Chapter 24

The wheat harvest ended early, and as the fields grew desolate in late autumn, or perhaps early winter, I wondered how you were doing. This is Hermann. It's getting cold, so I want to return to Seronia, but there are no convenient stagecoaches. I could walk to Brass Town, but that would be a last resort. I don't want to walk, so I plan to wait for a stagecoach. Stagecoach travel is tough, but that's a different story.

So, I've been spending my days gathering herbs while waiting for the stagecoach. It's late autumn or early winter, and it's freezing. Even in this unpopular spirit land, it's unusual to find someone gathering herbs in Lala's marshes during this season. The answer is that I'm just too lazy to walk and have been gathering herbs to pass the time while waiting for the stagecoach. I guess you could call me a bit of an oddball. If it definitely turns to early winter, I'll walk back, but until then, I'll endure the cold and keep gathering herbs.

Despite the cold, I gathered herbs and returned to find the stagecoach I had been waiting for. ...Not yet, don't celebrate yet. It might not be going to Seronia. First, I need to hear the details. You mustn't get too comfortable. The last time it was a stagecoach that circled Lala's marshes, I nearly collapsed from the knees.

"Hello, where are you headed?"

"To Seronia, young man. It seems you're still here. It's me, remember? I greeted you when you got on here."

"Oh! The driver from when I arrived! Hello."

"I was planning to return to Seronia from Nera Town. I remembered you saying you'd be in Lala's marshes until late autumn. Since I had no plans, I thought I'd stop by on my way back. It seems you're still here."

Oh, you must be a god. I'm so grateful. I never thought I'd be helped by the driver who helped me when I arrived. It was a bit surprising that he remembered me after only meeting once. I recognized him immediately because of the X-shaped scar on his face. At first, I thought he looked a bit scary. But I never expected him to remember me. Stagecoaches carry many passengers, so I didn't think he'd remember individuals. Well, if it weren't for the unique feature of going to Lala's marshes in late autumn, he probably wouldn't have remembered me.

"So, what do you want to do? It's going to Seronia. Do you want to get on?"

"I'll get on!"

"Haha, got it. It's 8 large copper coins. ——I've received them. We'll depart tomorrow morning, so please be ready by then."

"Understood."

He looks scary, but he's a kind driver, and I'm really grateful he came. I was planning to walk to Brass Town soon. Early winter might already be here. ...I wonder if the inn I stayed at last year is still available. I'm returning later than last year, which was already late. I didn't think I'd be even later this time. The stagecoach frequently passes through areas near the demon realm, but it rarely comes here. I didn't even see the alchemist merchant who usually passes through once a year. I guess it's because this place is so unpopular.

Anyway, I'm glad I secured a stagecoach. Now I can return to Seronia tomorrow. Since I finally have a way to return, I'll use up all the meat I have today. ...I've been eating mostly porridge recently, and it's been a bit lonely. I had one portion left, but I'll eat it today. From now on, I'll buy more, even if it's leftover. A life without meat is bleak. Forget the aesthetics of finishing everything; a rich meal is definitely better. I don't think I'll be punished for being moderately rich without being gluttonous. I won't be overwhelmed by gluttony just because of meat.

In the morning, I woke up as usual and went to wash my face. I'll wash my face even if it's cold. I won't compromise on this. Then, I prepared my meal. It's just putting wheat and water in a pot, but I'm looking for something that preserves well and tastes good. Fresh produce and vegetables can't be stored without a preserving jar, so is there something that can be stored for a long time and tastes good? If there were such a convenient thing, it would be popular, and it would probably be expensive. Meat is the easiest, after all.

So, I finished my meal, cleaned up, packed my tent, and got on the stagecoach. ...Since I'm the only one this time, I'll have to act if there's an attack. But there are no demon realms around here, so there are no monsters, basically. ...What were the conditions for monsters to spawn? Apparently, monsters can suddenly appear even outside demon realms. Most of the time, they're goblins. If there are enough people nearby and a magical stagnation forms, monsters can be born... I think.

I remember reading this in a book at the Alchemy Guild. The ancient alchemists set up barriers to prevent magical stagnation in towns. Villages don't have barriers, but they don't have enough people to form stagnation, so it's fine. The book also mentioned that there are reasons why villages don't increase in population. I thought we could make more fields or build villages between existing ones, but it seems the current layout is well thought out. ...Still, magical stagnation seems to form around towns, and monsters appear. Well, it's a source of income for adventurers.

Since we talked about monsters, some might think we were attacked. But nothing happened. Just because stagnation forms easily doesn't mean attacks happen frequently. If monsters appeared that often, more adventurers would explore the areas around towns. Stagnation causes monsters to spawn only a few times a year. There's no way I'd encounter them with such low frequency. There's no protagonist bonus. ...The three consecutive attacks I faced before were unusual. I don't think my luck is that bad. Some might say it's a sign of high luck, but that's another story.

So, I stayed at the same inn without any issues. The price was the same, 5 large silver coins, and I rented the room for the winter. This time, it's room 306, the last room. I'm glad it was still available. Finding a new inn would be a hassle. By the way, this inn only has 12 rooms. ...Compared to large inns, it has fewer rooms, but it's profitable, so it's fine. It costs 6 small gold coins to stay for the winter, which is a considerable amount. I don't know if there are guests in other seasons, but 6 small gold coins can support a family of four, including children, so it's not bad. Wheat is cheap because there are many farmers. Even with a tavern, it might be popular because wheat is cheap, but adventurers don't have much money. I think there are taverns in demon realms where adventurers have money. Alcohol would sell well there. Anyway, today I'll enjoy a delicious dinner and go to bed. That's the good thing about staying at an inn with meals. The food here is delicious, and everything is great.

In the morning, I slept well in a bed for the first time in a while. Let's wash our face and have breakfast. The communal well is nearby, which is very convenient. ...I might be the only one who washes my face, but let's go. After breakfast, I'll go to the free market. This year, I have some business at the blacksmith's corner. First, I need to maintain my rapier and mangouste. I wish I had done it last year.

...Actually, I think maintenance is needed every year, and it should be more frequent, but I don't know the norms. My previous self didn't know either, so I'm not sure. The rapier is a thrusting and cutting weapon, and I think the maintenance frequency is higher than usual. It's a weapon that relies on sharpness rather than weight. Even if it's stored in an 'Extend Space,' the edge can dull. If it dulls, it's useless for a rapier. The same goes for the mangouste. I only use it as a throwing knife, but it's a cutting weapon. I wipe it with a damp cloth, but I don't sharpen it, so it needs maintenance. That's why I'm going to the blacksmith.

Another reason is that I want to have a spare weapon. I currently use a rapier and mangouste, which are not heavy weapons but rather flexible ones. A broad and thick heavy sword is less likely to break, but a narrow and thin flexible sword can break. I think I can handle it with my talent, but I shouldn't be overconfident. It's better to have a spare weapon. If I don't have money, I'll have to think about it, but fortunately, I do. I want to get two more rapiers and nine more mangoustes, all made of iron.

So, I went to the blacksmith's corner. Since it's a sword, I can't go to the same blacksmith as before. I'll choose based on the quality of the weapons and whether they handle iron weapons. ...The quality of the weapon depends on the blacksmith's talent. The only thing I know is that a rapier is easier to handle if the center of gravity is closer to the hilt. I'll judge by holding it. If it's not good, I'll order a custom one. However, most blacksmiths make similar weapons, and rapiers are available, but most are made of magic iron. I prefer iron weapons because they are stronger and cheaper than magic iron. ...Ah, this blacksmith has iron weapons. No rapiers, but I'll keep this place in mind. If they can make a custom one, that's fine.

So, I went around the blacksmith's corner, but there were few places that handled iron weapons. It's probably because of the quality of adventurers. Cheap magic iron weapons are more popular. Last year, only the place where I got my glasses handled iron crafts. I guess I had to go there for my glasses. I narrowed down the options for iron swords to three places. It's not that there were only three places that handled iron, but the other places had more heavy swords.

The first place I kept in mind also had more heavy swords. It would be better to go to a place that specializes in thin swords. Blacksmiths have their own styles. Heavy swords have more power if the center of gravity is closer to the tip. Thin swords prioritize sharpness, and it's easier to handle if the center of gravity is closer to the hilt. That's why the three places that specialize in thin swords are my top choices. I don't know which one is the best, but I'll choose the one with the thinnest sword, a broadsword. A broadsword is a sharpness-focused sword and is relatively thin. It's a bit ironic that it's called a broadsword, but it's a mystery.

So, I went to the blacksmith that sells broadswords. I'll check the selection again. It seems to specialize in thin swords, so they should be able to make a rapier. They don't have mangoustes, but they have throwing knives. I don't need to stick to mangoustes. Since the rapier is easy to handle, it's a good idea to get a broadsword as a spare. The rapier is easier to use now because of my build, but I might switch to a broadsword when I grow taller. As a spare weapon, I'll get a broadsword and a parrying dagger. I'll try different parrying daggers. For now, I'll use them as throwing knives. I'll test which one is the best.

So, I'll choose a broadsword. It's a one-handed sword, and it's easier to handle if the center of gravity is closer to the hilt. Hmm, the center of gravity is a bit forward. It would be better if it were a bit closer to the hilt, ...but this one feels just right. I'll choose this broadsword. For the parrying dagger, I'll mainly use it as a throwing knife. There are many types. ...I'll buy one of each and test them. If they don't work well, I can sell them. ...There are only four types here.

"Excuse me, I'd like this sword and these nine throwing knives."

"Oh, you've made up your mind. The sword is 5 small gold coins. The throwing knives are 2 small gold coins each. That's a total of 23 small gold coins. ——Thank you for your business."

"Also, I want you to make the same weapons. Is that possible?"

"Huh? ...It's a very thin sword. The center of gravity is near the hilt, and it needs to be sharp. It's mainly for thrusting. I can make it, but it will take a day. What do you want to do?"

"If you can, I want you to make the same sword. Also, I need maintenance for these. And please maintain these throwing knives."

"Ah, I see. But why do you need to sharpen this thin sword? ...Well, if you say so. Sharpening for two is 2 large silver coins. Making this thin sword will cost 3 small gold coins. ——Thank you for your business. You must be making good money, kid. You're a good adventurer, different from the ones loitering in the square."

"Well, I'm doing well enough to buy iron weapons."

"Being able to buy iron weapons makes you a fine adventurer. From the look of this thin sword, you don't seem to delve into demon realms. If you're gathering materials properly, it's natural to have this level of weapon. It's a good idea to have spare weapons, especially for a thin sword that can break easily."

"That's true. This thin sword can break, right? I've confirmed that it can cut, but should I avoid cutting?"

"No, it's made of iron and is well-made, so cutting is fine. Just avoid large targets. It can't withstand a heavy blow. If you don't cut properly, it might get stuck in the middle of the flesh. It's a test of your skill, kid. This is a sword for slicing, not for chopping. You need to use your whole body to slice, not just your wrist."

"I understand, but it depends on my talent. I use it by following my talent."

"If you have talent, it will guide you. ...By the way, for a kid your age, your talent is guiding you in swordsmanship. You must be loved by your talent."

"Yeah, I've been told that before. Is it that different?"

"Hey, we blacksmiths have talent too, but it took some time to understand where to strike to make a good sword. When you can do that, you're halfway there. Then, you need to use your talent to create something beyond it to become a full-fledged blacksmith. It's the same for swordsmen. Talent is the foundation, and you need to elevate it to your own technique through training. ...The more stars you have, the more paths to mastery your talent can show you. I'm just repeating what I've heard, but it seems that true mastery comes when you surpass your talent. But first, you need to be loved by your talent. Since you've already been loved by your talent, the next step is how to turn it into a technique. If you want to pursue the path of a swordsman, it will be a tough journey, kid."

"Thank you for the advice. But my goal is to become an alchemist, so I only plan to dabble in swordsmanship."

"Why? You've decided on another path. I've heard that alchemists can't measure their talent, and it's very expensive to become one. I don't know much, but I've heard that it's difficult without the wealth of a noble to master it."

"That's true. So, I plan to become wealthy enough to open a shop in a demon realm. I also want to develop my sword skills to a certain level. Of course, I want to master alchemy as well."

"A shop in a demon realm, that's a great dream. I support you."

"Thank you. I'll come back for the sword tomorrow."

"Alright, I'll start making your sword now, so I'm closing up. I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow."

I not only bought things but also heard many stories. Mastery beyond talent. The Iron Welcome faction of alchemists probably aims to achieve mastery as one of their goals. ...What I'm doing might be similar to or exactly like the Iron Welcome faction. Will I join the Iron Welcome faction? I'm not sure. It feels like going to the Alchemy Academy will be even more exciting. For now, I don't find the Illusion Profound faction, which chases after幻兽, appealing, so I'll rule that out. What about the others?

I want to make golems. It was a golem that sparked my interest in becoming an alchemist. But Judy said that all factions ultimately aim to eliminate aging. How does making golems relate to that? Do I become a golem? ...No, I don't want that. Maybe I can ignore the aging aspect. I don't find eternal life particularly appealing. So, I might end up in the Common Nature faction or the Iron Welcome faction. I don't know how the Iron Welcome faction aims to eliminate aging, but maybe they have a monster they want to defeat. ...From my past memories, it seems like a story, but the living blood of a dragon might be a material for immortality. Probably, they aim to defeat such a powerful monster and create an elixir of immortality.

Anyway, I've heard that any