Chapter 98

I returned to the Golem Workshop and knocked on Zerof's door. ... But there was no answer.

"Brother Zerof, are you there?"

I called out, but there was still no response. I exchanged glances with Ren, who had followed me.

"Is he not here?"

"Probably just sleeping... I'm going in."

I said, and opened the door. Inside, papers with scribbled data and various dishes were piled up haphazardly. Ren frowned at the mess. As we moved further in, we saw a bed where Zerof was snoring loudly, half-fallen off.

"... Wow, he can sleep in such a state. Must be pretty tired, huh?"

"He apparently works late every day. It must be really fun."

I tend to stay up late when I'm engrossed in research too. It's fun when you're doing something new. And the joy of a new discovery is even greater.

"Brother Zerof, please wake up."

I shook his shoulder, and Zerof opened his eyes and sat up.

"Huh... Oh, it's you, Lloyd. Ahhh..."

He stretched widely, put on his glasses, and squinted. He still looked sleepy and grumpy.

"What's going on?"

"I was thinking this alloy might be usable for the Golem's core."

"What? The one you mentioned the other day? But what's changed from yesterday to today..."

The moment I handed him the metal plate, Zerof's expression changed.

"Give it to me!"

Zerof hastily took the metal plate from me, held it with both hands, and started pressing it and hitting it against the corner of the bed. After checking the feel for a while, he looked at me intently.

"... Wait a moment."

He said and left the room. It seemed he liked it. After a while, Zerof returned with Albert and Dian.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I just tested the hardness of the alloy Lloyd brought. It was 6.7 times harder than Katakon alloy. ... To be honest, I was surprised. I've never seen anything like this."

It seems he found them while testing the hardness and brought them along.

"I'm truly surprised. You said you'd look for a new alloy, but I didn't think you'd actually find one. You're quite something. As expected of my brother, right?"

"Hey, hey, Albert, Lloyd is my pride as a brother too. Well, anyway, this should do the trick, right, Zerof?"

"... Yeah, of course. It's worth trying."

"Great! Let's start making the core right away! ... By the way, Lloyd, where did you get this thing?"

"Ah..."

I hesitated when Dian asked. Damn. If I say I made it, I'll draw unnecessary attention. What I want to do is just research magic. If it gets out that I can synthesize things, I might be asked to help with that. That's why I try to keep a low profile, but I let my guard down a bit. What should I do... Ah, I know.

"Well, you see. Actually, this alloy was made by Ren."

"Wha!? M-Me!? Nngh!"

I covered Ren's mouth to stop her from protesting.

"Yeah, Ren managed to make it with her abilities. I was surprised. Hehe, hehe..."

I had previously shared information about Ren's abilities with Albert, but only in broad terms. I told Albert that Ren can generate various things, which isn't a lie.

"Ho, is that so? Not bad for such a young one."

"A, ahaha, that's right. She's my pride as a maid."

"Lloyd...?"

Ren looked at me with a serious expression. Sorry, I know it's wrong, but please go along with it. I'll treat you to some delicious sweets later. I whispered this, and Ren reluctantly nodded.

"Anyway, Dian, shall we start the work right away!?"

"Yeah, you did a great job, girl. Leave the rest to me!"

Dian confidently pounded his chest. Phew, it seems I managed to fool them.

"I'll help too."

"Alright! Follow me, Lloyd!"

Just as I was about to follow Dian to help, I was stopped by Albert.

"Wait, Lloyd."

Damn, he's not letting me off that easily.

"... Is something wrong, Albert?"

"Hehe, that's a poor excuse. I know, you know?"

"What do you mean?"

I tried to laugh it off, but Albert whispered in my ear.

"Don't play dumb. Lloyd, you must have given Ren some ideas, right? Even with such abilities, it's hard to generate a specific metal without knowledge. You must have prepared a few promising combinations and had her make it, right?"

"... Hehe, you caught me?"

"Well, you are my brother. I can tell that much."

Albert winked. Phew, it seems he didn't see through it. I was on edge. I did more than just give ideas; I synthesized it myself.

"Alright, Albert, let's go, Lloyd. Let's get the work done quickly!"

"Hey, I'm coming too. I can't have you making mistakes again. I'll be involved from the design stage this time!"

"What!?"

"What!?"

Dian and Zerof started arguing again. ... Hmm, I feel like I've seen this interaction a lot recently.

"You're being called, you damn angel."

"You're the one, you stupid demon."

Ah, here it is. I've heard that fighting can mean you're close, so it's not a big deal.

"Hehe, to create a metal that surpasses Katakon alloy, you did well, Lloyd. Hmm, but this new alloy needs a name. ... How about 'Loidrent' alloy, taking your and Ren's names? Yes, it's a good name. I'll register it with the Alchemy Association later."

Albert was muttering something. Anyway, I started working on the core with Dian and the others.