Chapter 13

At the exhibition, each alchemical guild displayed the silverwork they had crafted with great skill in their booths, but it was clear that in terms of the quality of the silver, the beauty of the design, and originality, "Spirit's Workshop" was the best.

Ranj was busy attending to the crowd that had gathered at his booth.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is just ordinary water. But when we pour it into this silver goblet..."

Ranj poured water into a silver goblet for a demonstration, and the clear water immediately turned red.

A fermented aroma spread through the air.

The crowd murmured in excitement.

"The water turned red!? What is this? How does it work?"

"More importantly, this smell... Could it be wine?"

"This goblet is a wondrous piece of silverwork that houses a spirit capable of turning water into wine. Please, everyone, try it for yourselves."

As Ranj offered the goblet, the spectators took turns sipping from it and passing it around.

"Amazing! It’s definitely wine."

"Moreover, it’s of high quality."

"Unbelievable. Is there really a spirit inside?"

With the crowd buzzing and the rich aroma spreading, even the visitors at other booths began to gather around "Spirit's Workshop."

By the time Roland and the others arrived, the booth was in a state of chaos, and Ranj was overwhelmed.

"Wow, there are so many customers."

"Ah, Roland. Please help me quickly. I can't handle this alone anymore."

Ranj held a bottle of water in his right hand and a silver goblet in his left, turning his face toward Roland.

"Alright. Arie, go fetch more water. Chial, maintain the silverwork."

"Understood."

"Did you make this goblet?"

One of the visitors asked Ranj.

"No, I didn't."

"Then did you?"

The question was directed at Roland next.

"No, it wasn't me."

"Then who...?"

"Could it be...?"

Roland took Chial's hand and presented her to the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Chial, the silverworker of 'Spirit's Workshop.'"

The appearance of the young girl caused even more commotion among the spectators.

"Such a young girl..."

"Moreover, she's an elf."

"No wonder a spirit resides within it."

Chial, though blushing from the attention, was showered with praise and admiration.

Count Elsen watched the crowd gather around "Spirit's Workshop" with a sense of awe.

(This is it. This is what I've been looking for.)

A small, unknown alchemical guild, yet innovative and brimming with untapped talent. And an elven alchemist to boot. These elements satisfied his curiosity and forward-thinking nature.

Lucius, on the other hand, was stunned by the sight of "Spirit's Workshop."

(Impossible. How can this be...?)

"Hmm. That girl. Her designs are still a bit rough, but she seems to have good potential. I didn't know such an alchemist existed in this town."

Dowin sounded impressed, though somewhat detached.

"Hey, what's going on? Why do they have Silver A?"

Lucius confronted Dowin.

"I don't know. Why don't you ask the guild's supervisor?"

"Damn."

Despite Lucius's confusion, "Spirit's Workshop" continued to dominate the exhibition, enjoying a one-sided victory.

In the end, Chial's "Spirit-Infused Goblet" was chosen as the best work.

The award ceremony took place.

Chial knelt before Hilda, Count Elsen's daughter, who was seated on a makeshift stage, and presented the silverwork.

The silverwork handed to Hilda was even more radiant than the demonstration piece.

Hilda accepted the goblet and solemnly announced,

"I award you the first Elsen Territory Silverwork Exhibition, Best Work."

"Thank you. I humbly accept it."

(Just a short while ago, I couldn't even get close to metal. Not only have I become a silverworker, but I've also received such an honor. It's all thanks to Roland. Thank you.)

A single tear rolled down Chial's cheek.

Hilda was taken aback.

"Why are you crying? You've just been awarded. What could possibly make you so sad?"

Chial wiped away her tears and began to speak.

Although my work was recognized at this exhibition, the guild I belong to, "Spirit's Workshop," is a small, struggling guild. No matter how good the products we make, we can't sell them to stores, and we receive no income. If this continues, the guild will go bankrupt, and I won't be able to make silverwork anymore. Most importantly, I feel terrible for the guild members who have supported me to get this far. No matter how prestigious the award, I can't help but feel sad.

"Oh, such circumstances..."

Hilda turned to Count Elsen.

"Father, did you hear that?"

"Yes, I heard everything. It's a serious situation. I will immediately protect 'Spirit's Workshop' in the name of the Elsen family. I will grant them the Elsen family's seal and name, allowing them to use our coat of arms and name in all their activities."

The audience erupted in cheers.

Chial received a round of applause.

Chial turned to Roland and stuck out her tongue.

Roland smiled, half impressed and half exasperated by Chial's social skills.

(Chial. It's not a lie, but you're exaggerating. It's a good thing Count Elsen didn't notice.)

As the audience applauded, a black object appeared in the sky.

It was Lilianna, riding a broom.

"It seems I made it just in time for the award ceremony."

"Lilianna, you came?"

Roland said happily.

"Of course."

Lilianna winked.

"Lilianna... the A-rank adventurer from 'Guardian of the Magic Tree'?"

Count Elsen was surprised by the unexpected visitor.

"Yes, she is our guild's investor. She has supported us from the very beginning, even when we had no track record."

"Congratulations, Chial. I am proud to be an investor in your success."

"Thank you."

"Then, how about it, Lilianna?"

Count Elsen approached Lilianna.

"I plan to invite Chial and the members of 'Spirit's Workshop' to a dinner. Would you like to join us as an investor?"

"Oh, I wouldn't mind. I'll accept your kind offer."

Lucius finally understood the situation upon seeing Lilianna.

(Lilianna? Roland and 'Guardian of the Magic Tree' are connected? I see. That makes sense. I was wondering how they managed to produce Silver A. They must have used the financial support from 'Guardian of the Magic Tree' to train a refiner. And you've been supplying 'Earthcraft' to 'Guardian of the Magic Tree,' haven't you, Roland!)

Lucius glared at Roland.

(I thought they were just a small, struggling guild, but now that this has happened, I can't let it go. I'll mobilize the full strength of the 'Golden Eagle' to crush them. Roland!)