CH 201

Night before subjugation

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"5,000 Helts!"

"Such a thing ..."

"Do you have any complaints?"

"It's too cheap!"

"Fuun, you bring in the Minotaur Horns, and the rest is up to us. No matter what you say, we won't accept any more!"

When I went to pick up my Slavery Bolas, Gain-san, a magic tool craftsman, presented me a price.

The daily wage for general jobs was around 500 Helts, but it was not uncommon for highly specialized jobs to earn 1,500 Helts or more.

Moreover, this time, Gain-san and his daughter, Jerus-san, worked late into the night.

The two magic tool craftsmen put their heart and soul into the work for a day and a half.

"I still owe you a lot of debt, such as the provision of the Minotaur's Horns and the protection of the town of Volzard. I have no intention of receiving anything other than the labor wages as a craftsman."

I threw a glance at Jerus-san, who was working nearby, asking if she could somehow back me up, but she only shrugged her shoulders lightly.

Apparently, she knew that once he brought it up, he wouldn't change his mind.

"Understood, then 5,000 Helts is fine. In return, if there are any materials you can't get, please let me know. I can handle most things."

"Fuun, give the payment to Nott, don't give him any extra!"

Gain-san returned to work as if the story was over.

If this is the case, there's nothing I can do about it, so let's leave the workshop, pay Nott-san at the store, and go home.

"Nott-san, this is the payment for the magic tools."

"That's no good, Kent-kun, if I get this much, my father will yell at me later."

"Haa ... Each and every one of you, why are you so stubborn ..."

"Hahahaha, I think Kent-kun is the stubborn one even though he was told so much by my father and still tries to pay extra."

I had no other choice, so I finished with just paying 5,000 Helts.

"Hmm ... I think it's okay to ask for more if you've done this much work."

"Well, this job was a bit special, but from my father's point of view, making magic tools is like daily necessities."

"But, they made it quite quickly."

"Yeah, that amount has been added."

"But ..."

From my point of view, it's a magic tool full of craftsmanship that can't be imitated, so I can't accept it as the level of daily necessities, and I can't help but feel that the price is too cheap.

"My father will never charge an exorbitant price. In return, there is no such thing as a bargain sale."

"Does that mean that any work is the same?"

"Yes, that's right! Whether it's a special item like this time or a magic tool for daily necessities, it's a manifestation of my father's intention that he will never cut corners as a craftsman. Previously, we talked about the advantages and disadvantages of camp paper."

"Yes, the performance will change depending on the quality of the materials and the accuracy of the formation."

"Right, right, magic tools like camp paper and daily necessities aren't expensive, but if they don't perform as expected, the people who use them will really be troubled. Because it's a magic tool, he will never cut corners."

"I see ... That's the pride of a craftsman."

"Also, it's only natural to charge the same price for the same work, and if you charge a higher price because it's a special item, it wouldn't be strange that you had to charge a higher price for daily necessities as well. Since magic tools are meaningless unless they are used, daily necessities are not expensive. In that case, my father's idea is that the labor cost is the same whether it's a luxury item or a one-of-a-kind item."

"I see ... He really feels like a stubborn craftsman."

"Hahahaha, that's right."

"But, he's kind of cool, isn't he."

"That's right."

After laughing with Nott-san, I once again thanked him for rushing the Slavery Bolas and left the store.

As a craftsman, they don't discriminate between jobs, approach each one with the same attitude, and only receive time and effort.

Since I'm an S-rank adventurer, it's only natural that I earn more money than the F-rank and E-rank guys.

I think both are correct, but it's difficult to put a price on your work.

With the completed Slavery Bolas, I moved to Barshania.

The Barshanian army set up a position about 300 meters away from the Gigas, and set up a camp about 500 meters further behind.

The large tent at the far end was probably the tent for Emperor Constant.

When I looked inside, I found Constant, who had taken off his armor, sitting on the rug.

Gregory was with him, wearing nothing but a breastplate for armor, but both of them seemed lost in thought and did not seem to speak to each other.

I went out of the shadows while calling out that I was entering.

"Good evening, it's Kent. 

"Is it finished, did you take care of it."

"No, I just ordered it."

"It's quick, but would you like to show me the items?"

"Yes, they're heavy, here ..."

The Slavery Bolas were so heavy that it seemed I would stagger if I let my guard down.

I took one out of the shadow storage and placed it in front of Constant.

"Hou, I see. If you make a chain with the Minotaur's Horn that allows magic to pass through, and if this is entwined, it will work as a large Slave Bracelet."

"Yes, that's right."

Constant wrapped the Slavery Bola around Gregory's arm to make sure it actually worked.

"Mana, oh mana, oh mana that governs the world, gather, gather, gather in my hands and become the wind, dance, dance, dance oh wind, dance, and become a blade!"

Gregory put the chain around his left arm and tried to activate magic with his right hand, but no air current was created.

"Mana, oh mana, oh mana that governs the world, gather, gather, gather in my body, return, return, return and become my power, strengthen!"

"How is it, Grey."(TN:It should technically just be Gre(Gure) short for Gregory(Guregorie), but that sounds weird, so I'm changing it slightly.)

"Yes, I can't use attribute magic at all, and I basically can't activate strengthening magic."

Since it demonstrated its power during the Griffon subjugation, there should be no problem with the quality.

It seemed that Constant was satisfied with that point, but at the same time he also remembered his concerns.

"Grey. Can you handle it?"

"I can ... It's a little heavy, but I can handle it with physical strengthening."

"Are you sure you can hit with it?"

"That is ..."

Gregory seemed to be thinking about an actual battlefield.

"It may be difficult. Where the Gigas allows access is up to where there are no earthen domes. If I intend to throw it from there, it's unsure whether it will go as intended."

"I see. Kent, how close did you approach the Griffon when you used it?"

"Since I can use shadow movement, it feels like we threw it from close range at the stopped Griffon."

"Is that so ... Could you accept the role of throwing the magic tool during the subjugation tomorrow? Failure is not allowed, and it is difficult for us to get close enough to hit it. How about it?"

"Yes, that's fine, but one of the three people who used this magic tool during the Griffon subjugation was entrusted with commanding the escort, so only two people can actually throw them ..."

"It doesn't matter. Four magic tools were prepared, and two people throw them. Then, even if they fail once, you can try again."

"Understood. I will accept it."

If it's us, we can use the shield of darkness to throw them from close range, and even if it fails, it's possible to retrieve it.

"What are you going to do about the attack after the Slavery Bolas hit? I have prepared the powerful attack you requested, but ..."

"I'm sorry, but please leave it to us."

Gregory's words interrupting my conversation made me feel like he had prepared.

"Perhaps, if we leave it to you, we will be able to subdue it smoothly, but when a city of Barshania is being attacked and the people of Barshania are being killed, there is no way we let it end with doing nothing. I know that even if I say this, it doesn't look good after getting so much help. Even so, just watching is not allowed."

Constant nodded gravely when Gregory turned his gaze to him.

"Kent. I'm sorry for stealing cred, but will you accept it?"

"Yes. My attack is fine for just in case. Please feel free to bring a hammer down on the Gigas."

"I'm sorry, and thank you."

"As for me, it will be a good experience to accumulate experience in subjugating a Gigas, so I will do my best to help you."

After hearing from Gregory about the Gigas' behavioral patterns so far, we decided on the start time for the next morning's operation, and the day's meeting came to an end.

"Then, I will visit the defensive position tomorrow morning."

"Wait. Are you not going to see Sera?"

"Umm ... My Volzard Sister-in-law told me not to treat just one person as special ..."

"I see, that certainly makes sense. But, how is it as a man to leave his uneasy fiancee alone?"

Constant's expression changed from his heavy expression he wore until just then and loosened his mouth with a grin.

"Eeh, that is ..."

"If it's a battle against a human, we won't fall behind, and we won't actually lose. However, this time the opponent, a Gigas, is different. It's an opponent that we can't do much damage to even if we stand up against it as a group, let alone the power of an individual. In fact, in the first battle, many casualties were caused to the Magician Corps. During the day, when she came to check on this me and the others, I told her that we would definitely win, that we would definitely come back alive, but Sera, who is sensitive, must have noticed that those words were mixed with anxiety. She's in the rear camp now, so please meet her. And, will you tell her not to come here tomorrow?"

"I understand."

I dived into the shadows and moved to Hirt, the liaison, to find Seraphima in her tent.

She sat on a shaggy rug like a carpet, facing Hirt.

"Is it better not to go to the front line tomorrow?"

"Wau, if they say you can't go, you have to be patient."

"But, I'm still worried."

"Wafuu, Goshujin-sama is there, so don't worry."

"Of course, I'm not doubting Kent-sama ... But I'm worried."

"Wau, Goshujin-sama is strong, so it's okay."

Yup, I wonder if it's popular among the Princesses of this world to ask Kobolds for life advice.

The sight of Hirt patting Seraphima on the shoulder to cheer her up was heartwarming.

"Sera, can I come in?"

"Ke, Kent-sama! Please, come in."

"Good evening, sorry to disturb you."

"Is there anything you need?"

I showed up without warning her, so Seraphima looked worried.

"I just finished delivering the magic tools that will be used for the Gigas subjugation tomorrow. Can I take a break for a while?"

"Yes, of course. I'll prepare tea ... Kent-sama, have you had dinner yet?"

"No, I was so busy that I haven't eaten yet."

"We can't serve a lot of food due to the location, but would you like to have some?"

"If Sera is with me ..."

"Yes, then, I will prepare it for you."

When Seraphima left the tent to prepare food, Hirt approached.

"Hirt, thank you for being Sera's conversation partner."

"Wafuu, Goshujin-sama, pet me, pet me."

Hirt lay down on the rug, showing its belly.

When I petted it as requested, Hirt looked enraptured and wagged its tail in satisfaction.

As expected of a rug used by the Imperial Family, it felt wonderful to the touch, but Hirt's stomach was more fluffy and comfortable.

The heating was on inside the tent, and when I sat still, sleepiness attacked me.

It seemed like it would be nice to lie down with Hirt, but it would be a bit rude, wouldn't it.

"Thank you for waiting, Kent-sama."

The attendant who came with Seraphima quickly set the table.

The menu was simple: broiled sausage, soup, and black bread, but since it was a rear camp on the battlefield, I didn't expect an extravagant menu from the beginning.

The attendant set the table and then bowed and left.

"No, Kent-sama, please enjoy your meal."

"Thank you, itadakimasu."

The menu was simple, but the seasoning of the sausage and soup was a little different from Volzard.

Spicy spices like chili and pepper were used to stimulate your appetite.

The base of the soup was a vegetable that resembled tomatoes, but it had a rich umami flavor that went well with root vegetables.

"Afuu ... This is spicy, but it's really delicious. Is this a seasoning unique to Barshania?"

"Yes, this seasoning is common in Barshania. Do you like it?"

"Yup, the other day, I went to a meat restaurant in Bakkenheim, but this seasoning is completely different from that, and the food in this world is delicious."

"Bakkenheim is a city of science, isn't it. Were you trying to find out something?"

"Nope, the reason I went to Bakkenheim was to accompany the Master of the Headquarters Guild as an escort."

I told Seraphima that I was accompanying Master Reese to Bakkenheim, and that I was on the way back from escorting the Volzard Family's carriage, and that there were bandits, thieves, and landslides.

Before I knew it, Hirt rested its head on my feet and was in perfect relaxation mode.

"Haa ... It seems that wherever Kent-sama goes, trouble awaits."

"Ahh, now that you mention it, that might be so. Or rather, there are too many troubles."

"Because people and things will gather under someone as talented as Kent-sama, the number of incidents will naturally increase."

"Hmm, I just want to live a peaceful life."

"I'm sorry. We also depended on Kent-sama ..."

"No, don't worry about it. Monsters like the Gigas will only cause more damage if we don't work together to fight them."

"Thank you very much ..."

Seraphima smiled when she was listening to the escort story, but her expression clouded over when the subject of the Gigas came up.

"Are you worried?"

"Yes. Many magicians lost their lives before Kent-sama arrived. Listening to those who were brought in with wounds, they said that the attacks of Barshania's proud Magician Corps had little effect ... Tomorrow, even though Kent-sama will help us, I think that many people will be hurt again, as a member of the Imperial Family, it's a pathetic story, but I can't control my anxiety."

"Do you want to go to the front line?"

"That is ... I don't know. I want to be close to my father and brother, but I also feel that I shouldn't go and become a hindrance. What should I do ..."

Seraphima seemed to be suffering from being unable to reconcile her feelings and actions.

"I ... want Sera to stay here."

"Kent-sama ..."

"I think tomorrow' battle will probably be tough, and depending on the situation, there may be a lot of injuries. At that time, I think the role of the camp here will be very important, and they need someone to manage this place. Isn't that Sera's role?"

Seraphima raised her face, which had been looking down, and stared at me.

"Yes, that's right. That is my role. Please leave it to me."

"Yup, I'll cooperate as much as I can, so please take care of things here."

"Yes, as you wish."

Seraphima's expression seemed to have disappeared, if it looked like this, I didn't need to worry about her coming out to the front line.

As soon as one worry disappeared, sleepiness hit me again.

This time, I've finished eating dinner, and my stomach is full, so its power was increasing.

My eyelids became heavy, and I almost fell asleep.

"Kent-sama?"

"Nya, nyani kana?"(TN: 'Wh, what is it?' Original should be Na, nani kana, but he's surprised.)

"You look tired."

"Yup, but it's okay, all I have to do is go back."

"Is that so ... Um, why don't you go back after taking a short break?"

"Ehh ..."

Seraphima pointed at Hirt in Relax Mode and then patted her own thigh.

That, isn't it an invitation to take a break on Seraphima's lap?

"Is it no good?"

"No good ... It isn't, yes."

"Then ... Go ahead."

I didn't know why, but I couldn't seem to resist the 'pon pon' temptation.(TN: 'Pon pon' is patting sound, like her hand patting her thigh.)

"Then, just a little bit ... Fuaaa."

Seraphima looked delicate, but her thighs were moderately fleshy, and the height that supported my neck was a perfect fit.

I was embarrassed to face her face-to-face, so I closed my eyes, and then I felt a soft touch on my cheek.

When I opened my eyes in surprise, Seraphima with a loving smile began to gently stroke my head.

Ah, I can't resist an 'iiko, iiko' that is a little different from Ange-oneechan's.

This tolerance ... I wonder if it's a Princess' correction.

Feeling a weight on my stomach I turned my gaze, Hirt, who had been removed when I got a lap pillow, had changed places and was leaning its head on me.

While being stroked by Seraphima, I started stroking Hirt, but it was soft, warm, and fluffy, and I was easily lulled into sleep.