Chapter 98

Erlon picked up that thing.

Yes, the ceramic plate we were making.

Of course, it was still an unfinished prototype.

Just before we were about to discuss the elves' future, I had somehow returned to the workshop where I had been working until just before.

So, what did he do after picking up the plate?

Since it's still a prototype, I feel a bit embarrassed if someone looks at it too closely...

"No, I was wondering why this plate isn't glazed."

"Huh?"

"Because of that, the surface is rough, and if used as it is, it will absorb water. This is far from being a finished product."

Absolutely, that's exactly right...!?

"What!? Do you know how to complete it!?"

"Well, not exactly... How about this, can I use the ash left in that kiln?"

What?

Sure.

"I'll dissolve this ash in water to make a glaze. If I apply this glaze to the plate and fire it, it will become a sturdy ceramic."

"Really!?"

To think I could find a clue here!

I'll try it right away as you said.

* * *

"...It really worked."

After following Erlon's instructions and firing the plate, it really turned into the ceramic I aimed for.

The surface shines like glass and feels smooth. When I tapped it with my finger, it made a metallic sound.

This is exactly the ceramic I was looking for!

"Applying glaze to earthenware is a basic technique. The ash dissolved in the glaze melts at high temperatures and becomes glass-like, covering the vessel and making it strong and durable."

I see!!

This will certainly make our dining table more beautiful!

"But how did you know about this, Erlon? You're quite knowledgeable, aren't you?"

"Elves know this much."

"Huh?"

What do you mean?

Earlier, you said elves only use the forest's natural resources...

"To utilize nature, some basic ingenuity is necessary. Elves are the most skilled at making tools to enjoy the forest's bounty."

"If you let us make such intricate things, no one can surpass elves!"

And other elves started to boast.

"Wh-What!?"

There it is.

An elf's specialty.

Moreover, it's a technique that our farm currently needs the most, but we couldn't find anyone who had it.

Upon further inquiry, the elves' forest survival skills were much deeper than I imagined.

They can easily make items for comfortable living in the forest by cutting, carving, and kneading materials found in nature.

However, this is limited to small items that can be carried.

Elves, who only enjoy the forest's bounty, are proactive in using it more efficiently but taboo against altering nature itself.

They move to new homes when the forest's bounty is exhausted.

Therefore, they don't build large structures and discard small items they can't carry before moving.

There are even human traders who collect and sell these discarded elf items in the market.

"Ah, if you had such skills, you should have told us earlier."

"No, it's just...! Those demons...!"

Demons? Berena?

"Because they were glaring at me with a 'don't say anything unnecessary' look."

"I'm a bad woman!!"

Oh?

Berena broke down in tears.

"I knew from the beginning!! Elves are good at such intricate work!! But making ceramics is a task I received from the Holy One, and it's my exclusive job!!"

Ah...!

"I thought if the Holy One found out about the elves' dexterity, he would definitely assign the ceramic-making job to them!! So I decided to hand them over to the demon kingdom first!! I'm a bad woman!! Please scold me!!"

I had felt something unnatural about Berena's behavior, but that was it.

She was so afraid of being unemployed.

I need to think of something for her.

I'll assign the ceramic-making job to Erlon and the others without mercy.

* * *

In the end, Erlon and the group of elves secured their position as the small item makers on our farm.

Elves, as forest dwellers, excel in making various tools, not just ceramics made from kneaded clay, but also tools made from carved and assembled wood.

So, I divided the original group of twenty elf thieves into four teams of five, and assigned one team to specialize in ceramic-making.

The other three teams were given the choice of what they wanted to make and were tasked with the actual work.

One team focused on monster skins that were thrown into the warehouse without any processing.

They tanned the skins using chemicals made from special fruits picked from the forest, turning them into leather and processing them into various products like bags and belts. They also collaborated with Bati to start making clothes.

Another team specialized in woodworking.

They made various useful tools by carving wood. The most skilled among them made the iconic elf weapon, the bow and arrow. By layering different types of wood, they created bows that were more flexible and stronger than imagined.

Until then, the orc army, which only fought with close-range weapons, quickly learned how to use bows and arrows, making hunting in the dungeon even more efficient.

...However, when I saw them discussing with Lamp Eye to develop magic arrows with explosive fire magic, I wondered what to do.

High-power explosive fire magic from a distance, the strongest?

I don't know about that.

Improving equipment should be within reasonable limits, right?

And the last team focused on glass-making.

The mermaids, including Plati, were overjoyed.

They needed a large number of glass products like test tubes and flasks for potion-making.

"Until now, I had to get new ones from my brother, but from now on, I won't need to do that anymore!!"

Of course, glass products can be used not only for potion-making but also for tableware and windows.

In this way, the elves quickly adapted to our farm.