Chapter 87

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‘I think the Adventure Book for Beginner Adventurers is really good. When I mentioned this to an acquaintance, the Guild Master, he was completely on board. So, I would like to be involved in this as well. What I can offer are weapons and accessories made by a dwarf blacksmith, who is an apprentice. In exchange, could you provide a set of clothes?’

The letter, which was from the second son, was passed to me from Ice Ring-sama via Igor-sama.

I thought it might be disrespectful to ask a god for such things, but Ice Ring-sama shook his head and said, ‘It’s no trouble at all.’

It was the night I returned to the city, and I was in the middle of drawing design sketches based on the measurements I had taken of the young ladies. Ice Ring-sama’s interest seemed to be more in the designs than in the letter.

From our conversation, I got the feeling that Ice Ring-sama not only enjoys talking about the stage but also about stage sets and costumes.

When I mentioned a certain stage costume, I was asked about the fine details.

His interest in La Pucelle’s stage costumes might be for the same reason.

They need to have a unified look, yet each costume should reflect their individual characteristics.

Similarly, Estrella and the others need a unified look, but their outfits and armor should highlight their respective weapons.

When Ice Ring-sama stroked his chin, he pointed to the design sketches.

‘Do these girls dance?’

‘Huh?’

‘If they dance, wouldn’t it look good if it seemed like they had wings?’

‘Oh, that’s a great idea!’

Right, if the thin fabric of their costumes flutters as they dance, it would look like they have wings and be beautiful.

For that, we’ll need various fabrics.

Tara will have to work hard on this.

Since I received a good idea, I can’t let it go to waste. I mean, I’m not a craftsman, but still.

The basic design is inspired by idols from my previous life, but I’m trying to create something that isn’t too outlandish or inappropriate for this world.

For example, showing too much leg isn’t good, so skirts will be knee-length. Noblewomen must wear corsets, but the way they are laced has its own rules, so it’s not something to be done by someone who isn’t used to it.

Since this involves singing and dancing, I’m thinking of not using corsets.

I want the skirts to have a voluminous structure with layers of petticoats and panniers, so they will puff out.

Idols are in the business of showing dreams.

I want them to embody the princesses that girls aspire to be, so I need to consider not only the costumes but also the makeup and hairstyles.

The same goes for the three members of Estrella.

Adventurers are the dream of boys.

It’s not just because they can become rich if they succeed, but also because they have the strength and bravery to defeat the strong monsters that everyone fears.

However, if adventurers also possess kindness and education, the children who admire them might try to obtain those qualities as well.

Everyone walks through life with their own purpose. But if there’s a solid goal at the beginning, it’s fine to aim for it at first. From there, they can seek their own path.

‘So that’s why you picked up those three?’

‘No, at first it was just a coincidence. They were willing to do it, so I thought, why not?’

‘I see.’

‘Yes. If a strong and brave adventurer also has kindness and wisdom, they can become a hero. A hero alone can bring dreams. After all, the popular plays in this country are hero tales where a hero goes on an adventure to save a beautiful princess.’

‘But there’s reality behind the dreams, isn’t there?’

‘That’s why I want them to learn as much as possible to lower the barriers, even slightly.’

A swan is beautiful, but beneath the water, it is paddling frantically.

Learning is like the swan’s paddling.

Knowing the dangers and still taking risks is easier to prepare for than not knowing and taking risks. After all, life is the most important thing, and just being alive is a big win.

‘In other words, you’re trying to prevent them from dying?’

‘Yes. It’s not a good way to put it, and it’s insensitive, but corpses can’t contribute to the economy, and even if they gain wealth, it’s meaningless. Most importantly, they won’t be able to be moved by the stage performances either.’

‘...You’re quite venomous today.’

‘Ah, yes... No, I wanted you to say it bluntly.’

Ice Ring-sama made a subtle expression at my words.

Of course, I don’t enjoy being scolded, nor do I become more motivated when praised.

But recently, it’s been a bit much.

It’s very nice when people generally praise me.

But the reason I wanted to do various things to raise literacy rates was for my own sake, not for others.

When I talk about the structure and intentions behind raising literacy rates, I generally receive positive reactions, which can lead to cooperation. That’s helpful.

But I don’t want to be seen as some kind of saint.

If I get used to being pampered, I might start to portray those who oppose me as villains and attack them.

After all, I was a temperamental person who could make even adults tremble just a year ago.

At first, the head chef would be extremely nervous every time I went to the kitchen, which was very pitiful.

I’m not that kind of person.

So, I want someone who knows my flaws and can say, ‘You shouldn’t say things like that’ to point out when I’m saying something I shouldn’t.

‘Is this a confirmation exercise?’

‘Yes. I shouldn’t say things I think are inappropriate, and if I start surrounding myself with people who just accept and ignore such behavior, it’s the end.’

No matter what, a pig is still a pig, and I don’t think its essence will change.

A duck won’t become a swan, and a pig won’t become anything other than a pig.

‘...Maybe you should look in the mirror more often.’

‘I do look in the mirror every day. I’ve lost a bit of weight, but I don’t feel like I’ve changed much.’

‘You can’t see yourself as clearly as others can...’

Is that so?

Ice Ring-sama murmured something mysterious and gently narrowed his eyes.

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