Chapter 96

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"You know, I've been thinking this for a while. You can't be just a regular bird, right?"

"Y-You're so rude! No matter how you look at it, I'm a harpy!"

She huffed and spread her wings.

When she spread her wings, they were indeed large. But to be honest, they were in the way, and I wish she would close them quickly.

"Damn, is that all you've got? Huh?"

"A-Ah, Master!? W-Wing...? When you suddenly start courting, there are preparations to be made...?"

"(I see. For harpies, praising their wings is a form of courtship.)"

I learned something today. The feeling that I won't have a chance to use this knowledge in the future is a secret.

And the interesting thing is the expression and gestures of the harpy... no, Eme-me, who doesn't seem to mind at all.

"Don't wriggle around, you idiot! —... Damn. Sorry, Your Highness, the Crown Prince."

"A-Ah... I don't really mind, so don't worry about it."

In fact, it was quite amusing, so I didn't feel bad.

Of course, it would be rude to say that out loud, so I kept it to myself.

"Let's put this idiot aside and get back to the main topic. If it's as I thought, this is a Living Armor... right?"

After the comedy routine, we finally got back to the main topic.

"Yes, that's correct. This is the material for Living Armor."

To add more information, he was a high-ranking officer of the Demon King's army. More than that, he was the deputy commander of the knights.

"Bringing such a ridiculous material... I never thought I'd see something like this in my lifetime."

Mutton observed the helmet in the box with great interest. He took out a magnifying glass from his pocket and put it on. It was a kind of magnifying glass that watchmakers often wear.

"Indeed... This material seems to have quite a story. But this is also a matter of manners. I won't ask where or how you got this."

"...I appreciate that."

A skilled blacksmith. Mutton evaluated himself as such.

I didn't expect him to sense that there might be something behind the material just by looking at it.

"This is the kind of thing that shouldn't be taken out. Rich fools will use it for foolish things. Greedy fools will do foolish things. It could create a chain of cause and effect."

"Those are some deep words."

"...Yeah, it's from experience. There are plenty of smart people, but among them, there are also those who can't use their heads."

A quick fortune. Pride. Many desires intertwine in this city of Balt.

This town is also known for attracting many adventurers who aim to become millionaires. There are plenty of such "fools" in this town.

Blacksmiths have seen plenty of such people.

"The magic stone furnace needs to be activated. So the processing will cost a ridiculous amount of money. If you're okay with that, I'll take the job."

"Um, Mr. Mutton. What exactly is this magic stone furnace...?"

"Yeah. There aren't many places that have one, but the principle is simple. It uses magic stones as raw materials to create a blazing fire. Without it, it's impossible to process materials like this."

Indeed, the principle is simple, but it also requires a considerable amount of money, which I can understand.

After hearing this, Ein naturally started to think. He was hesitant to pay a large sum of money without thinking.

As Ein folded his arms and thought about what to do, Crones, who was sitting next to him, spoke up.

"...Mr. Mutton. How much money is needed?"

"Huh? Oh... Well, at least 5."

"(Ah, 50 million G. If that's the case, maybe we can discuss it...)"

I was grateful that Crones asked on my behalf. If it's 500 million, there might be a chance to make it. I found a glimmer of hope.

"Excuse me. Is that 500 million or 500 million G?"

"Hey, you get it, don't you? Of course, it's 50 million. My technical fee is 20 million, and I'll engrave my name on the invisible part."

"That's very generous. Then, 70 million G, please."

"Alright. Then let's decide on the size... Hey, Your Highness, Crown Prince, what are you doing?"

Of course, I wanted to say, "I'm surprised, obviously."

Listening to the conversation between Crones and Mutton, I couldn't interrupt the smooth flow.

"Hey, Crones!? That's a lot of money! What are you doing, deciding things on your own...?"

"It's a lot of money, isn't it? What's the problem?"

"What's the problem...? If you decide things on your own, I'll get in trouble..."

What is this guy saying?

If I had to put words to Crones' face, there couldn't be a more fitting description.

"I know the budget Ein can use. So there's no problem. Are you convinced?"

"Wait, I haven't heard about this. I haven't heard about such a budget!"

"K... Kukukuk..."

From behind, I could hear Loid's suppressed laughter. The conversation between Ein and Crones was so amusing that he couldn't help but laugh.

"Two things, please? ...And, calm down a bit?"

To Ein, who looked flustered, Crones started to explain in a "helpless" manner.

"First of all, it's impossible for a Crown Prince to have no budget. Besides, Ein is a bit too frugal. He should use his budget where it's needed."

I was surprised that a mini-lecture would start here.

Even Eme-me, who had already returned to her senses, looked interested.

"Another thing. You defeated the Sea Dragon, right? Almost the entire one was Ein's achievement. A 'fair' portion of it has been allocated to Ein's budget. So there's quite a bit of leeway. ...Understand?"

"...I understand the first part. But I've never heard about the Sea Dragon budget being allocated to me."

"It's been allocated since the month after the Sea Dragon was defeated. You haven't heard about it...?"

Thinking back, I had no such memory, of course. After all, I was never told about the budget.

"I haven't heard about it. I really haven't!"

"Then it's good that you heard it now. Two Sea Dragons are equivalent to 29 years of the national budget. So one Sea Dragon is 14.5 years. From that, Ein's budget has been allocated, so you can rest assured about the price of this sword."

Compared to the August Trading Company, how much financial power do they have? I wanted to ask Crones but was too scared to do so.

"Well, it's good that the Crown Prince is frugal. But if you don't use the budget where it's needed, the money won't circulate in the country. I'm asking you to help with that."

"...I've learned something."

I'm not saying to waste money, but to use it where it's needed.

From Mutton's perspective as a blacksmith, this was a natural opinion.

"So, is the payment okay?"

"Excuse me. The payment is not a problem, so I would like to request the production."

To put it simply, I wanted Ein to have his own equipment as soon as possible.

This could be said to be the consensus of the castle's heavyweights, including Silverd and Warren.

The Crown Prince, Ein, doesn't even have his own weapon. It's just not right.

In fact, it was considered too late.

"Mr. Mutton, can I use the Sea Dragon's material for the handle part? Is that okay?"

"Well... I might think, 'Can I take such a job?' But if you want to make the best sword, I think that's the best option."

"Then, I'll leave it to you. Regarding the material, I'll select it in the capital and send it to you. Is that okay?"

"Hmm... I'll have to think about that. I don't distrust the people of the capital, but I want to see things with my own eyes. So I want to do the selection myself..."

It's an admirable craftsman's spirit, but the distance from Balt to the capital is quite long.

It's not a distance that can be easily traveled back and forth. What to do...

"Master! I have a good idea!"

"...What is it? What did you come up with with that bird brain?"

"You called me a bird again!? ...No! It's really a good idea!"

...Bird... no, harpy, Eme-me.

With a bright expression, she started to shake Master Mutton's shoulder.

"Master, a question! How many customers have you had in the past two years?"

"...Hahaha! That's easy, you idiot!"

I don't know what's so funny, but Mutton burst out laughing and patted Eme-me's head. Eme-me also seemed to be enjoying it.

"Then let's do it! ...Ready?"

"Zero!"

It's hard to imagine that they have good chemistry.

But these two are probably the best match possible.

Watching their interaction, Ein thought so.

...But zero customers is a number that can't be ignored.

I can't help but wonder how they've been living.

"So, let's open a temporary shop in the capital for a while!"

"...What are you saying? Damn..."

Mutton looks negative. After all, even if there are zero customers, Eme-me's suggestion is not very realistic.

What about the equipment? And living expenses? Considering all these things, it's not a recommended option.

"For a bird brain, you're saying something good, you idiot! It's cold here! A warmer place is better!"

"That's right, Master! Besides, Balt is so cold, it doesn't make sense!"

"Thinking about it, the only customer I had three years ago was just seeking shelter from the rain! Hahaha!"

"(So, no customers for three years...)"

I wonder how they've been living.

Given the high technical fees, they probably have some savings... I guess.

"Anyway, Glacier. When you're ready, we'll head to the capital, and I'll do the selection, okay?"

"...Ah, ah. Of course, that's fine, but..."

In one word, "momentum."

That's the interaction between this blacksmith and his apprentice. Even Loid, who is usually composed, seems to be overwhelmed by this momentum.

As a final check, Ein asked again about the meaning of it.

"Um... Mr. Mutton? Does that mean you'll make the sword in the capital?"

"Yeah, that's right. It's cold here, so a warmer place is better for the body. Right, Eme-me?"

"Of course, Master! (Being a bird, you know...)"

Ignoring the bird comment, Ein stared at Mutton.

"Isn't that magic stone furnace expensive...?"

"Take it apart and reassemble it, and it's fine! For me, it's no big deal!"

"Ah... Okay. I understand, then I'll leave it to you..."

Seeing Ein give up, Crones didn't feel like pointing anything out.

Coming to make a sword, but ending up with a new resident. Should I be happy that we've managed to recruit a skilled blacksmith?

"Well, if I could be greedy, I'd want a high-level magic stone circulator, but I won't push it. I'd have to go to Isto for that..."

Hearing the name of such equipment, Ein was clueless.

If it were Katima, she would have no problem with such topics...

"If you need it, don't worry. The First Princess has that equipment..."

Crones seemed to remember and told Mutton.

They really have everything there. I decided to explore it next time, half for the purpose of looting.

"Hey, really? If that's true, it won't just be a temporary shop... Hey, Eme-me! We start preparing today! Get ready to go to the capital quickly!"

"Alright! Got it, Master!"

"That's it, sorry, Your Highness, Crown Prince! We'll talk more in the capital. In the capital, I can take my time to listen to Your Highness's requests and make the sword!"

"A, ah... Okay. Then, Crones. Write a letter to have Mr. Mutton come to the castle..."

I don't really understand what's going on, but it seems that the sword will definitely be made in the capital.

I decided to leave the details to Crones.

"...Mr. Mutton. Here is the letter of introduction for the Crown Prince. With this, you can enter the castle, so please take it."

She wrote it quickly and handed it to him as a letter of introduction for Ein.

I was grateful for her quick work.

"Thanks! Then, see you in the capital! I'll make the masterpiece, so wait for it!"

*

Opening the door, a cold air enveloped Ein and the others.

The excitement, like a flushed face, was cooled by the cold air.

"It seems to have been quite lively, but is the talk over?"

Dill, who had been waiting, noticed Ein and the others and spoke to them. Since it wasn't snowing, he didn't seem to feel the cold.

"...I'm not sure, but it's over."

"...? If that's the case, that's a relief. By the way, who is Mr. Mutton?"

Explaining would take a lot of energy.

Thinking about it, Loid spoke up for Ein.

"Dill, you often accompany Ein-sama and are well taken care of by Katima-sama, right?"

"Eh, yes, Katima-sama is very kind... Is there something wrong with that?"

"No, nothing. I just thought you might be curious about who Mr. Mutton is. I wanted to tell you."

"I see, that's what it is. But why Katima-sama...?"

Only Crones seemed to understand in this situation.

Ein, like Dill, was curious about what Loid was saying.

"Ein-sama and Katima-sama when they started their research. They might have been similar. After all, the interaction between Mr. Mutton and his apprentice gave me a strong sense of déjà vu."

"Ch... Loid-sama!?"

"Haha..."

Crones, covering her mouth, laughed. Dill could only gape.

The sound of the wind whistling made the atmosphere even more playful.

"They're not similar! Right, Crones! Right!?"

"Haha... Yes, that's true. Ein and Katima-sama might be a bit more energetic?"

While smiling, she teased him.

It seemed like she was enjoying it, but to Ein, it was not a trivial matter.

"That's not a denial!"

"Ch... Father... Could it be that Ein-sama and Katima-sama...?"

"According to the aide, it seems that denial is not possible."

I had never objectively observed myself, but Ein and Katima were that lively.

Realizing this, I felt a bit embarrassed.

"Besides, next time, Mr. Mutton and his apprentice, Eme-me, will come to the capital. So, Dill, you'll meet them, so look forward to it."

"...Ein-sama, please, don't get too rowdy together."

"I'm not that rowdy! Dill, that's mean!"

In any case, it was decided that Ein would get the sword.

I was surprised by the mysterious high budget and other unknown facts, but somehow the talk was settled.

Ignoring Dill's worries, Loid and Crones were actually a bit excited.

Thinking about the interaction between Mutton and Eme-me and Ein and Katima, they couldn't help but wonder what kind of chemical reaction would occur.

—...It will probably be lively. Thinking about the future, they felt excited.

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