Chapter 139
Chapter 139.1. The Third Year at the Academy - Second Home (1)
On my way back from Lapnas Academy, I stopped by the artisan district and visited Nalvano's forge.
However, he was out, so I changed my destination to Katy's shop, where the two were in the middle of a business discussion with a cup of general's tea in hand.
As soon as I showed my face, Nalvano greeted me with a beaming smile, welcoming me as if it were his own shop.
Summarizing his enthusiastic chatter,
"I thought you might not come to greet me, so I waited here while discussing business."
Apparently, he had been coming almost every day.
Despite this, Nalvano had been motivated by the magic tool transformation and had risen to [Smithing 3].
In Selene, he might be average, but in a small town, he would be a main force. In a village, he would be the top blacksmith.
Frankly, the location where he opened his forge was unfortunate. I shared a cup of general's tea with them and began to bid farewell.
"I will return to Reedwald the day after tomorrow. I am deeply grateful for your kindness."
"I should be the one thanking you! Thanks to Lord Alter, my [Smithing] skill has improved!"
"Is that so? Congratulations!"
I made a surprised face and congratulated him, causing Nalvano to blush.
Katy smiled wryly at the sight and continued.
"It will be lonely without you. I've also been greatly helped by you."
"Not at all. Without your support, my training in [Magic Tool Creation] would have been much harder."
This was true.
Nalvano had shouldered part of the cost of the magic tool transformation, allowing me to attempt more magic tools.
Katy had given me much advice on decoration, and the fire necklace I gave to Elphimia and the Roshmus I presented to my father were entirely her work.
"Oh, right, I have something from Samini."
She pulled out a small wooden box from under the counter.
It was... a familiar-looking box.
"Though, we made it here. Here, an additional statue."
"Shall I deliver it when I return? The contract will continue for a while."
"There's also a message—if it's too hard to carry back, I'll send it, she said."
"That's from when you received the order, right?"
"Yeah."
During the farewell party, I had shown them the magic bag, Telpas Bag.
I was secretly grinning inside, that guy.
As I stored the wooden box in the Telpas Bag, Katy and Nalvano were amazed.
I took the opportunity to discuss trade.
With the Telpas Bag, not only could I carry pre-heated statues, but also Nalvano's weapons easily.
The promise was until graduation, but the effort wouldn't change much.
"If you can select carefully, I'll continue to transform them into magic tools for the usual fee."
Upon hearing this, he rushed out in a hurry.
It seemed he went to fetch them immediately.
"He's always so busy."
"Ambition is a good thing. His skills have improved too."
"Well, he does look more like a craftsman now than before."
Saying this, Katy shrugged her shoulders at the embodiment of greed.
"By the way, are the items ready?"
"Yes, they are."
Katy headed to the workshop and returned with small boxes and packages.
"First, our works. A platinum hair ornament adorned with magic-nullifying stones and gems, a silver hairpin, and a belt-style bracelet. As requested, the hairpin and bracelet don't use high-grade materials."
I expressed my gratitude and opened the boxes.
The hair ornament was a gift for my mother. I planned to hear her wishes and transform it into a magic tool upon returning.
The hairpin and bracelet were gifts for Miranda and Tess in Verene Village.
These were designed for ease of movement. The cheaper materials were to avoid them feeling burdened and to prevent unnecessary trouble.
"These are beautifully made. Everyone will be delighted."
"Then—"
Suddenly, Katy leaned forward.
"Then, can Lord Ragnidig see them too!?"
"Close enough."
I pushed her back with some effort.
Was her deification still not resolved...?
I had mentioned they were gifts, so perhaps she took the job with that in mind.
"I'll take the hair ornament back, but I'll deliver the hairpin and bracelet on the way. In return, would you like to see the Roshmus and the statue?"
"Absolutely! Definitely!?"
I silently pushed back Katy, who leaned forward again.
After storing the accessories, I received a gift for my brother.
It was a book summarizing trial records within the Alsis Empire, roughly covering past conflicts and territory management.
My brother doesn't fancy flashy accessories, and weapons are to be decided after consultation.
When I was at a loss, I remembered Katy's advice.
Helena had asked for purchases unrelated to business, including literature.
Feeling apologetic, I asked Katy, who readily agreed and procured it for me.
The gift for Ronnie was a dandy work outfit.
Katy's expertise was too different, so I had it made at a tailor shop introduced by Samini. I ordered the size imagining Marcant, but since they are long-lost brothers, it should be fine.
After a while, Nalvano returned, out of breath.
I received the sword he carried and briefly inquired about his needs.
Then, bidding farewell to the two craftsmen, I left Katy's shop.
Next, I greeted Dobal at the Maset Stonemason and the lime lady.
Dobal gave me advice on restoring the furnace.
Since the forge could be used as a storage, I dismantled only the furnace and stored the disassembled firebricks in the Telpas Bag. Upon returning, I planned to attempt restoring it myself first.
Finally, I visited the neighbors, but most were out, including Emilie's grandmother and Ginny's parents.
With no other choice, I informed the residents who were home about my return to my hometown. To my slight surprise, despite their reserved nature, we managed to have normal conversations.
What everyone unanimously brought up was the New Year's magic display.
Even in Selene, opportunities to see various magics up close are rare. They seemed to have enjoyed it and were quite regretful about my departure.
Equally thanked was the meat I distributed occasionally.
Being a part of their basic needs, it significantly helped in easing their wariness.
Ted and others will take over from now on, so the neighbors' diet will continue to improve.
Indeed, meat is great.
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