspended’ with an unthinkable volume judging from his age, everyone left the place at full speed. They didn’t even exchange greetings as they were leaving.
As expected of artisans!
The only exception among them, Zeni Geba, came to talk to me.
“The Great Dancer, if you are okay with it, how about coming to my company later? You can have a look at how easily I earn money and also something interesting.”
“Yes, I will gladly come by.”
I also made a light acquaintance so it was a fruitful day.
Having thought about it now, did I become quite the artisan?
The day when I will think I was correct to choose this path might be really close by.
========
Volume 4 Chapter 25
At the moment, I am running. That too, at an intense speed!
Why? Because I came across a certain oddball.
Yes, that weird person.
It all started early morning.
After waking up in the morning, as I had free time, I thought out I would take a look at the plantation inside the castle out of curiosity. On the way, I had met a very pretty woman. It might be taken as rude to enquire into a woman’s age but there is no doubt that she was not of my age. I thought she was probably as old as my mother but she felt strangely young. Rather than forcing to appear young, it looked like she lived life as she pleased and that was why she looked so young.
And I had been looking at that person for a while. It was a little different than being charmed… How do I say this?.. This person, was a little odd.
She entered the medicinal plant field where medicines, which were similar to the ones Toto cultivated, were lined up, and she went sniffing them all. Holding up the plant close to her face to take its scent–She was not doing much of an elegant gesture. She herself leaned over and pressed her nose to the plants and sniffed them. It was a nice gesture to the plants but not to herself. Especially for a woman like her who was probably raised very well.
Without collecting my thoughts, I ended up speaking.
“Umm, what are you doing?”
“Eh? What…. I am sniffing the medicinal plants, obviously.”
She spoke as if I was the weird one. In other words, to her, the act of sniffing medicinal plants was normal and me bearing doubts to that was weird.
“I-I see. Why with such a posture? It does not feel very lady-like.
“This much is fine for someone who has been as lady-like as me. It’s no good for you, though.”
It is a problem of level? You mean my experience as a noble is low?
“That was something I did not know.”
“Right? It’s just between us, alright?”
Looks like this wonderful information must not be spread. I do not plan on doing it either, though.
It probably won’t be popular even if it spread, I think…
“Are you fond of medicinal plants? It is only a little but I am knowledgeable about it too.”
“Ara, I do not like medicinal plants at all. In fact, this field is sort of like an enemy’s encampment to me.”
I can’t understand this conversation at all!
“Then, as before, what are you doing?”
“Like I said, I am sniffing the plants, though?”
The conversation is going nowhere!
“…..If this is the enemy camp then are you observing the enemy? To compare with your own plants or something.”
“Fufu, good job deducing that without getting impatient. But, you are only about half correct.”
So she was conscious of trying to make me impatient… What do you think of that? It is my fault for starting the conversation with this pretty, odd lady, though.
“The medicinal plants here are grown really well. I could just ask the secret directly to the one growing them but isn’t that frustrating? And so, I am here early morning to find out. By the way, the ones I am growing are not medicinal plants. They are much more delicious.”
“I see. So you are growing vegetables. That means, Tsukimi-san??”
Finally, she turned to face towards me. After taking a good look at her face upfront, it kinda resembled that person’s. On second thought, it almost looks exactly like that person. So much that it makes me think if they were to age like that, they would end up looking like this.
“Eliza’s mother….?”
“Yes, that’s correct. And you are Kururi-kun, right?”
“You knew me?”
“Of course. Half of what my daughter writes to me are information about you, after all.”
“I-I see….”
That is troubling. It kinda makes me embarrassed….. It makes me really embarrassed. Kyaaa~
“Are you taking care of her properly?”
“Taking care… We don’t have such a relationship. Friend? Yes, we are doing extremely well as friends, yes!”
“I see…. Friends…”
Don’t come closing the distance squinting your eyes, please!
And don’t bring your face close! I kinda feel like I am being seen through!
I can’t stop sweating. That-that’s too close! Close, close, close!
“I guess I will stop teasing you.”
“Haha, thank you very much…”
So she was consciously teasing me. ‘Thank you very much’? Why am I being grateful….?
This is bad, this person is quite the villain! Really, she must have been an oddball for quite long.
“Kururi-kun, you are free right now, right? Help me out a bit.”
“Alright. I was just about to go look at your plantation, after all.”
She pulled my ear. Ow-ow-ow–can’t be impertinent to her.
“You know medicinal plants well, right? Then help me find the secret.”
“I am not an expert as to find out just by smelling though…”
“Just do it!”
And so, we both leaned to the plants and went around sniffing them. The secret to growing these plants? There is no way I could find that out. Just about–Ah, this place smells like earth or this plant smells pungent.
“So, did you get it?”
“No, this is reckless. Let’s just go ask honestly. If you don’t want to, I can ask for you.”
“That’s no good! This is a war. Is there someone as stupid to go ask the enemy general the secret of his soldier’s strength?!
What is with that example….? Does she have a rival?
Isn’t it just that the sun is hitting this place properly?
“Ah! Tsukimi-san, the one I am smelling now–it can be eaten!”
“Nn…?”
“That one–A friend of mine who is knowledgeable about medicinal plants is always biting that when he is a little hungry. I hear it is crunchy and tasty.”
Whenever I went to the plastic greenhouse, I saw Toto often munching on that. When I asked, ‘Is that good?’ he replied ‘Well, it’s normal.’ but I will take it as delicious.
“Ara, that’s something nice.”
Tsukimi-san tore off one of it. And then another. Then, holding the plant, she faced me and smiled.
“I will eat it. That way I can find out the secret.”
“You looked like a thief from the start but with this you are actually one now.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. I gave them some carrot the other day so we can call it even with this.”
I don’t know if it’s even or not but for me the feeling of guilt exceeds that.
“If it can be eaten as a food, then I wonder why it is a medicinal plant.”
“I hear it needs some special processing to be used as a medicinal plant.”
“Heee…..”
Tsukimi-san looked at me like ‘This boy can be unexpectedly useful’. It was just something I thought and I don’t know if it is true or not but it probably was.
“Then, let’s head to the kitchen.”
After that, the quickness of her actions was amazing. Can’t really think of it as something a noble woman would be capable of. Can’t really think of it as someone her age would be capable of.
She started running at a terrifying speed.
“Wa-wait! You’re too fast!!”
In the blink of an eye, she kept going further. I will be left behind if I don’t run at full speed. I don’t know where the kitchen is so it would be troubling if I am left behind!…. Or will it? I can think later. I should chase now.
Too fast. Why is she even running?
I feel like I understand why she is called a phantom. I ran. I just desperately ran. That too, at an intense speed.
“Haa..haa..haa.. Why are you running?!”
“Haa… I want to… haa… eat it fast!”
We finally arrived at the kitchen. Being completely exhausted, I did not feel like eating.
“It can be eaten just like that, you know.”
“Right. I plan on having one just as it is. I will deep fry the other one.”
………..So that’s why you took two. I completely thought you took one more for me. Hahaha….. Hahaha…
“After cleaning it with water, slice it to one mouthful size each.”
Saying it by herself, she skillfully presented it on a plate.
And went on munching it down. Her mouth chewing it looked kinda cute. Saying it is cute might be rude though.
“Ara, won’t you eat?”
Eh?! There is some for me?!
I don’t really want to eat it but that made me really happy.
I also started munching on it.
…..Yep, pretty normal.
“Pretty normal.”
I guess that is how it is, huh? I wish I didn’t say it was good.
“Let’s try the fried one as well.”
She went on preparing it skillfully again. I could understand that she was quite good at cooking.
“Is Eliza good at cooking too?”
“…..You can have her make you something. That way, you will get to know, right?”
“………Right.”
Me-me-meat and potato stew, please!!
The fried one was also done and I had a portion as well. I sprinkled some salt on it. It wasn’t munchy anymore but was softer.
But even still…..
“It’s pretty normal.”
“Normal, it is.”
“Could you understand the secret behind the good growth?”
“Not at all.”
Right? If one could understand just by eating, that would be an amazing skill.
“Mmm, now that it has come to this, we have got no choice but to directly ask.”
“You’re going to ask for the secret of soldiers strength from the enemy soldier?!”
“Don’t be impertinent!”
But you were the one who said it!
“Kururi-kun, you are free after this as well, right?”
“Yes, I was going to see your plantation, after all.”
Ow-ow-ow-oww–she pulled on my ear again.
“Then, come to my house. Eliza is there too.”
Is that okay?! But I am kinda nervous… But is it really okay?! Really…
“You’re on good terms with prince Rahsa. You could come with him.”
“Right, then I guess I will go…”
“Yes, then it’s today. I will be waiting then.”
It is an invitation from mother after all. When mother invites, one must go.
Right? I do not have any ill intention. I must go since my friend’s mother invited.
And so, after inviting Rahsa as well, we headed towards Eliza’s house.
“Actually, this is my first time going to Eliza-san’s house. Our fathers see each other every day but it isn’t like our families are on good terms. But still, I have seen the prime minister’s house from afar a few times and it was quite a wonderful house.”
I wonder what kind of a house it is. There being a lot of nobles in the capital, I had seen quite a lot of luxurious houses but since Rahsa is also praising it, it must surely be amazing.
As for what I thought…. It was quite normal.
It wasn’t that different from our house, the rooms were not that large and the garden wasn’t that big either.
Eh? What is the amazing part then?–I thought.
Is the price of the land high or something?
“Aniki, you look kinda curious. You probably don’t know what is amazing about it yet.”
Rahsa said happily. Tell me quick.
“This place, you see, has been passed on since the time of the first prime minister. It does not look that extraordinary but only the prime minister succeeds this house and even if you are royalty, you are not permitted to walk in without permission. It is a place full of history. Wonderful, isn’t it?”
I-I see…. Cool. Like a brand power or something?
“Is it okay to touch… the bell?”
“Of course. They do not have any reason to reject visitors.”
We-well, then….
After knowing that info just now, I kinda feel nervous about just pressing the bell.
……..The bell wasn’t anything extraordinary either, not something which would bring about fairies or anything… really, a very average bell. Even my house is probably using a better one.
“Who might you people be?”
A voice said from the otherside of the gate. A man… probably someone who works here.
“Probably the butler who has been working for the prime minister generation after generation. He is extremely skillful and famous.”
Rahsa said he didn’t come here once but he seems to know quite a bit. Does that mean this guy is famous even in the capital?
“I am Kururi Helan. I received invitation from Tsukimi-sama and as such….”
And suddenly, I had a bad flashback.
“I am really sorry to say but Tsukimi-sama has not returned for more than a week so I do not know of what you are talking about.”
Like I thought!!!
The second tragedy after coming to the capital! I wanted to visit my friend’s house but couldn’t get in, part 2!!!
“Well, it is Tsukimi-sama we are talking about after all…”
Rahsa said while giving a bitter smile, being perceptive. Experienced?! So Rahsa has already been through it…
“What shall we do?”
“How about changing it to you coming to visit your friend, Eliza-san? One doesn’t need an appointment to visit a friend.”
Eh? Well, not like I am against that or anything?
But, you know, just wait a bit, just a little. I need some time to be mentally prepared.
Just a bit, okay?
“Because of Tsukimi-sama, things like these happen frequently. I am very sorry. Then, I shall call Eliza-sama, please wait a moment.”
What a polite person. I wonder if he too is being abused by Tsukimi-san.
After a while, the butler came back. He still did not open the gate.
“Kururi-dono, Eliza-sama will welcome you personally but she has asked for you to wait a bit as she needs a little time. I also have a message for you. She had failed while making chiffon cake and dirtied her clothes. And she wants to welcome you with a proper dress so please wait a while.”
And so, we were not let in again.
“Aniki, I think I can smell sweet potatoes from inside, do you think she is making something?”
“No, I am also getting the scent of it. Probably roasted potato. It’s completely like Eliza to make sweet potatoes on a cold day like this. And I am jealous.”
“Aniki, that is kinda rude to Eliza-san. It is obvious someone else is frying them. That very noble-like Eliza-san wouldn’t be frying something like potatoes. And besides, the butler also said she was cooking chiffon cake.”
Fuu, so young you are, Rahsa.
“Yes, that is exactly correct. My master is making ‘chiffon cake’. An attendant is ‘frying potatoes’.”
Uwah, even the butler. Too suspicious. I can totally tell he is trying to cover up for her.
“I am pretty sure Eliza is the one frying the potatoes since she loves potatoes, though…”
“…. Actually, being a butler, I thought it would be bad to say that I was the one frying potatoes. Because it would sabotage my job. I made a mistake trying to blame it on the attendant but, fufufu, it was me who was eating it.”
He even sold himself?! So skilled! This person is definitely the ideal butler.
Sorry for going so deep.
“….Butler-san also has a playful side, eh?”
“Yes, being a man, I cannot forget my playful side.”
Sorry for degrading you to an unfaithful butler.
“Aniki, looks like he is quite an affectionate butler, huh?”
Rahsa said in a low voice.
I guess I will just keep it at that.
“Flotar, open the gate.”
I could hear a sound of someone walking fast and immediately after, Eliza’s pretty voice. It looks like she has finally come, after taking care of the ‘mess’. Haven’t met her in a whi…. Or I guess I did.
Flotar is probably the butler’s name. As he got the sign, the gate opened.
In front of the residence, there was the white haired butler lowering himself, and deep in front of the entrance, about 3 steps high, a pretty girl wearing a red dress. A gorgeous, graceful, and with a somewhat kind aura, Eliza stood there.
“Kururi-sama, thank you for coming. Ara, also prince Rahsa. I welcome you both… However, it is not much gentlemen-like to suddenly appear at a girl’s house. A girl needs some time to prepare, you know?”
So many secrets to a maiden.
I am sorry. But it was your dear mother who trapped us. Next time, I will come after you are done with the potatoes.
After bowing politely, Eliza gave an unusually bright smile like a young girl… Is it okay to take it as welcoming us? Well, it’s not like she isn’t like this, right? ….I guess it is okay if I just know that.
Eliza came close step by step.
What shall I talk about? I am glad Rahsa is here too. Stop beating so much, my heart.
As my pounding got faster, Eliza was also getting closer.
Hmm?
I thought her dress up was perfect but… Hmm? Isn’t something there on her lips…?
Hmm? Thereit is. This… potato!
So you were eating?!
I knew you were hurrying with the clean ups but you were eating?! That is unexpected!!
If you dressed up so perfectly, you should also notice your mouth! Or is it that you ate it after dressing up?! It would be a waste so you ate it just like that!?
Look! Even Flotar-san with a somewhat lower sight has noticed it too!
His complexion is turning really pale too! A person with such composure is shaking like that!
His hands-his hands are also becoming fidgety while he keeps unnaturally wiping his face.
“Flotar, what happened? You’re being unlike yourself.”
You’re going to just say it?! Eliza-san, please notice! Notice the real intention behind his gesture!
I can understand Flotar-san being stricken by despair. I kinda want to apologize to him.
“Eliza-san, you have chiffon cake stuck to your mouth. You are an unexpectedly careless person, I see.”
Rahsa!! Rahsa came in like an angel!! That is a potato, though. Thank you for misunderstanding it as chiffon cake. Because of your innocence, everyone here was saved.
Eliza immediately ran inside the residence.
Flotar-san also immediately stood in front of us.
“Please wait a while.” was all he said. He didn’t say anymore but the pressure was something else.
I feel like I heard him say ‘Biggest failure of my life’ in a low voice. It is not your fault. It is Eliza’s fault. No, the society is wrong to think potatoes are not a noble-like food. Nobody here is at fault!
Eliza came back. With a bright red face.
It is completely fine with me but even if I say that, no, if I say that she would worry even more. Well, our relation is still unripe. I don’t know if it will ever be ripe but I do want to say some time in the future that I knew. And that it is completely fine to eat potatoes until she is satisfied.
“Hohhohoho, hhohohho, to let chiffon cake get stuck to my face, how silly of me!”
Eliza-san?! Did you always laugh like that?!
“My lady! Seriously, so careless. I did know that you are weak to chiffon cakes, though!”
What?! What is with this big drama between this young lady and butler!?
“…..Eliza really likes chiffon cake, huh! Seriously, you’re everyone’s idol in school so get yourself together!”
We were the reason it all started so I guess I will play along with this drama here.
“Hahhahhaha, you’re exactly right! Miss, please be careful!”
“Ohhohho, ye-yes! I shall do that!”
“…..Everyone, isn’t that enough? I feel cold so can we get inside already?”
Because of an angel called Rahsa, this hellish drama did not go on any longer.
However, the atmosphere did not change. Saying ‘It is not much but please have this tea.’ she gave us super high quality tea, which we all silently drank. It was so silent that even the gulping sound also echoed.
And like this, the visit to the pretty girl’s house closed curtains in a disappointing way.
Let me just say this at the end, nobody was at fault. That the society is at fault.
=======
Volume 4 Chapter 26
Having remembered that I had received an invitation from Zeni Geba to visit his blacksmith company, I decided to head there. It seems to be the 2nd biggest blacksmith company coming after the Iron Brain’s company. On top of that, it seems to be the most earning blacksmith company. One can feel his talent and resolution from it.
The exterior of the building was completely different from those surrounding it. It was close to the nobles’ city but was not even inferior in quality from the nobles’ buildings. It reflected Zeni Geba’s business policy.
“It’s been awhile since we were alone together, huh?”
Because Iris said such startling things, I ended up stumbling as I was getting off the carriage. It’s a result of my usual training that I did not fall…. Well, I do not actually do any training so it’s probably my luck? I didn’t do any good deeds either so….. Coincidence it is.
Iris has an off day today.
Rahsa seemed busy recently so I took her out. Unusually, even prince Arch wasn’t with Iris. There’s no way that person is not aware of Iris’ off days…. Did he have that much of an emergency?
“It somehow doesn’t feel like a smithy, does it?”
They seem to have a few branches but the building in front of our eyes, the main shop, was as Iris said, not like the usual smithies I know. Even if someone were to tell me this was a jewel shop, I would believe it. It is surely filled with soot deep within but the entrance and outward appearance are no short of beautiful.
“Oya, if it isn’t The Great Dancer. You came. And the person along you also seems like a true dancer, a lively, pretty lady.”
As we entered the shop, we met Zeni Geba at the counter, calculating money. As his alias suggests, it seems he is good at counting money. His hair was back-brushed, making him look like a 30 year old intellectual. He was looking exactly as he did at the meeting.
Handing over work to the employees, he came to welcome us. What a nice person.
“Good gracious, I had thought a lot of customers are coming today but this is quite the important customer.”
“Well, we are not customers, though.”
He said he would show me something interesting so I decided to come. I also told that to Iris.
“To me, customers are everyone who will bring me profit in the future. As long as it is possible you will give me good inspiration, to me, you are a customer.”
“I see… But, today, I think we will be the ones gaining. You did say you will show me something rare.”
“Yes. I have it prepared. Or rather, it is a project I have been working on for quite a while. I wanted to show that to you.”
I feel like he just gave a daring smile. As someone like him is saying that with confidence, I feel like I can look forward to this thing he wants to show me. Talking about rare things, there’s also one more of those. It seems like Iris also has quite a bit of interest in this field. Her eyes looking at the goods on display are somewhat different from the normal person; They are shining. Now then, I wonder if she found anything worth.
We were guided to the guest room. They even got us some high-quality tea.
All of these facilities wouldn’t be at a normal blacksmith. You could even call it a miracle if you are served tea.
“It does seem like you have a lot of customers who are nobles. Are all these facilities made for nobles?”
“Yes, you are correct. I think the age of judging a battle from one’s strength has already become old. One of the reasons we are prospering is because we destroyed that old concept.”
If you have time to worry about the shop’s appearance then you should be polishing your skills!–It looks like there are a lot of those stubborn blacksmiths who would say that and consider this as heresy but since it is succeeding, I guess there is not one single right way of going about it.
“The days where one needs to use a sword everyday is limited. Most of the nobles prefer the looks rather than the good or bad parts of the sword. There are also some who think it disgraceful to walk in dirty shops. Our shop also meets those needs. Well, we don’t have any product which is not up to the mark, though.”
I felt like the things this person talked about made sense. There are also quite a lot of people wanting such a shop. It was a good experience, getting to hear senpai’s opinion but… It is a little different from the kind of work I want to do.
I want to make something which would be worth of being called the ‘real thing’. Even if it’s high priced, I want to make something which would be passed down generation after generation. Even if the swords do not have shining ornaments or decorations, I want to battle with things which the right person will understand. I wonder if that also makes me a part of the blacksmiths with the old way of thinking.
“It looks like The Great Dancer would not like this path.”
“Did it show on my face?”
“No, but I am good at perceiving my customer’s mood. Looks like your companion also does not like it. I think it would be pretty popular to women, though…”
Iris is also not satisfied? Even though she was looking at the products so passionately. Zeni Geba was certainly a big business man, being sharp in that sense.
“No, I think I like Kururi’s swords more.”
I really love that honest part about her but it makes me kinda nervous if that is said before the person in question.
As expected of you, Iris-san.
“Yes, in terms of quality, I think The Great Dancer is undoubtedly above me. Among the Ten Excellence, I think I am at the bottom. But, people have different sense of values and there are more of them saying my swords are the best. I can just do my business with people like that. And so, you don’t need to feel sorry, The Great Dancer.”
Looks like my feelings are totally being read. Even still, he is such a light person. Normally, I think it is pretty natural for one to be a little upset if their skill is doubted.
“You see, I don’t have such a soft heart to be hurt by every single thing I hear. But the reason I have been able to climb this high is also because I do not like losing. No matter how much money I earn, I, too feel like looking from the top as a blacksmith. But, it is also a fact that I can already see my limit.”
“Something like that…”
“Does exist. However, I also do not think it is impossible to cross it if one uses their head. The rare thing… which I wanted to show you, is the answer to that.”
Zeni Geba’s face was lively all the way. His secret, the rare thing which he wants to show me..
“From here on, we will enter the secret area. It is still not known to the public.”
Deep, deep within the shop, we were guided in. I did think it was a big shop but exactly how many doors have we crossed till now?
We arrived at a place which, at a glance, looked like a normal smithy. I could not spot anything worth calling a secret.
“There is no secret in the place. It is what we are doing, me and three other disciples of mine. That sword you see over there, do you not have a weird feeling when you see it?”
There was a completed sword hung on the wall.
What is different…. Ah, is it….
“”There is magic flowing in it?””
Iris and I both noticed together. There was magic flowing within that sword.
“Yes, exactly. As expected of nobles, you know magic well. There is magic flowing in it. Why? Because there is a magic gem inserted in it.”
“A magic gem in a sword?”
I don’t know that much about magic gems but I do understand that they are worn. Inserting that in a sword? Sure, it is quite rare.
“I realized my limits faster than anyone else. Now when I look back at it, that was probably better. With my skill, it is impossible to surpass the Iron Heart or the other members. But, that is only if we walk the same path.”
“From what you are saying, is a sword with magic flowing in it that strong?”
“Yes, it is that strong.”
He took the sword which was hanging on the wall and another normal one.
The normal one’s quality seemed better. He collided them with each other. The one which broke and went flying was…. The normal one. Even though it was supposed to be better in terms of quality.
“This is the power of a sword with magic flowing in it. You could tell which one was better in terms of quality, right? But as you can see, this is the result.”
“…..How do I say this.. It’s amazing. It really is amazing. Not only in business, you seem to be a genius in smithing as well.”
I am honestly surprised. To think something like this existed. And Zeni Geba’s imagination which thought this up is also something else.
“But, was it okay showing it to us? You haven’t even commercialized it yet.”
“I do not mind. Of course, you are free to make it when you go back. However, I think you can’t make something worthy of selling at all.”
“Is there some sort of a secret to it?”
“Of course. There is the need to create a magical circuit inside the iron–but that, is the hard part. You will understand if you try. When this is commercialized and is out in the market, there will probably be a lot of blacksmiths who will come to this path. And, even in this field, someone will overcome me. Especially someone like you. However, that is okay in itself. That is my limit, after all. What is important is my name will be left in history as the person who made this magic sword, and that is all that matters.”
I see. Leaving his name as the inventor…
Certainly, he has not been able to make that good of a sword with it and so if he hurriedly tries to commercialize it, that might not be good. If there is an amazing, regular sword which is as good as it is, it will not be taken seriously.
Only after it surpasses the best sword currently available will it bring meaning. And so, as I can’t get into that field for a while, he felt it was okay to let me know.
“Is this the best sword you could make at the moment?”
I looked at the lively magic sword which destroyed the other one.
“This is not the best per se but in the first place, it is difficult to make them usable so this in itself is quite good.”
He snapped his fingers and after awhile, a young employee came in with a sword. I wondered if it was one of the disciples who know how to make the magic sword.
“This is what my disciple made. Magic is flowing in it but…”
He showed us by swinging the blade. After a few swings, the sword snapped. There was a huge difference between this one and the one he showed earlier. If it snapped just by swinging in the air, it can’t really be practically used.
“Even my disciple took three years to make this. It is that difficult. There is no one except me who can make one which is usable.”
“Three years…”
To think it took even longer than the time I spent training under my teacher.
This is the best disciples result.
“Have you been doing it for 3 years as well?”
“I am doing it for about 4 years now. After I got to form a shape in my mind, I also told my disciples. It was after 3 years I was able to make something usable. I am working on increasing the quality now. If I am able to make a sword with magic circuit and use all my skills on it, I can rise up to the top at once. Don’t you think so?”
I do. It is an amazing technique. I also got excited. I also want to try making one as fast as possible. To think there still was something as amazing as this. I wish I came earlier. I can’t help it now, though. Instead of regretting, I should be thankful I met him now.
“You will surpass me one day. But, I will take the lead for these few years. Of course, my disciples might also lead.”
“Um, can I take my leave now?”
“Ah, you must be wanting to go and start making one right away.”
“Iris, sorry. And so, I would like to go back right now, is that okay with you?”
I am so sorry to her for bringing her and then even leaving for my convenience. But, Iris permitted it with a smile.
“I like that side of Kururi more. That lively side. Can I also be present while you make that magic sword?”
Of course!”
We hurried back. On the way back, I purchased some magic gems from the store Rahsa introduced me to. A magic gem which will increase sturdiness. It is normally worn to protect oneself from wounds but I will use it to increase the sturdiness of a sword.
After coming back to the castle, I realized, ‘Is there even a smithy here?’ and so when I asked Supatifila-san, she answered that there is one. There is? That is surprising.
“Don’t tell me, Kururi-sama is going to work?!!”
“What is with that super unexpected overreaction….”
“Kururi-sama will do work while Iris-sama is having a day off?!!”
“You don’t need to reaffirm it. Also, don’t compare with Iris.”
When compared with Iris, majority of the human race will be considered lazy.
The smithy at the castle was needlessly huge and clean. It isn’t used much, is it?
I lit the fire. After finishing the maintenance of all the tools, when the place was starting to warm up, I started processing the iron and magic gem.
The magic gem’s magic easily enters a person’s body but it seems like it has a characteristic which makes it difficult to insert into inanimate things. And iron among all things, was unexpectedly more incompatible. However, there are rare metals, which would let the magic flow easily. There is a need to use those as materials and that is quite bothersome.
That rare metal is actually fragile, making it harder to process and on top of all that, is more likely to become rusty. It is famous for being scrap iron. If one were to buy it, it would be with really low amount of money.
To do this, I will need to make it by mixing two irons, this one with the magic flowing in it as the core, and the better one on the outer layer.
And this mixing seems to be quite a hard task to accomplish since it took Zeni Geba 3 years to complete.
Now then, let’s see how long it will take me. Let’s go about it patiently. I am sure I will be able to complete it one day, as well.
I went on forging the iron which will have the magic flow through it as the wick. Next, I pound a higher quality metal on top. As of now… it was somehow going quite smoothly.
The blade’s forging was done and all that was left was to connect the body. After creating a place to insert the magic gem in the body and putting it in, it will be complete.
…..Certainly, it is quite difficult…. But, I feel like I was able to put out about 80% of my skill. But, if I take the magic into account, isn’t there no difference between this and the ones I normally make?
No, that is surely not it. It won’t go that well.
Finishing something in 1 day that took Zeni Geba 3 years to finish is certainly not possible.
“This is from my amateur eyes but I think it is made really well.”
Iris, who had been watching over closely, had said after I completed the sword.
Haha, you really are an amateur. Of course it can’t go that well. I am a chick among chicks in this field. Cheep cheep. In a situation where even the husk of the shell is not broken. Ahh, I see. You are trying to make me feel good. But was Iris someone who would do that?
“I don’t think it is that good. I just put my hand on it, not even an amateur.”
“Really? It looks really good, though…”
You will compliment me that much?
Right, I will know once I use it.
It might break into pieces after one swing. No, that is probably what is going to happen. Surely, even Iris will accept that.
……No matter how many times I swung, it didn’t seem like it would break. Arere? That is weird.
This is really weird. I am starting to sweat.
“Doesn’t seem like it will break.”
“……..Right.”
I mean, after all, the more I swung, the more it got accustomed to the magic and was increasingly shining?! This is not good.
Right, I will know once I use it in a real battle. It is definitely not something which can be used yet.
I will know once someone uses it.
But before that, I can’t make someone use inferior goods so a little test. I exchanged some blows with Iris with the magic sword while she was using one of the guards’ sword. I can’t make Iris use such an incomplete product so I should use the magic sword.
…….I ended up breaking it to pieces. The guard’s sword, that is. Ah, I need to compensate. What is this sword? It is too much of a sword, I am scared.
Barely–Really barely, seems like it can be used in practice. However, I am pretty sure it’s resistance is no good. Yes, that’s right. I just made one sword after all. There’s no way I would be able to make such a good one right from the start.
I headed to the hunter Galdomira-san whom we met during our first monster hunt. I decided to grant him the sword I made awhile ago for free.
“Oh? You sure? Or does it come with some shady history?”
“It isn’t something like that. Please use it to your fullest and let me know your thoughts later. That is all. But, I am sure it will be useless pretty soon.”
“What? I don’t quite understand properly but from the looks of it, it doesn’t seem bad. Swords are consumable goods, I am grateful. I will let you know my impressions after using it.”
It will probably be complaints instead of impressions, though. Well then, I look forward to your complaints.
………, After a few days, what came was, ‘It is amazing!! That sword is amazing!! Too amazing!!!’ such a letter which was half-filled with ‘amazing!!’. He also asked if it was really okay for him to have it but I gave it to him so it’s no problem there. I can’t tell him to give it back now. But, there should be some fault. I just replied saying I don’t mind if he is really careful while using it.
…….I can’t stop sweating. This is weird, everything about it is weird.
Ah, right, it’s probably the beginner’s luck. Surely. No doubt. That is it.
After that, I got news from Zeni Geba.
‘Since it is you, you have probably been forging since that day, right? Won’t you let me see the results?’. Actually, I got scared after that and didn’t make any.
‘So you only worked one day….’ muttered Supatifila-san and that was the end of it.
Right, I probably can’t make it properly the 2nd time. Besides, Zeni Geba can probably find flaws when I show it to him.
“Alright, I will make one more.”
“At last. Kururi, you were kinda scared after that so I am happy you are resuming.”
I was afraid? Well, there certainly were some waves in my feelings.
When I said I would go to the smithy, Supatifila-san almost fainted.
“Don’t tell me, you are going to work again?!!?”
What does she think of me? She probably thinks no more of me than a good-for-nothing who luckily got close to her respectable master.
Calming myself down, I tried making my second magic sword.
Certainly, it was quite difficult….
…….Arere? This is weird… I was able to put most of my skills into it?!!
It would be a pretty good sword even if magic wasn’t flowing in it?!! This!! If I consider magic flowing in it, isn’t this the very best sword I have made up till now?!
No, that is probably my misunderstanding. Yes, I should hear Zeni Geba’s opinion on it.
“……….Uu.”
His hands were shaking. He was even leaking a groaning voice. His nose was dripping. His feets were trembling. He couldn’t stop trembling and hold back his groan, with his nose still running, he said,
“Amazing….. But, you still have ways to go!”
“Right. I still have ways to go, right?”
“……..This sword, can I have it? No, I will properly pay for it.”
“Ah, no. I received the idea from you so please have it. It isn’t something I can sell yet either.”
“So this is not something you can put on sale….. A sword with high sturdiness. If we were thinking in terms of that, I don’t think a sword like this exists in this world…”
His hands were shaking. He was even leaking a groaning voice. His nose was dripping. His feets were trembling. He couldn’t stop trembling and hold back his groan. Also, his nose was still running.
There isn’t another like it?”
But that shouldn’t be the case…
If that’s so, then isn’t it perfect for the knights leader? But, I still don’t understand. How was I able to do it so well? Honestly, I, myself, might be losing sight of my own talent the most.
And so, I came to know later that–
Talent is something which has a kind of poison in it.
That is probably how it is to others.
I shouldn’t have shown that sword to Zeni Geba. And if so, what do you want me to do?
At the end, I was not able to believe in myself. If I had believed in myself and did not cling to his words, I wouldn’t have made him go mad……