Chapter 25

That day ended with four knives (one "custom" and three "standard") and two longswords. At this rate, there should be enough stock by the next time we go to town.

For the next four days, on days without hunting, I had Sermya help me with the construction of the new room in the morning. I reinforced the posts with crossbeams and installed the beams. For the floor, I laid joists and floorboards, and at the same time, I created a corridor. The new outer walls of the house became the outer walls of the room, and the corridor extended inside. This way, even if more rooms are added, we can still have good lighting and layout. If more rooms are added, the corridor will become a gallery, and rooms will line up on the outside, creating a central courtyard.

If, by some mistake, the number of rooms exceeds that, we would need to either rebuild or call in a professional with proper construction skills to convert the house into a multi-story building. For now, I have no such plans, but neither Sermya nor Rike had any plans to begin with, so it's good to be prepared.

During the hunting days, Sermya managed to catch about four birds, making the evening meal more luxurious. However, she didn't aim for larger game, possibly because she was starting to enjoy helping with the house construction and blacksmithing. Birds don't require much effort from us.

By the end of this period, I had completed a total of 14 knives and 6 longswords. With this many, we should have enough to sell. We need to stock up on vegetables, charcoal, and iron ore in exchange.

The next day, the three of us headed to town. This was the first time since Rike came to live with us. We took a break along the way and arrived in town without any issues. Mr. Marius was at the entrance.

"Ah, it's you guys."

"Yes."

"You usually come about once a week, right?"

"Right."

"Hmm..."

"Is something wrong?"

"No, it's just that a few people have asked me where to get the knives and longswords you make."

"Ah, I see."

We generally come to the free market once a week, but the exact day isn't fixed. Just because we come on a Monday doesn't mean the items will always be available. Losing customers isn't something I want.

"I'll think of something. I won't set up a shop directly, but I can supply to someone else."

"That would be great. That way, you'll make more money too."

"Thank you."

I bowed in gratitude, and Mr. Marius waved his hand in response.

Hmm, it might be a good time to start supplying "premium models" to someone. Currently, we're selling out almost every week, but with Rike's help, our stock is increasing, and we can't keep up with that pace.

Moreover, if we need to buy iron ore and charcoal regularly, we need a place to store them, and we can't always come to town. It would be beneficial to start trading with a merchant who has a shop. That way, we won't have to spend a whole day in town, and there are many advantages. I'll consider this as a future strategy.

As usual, we set up our sales stand at the free market, and the merchant who had bought longswords from us several times approached.

"Ah, it's you. I haven't seen you today."

"I can see that. I have something to discuss with you."

"Discuss?"

"Yes. I'm opening a shop in this town, not just a free market stall, but a proper shop."

"Wow, congratulations!"

"Thanks. I've dealt with various items and have connections in different places, so I plan to sell a variety of goods. There are no restrictions on what can be sold in the new part of town."

"Interesting."

"Right. So, I wanted to ask if you would let me sell the blades and weapons you make in my shop."

"Is that okay?"

I was relieved that the issue I had been pondering was resolved so quickly. It was almost too perfect... No, Mr. Marius must have known and suggested it to me. As a guard, he probably hears a lot of information. I owe him one. If anything comes up, I'll help him actively.

"Of course not. I know the quality of your longswords very well."

The emphasis on "very" made me wonder if he had used them somewhere. I didn't have the courage to ask right now.

"I was thinking about finding a supplier. If you're okay with it, I'd like to ask you."

I agreed.

"Great, thank you! By the way, my name is Camiro. Nice to meet you."

Camiro extended his hand, and I took it.

"My name is Eizou. I live in the 'Black Forest' for a reason. I can supply once a week, and if it extends significantly, I'll let you know in advance. Is that okay?"

"Living in such a place. With your skills, you could live anywhere... No, you're a Northern person with a reason. If you have a dwarf and a beastman as guards, you should be fine. That schedule works for me."

"Thanks. And while we're at it, I have a favor to ask."

"What is it?"

"The iron ore and charcoal I have are running low, and I'm looking for a supplier. Do you know anyone?"

"Ah, that's easy. I'll find and stock them for you."

"Is that okay?"

"No problem. I'll deduct the cost from the payment for the items you supply. Is that fine?"

"Yes, that helps."

"Alright, then."

Eizou and Camiro shook hands firmly.