Episode 95

I closed the shop and returned to the mansion.

After fixing my clothes, I headed to the dining hall.

A meal, huh. I was a little worried.

Originally, there are many manners associated with dining.

This guest this time is an adventurer, so I might not need to be that conscious of it, but there’s still something that makes me uneasy.

In the dining hall with the long table, one person was already seated.

A woman.

Her beautiful long hair fluttering, she was someone I recognized.

“Heyo—wasn’t it this morning?”

She waved casually, and I nodded in surprise.

“You were an S-rank adventurer, huh?”

“That’s right. I’m an S-rank adventurer, Bertie. Nice to meet you!”

Bertie was the person who had come to the smithy earlier this morning.

I never imagined she was an S-rank adventurer.

Maybe she had been observing the shop closely to check my smithing skills.

“Ah, nice to meet you.”

I answered in a tone that wasn’t overbearing.

In the ducal family, we’re taught to use polite language only for those above us.

At the very least, I was taught not to use it in other cases.

Even if she’s S-rank, she’s an adventurer. Apparently, the duke ranks above her, so my way of addressing her is fine.

When I took my seat, Alicia came over. She noticed Bertie and seemed a bit surprised, but sat down next to me.

Bertie and we naturally ended up facing each other.

“Hey, how long have you been working as a blacksmith?”

Bertie leaned forward and put her elbow on the table.

“…Since I was old enough to remember, I guess. The parents who took me in taught me.”

“Oh, is that so? I see, that makes sense then. Your skill is quite something.”

I’m really happy to be praised like that.

I was about to ask about the Horned Dragon, but at that moment the door to the room opened.

When I looked, Lord Goral had arrived.

With his usual intimidating expression, he glanced at us and Bertie, then sat down at the seat furthest in.

Bertie, too, didn’t continue talking to me as she was; she adjusted her posture a bit.

After confirming that, Lord Goral spoke.

“Bertie. First, thank you for taking on this commission.”

“No, no, we take it because we get paid, so don’t worry about the details. Ah, I’m really not educated, so I can’t use proper polite language. Sorry.”

Bertie clasped her hands and wore a friendly smile.

Bertie’s words were irresponsible in that they suggested she might be rude, but it didn’t feel unpleasant.

It was probably because of her personality.

“I don’t ask adventurers to be polite. As long as you slay the Horned Dragon, that’s fine.”

“Really? That’s great. About that matter…”

“We can discuss the details while eating. The food would get cold otherwise.”

“Food! Yes, I’ve been waiting!”

Bertie’s eyes sparkled.

It seems she likes food.

Come to think of it, when she came to the smithy she mentioned something like a second breakfast, didn’t she?

“Then that’s good. I heard you’re an adventurer who eats a lot. I’ve prepared a lot. Help yourself.”

“Really!? Wow, it’s the first time I’ve met a noble who’s this understanding!”

“Is that so? Well, I’m often scolded by other nobles to get my act together. I’m probably not very noble-like.”

“That’s totally fine. I’m easier to approach that way.”

Bertie gave a thumbs-up.

Lord Goral also smiled cheerfully and looked over here.

“So that’s settled. Let’s skip stiff formalities today and eat comfortably. I also wish to talk about the Horned Dragon.”

Lord Goral smiled with an air more approachable than usual.

…Probably, he was also thinking of me.

Since I still don’t understand dining manners, it’s fine for me to eat freely.

Perhaps Lord Goral not expecting that level of etiquette from me was part of that consideration.

I’m grateful.

Meals were laid out in front of us.

We were told to be free, but I figured I should at least straighten my back to make a decent appearance.

I took a bite of the salad that had been brought to me.

I glanced at Alicia and Lord Goral from time to time.

The two of them were eating quite neatly. They said “free”, but for them this was what a free meal looked like.

On the other hand, Bertie was scarfing her food down.

She had even already requested a second helping of salad.

What an appetite.

Or rather, what a way of eating.

If she kept eating like that, even if it was freedom, she might be told off.

I’ll also eat politely in my own way. I used Alicia and Lord Goral as references.

Bertie, who was waiting for the next dish to be brought, looked over at me.

“Can I ask you something? I’m really interested in Faik.”

Her eyes glittered as she looked at me.

As soon as Bertie said that, a clinking fork sound came from Alicia’s side.

It was unusual for her, who usually made no sounds. When I glanced over, she had adorably widened her eyes.

No, even if she said “interested”, it probably wasn’t as a romantic interest.

“Ho, come to think of it you asked for a list of excellent smiths, didn’t you? Is it related to that?”

It was Lord Goral who answered on my behalf.

“Yes. The Horned Dragon’s body is a bit too tough. I want a new sword forged.”

“I see.”

Lord Goral glanced over at me, so I nodded and spoke.

“I have no problem forging a new sword. However, the Magic Ore I currently possess is only up to Cirea Magic Ore. I think it would be difficult unless we can prepare Magic Ore beyond that.”

At present, the manor only manages up to Cirea Magic Ore.

We might be able to purchase Birea Magic Ore as well, but selling it in this town would be a bit too high-spec.

“Ah, about that. I have Esrea Magic Ore. I’d like you to process it.”

I couldn’t help but utter a sound at her nonchalant words.

“E-Esrea Magic Ore!?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Esrea Magic Ore… that’s not something you can obtain that easily!?