“In that case, it’s probably best if I’m not here. The discussion is over, so I’ll be leaving.”
The conversation had shifted from alloys to my marriage with Fiana, and Garaba opened his mouth awkwardly.
*No, wait, Garaba-san!*
*The talk isn’t over yet!*
*There’s a lot I want to say, but I’ll have to put Fiana aside for now!*
“No, please wait. It’s not over yet!”
“Not over? But the arrangements for Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron are mostly settled, aren’t they?”
“That’s true for those two, but in a sense, this is the main event.”
After all, both Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron were made as temporary measures to reduce mana consumption, and they just happened to work out. For Yamato, they were just good decoys.
In any case, I managed to prevent Garaba from leaving.
“Was that just the appetizer… What in the world is this?”
“There’s still something else?”
Both Garaba and Laberna seemed surprised, wondering what was coming next.
I wonder what their reactions will be when they find out.
“I don’t know how to put it… What Yamato originally proposed was a different alloy. But making that requires a lot of my mana. Melting made it easier, but even so, making the amount they want isn’t easy.”
In fact, with the mana needed to make one ingot of that alloy, I could make five ingots of Jade Silver or Blue-Gray Iron.
“Your mana is higher than a normal dwarf’s, partly because you’re a Fairy Half, right?”
“Yeah. If even you say that, it means it’s not something any craftsman can make, is it?”
Mana capacity varies not only individually but also by race.
The order is Winged Tribe, Yokai Race, Dragon Race, Human Race, and Beast Race. Among them, Fairies have the highest mana capacity of all races, and only Dragonians surpass them. Dwarves, on the other hand, have less mana than Elves or Humans.
As a Fairy Half Dwarf, my mana capacity is said to be comparable to that of a Dragonewt or a Lamia, who are said to have low mana among the Yokai Race.
By the way, Marina, a Fairy Half Dragonewt, has more mana than I do.
“Talos tried it, and it seems his limit is ten ingots of Jade Silver a day, or eight ingots of Blue-Gray Iron. For me and Marina, we can do at least twenty of either.”
“Talos, huh? He has less mana for an Elf, but still more than a dwarf. Even he can only make that much in a day?”
“That means the alloy you were originally making is limited to one or two ingots a day, or rather, there are many craftsmen who can’t make it at all?”
“Yes. Even for me, five was the limit.”
I could make a bit more if I used Mana Recovery Potions, but that’s the same for everyone, so there’s no need to mention it. The only other option is to level up.
“That’s a problem in itself. So, what about that alloy? You brought it, didn’t you?”
“Yes. The real prize for them is this Lapis Lazuli.”
Marina produced an ingot of Lapis Lazuli and a sword from her mirror bag at the perfect moment. This sword was also forged by me, so its shape is the same as the swords made of Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron.
There was no point in making a different shape for a sample, and using a shape I was familiar with also helped me conserve mana.
“Wh-what is this!? It’s comparable to Divine Metal!”
“You’re telling me there was something even better? I really didn’t expect this…”
Even the Grand Crafter’s Master and the Smith Chief were incredibly surprised by the appearance of this unexpected alloy.
It’s on a completely different level from before. Fiana is so shocked she’s speechless.
“Its strength is slightly inferior, but its weight is only a little heavier than Magic Silver, so it can be considered equivalent to Divine Metal. That’s why it perfectly matches their request, but that’s also the problem.”
“I can imagine. The previous two were groundbreaking enough, but this Lapis Lazuli surpasses them. That’s precisely why we can’t make this public carelessly. Even if we were to sell it, given that it consumes mana, we’d have to set a considerably high price. However, it would undoubtedly be cheaper to obtain than Divine Metal. If they knew about its existence, Solemn would definitely make a move.”
“Indeed. Even if few can make it, it’s not impossible for those who can to produce a considerable amount if they all work together. This would further widen the gap in national strength between Amister and Solemn. There’s no way Solemn would allow that.”
“Exactly. That’s why Solemn will likely initiate wars with various countries to unify the Philia Continent. Amister, the producer of Magic Silver and Crystal Silver, and Valentia, the producer of Adamantine Steel, will undoubtedly be engulfed in flames.”
*Whoa, this is a much bigger problem than I thought.*
*I never imagined that a mere metal, even one comparable to Divine Metal, could cause such a situation.*
“For Solemn, who aims to unify the Philia Continent and ultimately the Helios Orb, this is sufficient motivation. After all, one of the reasons Solemn cannot surpass Amister is the existence of Magic Silver and Crystal Silver.”
I actually knew that.
Iron can be obtained in many places on the Helios Orb, though not everywhere. Solemn also has several iron mines. However, since most cities in the mountainous Amister have iron mines, Amister can procure more iron than Solemn can on its own. Furthermore, they can mine Magic Silver and Crystal Silver, metals with high mana conductivity, and as the birthplace of the Crafter’s Guild, their crafter technology is also advanced. Therefore, the quality of their equipment is superior to Solemn’s.
“That’s right. Crystal Silver is more brittle than iron except for its mana conductivity, so it can’t be used for weapons, but Magic Silver can. This is a humiliating difference for Solemn. Now that they’ve created a metal equivalent to Divine Metal using that Magic Silver, the gap between them and Solemn will widen even further. It’s not surprising that Solemn would want to do something about it before the gap widens any further.”
*Ugh, this is seriously troublesome. Does that mean Lapis Lazuli can’t be made public?*
“It’s impossible. If they knew you could make metal comparable to Divine Metal, your lives would be in too much danger. Even Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron would be a sufficient threat to Solemn, so they would want to do something about it before it spreads. You can’t make it public until at least your safety is secured.”
“Ah, I think that might be taken care of. We formed a union with Yamato and the others recently.”
“I see, the Ancient Humans have become your shield. It’s Yamato’s proposal, so it’s not an unbelievable story. However, even so, the danger won’t be completely eliminated. Well, fortunately, you don’t seem to intend to make Lapis Lazuli public, and if all the crafters work together, the amount needed by the Order’s Guild for Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron can probably be prepared in a few days.”
“If we prioritize High Class Hunters for the amount allocated to Hunters, that should also work out. However, to spread it all at once, we’ll need to ask the Grand Crafter’s Master, which means going to the Royal Capital. If that’s the case, who will go? There’s no one else but you.”
*No, since Yamato made the proposal, Yamato should go.*
“Since you were the one who came to announce it, and you even proposed the new magic Melting for this purpose, whoever proposed it, the developer of this alloy is you. Therefore, it’s only natural that you should go.”
I can’t argue with that.
The magic Melting was also proposed based on that logic.
“Solemn will surely make a fuss if they find out, but no matter how much they fuss, once it’s spread domestically, there’s nothing they can do. Even if they try to interfere, the actual products made by then won’t disappear.”
“They’ll certainly consider seizing it, but losing one or two swords won’t decide the tide of war. It would be different if there were Grand Hunter’s Masters or Ancient Class like Yamato, but Solemn is said to have fewer High Class individuals than Amister.”
I’ve heard that rumor too.
It was said that if Solemn had Ancient Class individuals, Alegria would have fallen. Even several ordinary High Class individuals wouldn’t match a Grand Hunter’s Master. At least, they would need the same level of skill as Yamato or Prim.
Given that they probably don’t have that many such individuals, even if Solemn were to obtain a few swords made of Jade Silver or Blue-Gray Iron, the outcome is unlikely to change.
“Also, if you’re going to the Royal Capital, please hurry. Retisencia is making some unsettling moves.”
I heard about that from Yamato too.
It’s about the former Hunter’s Master being a spy for Retisencia, right?
After an act like that, it would normally result in war.
“Does that mean we need to prepare Jade Silver before Retisencia mobilizes its forces and update the Order’s Guild’s equipment to Jade Silver?”
“That would be advisable. Especially since the High Order is concerned about their weapons.”
If possible, shields and armor should also be updated to Jade Silver, but that’s probably too difficult. Speaking of which, Marina was looking at Yamato’s coat and designing a coat that was shorter and reduced the amount of armor. She also seemed to be using the basic design from Yamato’s Engraving Tool and was planning to sell it to Rosemary.
“However, this is just my speculation, so I don’t know what His Majesty will decide. But you should inform His Majesty about Lapis Lazuli as soon as possible. You should be able to meet him personally.”
Including that, you want me to go to the Royal Capital?
*But meeting His Majesty personally is impossible for an ordinary person, you know?*
The word “ordinary” seems to be the key here.
His Majesty is a P-rank crafter, but before inheriting the throne, he apprenticed under my grandfather and still visits him whenever he comes to Feel. That’s why I’ve met him many times, and through that connection, I’m also acquainted with His Highness Yuriana, who is currently at Feel, as well as her brother, His Highness Reinhardt, and her sister, Her Highness Manalease. They’ve all told me I’m welcome anytime I come to the Royal Capital.
So, if I go to the Royal Capital to report and head straight to the castle, there’s a high probability I’ll meet him.
It’s incredibly troublesome, but it seems like it might become a much bigger problem than I anticipated. I might have no choice but to go to the Royal Capital.
“Let me know when you decide to go to the Royal Capital. I’ll request guards from Yamato and the others. Since we’re asking Ancient Humans, the reward will be a tremendous amount, but it’s a small price to pay for your safety.”
Garaba nodded vigorously, but is it really that serious? And they’re going to get involved too? But it’s true that if they provide escort, there won’t be any problems, no matter what happens. Actually, since we’ve formed a union, I don’t think we need to make a request.
“What are you talking about? Even within a union, it’s common to request things from each other. Besides, the Crafter’s Guild can’t ignore this matter, so we’ll certainly make a request to a reliable Hunter.”
That’s right, I am receiving weapon and armor crafting requests from them. And while I have the purpose of reporting various matters, they will be escorting me, so there is indeed a need to request guards. The fact that the Crafter’s Guild will handle the request means I won’t have to pay the reward, which is a relief. The reward for Ancient Humans is bound to be an exorbitant amount.
“Knowing Yamato, he’ll probably acquire another woman when he gets to the Royal Capital.”
That’s possible. After all, before I knew it, he married Prim, got engaged to Meena and Flam, and now three more women are hitting on him. One of them is His Highness Yuriana. Moreover, since he evolved into an Ancient Human, women will flock to him even if he does nothing.
“Understood. I’ll let you know as soon as I know when we’ll be going to the Royal Capital, as I need to check their schedules too.”
“Please do. Until then, we will prepare both Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron, but we will not process them, let alone sell them as finished products. And Lapis Lazuli, needless to say. Garaba-san, you agree, right?”
“Of course. I need to go to the Priest’s Guild immediately and have them prepare a Pledging.”
Pledging is a type of temple magic used on an oath document. When written on a blank sheet of paper, the magic of Pledging is imprinted onto the oath taker. Since it’s used on blank paper, the Priest cannot know the contents of the oath, but it’s easy to misuse, so only a few Priests can use Pledging. I heard there are only a few in Feel. After all, breaking a vow can, in the worst case, lead to death. I absolutely don’t want to swear anything.
The fact that they’re preparing Pledging means the Crafter’s Guild is serious, so even if I’m captured by Solemn or Retisencia, they won’t leak the manufacturing method. I might die from torture before that, though.
“Well then, Grand Crafter’s Master, I’m leaving. I want to show this to the others quickly.”
“I’m counting on you.”
“Leave it to me. See you later, Ed. Keep up the good work.”
With that, Garaba stuffed the ingots and swords of Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron into his own mirror bag and left.
“Garaba-san is gone too, so now it’s about your reward.”
*Here it comes.*
*I feel like I shouldn’t be the one receiving it, but since I actually made it, he won’t accept it.*
*What’s more, he said it would help with the wedding, so it’s hard for me to refuse.*
“First, regarding your rank. The other day, you proposed the new magic Melting, and today, you’ve developed a new concept and developed an alloy. This can be considered an unprecedented achievement in the history of the Crafter’s Guild. Considering these accomplishments, P-rank or even M-rank would be appropriate, but you still lack experience. So, I apologize, but we will set you at P-G rank. However, if you gain experience and master the techniques properly, you will be able to be promoted to P-rank without a promotion exam.”
P-G rank, huh?
I expected it, but I feel a surge of emotion seeing that I can actually get promoted. It’s also a great help that I can be promoted without an exam if I gain experience.
“Congratulations, Ed.”
“Congratulations, Edward-san.”
“Thanks, both of you.”
Marina and Fiana congratulated me with smiles, and this kind of thing feels good.
“As for your reward, this time it will be 500,000 El. Since the magic Melting was proposed specifically for this purpose, that amount has been added. Of course, for the next ten years, you will receive 10% of the monthly sales as a technology fee.”
A net income of 500,000 El, plus 10% of the sales for ten years as a technology fee… won’t that amount to an astronomical sum?
When I get to the Royal Capital, I’ll probably end up splurging.
No, more importantly…
“Also, I’d like to ask this personally. Ed, do you intend to marry Fiana?”
*She brings it up now…*
Well, if asked whether I intend to, of course I do, but is there a need for it to be at this moment… Ah, perhaps it can be offset by the reward?
“I intend to someday, but I don’t know how Fiana feels, so I also think it’s up to her if she refuses.”
I have no choice but to answer like this.
After all, I’ve never confirmed how Fiana feels about me.
“Understood. Congratulations, Fiana. I bless your future together.”
…Huh?
No, what did Laberna-san just say?
I involuntarily looked at Marina and Fiana’s faces, but Marina had a look of triumph, and Fiana was blushing crimson.
Huh?
Could it be that Fiana is willing to marry me?
“I can’t tell you the redemption price for Fiana because it’s a contract, but if that’s your intention, I’ll report it to the Provincial Governor and proceed with the change of ownership. How about it?”
“…Please do.”
It feels like things are progressing just as Marina intended, but I have no choice but to accept. I wanted to marry Fiana, and it’s true that the moment I heard the reward, I considered buying her out.
“Understood. I’ll report it to the Provincial Governor, and we’ll proceed with the procedure tomorrow.”
“Thank you very much.”
The transfer procedure for a slave will be conducted at the Trader’s Guild with the attendance of the Provincial Governor. Once that procedure is complete, I will become Fiana’s master, but I will also settle her redemption price at the same time, which means Fiana will be freed from slavery. It happened much sooner than I expected, but at this point, I have to commit.
However, the joy outweighs everything else. Fiana is a devoted child who sold herself for her family. I will be her new family.
The next day, for some reason, Yamato and the others also came along. Under the supervision of Marquis Frederica, the procedure was carried out at the Trader’s Guild, and I became Fiana’s new master.
It was then that I learned for the first time that Fiana’s redemption price was 250,000 El. Fiana had sold herself for 300,000 El, meaning she had earned 50,000 El in the two years since being bought by Laberna.
It seems I can earn nearly half of that with the reward for making Yamato’s beast carriage, but without waiting for that, I paid the full amount. Fiana thanked me with tears in her eyes, and I had no regrets, so I was able to propose with peace of mind. Of course, after chasing away the members of Wing Crest, who were watching with smirks, from outside Feel.
I plan to say something to them, as I don’t like the fact that things are going according to their plan.
