Chapter 80

"Hmm..."

I groaned in front of the scattered fragments.

"So, to what extent would you like the restoration to be done?"

Whether it should be restored to the point where it's indistinguishable from the original, or if just having the same shape would suffice. The latter might be possible by tomorrow, but the former would clearly be a lot of work. I don't intend to make it as meticulous as the restoration of a fresco from my previous world.

"Of course, if it can be restored completely to its original state, that would be best."

The woman, whose voice truly matched the description of "ringing like a bell," said.

"But if that's impossible, I'd be fine with the best you can do."

In other words, she wants me to do everything within my capabilities. Although I don't have much of a career, being asked like that does stir the craftsman's blood within me.

"One more thing, did you come here alone?"

"Yes, I came alone."

Since Sermia isn't here, I can't be sure, but at least there doesn't seem to be anyone around, and she doesn't seem to be lying. Those conditions apply when creating something from scratch, so it's fine for now.

As I was considering whether to take the job, the woman spoke a bit more quickly.

"Um, I used a concealment spell on the way here, but was that not acceptable?"

She seemed to think I was considering whether she came alone. There are concealment spells, huh.

"No, as long as you came alone, it's not a problem."

I smiled and replied. I wasn't that strict about it... Hearing this, the woman looked genuinely relieved.

"In that case, I will accept this commission."

"Really!?"

The woman stood up with a loud thud and exclaimed. That was quite a volume.

"Ah, sorry..."

She quickly sat back down, looking meek. For a moment, I think that was her true self. Otherwise, she wouldn't have come to a place like this.

"No, it's fine. So, when would you like it completed?"

"The sooner, the better, but could you please have it done within two weeks at the latest?"

"Understood."

Two weeks. I think I can get it to a pretty good state by then.

"Um, about that, I'm very sorry, but I would like you to show me the progress every day during the restoration."

"What do you mean?"

"I do trust Mr. Eizou, but since this is such a valuable item, just in case..."

"Ah, I see."

Of course, it's not just because it's mithril, but it also looks like something with a significant history. If I were to run off with it, the consequences would be obvious.

"That's fine, but wouldn't it be a hassle to come every day?"

"No, it's fine if you can lend me a corner of this garden."

She said it as if it were a matter of course, but even if it's near the house, isn't it a bit risky for a woman to stay in the forest? There might not be bandits, but there are wolves and bears.

"There are also aggressive beasts around here, you know?"

"Oh, the magical energy around this house is so strong that I don't think they would come close."

"Huh?"

I had never heard of this before. Come to think of it, we don't have anyone here who is knowledgeable about magic.

"The 'Black Forest' is a land with a lot of magical energy, but the area around this house is particularly dense, which is why no trees grow here. Normally, such places are avoided by ordinary animals. I was impressed that you chose this location, knowing this..."

"I didn't know at all."

I didn't have much of a choice in the matter. But that explains why there are no wolves passing by or squirrels relaxing on the wood.

"I only heard about this place after seeing the rapier you forged, which convinced me of your skill in weaving magic into the metal. But perhaps that's also..."

"It's a craftsman's intuition."

I can't say it's a cheat. But I didn't consciously do it. The woman's shoulders slumped when she heard this. I'm sorry.

However, two things became clear. This elf came here after seeing the rapier I forged, probably within 2-3 days of its delivery, and then went to Camiro to find out where I lived.

The other thing is the reason why the custom model I forged didn't work in the city. From what she said, it seems that items created with magic woven into them become stronger. Here, the magical energy is strong, so I can infuse it fully, but in the city, the magical energy is thin, so I couldn't infuse it sufficiently. By mixing in my knife, which was fully infused with magical energy, it worked well, which explains everything.

"Let's put that aside for now. Even if it's safe, I can't leave a woman outside. Fortunately, we have a guest room. It might be a bit inconvenient, but please stay there."

The woman, who had slumped, seemed to recover a bit and asked,

"Is that okay? I heard you have three wives?"

"...I have three women in my family, but I'm not married, so please don't hesitate."

The source of this information is Camiro. I'll remember that for next time.

"Then, I'll take you up on your offer."

The elf woman seemed a bit confused but eventually bowed. Helen said she was going on a long trip, so I think it will be fine for a while without any other guests.

At that moment, the workshop's bell rang. Sermia and Diana had returned. As I wondered how to explain this to them, I looked at the door leading to the house.