Chapter 16: The Daily Life of an Eight Year Old - Rhinoceros Sword
A new record.
The three days of struggling were not in vain. Three days of not being able to come home had pushed me up a notch. As I walked through the gate of the mansion with a big smile on my face, my mother, Henriette, jumped on me. How could she have guessed that I would break the record before I announced it? That's my mother.
"Welcome back, Alter! Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"I'm not."
My mother asked a barrage of questions and touched me all over my body. The gatekeeper I had seen at the main gate bowed and walked away. I wondered if he had announced my return.
"It's all right, Mother. I'm not hurt."
I nodded to my mother, who refused to let me go.
If I were to compare it to the world before, it would be like sending an eight-year-old on a trip to a war zone for three nights and four days. I guess it's understandable to be worried. I want them to pay a little more attention to Roland in the back. He's got half of his hair in the front. It won't grow back.
My father and brother, who had heard the commotion, joined us and we went into the house to greet them on their return. I need to nice the detailed report after dinner.
Then, as it was too formal in the office, the whole family and Roland gathered in the living room.
"Hmm. It's bitter or something. ......"
"Yes, it's a bit unique."
"I like it a lot."N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.
When I served the General's tea, everyone except Lakius, had a mixed reaction. Roland refused, saying, "Not for me."
The tea had dried and was less pungent than before. It has a rich aroma and a unique bitterness, similar to green tea, somewhat nostalgic. Of course, even if you don't know anything about green tea, the taste should be soothing enough. So, why should I be so sensitive about it? Well, I guess it's good that my brother likes it so much. He is indeed a man who will lead the next generation. I'm sure the Riedwald family will grow even more. I gave my brother a thumbs up, and for some reason, he smiled back.
"Then let's hear the report, shall we?"
Then my father quietly set the cup down and pushed it away with his fingertips.
It was a very unwanted treatment, I wanted to protest it. But I had to be patient. The General's Tea is not finished. Eventually, he will beg for mercy, even if it's just a drop! I'm sure he'll be begging for it. Until that time, I will endure any unreasonable situation.
I straightened up and began to report on my training and expedition over the past week.
I had scratched the surface of what I had to say on the day trip, but this time it was not a chat between father and his son, but to the lord. While answering questions from father, brother, and sometimes mother, I reported the events from the first day in detail. When I said my report, my father and brother were prepared to hear about the Orc settlement. But they were relieved to learn that we had already destroyed it. My father instructed Roland to send soldiers to inspect the area.
Then the conversation turned to the events of a few hours ago, the Tremble Cube.
It seemed that they couldn't imagine what it looked like, and they all asked me about it again and again. I guess it's hard to imagine a large, square monster. So I drew a Tremble Cube on a piece of parchment and added Roland to it to give an idea of its size. It's a stick figure, of course.
After I drew the Tremble Cube. Then Roland shows me his scars and explains its tactics. Everyone seemed too surprised to speak. By the way, I've kept my mouth shut about the fact that I've been eaten by it. My father is the lord, so I'm not sure how much he will protect me, but as long as my overprotective mother doesn't find out, it won't be a problem.
I finished my report, but my father could not seem to get over the shock of the Tremble Cube.
He said, "I didn't know there was such a thing as a monster ....... Has it inhabited the forests of Leknod before?"
"As far as I know, its range is quite far south, deep in the forest. If it comes here, it will leave a clear trail. So I think there is nothing to worry about. However, contrary to its appearance, it's quite agile. If it is attacked, it will be easy to escape, and it is thought that more people have been killed in encounters with it than reported. It would be premature to assume that it is only in the south. I'm sure the adventurer's guild is concerned about this and is issuing a warning, because even I, who live in the north, knew about it."
"It's possible. There's no need to chase after it even if you find a trail. The soldiers won't be able to outrun them."
"Very well, sir."
After that, we spent some time together as a family, and I went back to my room.
As soon as I opened the door, I felt my mind relax.
Even though I was back in the house, I still felt tense somewhere.
There was still some work to be done. Such as the procedures for selling the materials. But now I'm at peace.
I sat down on the bed and looked around the room.
This is my old mansion. I may be exaggerating because I've been away for three days. But it was such an expedition that it made me think so. I looked at the room again. Suddenly, I noticed something that I had taken for granted. The bed is clean, and there was not a speck of dust on the floor, table, or desk. I knew that Meredy cleaned the room when I was away, but it seemed that she hadn't missed a beat while I was gone. I should thank her later for all her hard work.
I shook off the urge to lie down and stood up.
Now, it was time to rest and relax.
I open the big bag and take out the contents.
I must have collected a little too much.
A large amount of General Grass covered the entire room. It wouldn't be so bad if I stacked them on top of each other. But without this, the drying process wouldn't go as smoothly. The wilted leaves are still damp, and hand rubbing is even slower. I wonder why I hand-rub them in the first place. I can't wait to taste it and figure out why and what to do with it.
As I was thinking whether I should tie it to a string and hang it up, I heard a knock on the door, and Meredy came out. As soon as she peeked into the room, she exclaimed.
"What's with this pile of weeds?" That was the first thing she said.
"You are a rude person. Who do you think you are?"
"Weeds!"
"That's why the common people can't understand ....... It's a pity you can't understand this nobility."
Graham, the head of the household, walked silently past the open door.
He was in the living room earlier, wasn't he ......?
"No, no, but it's not finished yet! It's no wonder you don't know what it tastes like! Yeah!"
"Is this tea? I don't know what it tastes like, but I'm not drinking it. Why are you shouting? Your face is twitching."
"Don't worry about it! What do you want?"
"I brought you some tea, not that weird stuff you have there."
"I'd like to say a few words, but I'm worried about the future. I would like to thank you for your kind words and I hope you will forgive me for killing you."
I took the tea and sent Meredy back.
This has to be finished in a hurry. I'm not proud of it, but I'm a very good kid who has had little experience of being offended by my parents. To maintain that trust, we must finish the General tea as soon as possible and let them know how wonderful it is.
After all, its properties have been released.
After learning about medicinal herbs from Danil during the expedition, I did some more research.
As a result, I found out that most armor and items release their properties upon use or contact. However, for the Sacred Axe and Arua Sero, I was given them to hold and even swung them, but their properties remained unknown. The difference is obvious: is it a magic tool or a common tool?
In the first place, how do Markant and Valerie, who do not have the "Appraisal" skill, draw out the power of magic tools? When I asked them about it, it was simple. It seems to me that the ownership of magic tools is set. The tools tell their owners that they have the power to do what they want. However, not all magic tools are straightforward. It seems that magic tools have a thought process that can be called intelligence, and if the intelligence is high, the tool will not easily recognize its owner, and if it is stolen, it will reject the thief. On the other hand, magic tools with low intelligence are recognized as the owner just by holding them, and even if they are stolen, the thief can use them. Usually, the powerful the magic tool is, the more likely it is the former. The reason why Arua Sero and the Sacred Axe didn't tell me anything when I held them is those magical tools have high intelligence. Incidentally, when Danil gave me his sword to hold, I'm easily accepted by it. It seems to be an excellent magical tool, despite its simple ability to enhance durability and sharpness, but it seems to be a bit silly. He said that magical tools do not resemble their owners.
The sensation of information flowing into my brain was interesting, but I was more interested in the results of the appraisal.
Magic tools have a skill column that ordinary tools do not have. In the case of Danil's sword, "Strengthen Durability 4" and "Strengthen Sharpness 2" are listed. It's also possible that this is a part of its characteristics, as there is no mention of "skill column: unknown" in the Sacred Axe for example.
So, is the Rhinoceros Sword a magic tool?
Of course not. No matter how good it is, no matter how magical its abilities are if a characteristic is released and there is no skill field, it is a common tool, just an effect of the material. Even if a steel sword is stronger than a copper sword. It's still a common tool if it doesn't have the "Strengthen Durability".
Just in case, I also appraised Rhinoceros Stiletto, but the result did not change, only the name was different.
It's a shame that it's not a magic tool, but if you could make a magic tool just by cutting out a horn, you wouldn't have any trouble. It was more than enough for me to have made a sword this good.
I looked at the results of the appraisal again.
Is it resistant to acid? The situation wouldn't have changed much even if I had it with me at the time, but it was ironic. Also, the color change on the blade is probably due to blood seeping into the sword. It's going to look vicious, and it might even job change into a cursed sword. It would be interesting to see if that happens, but I'll have to take good care of it.
"What do you think? Do you feel any discomfort in your grip?"
"No problem, it's a great sword. By the way, does it have a name?
"A name? It's usually called by the name of the material it's made of. In this case, it would be the Sword of Erath Rhino. Of course, I think it would be best if Young Master named it.
"Hmm, naming."
I have to be a little careful. I'm afraid I'll call it by the wrong appraisal result. . It can be a hassle when you encounter a "Basic Appraisal". Well, it seems that it is rare, and it's enough to say that you got a "see".
As I looked at the sharp blade, a doubt suddenly came to my mind.
"What do you think would happen if my sword and Eras Rhino's sword went at it?"
I asked Deryn, holding out the smallsword at my waist.
The sharpness of the blade means that if it is not good, it might cut off the opponent's sword. Naturally, the tip would fly towards us.
After receiving it, Deryn pulled the smallsword from its sheath and looked at it for a while.
"I'm sure ...... this sword will cut both ways."
"I'm sure you're right. You have to be careful or you might get hurt."
"They say a good weapon is only as good as its wielder. I wonder if Young Master can master it."
I felt slightly uncomfortable as I hawked my response.
But I quickly dismissed it. For a moment, I thought it was an irresponsible statement, but perhaps not. He has brought in the materials for the Eras Rhino, and I'm sure he's heard about the expedition from Chief Gerrit. My father and " Battle Axe of Destruction" thought that it was too early to enter the forest at the age of eight. If that's the case, then what am I doing it? At the very least, I'm not a mediocre shot. I guess that's where Deryn's comment came from. Maybe he can guess my ability to some extent just by the way I hold my sword. In the course of his profession, he must have seen everyone from beginners to experts. It's possible.
Regardless of the truth of what he said, it is clear that it is an excellent sword, even if it has many quirks. I have no choice but to master it.
"By the way, can I still use the sword? It's been about a week since I bought it, but it's no longer needed. If it's still useful, can you pick it up?"
Deryn held the smallsword up to the light and tapped the blade with his finger a few times.
"The surface shows some fatigue, but the construction is solid. It will be as good as new with a little work. I'll take it back as a sword."
Deryn finished his assessment quickly and presented him with five large copper coins.
I was about to accept it but stopped myself. I wondered how much the production cost would be.
"I hadn't heard that yet. How much will the total production cost be?"
"Since you've provided the materials for both, after deducting what you've already paid, you'll be left with forty gold coins.
I nodded my head and hid my inner turmoil.
That's expensive, that's the price is about a beginner's spellbook. I can buy three books with that money. I'm sure it's for the leather armor. Because the sword doesn't take a week, and the leather armor is enough for three people. I shouldn't have gotten carried away and said, "And for my father and brother too.". Deryn is a businessman who is only ordered by the head of the adventurer's guild. Judging by the quality of the sword, he must have commissioned one of the best craftsmen in the Reedwald. Is that why the technical fee is so high? Well, it's better than being stingy and lowering the quality."
"I'm going to get in the way if I receive the small stuff. Please put it towards the price."
Let's pay a little more to lighten the gloom.
Danil had undertaken to do so, but would the distribution be enough to pay for the production? The stiletto is my favorite one, and it's my first weapon. I don't want to give it away for a few large copper coins. If it's not enough, I'll just have to sneak off to the woods and scrounge up the money.
As I was about to leave, Deryn stopped me.
"Young Master, are you sure about the sword?"
"All right, I haven't paid for anything yet."
"You can bring it with you when you pay for the leather armor."
"But ..."
The craftsman was pleased that he had done such a good job. If it is such a good sword, it should be in the hands of its rightful owner.
I'm troubled by Deryn's words.
I'm sure he trusts me simply because I'm the son of his lord. The leather armor was a gift.
But then again, I'm the son of a lord after all. I don't feel like I'm walking on my own.
I hesitated, and then accepted the two swords offered to me.
"I'll take it. And take care of the leather armor."
"Leave it to me."
With Deryn bowing in my back, I left the Groen Armory.