Chapter 93

"Better than what was requested," Lidi said. Normally, it should be a good thing. After all, I managed to create something better than the client's requested level. However, this time, I was asked to restore it, and the request was to make it "the same as the original." So, I wonder if it was really a good thing to exceed the original. I need to improve my ability to handle such requests at the appropriate level.

The answer to my doubt came back from Lidi soon enough.

"Yes. The request was to restore it to its original form, but of course, the amount of magic woven into it is significantly greater than the original. In the way it will be used, the more magic it holds, the better, so to be honest, I'm relieved."

The way it will be used refers to the magic battery, I suppose. Indeed, if it breaks when a certain amount is drawn, having a larger margin is better. At least, I'm relieved to know that I didn't do anything unnecessary. I don't know how much magic the original held, but it must have been quite a lot. I'm a bit curious about what kind of situation led to the sword being used up and breaking, but I don't think it's something I should ask about. If it breaks again, I'll fix it for her.

"By the way, about the payment," Lidi continued.

Ah, right, I need that. I learned a lot, so I could accept a low price, but let's go with that standard.

"If you come alone, I'm fine with whatever price you suggest. So, please pay the amount you think is appropriate."

"I see. Hmm..."

Lidi placed her hand on her slender chin, deep in thought. She has a small face and a quiet demeanor, so such gestures really suit her. I think it also has something to do with the last guest, Helen, who was completely different.

After a moment of thought, Lidi said, "Please wait a moment," and returned to the house. While she was gone, I tried holding the newly restored (plus α) mithril sword. As I realized during the work, mithril is incredibly light. If it were steel of the same weight, even if Kurogaki no Kami was exaggerating, it would probably only be able to make a knife or a slightly larger blade.

I refrained from swinging it around since it's the client's item. If it were a newly forged one, I could test it under the pretext of a trial cut, but this is a restored item.

After a short while, Lidi returned with a small cloth bag. It probably contains her purse or a bag with a substantial amount of money.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

From the bag, she took out gold coins and some thin, unfamiliar plates. There were about five gold coins, but the thin plates looked like gems upon closer inspection. There were two of them. I'm not sure about the market value, but they must be quite expensive.

"Normally, if I had you forge something with this much magic, it might cost more, but this is the limit of what I can pay."

Hmm, it still seems like a lot. The materials were provided, and I learned a lot from Rike, so I gained a lot from this. Ah, right.

"Um, well, then," I said, returning one gold coin to Lidi's hand.

"Could you deliver the seeds of the vegetables you grow in your village to a merchant who knows the location of this house? Just say it's for Eizou. Of course, only the amount that won't inconvenience the villagers. If there are any left, you can divide them by season or something. Ah, are the vegetables from the elf village not allowed to leave the village?"

"No, that's not the case. We sometimes sell them to human merchants. But, is that okay?"

"Yes. I think you saw the merchant when you were in town. It's the same feeling as dealing with him."

This way, it's not a discount, but the equivalent of one gold coin will return to the elf village where Lidi lives, so I'll convince myself with that.

...When I told Rike and Diana about the money I received for Helen's sword and the Aimur family incident, they scolded me, saying, "If you don't take the full amount, you're undervaluing your skills, and that would be unfair to other blacksmiths." I was thinking of getting about three gold coins this time. When they scolded me, Sermia didn't seem to understand either, but I think it was just because the amount was so large that it didn't feel real. I know the market value of daily items well.

Lidi seemed to be thinking again, but after a while,

"I'll take you up on your offer," she said, putting the gold coin back in the bag. I could have returned another one as Rike's tuition, but if she refused, saying it was too much, it would be meaningless.

For now, everything is settled with this request. So, it's time to celebrate. I started tidying up the workshop to prepare a slightly more luxurious meal.