Chapter 67

The sound of slicing through the air reached my ears, and when I turned around, I saw Aristide-sama swinging a sword as large as a two-handed sword with one hand. It seemed that Aristide-sama was evaluating the new weapon from the Lusseble Forge. The handle and blade were thinly glowing, suggesting it was a magic sword. I could also hear the blacksmiths exclaiming in surprise, "What, are you finally going to hunt the Giraphan?!"

(What, Giraphan?!)

My mind was pulled towards the name of the monster Aristide-sama had told me about the other day. The Giraphan is a monster that comes to seek the honey of the Guonbina, a so-called "in-season" monster.

(No, no, I need to focus on Galleo-sama now)

Though I was curious, I was there to order a new knife. As I fidgeted, Galleo-sama finished inspecting my knife and handed it to another blacksmith.

"Alright, I got the gist of it."

When Galleo-sama gave the signal, the blacksmiths immediately started bombarding me with questions: what I would be cutting, how I would use it, and the frequency of use for each of the three knives. They measured everything from my arm to my fingertips, and even my muscle strength, which, unfortunately, was not as strong as a knight's. My hands were also smaller than average, so the handle would need to be adjusted later. I chose a few materials and had my handprint taken with a hard, stick-like clay.

After that, Galleo-sama brought out various prototypes of blades. Among them was the prototype of the sharp blade I had borrowed from the knights to cut the monsters.

"Alright, pick one that feels right in your hand, in terms of weight and length."

Following Galleo-sama's words, I picked up the prototype with the same shape as the one I used to cut the Loyamoodler. It was indeed a bit large and heavy for me.

"Hehehe, I knew you'd pick that one."

Galleo-sama looked pleased, flexing his arm, which was as thick as my leg. The blacksmiths at the Martial Raid were also very strong, swinging heavy hammers every day.

I tried to flex my arm too, but there was no sign of strength. Even though I couldn't become a knight, cooking was also a physical job, and I had confidence in my arms.

I put the large prototype back and picked up a smaller, more manageable one. It was lighter and easier to handle, but I felt it might not be enough for dealing with Gresshield Dragon Mimics or Backhorns.

"Actually, I want to use this, but it's a bit heavy for me now. However, if I change the length or shape, I'm afraid I'll lose the good qualities of this blade."

"Yeah, they're carefully designed. These were originally made for His Excellency to cut monster materials."

"Of course! Now I understand why the shape is more like a sword than a knife."

"Since the hunt already involves a lot of equipment, it's impractical to carry multiple knives. I had a hard time developing these."

Galleo-sama picked up the first prototype and grinned at me.

"How about the others?"

"The longer one isn't too heavy. Is this for fish?"

"It's good for fish, snakes, and even small dragons, where you need to insert the blade from the tail."

"I haven't cut a dragon yet, but I'm looking forward to it."

I thought about the various monsters and what kind of blades I would need. Since I would also be dealing with magic trees and insects, I wanted more than just knives, such as scissors and awls.

After discussing with Galleo-sama, I ended up ordering five knives and other blades.

"You want professional-grade tools, huh? It's not just about making them lighter. This will be a challenge."

"Thank you very much."

"Sure thing. I'll make something that will surprise you."

Galleo-sama took on the task with a confident face. Finally, I would have custom-made tools from the Galbreath Dukedom.

Aristide-sama was still evaluating the weapons, so I decided to look at various armors and tools as well. The Lusseble Forge also made traps and mechanisms for hunting monsters. There was a trap similar to the one I made using the thorns of the Skatsbit, but on a much larger scale. The thorns were made of steel, thicker than my arm, and large enough to fit a Loyamoodler. It was designed for monsters with scales like the Gresshield Dragon Mimic.

Galleo-sama explained that the monsters in the Elzenie Great Forest had grown larger due to the soil rich in magic power.

"Even magic trees come in various types. Look at this axe. The trees here are so thick that you can't cut them down without this."

The axe Galleo-sama held with one hand had a handle longer than my height and a blade as wide as Galleo-sama's torso.

"... Galleo-sama, that..."

Aristide-sama had offered to take me to the Elzenie Great Forest, but looking at these weapons, I felt I would only be a burden. Since Galleo-sama seemed to speak his mind, I decided to ask him quietly.

"What's with the formalities, ma'am?"

"Can I help with monster hunting in the Elzenie Great Forest?"

"Well..."

I stood up and looked up at Galleo-sama, who gestured for me to sit down.

"Do you know how we hunt monsters in the Elzenie Great Forest?"

"When I came here, I was attacked by a group of Bergenions, and I saw the knights working together to defeat them."

"That's the job of the front-line knights. You were thrown right into the front line. You see, we form hunting parties. Monsters can't be hunted alone. His Excellency is an exception, of course. A hunting party is divided into those who fight on the front lines and those who provide support from the rear. There are those who set traps, repair weapons, and focus on healing. Blacksmiths like us are also part of the rear support. Do you understand?"

I nodded, remembering the times when the Martial Raid formed hunting parties to defeat monsters, though it was rare and never lasted for days.

"The more people there are, the more food is needed. It's best if we can gather food on-site, but if there are only monsters, we have to bring our own food. That's how it's been so far."

Galleo-sama smiled at me.

"Your cooking might change that. His Excellency and we all hope so. You turned meat that would have been discarded into delicious meals. If the effort to hunt monsters results in delicious food, it will boost morale."

Galleo-sama said, "Your monster dishes are getting popular among the knights," and his face didn't look like he was lying. I felt increasingly happy.

In the Martial Raid, no one opposed my research, even Seelia-sama, but no one openly supported or recognized it. The knights of Galbreath were eager to help, and I was getting requests for what monsters to cook through the canteen and the Blanche squad. (The Backhorn that Zeph and Ambry caught alive was eaten by Tenrou, but they caught a new one)

"I am the blacksmith of the Galbreath Dukedom. If the weapons and tools I make can protect the knights, I will do my best, even if it's not glamorous."

"I want to protect Aristide-sama in my own way. It's just the beginning."

"I don't think you need to rush. I'm stubborn, but His Excellency is even more so. He's very serious and a bit inflexible."

Galleo-sama and I looked at each other, then at Aristide-sama, who was discussing a steel wire net with the blacksmiths. He noticed our gaze and looked at us.

"Melfi, are you done?"

"Yes, I'm done."

"Wait a bit longer. Galleo, I need to talk to you about the steel wire net for the next Ygrosh Salt Lake hunt."

Although only Galleo-sama was called, I followed, curious about what the steel wire net would capture. The name Ygrosh Salt Lake sounded familiar.

"The Ygrosh Centipede Crabs have grown quite large this year, a reaction to last year's calm. They've already ravaged the fishing grounds in Sertil. We want to clear them out by the next full moon."

"Hmm, will the current net hold? Should we make the steel wires thicker?"

"Can you do it?"

"Of course, I'll do my best."

The steel wire net, made of multiple steel wires, would require several knights to lift. I remembered the taste of the Ygrosh Centipede Crab, which I had only tasted once.

"Lord Roger, I want to join the hunt!"

Aristide-sama and Galleo-sama looked at me in surprise at my sudden declaration.

"Melfi, what's gotten into you?"

"Please take me with you. No, I'll follow even if you refuse."

"Bringing the Blanche squad and Mullan as your guards is fine, but what's going on? Did something happen?"

Aristide-sama glanced at Galleo-sama, who looked a bit anxious. Indeed, I had just been discussing the hunt and what I could do with Galleo-sama.

"The Ygrosh Centipede Crab is even more delicious than the Rainbow Crab served to the king. I won't be of much help in the hunt, but I can wait in a place where I won't be in the way. I want to boil the centipede crab right there!"

I wanted to share the taste of the centipede crab, a memory from my mother, with Aristide-sama.