Chapter 67

"Hey, is it open today?"

I'm troubled by being addressed like I'm a regular at a bar...

In the cafeteria, I met Jeremy-senpai, a senior who had asked me for a job recently.

It's been a while since then, but I realized I hadn't heard about his brother's love life yet.

I hope the sword I made helped his brother's love life.

"Yes, I think it's open."

I assumed he was talking about the forge and replied.

Since he was with a classmate, he said, "I'll come by later tonight," and we parted ways.

Sure enough, when the sun had set and it was just getting dark, Jeremy-senpai showed up.

His face was grinning, and his cheeks were red.

From his breath, it seemed he had been drinking.

Bringing alcohol into the academy is taboo, but it's not surprising that seniors know a few loopholes.

"Senpai, you've been drinking quite a bit, haven't you?"

"No, no, I got caught, huh? Well, today is special."

I don't know what's special, but at least he's not being obnoxiously drunk, so it doesn't seem like I'll be affected negatively.

"Alright, let's go in."

Since he wanted to, I gave him a cold glass of water.

He gulped it down and immediately wanted another.

I wonder how much he's had. His balance seemed steady, though.

"Man, I've been drinking non-stop since yesterday. I've been at it all day today, too."

"Is that okay? You might get in trouble if the teachers find out."

"Well, the teachers will probably let it slide today. After all, I got a job offer."

A job offer...

Right, Jeremy-senpai is a senior.

With graduation approaching, it's natural for job offers to come up.

"I'm technically a noble, but more like a marginal one. My family is barely noble, so there's nothing to inherit. But, fortunately, I got a job at the capital, even at the royal palace. I can't believe I'll be working with my brother. This is great! We have to celebrate!"

"Wow! I see. Congratulations!"

So that's why alcohol is allowed. It's a limited-time thing.

This academy is quite understanding. They even let me do forging...

"Thanks a lot."

Jeremy-senpai smiled in a likable way.

He's a nice guy, so I felt like celebrating with him.

"By the way, about the other day. I sent the sword to my brother right away. Since then, things have been going well. My brother is getting along with the person he's interested in. He really liked the sword. In a letter, he wrote, 'When she saw the sword, which was polished to a dazzling shine, she smiled. To me, her smile was even more dazzling, beautiful, and sincere, and it felt like my heart was being split in two.'"

What's that?

I feel embarrassed just hearing it. I feel like I'm getting a hangover without even drinking.

Hey, your brother, wake up already! I hope you don't regret it in the future.

"Is that so? I'm glad it's going well."

"Also, something good happened to me. A few days after sending the sword to my brother, I received a job offer for the royal palace, which has a high acceptance rate! Since then, it's been a series of drinking and partying."

"Wow..."

I don't understand the joy of alcohol, so it's hard to empathize. But I can tell he's genuinely happy.

"Also, it's not over yet."

I thought so. With alcohol in his system, he's probably going to keep talking.

"After receiving the acceptance letter, I was called to the royal palace to meet some important people. I bowed to many of them, and to my surprise, I even met the Prime Minister. He's a dignified person, and it was a great experience."

The Prime Minister... Eliza's dad...

He's a dashing and hardworking man, but he's also a bit scatterbrained because he loves his daughter so much.

When I hear it from others, I realize how impressive he is.

He must have a lot of power. I hope he doesn't misuse it... No, no, I shouldn't set up a flag for myself!

"The royal palace had a lot of beautiful people. There were many cute girls who wouldn't even give me a second glance."

"Jeremy-senpai is a good person. If you work hard, you'll have good opportunities."

"Ah, you get it, don't you? You're a good guy!"

He patted my head. I really want him to stop, but I guess it's okay since he's drunk today.

"Also, there's more."

Sure, go on.

"When I went to greet my brother, I was surrounded by the knights. The knights, you know, they're not what you think. They look cool when they march in formation in shiny armor, but in everyday life, they're just potatoes. I had classmates who were knights, and they were just strong potatoes. Potatoes are delicious, but when I say potatoes here, I mean they're like pigs. They're not soft and fluffy like potatoes, but more like potato men."

What's this? He must have something to say, but he's talking about the knights being potatoes.

"I was surrounded by these muscular, sweaty knights. They said, 'We heard you prepared a sword for Madi. The sword with the name of the blacksmith, Kurri Helan, engraved on it. Who's Madi?' I remembered, 'Oh, right, the name of the knight my brother is in love with. Oh, that sword.' Then they pressed me hard, saying, 'We want one too!' I thought they were congratulating me on my job, but they only cared about themselves. What, are they not satisfied with just their muscles? Do they want a fancy sword too? They're not potatoes wanting butter!"

Potatoes and butter. That's a good combination, Jeremy-senpai.

"So, I told them, 'My boyfriend is making it. But he's a bit eccentric, so it's not easy to get him to make one.'"

Is he talking about me? Is he talking about me!?

Jeremy-senpai, you weren't already drunk at the royal palace, were you!

"Then they begged me desperately, saying they didn't care about the price. So, I got brave and quoted a shocking price. About half a year's salary. Ha ha ha!"

"Half a year's salary..."

I swallowed hard.

"And this is the money I collected!"

I don't know where he was hiding it, but Jeremy-senpai pulled out a leather bag full of gold coins. When he opened it, the gold coins were making a loud noise, like they were trying to speak. I don't really know what that means, but...

"O-Oh!"

"Eleven people in total. I got as much as I could."

"O-Oh!"

Jeremy-senpai suddenly looked cool and smiled.

"Really? I feel bad. How about you take some as a fee?"

"No, I don't need a fee. I got a stable job, so it's fine."

Jeremy-senpai started laughing. He's still drunk.

"But, I want to thank you. This is a lot..."

Thank you for giving me such a good opportunity! My future looks much brighter now! I really mean it!

"It's fine. When I think about it now, I'm surprised I got such a good sword for such a low price. Plus, your skills are really impressive. Not many blacksmiths can make such a sword. Don't undervalue your skills. I took as much as I could, but eleven people still wanted to hire you. Your swords are that valuable."

Wow! Jeremy-senpai, you look really handsome right now!

You look ordinary, and you don't look like a noble, but you're shining today!

"So, you should take this money. It's a fair payment for you."

"Okay, I understand! To prove that Kurri Helan is not a fraud, I'll do my best to make swords for those eleven customers, even better than the last one!"

I realized I was making the gesture of a knight putting a fist to their chest.

According to Jeremy-senpai, the knights' pose is not good because it reminds him of their sweaty smell.

I started working immediately.

I still have some materials. I'll try to finish as much as I can while I wait for the rest to arrive. I don't need to send them all at once.

I'll send the finished ones to the customers.

If they're waiting, it's the best way to do it.

I thought Jeremy-senpai, who was drunk, would either sleep or go home, but he seemed to want to stay.

"I want to watch you work."

I'm used to being watched. It won't be a bother.

Actually, he's my first customer who recognized my skills. I want him to watch.

As I was hammering the heated iron, Jeremy-senpai politely asked me a question.

"Can we talk?"

"Yes, it's fine at this stage."

"Is there a time when it's not okay? I'll be careful. What are your plans for the future? Are you coming to the capital?"

The future...

Ideally, I should inherit the Helan territory.

That way, I can have a stable life, and I can even marry Eliza, who has fallen from grace? It's not that I care...

But, inheriting the Helan territory is the best option.

Even if Eliza comes, I can maintain a good life without lowering my standard. But, it's fine if she doesn't come. I'm not interested? Not really...

"I'm fortunate to be a noble with a territory, so I'll probably inherit it."

"Really!? I thought you were a marginal noble like me... Why are you a blacksmith, then?"

That's a natural question.

I would ask the same if I were in his position. In fact, I would be worried if he didn't ask. My actions are too strange. How do I explain?

A hobby? Too weird.

Philosophy? It doesn't make sense.

"Isn't a man with a trade cool?"

I didn't mention the decline of the Helan territory. Besides, it's not certain yet. Eliza is calm, and her father is a reasonable person. My family is unlikely to fall apart.

So, there's no need to bring it up.

"I can see that, I guess. But it's not typical for a noble. You're definitely unique. But, I don't dislike it."

"Thanks. I don't dislike you either, Jeremy-senpai."

"That's a relief. I was a bit worried about dealing with high-ranking nobles at the royal palace. Talking to you made me feel better.

I thought about helping you get a job at the royal palace, but it was unnecessary."

You were thinking about that for me.

You're really kind. I already knew that from your brother's love story.

"Plus, you have a trade. You might even make more money that way."

"Hahaha... I'm starting to think so too.

If the hot springs in the Helan territory dry up, I might open a blacksmith shop for nobles.

No, no, the hot springs in my territory will never dry up!

"Anyway, I'm reaching my limit..."

"Sure, you can use the bed if you want. I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight."

Ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh...

You're reaching your limit in that way?!

Please, spare me!

"Sorry, ahh..."

Ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh...

"Don't talk anymore, just stop!"

"But, Kurri, I just want to say one thing..."

"Stop, I get it. Don't talk anymore!"

You're going to vomit, aren't you!?

"I, I, I..."

Ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh...

"Ugh..."

He's gone. Jeremy-senpai has gone to the world of dreams.

Hey, who's going to clean up this mess?!