Chapter 630 – The City, the Axe, and the Dwarves

And so, after inviting Lasnote as well, we decided to go out to look around the town.

While I was preparing to leave by calling out to the house and having Lasnote come over, Talcott arrived, likely because his lectures at Peresford Academy had ended.

Talcott is the second son of the former Count Cardiff’s family. When I first came to Termwills, Count Cardiff conspired with Linette to orchestrate a kidnapping incident… Well, since Talcott himself was uninvolved and with Alfred’s intercession, things have continued until now.

Talcott’s original job was to provide personal protection for Alfred during his incognito movements around town and to guard the workshop… but recently, he seems to have settled into his role as an assistant in the workshop.

His attire, which looks easy to move in, is probably a reflection of prioritizing his workshop duties. The unstable impression I had when we first met at the academy has faded, and he seems more composed.

After being introduced to Maxwell and receiving a bow, Talcott returned the bow as if to say, “Courtesy in return.”

Then Alfred explained our plans to Talcott.

“Well, that’s the situation. We thought we’d show Maxwell around. We were planning to go out into the town.”

“Indeed. I’d say Alfred-sama could use even more relaxation,” Talcott said to Alfred.

Alfred gave a small laugh and replied, “Well, I’m somewhat aware of that. So I thought it might be good for me to take a break occasionally too. Ophelia’s schedule seemed free today as well, so she’s waiting for us. Why don’t you invite Cindy and join us?”

Perhaps because his relationship with Alfred is good, their exchange felt somewhat casual.

“Cindy should still be attending lectures at the academy. Besides, since we went out together recently, there’s no need for Alfred-sama to worry about—ah, no.”

Talcott said this and shook his head slightly, looking somewhat flustered.

Cindy, whom I met through Ophelia’s introduction, also works as a magic engineer assistant in the workshop between her academy lectures. Because of this, Talcott and Cindy have many opportunities to see each other.

It wouldn’t be strange for them to know each other’s schedules… Hmm. Judging from what I heard about them going out together, it seems their relationship is progressing well.

Well, it’s not my place to meddle in others’ love lives, so I’ll let it pass without comment.

“In that case, since Lord Alfred is going out. I have various researches halfway done. I’ll stay behind and watch the house,” said Old Sigmund.

“If Lord Sigmund is remaining, all the more reason I shouldn’t be going out for leisure. Today, I’ll take on guard duty rather than assistant work.”

“Ah… Since it’s cold, you should use the cold protection magic tool. It’s in the usual place.”

“Right. That helps.”

Talcott smiled slightly at Alfred’s words.

Alfred says that watching from inside the room is fine, but Talcott considers that insufficient and takes his job quite seriously, patrolling the grounds.

That’s why Alfred told him beforehand to use the cold protection magic tool.

While this was happening, Ophelia, Alfred’s fiancée, also arrived, and we decided to go out together in several carriages.

Hmm. Right. I’ll take the driver’s role today. I should show Maxwell around town and explain things, and he’d probably want to see various things from outside rather than from inside the carriage.

We passed through the Central District and moved to the Southern District.

If I were to mention the Southern District’s characteristics, it’s the area where Dwarf masters have their forges and work. Since forges make noise, having them concentrated in one place seems to be a better environment for the craftsmen.

Probably because it’s easier for convenience and gaining understanding from the surroundings.

The fact that the gathering of Dwarfs has increased the number of bars is just part of the charm.

“—So that’s why, since there are many Dwarf craftsmen around here, there are many forges and bars,” I explained various things about the Southern District as we slowly advanced by carriage.

“Forges, huh. Mmm. Good atmosphere. My comrades are also created in places like this,” Maxwell said in a happy tone, his core flickering as he looked around from the driver’s seat. Perhaps because he’s a weapon, he seems to feel an affinity for forges.

The sound of metal being hammered could be heard from various places, which must be a soothing sound for Maxwell as well.

With the carriage windows open, both Lasnote and Helvorte were intently watching the town.

On the main street, there were stalls selling skewered snacks to go with drinks and such, making the area quite lively.

“This area has more energy than around Theodore-sama’s house,” said Helvorte.

“The Eastern District is quiet and calm. But lively places like this are nice too,” Grace replied with a smile.

Since we’re here, buying some skewers to eat might be good. We usually have meals prepared at home so we don’t do this often, but it’s part of the charm of exploring the town. We stopped the carriage, bought skewers from a stall, and everyone ate them.

Being skewers, the way of eating inevitably becomes somewhat wild.

But for those who might mind that, I used Wood Magic to quickly create utensils and forks so they could eat the food off the skewers.

Well, I also think eating skewers directly has its own charm. Alfred, for instance, perhaps accustomed from his incognito outings, eats them normally as they are.

“It’s warm and delicious…” Lasnote said after tasting the skewer.

“Simple flavors aren’t bad either. When I slipped out of the castle, I sometimes ate at stalls to save meal time,” said Marie.

“Is that so? You were doing enviable things, Marie,” Princess Stephania said somewhat sulkily.

Princess Adriana also closed her eyes and nodded in agreement. Princess Elham chuckled at the sight.

Well… It’s different from the meals served at the Royal Castle, but perhaps that’s where its freshness lies.

“It’s delicious, isn’t it, Marlene-sama?” said Ashley.

Marlene also nodded repeatedly. “Indeed.”

“For us, it’s like replenishing magical power. But human activities seem enjoyable,” Maxwell said, his core flickering as he watched the scene.

“I never imagined I’d be eating skewers with princesses above ground like this,” said Claudia.

“Is that so? But I’m having fun,” Helvorte replied.

Both Claudia and Helvorte seemed to be enjoying themselves, creating quite a pleasant atmosphere. I think our goal of showing them the town and having them enjoy themselves is being achieved.

Then, at that moment—

“Oh, if it isn’t Viola! What are you doing here?”

“Ah, Master Godlof. Good day. Right now, I’m showing everyone around town, you see.”

Viola was called out by a person who appeared to be a Dwarf craftsman and smiled back in response. Since Viola calls him “Master,” he must be acquainted with Alfred as well.

“Long time no see. Recently, we welcomed a new comrade at the workshop. We’re showing him around town as part of his welcome,” Alfred also briefly explained the situation to the Dwarf master.

“Shall Maxwell come greet him too?”

“Mmm. I’m interested in the blacksmith.”

When I called out to Maxwell, that was the response I got.

Dwarf craftsmen give the impression of being curious about new technologies and such. It probably won’t hurt to introduce Maxwell.

“Well I’ll be damned. A talking axe,” the master said, scrutinizing Maxwell closely and groaning.

“The blade part is Labyrinth-made… isn’t it? What an incredible masterwork. The rest is Viola and Alf-boy’s work, I suppose. Some parts are different though… There’s another craftsman involved. The scabbard decoration is different from Viola’s characteristics too… Good work.”

“Amazing discernment,” Alfred said with widened eyes and a smile.

Master Godlof is one of the most skilled among the workshop craftsmen and is acquainted with Miriam, the Labyrinth Trading Company owner. Meaning… he’s in a position of being Viola’s benefactor. His discernment and skill seem to be genuine.

“Well, I’ve been at this job a long time. But even setting aside the magic aspects, this is one fine axe. And it seems to have respect for blacksmiths, all the more so.”

“Your praise honors me.”

At Maxwell’s response, the master laughed heartily. Princess Elham also introduced herself to the master.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Elham Baharzad, from the Kingdom of Baharzad.”

“Parts of the handle and the scabbard decoration were crafted by Her Highness Elham using Golems,” Alfred supplemented.

“Hohh. To have Golems produce work like this…”

“Well, that… To help with blacksmithing work on the battlefield, we couldn’t wait for physical strength to develop. From a master’s perspective, it might be unorthodox, but…”

“No, no! What’s unorthodox about cultivated skill? The battlefield, huh. I see, that makes sense. Careful work saves soldiers’ lives too. Must have been quite the struggle to reach this level…”

The craftsmen were getting quite excited with each other.

In the end, they secured a promise that both Princess Elham and Maxwell could come visit the master’s forge anytime.

From Princess Elham’s perspective, she wanted to exchange techniques with Verdgar as well. If he’s an acquaintance of Alfred and Viola, he must be trustworthy. Good timing to have met him.

On the other hand, the master also seemed to be well stimulated by seeing a Labyrinth-made weapon. Saying his hands were itching, he returned to his forge.