Chapter 47

Diana brought a letter. Well, in this world, there’s probably no such thing as a crime of opening someone else’s mail like in the previous world. Perhaps to guard against any unlikely event, there was no seal on the wax. I opened the envelope with a knife.

"The Honorable Camillo, I believe you have a grasp of the general situation in the capital, given your character."

The letter began with this opening and contained the same kind of content we had just heard from Diana. Near the end, it read:

"Regarding this, I would like to entrust my sister, Diana, to a certain person. I don’t know where he lives, but he is the blacksmith who forged my sword. I hear he lives in a remote place. It would be easier for her to hide there. He supplies goods to your place, and I wonder if you could take care of my sister until he arrives."

The letter continued a bit more, but this much was enough to get the gist of it.

"So, it’s settled. Marius intended to entrust Diana to us. That saves us a step, then."

Moreover, since Diana won’t have to go to Camillo, it will be harder for them to track her, which might be a good thing. By the time they realize the pursuers have been defeated, the trail will be mostly gone.

Everyone nodded in agreement after hearing my words.

"So, Diana will stay with us for a while. You can wander around the area where there are no trees, but if you go any further, you need to take me or Sermya with you. Otherwise, you might get eaten by wolves."

"Understood."

"If you have any issues you can’t discuss with a man, you can talk to Sermya or Rike."

"Thank you very much."

Diana bowed to Sermya and Rike.

"Sure, feel free to ask us anything."

Sermya replied with a laugh.

"Ah, right, while I’m at it, I might as well ask. Why is Diana so polite to us, ordinary commoners? I’m not saying it’s bad, but since you’re a noble, you can be more casual with us, you know?"

I asked about something that had been on my mind. I put aside the fact that I was being incredibly rude.

"Because you saved my life... I guess."

"Hmm, well, you might be staying here for a while, so it’s not like I’ll think you’re up to something just because you’re more casual. I think it would be easier and more harmonious for both of us if you could be more relaxed."

"Understood... No, I understand. If you say so, I will."

"Great, thanks."

Phew, this might make our lives a bit more relaxed. I know it’s a bit ironic to say that when we’re harboring a mini-refugee, but there you go.

"Alright, you must be tired. Let’s get to bed early today."

"Okay."

"Sure."

"Yes."

Three different responses came back. Thus, the eventful day finally came to an end.

The next morning, I was the first to wake up to fetch water. Once, Rike tried to do it, saying it was a disciple’s job, but I’ve been doing it ever since because I feel like I don’t move around much without it. It takes about half an hour to go and come back. On the way back, the two bottles of water make it a decent workout.

When I returned, Sermya and Rike were already up, and we would wash our faces with the water I fetched. From today, Diana would join us, making it four of us washing our faces and brushing our teeth. While I prepared breakfast, the women would do the laundry. Unlike in the previous world, where I could make toast and eggs while the bread was toasting, there’s enough time to do the laundry during the preparation.

The detergent is made from the ash of burned charcoal, which is stored in a bottle with water. It’s apparently effective, as it was used as a detergent in the previous world. There are probably plants like soapwort that contain saponin, but finding them is a task for the future.

For breakfast, we had oatmeal and a soup made from salted meat. I make the soup in large quantities so that it can be used for lunch and dinner with added ingredients, reducing the cooking time. While the three of us (four from today) eat and chat, we decide on the day’s plans, which is an important part of breakfast.

We decided to spend the next three days making short swords and long swords. This way, Sermya can teach Diana. Sermya would teach her while they both applied clay to the wooden molds to make the forms. We might need to get or find more clay soon. Since there’s a lake and water springs, there’s probably an impermeable layer, and if we dig deep enough, we might find a clay layer. Even soil mixed with clay would be sufficient for our purposes. But that’s a task for later.

The rest of the process remains the same. The only difference is that Diana is helping. Sermya and Diana handle the filing. Despite being a noble lady, Diana has quite a strong arm with the hammer. She was wearing a breastplate when she escaped, and she managed to hold off the pursuers until we arrived, so she must have some sword skills. After that, Rike and I finish the work. While we do that, Sermya and Diana prepare the next steps.

Today’s work went quite well. The efficiency was about the same as before, but with one inexperienced person, it wasn’t a problem at all. Diana showed interest in the newly made long sword, so I let her try it. Compared to my cheat, it was a bit lacking, but she seemed to have some training in swordsmanship, and she handled it well.

"Not bad at all."

"Thank you. But I don’t think I can beat Aizou yet."

She was referring to the time we saved her.

"Aizou is stronger than he looks..."

Sermya chimed in.

"Doesn’t that make it worse?"

I pouted in response. However,

"But it’s not normal to think a blacksmith is that strong, Master."

Rike backed Sermya up, and I dramatically slumped my shoulders, making everyone laugh.