Chapter 26

Byron, the leader of the Silver Scales Knights, had anticipated that Nero would advance the schedule to find faults. Byron had his own sources of information. Although there was no guarantee that it was certain, it was his way to be doubly cautious.

This meant that the delivery deadline for the horse armor was shortened by about ten days, and those who made the horse armor were nearly driven to exhaustion.

"Ugh... I'm so tired...!"

"Ah, I can't take it anymore... The leatherworking path is tough..."

At the restaurant 'Rocinante',

Garda and Jill sat at a table, their faces drained of energy.

Both had been working non-stop for about two weeks to make the horse armor.

Matthew looked at them with a complex mix of exasperation and respect.

"Good job, Garda and Jill. We managed to finish it somehow, and the Knight Commander was pleased."

Matthew himself looked somewhat worn out, with signs of fatigue on his face.

"You're tougher than I thought... You two really do look like siblings."

"Hehe, in business, being pushed to the limit isn't just once or twice."

"What, you're a big guy but you're so sloppy."

Maureen heckled, but Garda lacked the energy to argue and just slumped.

However, Matthew and Maureen had taken care of all the arrangements outside of the actual work, which was no small task.

Jill's mansion was a bit far from town, and Garda's workshop was too small, so they rented an empty house temporarily to set up a workspace. They secured a place for Jill to stay in town, picked up the tanned leather, helped with the horse fittings, and delivered the completed horse armor on behalf of Garda, who had used up all her energy and stamina... Matthew handled all these miscellaneous tasks, and Maureen supported him.

In a sense, because all the miscellaneous tasks were handled by Matthew and Maureen, Jill and Garda had to pour all their time and energy into making the horse armor. Jill not only applied the branding but also helped with cutting and sewing the tanned leather.

"Thank you, Matthew. You even arranged a place for me to stay. It would have been tough to keep going back and forth to town."

"Actually, I feel bad for making you work so hard without rest. As for the accommodation, thank Roland."

Jill had been staying on the second floor of this restaurant since the horse armor production began and had been eating here all the time.

"During the summer, I run the inn as well. If you can use the spare rooms, it actually helps me."

The owner, Roland, brought out the dishes.

It was a vegetable soup as an appetizer, with finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots sautéed as the base, and salted meat and leafy vegetables simmered in it. The simple and gentle flavor seeped into Jill's body with each sip.

"No, no, I really appreciate it. If I had gone back to the forest, I would have been exhausted."

"Jill, you're great. I learned a recipe from you, and I'm grateful. If you need anything, just let me know."

"No, no, it's not that big of a deal..."

"It is that big of a deal."

Jill had taught Roland the recipe for pepperoni when she had a bit of free time during the horse armor production. She had also taught him some of Conrad's techniques, which surprised and moved him even more than Garda. Roland now treated Jill like a disciple.

"Anyway... I have something to say to you. Don't work young women to the bone like that."

At these words, Garda, Matthew, and Maureen sipped their soup awkwardly.

"No, no, don't worry about it. I'm getting paid, and I'm learning a lot from Garda. You could say I'm like a temporary apprentice."

This time, the Knight Commander had prepared a special reward because the delivery deadline for the horse armor was shortened.

Garda gave all of it to Jill. Additionally, she paid Jill separately for the branding work. A considerable amount of high reward, which a leatherworker who had not yet established herself would receive, was now in Jill's pocket.

"Then, Garda, isn't it the master's job to protect the apprentice?"

But Roland's anger did not subside. Matthew's attempt to smooth things over only made it worse... Jill thought she had indeed worked too hard. She glanced at Garda, who looked increasingly uncomfortable.

"No, no, it just happened that way."

"Damn, take it easy. Well, everyone, take a good rest. Don't drink too much."

After saying what he wanted to say, Roland retreated to the kitchen.

Realizing the scolding was over, everyone resumed their meal with relief.

"Well, anyway, Jill."

"Yes."

"The horse armor, following the hat, is another masterpiece you can be proud of. Congratulations."

"Ah? No, it's Garda. I just helped."

Jill looked at Garda for agreement.

But Garda did not nod.

"What are you talking about? It wouldn't have been completed without you. Of course, my contribution was significant, but the horse armor definitely has your soul in it."

"Is that so?"

"You've only made a straw hat and horse armor so far. You're a real craftsman."

"Hehe... Thank you."

Jill smiled happily.

Matthew, seeing this, said with satisfaction,

"By doing more work like this, Jill, you'll build your own brand. If you keep making various things..."

"Are you close to opening a store?"

"Opening a general goods store isn't that close. There aren't enough products yet."

"Oh."

Jill's shoulders drooped.

But Matthew continued with a smile.

"But, as a store that takes custom orders and makes bespoke items, you're already open, aren't you? You're already doing a great job."

"Oh, that's true."

Jill put her hand to her chin and thought.

She remained silent for a while, looking serious.

"Jill, what's wrong?"

"Matthew, do you think... it would be okay to put up a sign?"

"Ah, that's a good idea. Having a sign makes a big difference. What will you name the store?"

"Right, the store name... I haven't thought about it."

"Come on, come on, come on."

"Miss, that's not very impressive."

"Well, let's take our time and think about it."

The three of them chuckled.

As they chatted, Roland brought out more dishes to the table.

It had been years since Jill felt that a meal shared with others was so delicious.

◆

A few days after delivering the horse armor, Jill decided to return to her mansion in the forest.

She had become close to the children of the restaurant, especially Tina, who had wandered into the forest and lived with her. When Jill told them she was going back to the mansion, Tina cried and tried to hold her back. Tina was scolded by her mother for being selfish and cried even more.

"Stay with us...!"

"I'll make you pudding again."

Despite feeling torn, Jill managed to persuade Tina and finally left the restaurant 'Rocinante'. Karappa seemed more relaxed in the forest than in town, and his steps were lighter.

The forest animals and monsters were not exactly welcoming Jill back with their cries, but the temperature was rising and it was raining, making their activities more active. The signs of summer were approaching.

"Well, let's make something summery!"

Jill got back to making clothes.

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