Chapter 75

With the exploration of the labyrinth on a few days' hiatus, it was decided that we would meet at the Brightwell Workshop.

I wanted to thank Alfred for the trouble he went through to make the shoes in a rush and also to inquire if he could make any flying equipment in the future.

As usual, while I was concocting potions, I heard from Sheila and the others that a hole had appeared in the roof.

"Well, at least the ventilation is better now."

"That old hut was uncomfortable to sleep in during this season."

Ilmehilt seemed oddly cheerful, but was this something to laugh about?

"Is it really okay to have a hole in the roof?"

When Grace asked, Sheila tilted her head slightly.

"Hmm. As long as it doesn't rain."

"Maybe we can get some tarp or something before then?"

"Wait, you're planning to live there?"

"They say they'll fix it. It's convenient to have a water source nearby."

Still, it's in the West District. With a hole in the roof, there might be security issues.

Even though Sheila and Ilmehilt can easily detect suspicious people, it's not ideal for burglars to take advantage of our absence.

Since we have extra rooms, we could invite them to stay at our place for a while. I feel partly responsible, so...

Hmm... First, I should consult with Grace and Ashley.

"That sounds good. It makes it easier to plan."

"I think it's a good idea too. We can practice sparring and coordination."

When I asked the two of them, they gave very practical answers. I guess it's because they have a good impression of us as party members.

"Well, as long as Sheila and the others are okay with it."

So, I decided to ask Sheila and Ilmehilt.

"---So, that's the situation."

"Thank you, but won't we be in the way?"

"---Well, it's not like it's a new issue. The two of them don't seem to mind much."

Lately, our lives have been stable. We should think about what to do with that house.

Should we keep it as a rental, or buy it outright? With the monthly payments, we can still make a profit from the labyrinth. We also have other rewards and such.

"Wouldn't it be better to pay rent and not worry too much?"

"True... maybe."

Sheila and the others nodded. It's different from the two of them being engaged.

Well, I'll have them bring the necessary items to the house later.

"Oh, everyone is here."

Just as we were settling things, Viola, the workshop's resident blacksmith, appeared.

"Good morning, Viola."

"Yes, good morning. Theodore, I heard you did quite well. I'm glad you're safe, but are you hurt?"

"Well, as you can see."

Except for the burn on my side, which was said to leave a scar, the rest had mostly healed.

"That's good to hear. Are you here to see Alfred today?"

"I wanted to thank him for the trouble he went through. He doesn't seem to be here yet, though."

"He said he would come to the workshop today. He was up all night yesterday, so he might be a bit off schedule."

Alfred doesn't seem to be used to staying up all night.

Viola usually makes swords with magic stones in the hilt or guard if Alfred doesn't specify anything. It helps with her blacksmithing practice and allows her to provide magic items quickly when needed.

"He was complaining that he wished he had magic stone shoes."

Viola laughed. Well, that's why it ended up being a rush job with emergency modifications.

"Today, I came to talk about that. If we had such tools, it would make fighting the demons easier."

"Ah, but is that okay? Magic shields are common, but creating a platform in the air seems to involve a lot of Theodor's unique modifications. I've heard that magicians tend to keep such applied techniques secret."

"A basic magic shield is something any magician with a good foundation can do. If they understand the principles of flight, it's just a matter of time."

If a magician can recognize and manipulate magic power, they can make low-difficulty spells work through incantations. A magic shield is a simple spell, so it's not difficult to activate.

The important part is what comes next.

For example, the relative position of the shield to the caster, whether it can be used as a shield or a wall, the duration of the shield, its size, and the strength adjustment. These are the areas where a magician's skill is demonstrated.

To apply it to flight, the shield needs to be modified to serve as a platform. Alfred was up all night adjusting this part.

Magic items generally only produce the effects described, so they don't allow for the same improvisation as a magician. Therefore, to use it as a platform, it needs to be adjusted to be versatile.

This usually requires research, but I disclosed the core information and completed it in a rush. Magicians do tend to keep such applied techniques secret to maintain their advantage over magic items.

However, the theory is simple. Once the principles of flight are known, someone will likely develop it. It's only a matter of time before it becomes a magic item.

So, there's not much significance in me disclosing the information.

In essence, it's better to claim the original or the authentic version before it's imitated.

"Even with the help of several magic items, flying is still a deviation. Theodore can do it all on his own, even in combat."

Alfred poked his head in from the doorway and said this.

"Good morning, young master."

"Good morning."

"Good morning. Thank you for yesterday."

"No, I'm glad I could help."

Behind Alfred, a small girl peeked out. She held a disguise ring. It was Princess Marlene, the sister of Prince Albert. Is it okay to bring her here?

"This is my cousin, Marian. We had a bit of a commotion, and she didn't want to be left alone, so I thought it might be a good change of pace to bring her along. She's quiet, so I don't think she'll be a bother."

A commotion, huh. Even though their foundation is weak, Prince Albert and Princess Marlene are legitimate royalty. The number of people who could cause trouble is limited.

Bringing the young Princess Marlene here, despite the risk of her disguise being exposed, might mean that Prince Albert trusts this group enough that even if information leaks, it's not a problem.

Or perhaps... he knows that Princess Marlene won't slip up.

"Nice to meet you, Marian."

Grace and the others smiled and introduced themselves to Marian. She nodded slightly but didn't speak.

She seemed wary... with so many new faces, including Sheila, Ilmehilt, and Viola, she appeared a bit frightened.

Still, when Alfred entered the room, she followed, not wanting to be alone.

"Sorry, Marian is quiet. I hope you don't mind."

Alfred chuckled.

None of the women seemed to mind. They seemed to understand something.

Well... Grace was close to me, and Ashley has her own struggles. Sheila and Ilmehilt are from an orphanage.

I don't know Viola's past, but she doesn't seem to be treating Marian rudely. It seems that bringing her here was a good decision. Prince Albert must trust them.

"Marian, come here. Are you interested in embroidery?"

Grace was actively talking to Marian. Since we were here to adjust and measure the flying assistance magic items, Grace brought embroidery supplies to keep herself busy.

"Siela, can I watch the embroidery today?"

"Hmm."

Ashley, who had planned to practice sparring with Siela in the workshop's courtyard, decided to spend time with Grace and Marian.

Siela and Ilmehilt also nodded when they met my gaze. Ilmehilt brought her instrument. As they say, skills can be helpful. If the goal is to cheer up Marian, Ilmehilt is quite suitable.

Marian hesitated for a moment before looking up at Grace and then timidly joining the group. Alfred let out a small sigh of relief when he saw this.