Chapter 81

As expected, it seemed that Sarmya and Diana had returned. Not long after the bell rang, the door connecting the workshop and the house opened.

"Back... a customer?"

"Yeah... um..."

Diana asked, but I realized I hadn't asked for her name.

"My name is Ridi."

The elf woman—Ridi—stood up and bowed.

"This is the person who has come to request the repair of the sword."

I added. Then,

"My name is Diana. I am staying at the Eizou Workshop, so please remember me."

Diana, still in her hunting clothes, gracefully performed a noble's bow. Despite her attire, she certainly looked the part. She is a genuine noble's daughter, after all. I wonder if she didn't mention the Eizou family name out of caution. I think her status is already clear from her greeting.

"My name is Sarmya...?"

Sarmya seemed a bit confused, but I figured she would remember eventually. Maybe I should leave it to Diana...

"I am an apprentice at the Eizou Workshop, my name is Rike."

Rike bowed neatly. She might be the most normal of the group. Despite her young appearance, she seems very balanced. Anyway, these are the members of our Eizou family.

"So, Rike, since you've heard about it, you know that this sword is important, and the person will be staying with us during the repair."

"I'm sorry for the impolite request..."

When Ridi said this, Diana's face lit up.

"Really? Living with an elf!?"

I had forgotten to ask her age, but her curiosity is far greater than Sarmya's.

"No, it's more like supervision, not exactly living together."

"But we'll be living together, right?"

"Well, since you'll be staying here..."

"Then it doesn't change the fact that I'll be living here, even if it's just for a while."

Since she's so happy, I don't want to dampen her spirits by arguing further.

"Anyway, while I'm making dinner, Diana and Rike, can you prepare the guest room?"

"Sure."

"Understood."

Diana and Rike nodded and headed back to the house.

"What did Sarmya and the others catch today?"

"Leaf birds. About five of them."

They must have hunted smaller ones, assuming we have enough meat stored. Still, one bird per person is enough to fill our stomachs, which is convenient.

"Then, let's quickly pluck the feathers, Sarmya and I."

"Alright."

Just as Sarmya and I were about to head back to the house,

"Um..."

A soft voice stopped us.

"Can I help?"

Ridi offered. While her offer is appreciated, she is a guest, after all.

"I used to pluck birds in the village, so it's fine."

Is that so? It seems that elves in this world normally eat meat. If they only ate vegetables, we only have dried root vegetables, and it's hard to get a steady supply in the depths of this forest. We can manage with some fruits, but it's not enough for a full meal for an adult, even if she is a woman. When we visit Camiro next time, I should stock up on more vegetables.

"Thank you, it helps. Can I ask you to help?"

"Yes."

When I asked, Ridi showed her first smile since arriving.

Sarmya, Ridi, and I plucked the feathers. We boiled water in a large pot and dunked the birds to pluck them. It took some time, but once we finished, we used knives to butcher and cut the meat into pieces.

When the guest room was ready, I asked Ridi to put her luggage there. The others were cleaning the tools they used. I took the opportunity to prepare dinner.

Since Ridi was here, I made a bit of a feast with grilled chicken and wine sauce. We also served wine (which Rike called fire wine) and said both "Let's eat" and "Cheers."

Ridi seemed a bit confused at first, but when I explained that we usually have a lively dinner, talking about the day's events (breakfast and lunch have a similar atmosphere), she seemed to understand and joined in the conversation.

Since she might be staying for about two weeks, I hope she can get used to our lifestyle.

The next morning, after fetching water and tidying up, I felt the washbasin was a bit cramped with five people. It's different from when Helen was here, maybe because of the difference in body size. It doesn't feel as cramped as it did then.

After that, we had breakfast. The usual menu of root vegetable and salted meat soup with unleavened bread, but Ridi didn't seem to have any complaints, and I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. When the living environment changes, the most disheartening thing is often the food not agreeing with you. At least, that's what I think.

After breakfast, we planned the day's work. I, of course, will work, and Rike will observe and learn. When I asked Sarmya and Diana what they wanted to do, they both said they wanted to see the repair process. There's no reason to refuse, so with Ridi's permission, I allowed it.

Ridi, of course, will also observe my work. In short, today will be a day when everyone observes my work.

Well, there's no particular problem with that. I led everyone to the workshop and opened the door.