Chapter 70

The next day, as Sermia had said, the rain was still falling. However, it seemed to be lighter than the previous day. I went to fetch water, but I didn't get as wet as I did yesterday.

"I hope it stops by tomorrow."

"Yeah, we won't be able to do laundry otherwise."

Indeed, we haven't been able to do laundry for three days, and the clothes are starting to pile up. Fortunately, we each have enough underwear for about five days, so we're still okay, but if it doesn't stop by tomorrow, it will become a problem. There's nothing we can do but pray.

Today, I continued working on the halberds, while Rike and the others worked on the general models. It seems that both Sermia and Diana are getting better at their tasks. At this rate, I might not need to help with the general models. They managed to make a decent number yesterday, so I can focus on my own work.

Sure enough, I was able to make the heads and pommels for two halberds today. The work itself is the same as yesterday, but it takes much more effort compared to making knives. Even if we lower the quality for the general models, mass production seems impossible due to the amount of work involved. I can't really have Rike and the others make them either... Maybe spears would be better.

I had some free time, so I used it to replenish the arrowheads. If the rain stops tomorrow, Sermia and Diana will probably go out to gather or hunt. Our meat supply is running low. We can last a week or even two if we're careful, but that would be a bit depressing. We can't be sure if it will rain for a long time again, so I'll have them go out to replenish the supplies.

The next day, as Sermia had said, the rain had stopped. When I went outside, I could see puddles everywhere, but the rising sun was turning the world golden, creating a scene that looked like a painting. They say the early bird catches the worm, and it's true.

After fetching water and returning, the laundry started, but there was a lot today. It didn't look like it would be finished soon, and we would probably use more water than usual, so I had to go fetch water again. I can't help much with the laundry. Even though it's not as sexy as in the previous world, I still feel uncomfortable participating in washing women's underwear, even if they don't mind. As for household chores, I'm in charge of cooking, so I hope you can understand.

After a slightly late breakfast, Sermia and Diana went out hunting. Sermia seemed unusually cheerful, apparently because I had replenished the arrowheads. When I asked Rike, she said, "It's a girl thing, a girl thing," but I don't really understand what kind of girl thing it is.

Today, our work at the forge is for me to continue with the halberds, and for Rike to make general model knives. Sermia and Diana can't help much with this.

Both of us were working on forging, so the sound of hammers echoed constantly in the workshop. The sounds were slightly different because we were making different things. It sounded like we were playing different-sized instruments, which was a bit fun.

During my breaks, I checked out the knives Rike had made. Her skills were improving gradually. The inconsistencies had significantly decreased compared to before. I wish I could say something like, "Can you hear the voice of the iron now...?" but unfortunately, I'm using cheats, so I can't really tell. So, I can only learn by observing what I'm looking at and how I'm hitting it, which is the "learn by watching" method.

I showed Rike the halberd I had made, even though it's a different model. I had already made the first one, so today I would make the second one. Since the spear, axe, and pick are different parts, I hope she can learn how I make and combine each part.

"How's this?"

I handed her the completed head of the halberd. Rike took it and examined it closely.

"Each part is well-made, and the joints are amazing. It looks like it was originally one piece," she said, as usual, starting her evaluation. I was relieved that it seemed to meet the quality standards for Rike to see.

"So, did you learn anything?"

"Yes, I don't think I can catch up to you, but I have a few things I want to try now."

"That's good. I'd like to teach you properly, but I'm not good at explaining."

"No, no, this is how it's usually done. You're being very kind."

"If you want to see anything else, just let me know."

"Sure, Master. I'll work hard!"

Rike said this with determination in her eyes.

Since it wasn't raining today, I decided to finish the halberds. I brought in some wood and made five 2-meter poles. Thanks to the custom-made knives and cheats, I could make precise and beautiful poles in no time, which I often think is quite unfair.

I attached the heads and pommels of the halberds to the ends of the poles with nails, and the halberds were finally complete. I wanted to try them out, but swinging a 2-meter weapon in the workshop was impractical. I went outside to test them.

The sun, which had painted the world golden in the morning, was about to turn it orange. But the sky was still blue. I swung the 2-meter halberd at imaginary enemies, thrust with the spear, slashed with the axe, and swept the ground with the pick. The balance between the pick and axe parts was good, and the balance between the head and pommel was also not bad. If used properly, it seemed more useful than a single short spear.

I repeated the movements a few times, and by the time the sun was about to set, I had finished my "test swings." Then, I heard three claps.

"Hey, Sermia and Diana, you're back?"

"Yeah, we've been back for a while. Welcome back."

"Welcome back. Eizou, you can handle a halberd too?"

"Both of you, welcome back. As you can see, my skills are just as you see."

I don't think I'm moving as well as with a longsword, but since I'm apparently super strong with a longsword, Diana's comment suggests I'm pretty strong with a halberd too. Maybe I'll make a couple of custom models for home defense.

"Anyway, since everyone's back, let's have dinner. What did you two get today?"

"Right, listen to this! Today, we got..."

We talked about it as we headed back inside.