Chapter 100

This system seems capable of producing a considerable number once we get the flow going. As assigned in the morning, Diana makes the molds, Sermia pours the iron, and Rike and I finish them off. Since each mold needs to be remade after each use, the most crucial part might be the speed at which Diana can create the molds. So far, she’s been able to make one before we finish a piece, so there’s no sign of running out of molds. In the worst case, we could switch to forging until the molds are replenished, but the quality would definitely suffer.

When our workshop runs at full capacity, there are always multiple high-temperature objects, such as molten iron or red-hot iron, present in one of the workspaces. In other words, it gets incredibly hot. Even when we’re not mass-producing, the situation is similar to when we make sheet metal, which happens the day after we deliver goods to Camillo. However, this is hotter than I expected.

I tell the three of them to take regular water breaks during their work. They all acknowledge this. The climate here isn’t supposed to be that harsh, according to the knowledge installed in me. While Rike, who has experienced similar conditions at home, is probably fine, the other two might have limited knowledge about heatstroke. I want to prevent not only direct injuries but also such accidents.

Thanks to the preparations from the previous day, we managed to produce ten swords today. This is a pretty good daily production rate. We compromised on quality to some extent, but they still meet the minimum performance standards as weapons. I picked out a few that didn’t turn out well and tested them, but there were no significant issues.

Even if they are used in battle, they shouldn’t break after just one or two fights. If we keep this pace up from tomorrow, we should be able to exceed the quantity Camillo is likely expecting. Diana’s molds are still plentiful. We might need to worry about running out of clay before the molds. Once we reach around 50 or 60, it might be a good idea to have Diana help with casting. We’ll consider that around the day after tomorrow.

The next day, we prepare in the same way and start mass-producing the longswords. The rhythmic sound of hammers dominates the workshop. Oh, right.

"Do dwarves not sing songs like this when they work?"

I asked Rike. I was curious if dwarves had work songs.

"Huh?"

Rike looked puzzled. Maybe they don’t have them.

"No, I was just wondering if there are songs you sing while forging swords or something. I haven’t been in this job for long, and my ‘home’ wasn’t related to forging, so we don’t have such songs in this workshop."

"Oh, we do have them."

So, they do.

"Can you sing one for me?"

"Um... "

Rike looked embarrassed, like being asked to perform a hidden talent at a party.

"It’s okay if you’re embarrassed. I was just curious."

"No, it’s fine."

Rike’s face was still a bit red, but she seemed determined. I should have been more cautious in asking, as some people can’t refuse their boss.

However, since she’s willing to do it, it would be bad to say it’s not necessary now. I’ll let her go ahead.

"Yo-ho, yo-ho, we’re the mountain’s little elves,

Swinging hammers, forging fine goods, we’re in high spirits.

Yo-ho, yo-ho, pots, pans, and shovels, we make them all,

Swinging hammers, a day’s work done, a drink awaits us all.

Yo-ho, yo-ho, yo-ho."

Rike sang in a cute voice, keeping the rhythm with her hammer. Even though the lyrics and tune are not Japanese, it’s quite nice.

"Rike, you’re really good at that. You don’t need to be embarrassed."

I stopped my work to clap. Sermia and Diana also clapped, and Rike blushed.

"It’s not about being good or bad. It just feels very dwarven and embarrassing. I didn’t really think about it much before I left home."

Indeed, part of what impressed me was how “dwarven” it felt. If someone pointed out something I do as “human-like,” I might feel embarrassed too. However,

"I think it’s fine to be dwarven. I’m human, and Sermia is a beastkin. If anyone says anything to Rike because of her race, the people at the Eizou Workshop won’t stand for it."

Our family is connected to a noble house, after all. While relying on them is a last resort, if it can solve the problem, I’ll do it without hesitation for my family. Sermia and Diana nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, Master. Then I must become a blacksmith worthy of the dwarven name."

Rike picked up her hammer again and swung it cheerfully, singing the work song with a brighter voice than before.