Chapter 13

### Lap Time Again

The continuation of the story begins with Jin holding me in his lap.

Ever since then, he's been sulking and refusing to let go. The burly lion is so annoying.

"Um, let's start with the story about the incense that repels monsters. We had planned to sell it through the Zain Guild in the fortress city, but I'd like to move it up a bit."

Barry looks exasperated, clearly finding the situation difficult. I can understand why, given that I'm in his lap. It's not my fault, though.

"What do you mean by moving it up?"

In the previous story, we had agreed to trade the recipe for the monster-repelling incense with the son of the old man in the fortress city.

"Yes, the situation has changed a bit."

According to Barry, monster attacks have been increasing recently. The original plan was for the Zain Guild to buy the recipe from me, manufacture the incense, and then have the Marita Kingdom purchase and distribute it throughout the country. The Zain Guild is currently rushing to prepare, but with the increase in monster attacks, it might not be ready in time. Therefore, they want me to sell the incense I've made until the preparations are complete.

"Sure, no problem."

In the Glass Forest, I made a lot of incense out of boredom. It was fun to think of different variations, and the appraisal magic would tell me things like, "If you mix this herb, it has this effect!" So I ended up making too much. It was like a late-night shopping program.

"This is about how much I have in stock."

I took it out with a storage spell. A mountain of incense piled up on the table. Oh, I can't fit them all. Actually, this is only about half.

"That's a lot. I've heard that the capacity of storage magic is proportional to one's magical power. Ah, you have infinite magical power, don't you?"

Barry looks a bit taken aback. I'm sorry.

"Kiri, is it okay to sell this?"

"As you wish, Shina-sama."

Kiri helped me, so if he says it's okay, it's fine.

"I made it by mixing monster fat and herbs, but be careful, as it doesn't work on monsters with strong magical power. It didn't work well on the boars and cows we sold today."

"Those monster-level creatures only appear in the Glass Forest..."

The monsters that come to the city are small. I see.

"So, the price for the monster-repelling incense will be... this much per piece..."

Wait, two gold coins!? No way, that's too expensive!

"Can't you make it a bit cheaper? It's too expensive!"

"Shina, that's my line, you know?"

"But the materials are free..."

"You said it's made from herbs collected in the Glass Forest and fat from defeated monsters. Collecting and defeating in that dangerous forest is a task for the kingdom's knights or at least a group of B-rank adventurers, and even A-rank adventurers would find it challenging. There are also labor and expedition costs. Of course, there's the cost of the technology. Great inventions deserve appropriate honor and rewards. Please don't lump my Marita Kingdom with some exploitative kingdom."

Barry's not-so-friendly smile is scary. Yes, I'll gratefully accept it.

"Once mass production is in place, the price will drop. With further improvements, the cost can be reduced, and it will become more accessible to the common people. Until then, please wait to lower the price. Shina, serving others and undervaluing yourself are different things."

Sigh. You see through everything. Yes, I was thinking about the safety of the people in the city. I'll leave that to you, sorry.

"Then, I'll ask the Zain Guild to buy it at this price for now."

"Sure, sure."

The old man handed me several white bills and a contract. Another increase. My assets are over 600 million. Life is good.

"We'll start distributing it in this Eil city. The guild master will be pleased. Ah, Shina, don't easily reveal that you're the maker of the monster-repelling incense. You might get kidnapped. Well, with your noble skills, it would be difficult, but..."

"I'm more vulnerable to honey traps, so I'll be careful."

I raise my hand and swear. I was engaged to a slave for five years, you know.

Barry gives a strained smile. Jin's arms around my stomach seem to tighten a bit. It's a bit uncomfortable, so please loosen them.

"Next, about Shina and Kiri's accessories."

"I'll remain silent!"

Following Kiri's advice, I raise my hand and swear. This is a secret.

"Shina, by remaining silent, you're essentially declaring that there's something about the accessories."

Barry rubs his forehead and sighs. Kiri looks a bit disappointed!

"Ah!"

I should have said I don't know what you're talking about. Remaining silent makes me look like a suspect.

"By any chance, did you make them, Shina?"

"Ahhh..."

I can't escape; Jin is guarding my stomach.

"Shina-sama, it can't be helped... At least, I believe Prince Jinklett is trustworthy."

"Kiri..."

When I turn to Kiri, Jin is looking at me with a gentle expression.

Hmm. If Kiri says so, maybe he is? Kiri is strict about people involved with me.

"Um, Kiri? What about me? Am I not trustworthy?"

"Me? Me?"

Kiri ignores Barry and the old man with a smile. It doesn't seem like it. Even if Barry is out of the question, the old man is being scolded for giving too many snacks. No, it's my fault for eating too much.

"I care about Shina. I won't do anything you don't like."

Jin smiles. I don't like this position, but he pretends not to hear. Is it really okay to trust him? Kiri nods. Okay.

"The bracelet, anklet, and ear cuff were made by me. I also modified the sword. I used monster stones from the Glass Forest and mithril ore I found there."

At my words, the three people, except Kiri, sigh.

I was prepared, but it still feels like, "I knew it."

"By the way, did you enchant them with anything?"

"Well, the bracelet and anklet have increased defense, magic power, and attack power. The ear cuff has a communication function, and the sword can become a magic sword."

"Really, Shina?"

I'm not being trusted.

I take out mithril ore and monster stones with a storage spell. I turn around and observe Jin.

"Jin, you're a wind attribute, right?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah."

"Then, stretch it out, embed the monster stone, and engrave the wind and adjustment runes. There, it's done."

I put the bracelet on Jin's arm. It's thicker than mine or Kiri's because it's for men.

"Ah! Jin-sama is royalty! For safety, it's usually tested by a subordinate like me! Jin-sama, don't just try it easily!"

Barry turns pale and shouts. Oh, is that not allowed?

"It's a gift from Shina. There's no reason to refuse."

Jin smiles and looks at the bracelet proudly.

"Ah! This guy is still an idiot! An idiot prince!"

"Be quiet, Barry."

"Jin, try channeling magic into the bracelet."

I ignore Jin and Barry's banter. It would be troublesome to get involved.

"Okay, like this?"

Jin's magic fills the bracelet. The runes engraved on the surface glow, creating intricate patterns. Yes, it's definitely fantasy.

"Amazing! The magic power! And my body feels lighter!"

Jin, still holding me, jumps up and down. Barry and the old man are wide-eyed at the incredible jumping ability.

Don't jump while holding me! It's scary! The ceiling! We're going to hit the ceiling!

"Thank you, Shina!"

He thanks me with sparkling eyes, like a child who got the toy they wanted. It's for the 20 days of hot water bottles. Don't worry about it.

"Me too! Me too, Shina!"

"If you get Kiri's approval, sure."

When I respond to the noisy Barry, he deflates.

---

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