Chapter 71

The next day, we pulled up the wild boar that Sermya and Diana had caught, which Sermya described as "huge," from the lake. As expected from Sermya's description, it was indeed quite large. Even after removing the intestines, it probably weighed around 70 kg, similar to a wild boar in the previous world.

Even if the weight would significantly decrease after skinning and preparing it for consumption, it would still be enough to last us for about two weeks. We made a carrying platform as usual and pulled it along. Although the load was large, it was easy with four of us.

After we returned and butchered it, we indeed secured a considerable amount of meat.

"With this, we should be fine for a while."

"Should we go hunting again next week?"

"Yeah, that should be enough."

Rather, I think our stock will increase.

"Then let's go again next week. What should we hunt?"

Sermya was in a good mood from catching such a big game.

"In this forest, the large game is bears... aside from that, there are wild boars and deer. What else is there?"

"About that size. There are also large raccoon dogs sometimes."

"Large raccoon dogs?"

"Round things about this size. They have a bit of a cute face."

Sermya gestured to show the size, about 70 cm. Indeed, they are quite large for raccoon dogs.

"Are they tasty?"

"They're okay... not bad, but deer and wild boars are more numerous and tastier, so there's no need to go out of our way to catch them."

"I see. Only when there's no other game, right?"

"Yeah."

While having such a conversation, we salted and dried the meat. Of course, the portion we would eat today was set aside.

For lunch that day, we had grilled wild boar steak with brandy and seasoned with salt and pepper. It was well-received by Sermya, Rike, and Diana.

In the afternoon, Rike and I worked on blacksmithing, while Sermya and Diana planned to mend clothes. There were no major tears, but there were some worn-out parts.

Of course, this included undergarments. Indeed, that's something I can't do. So, I left it to them and focused on blacksmithing.

As usual, I worked on the high-end models, while Rike worked on the standard models. I worked faster, but Rike had been working on them for a while, so if we continued tomorrow, we should have a sufficient delivery quantity. The sound of flames and hammers echoed in the forge. The hammers danced on the red-hot iron, and products took shape one after another.

The next day, Sermya and Diana went out to gather fruits and vegetables, carrying their lunch boxes. Rike and I were at the forge again.

"Rike, do you ever want to go outside?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Well, you've been working in the forge all the time, while Sermya and the others go out."

"I wouldn't say I don't want to go out, but being a dwarf, this is my true calling, and I find it quite enjoyable."

"I see. That's good."

"Thank you for your concern, Master."

"No... yeah."

We started blacksmithing together. By late afternoon, we had made a decent number of items. At this rate, we might even make more than usual. I thought about taking a break tomorrow. Just as I was thinking that, the door to the sales area was knocked on forcefully. I left Rike, who was startled, and went to the door, where I heard a familiar voice.

"Eizou, are you there?"

As always, it was a loud voice.

"I'm opening it, wait!"

I shouted back loudly and opened the door. There stood a tall, red-haired woman with a large scar on her face, but she had a warm smile.

"Hey, it's been a while!"

"Hey. Good to see you. Come in and sit down."

"Thanks."

The woman, Helen, a mercenary known for her speed as "Thunder Sword," walked in and sat down with a thud. Although it didn't actually make that much noise, her movements were large and noisy. I asked Rike to prepare a diluted wine as a substitute for tea.

"So, what brings you here today? Is there a problem with the swords?"

"No, there are no major issues. I'm going to a distant battlefield soon, so I thought I'd come for a check-up and maintenance before I go."

"I see."

I took the two short swords from Helen and checked for any chipping or warping.

"Have you used these a lot?"

"Um, I trained for a week, then wandered around dealing with bandits nearby, and practiced with logs in between, so quite a bit."

"I see."

There was almost no chipping or warping, but there were some minor issues. I wondered how much strength and use it would take to damage my custom-made swords to this extent. There are things you can only learn in actual combat.

"Oh, right."

Helen stood up as if she had just remembered something.

"Huh? What is it?"

I braced myself, wondering what was going on.

"These swords were incredibly sturdy, just as I imagined. They're incredibly sharp, and they've saved my life a few times."

Hmm, so she must have used them to block other swords and for other reckless uses. If they held up this well, that's enough. The material itself is just steel.

"Thank you, no matter how many times I say it, it's not enough. Thank you."

Helen extended her right hand.

"...It's just my job. I do what I decide to do thoroughly."

I shook her hand. It hurt from the tight grip, but I was more happy than anything.

"Master, you're really not very honest, are you?"

I ignored Rike's words, even as he sighed and laughed.