CH 31

After going to Kalin’s tent and reporting that I’ve finished installing the water jugs, I’m handed two parchments. I’m sure they were delivered via the communications device. One is already open, and the other still has the seal that comes when they’re rolled and ejected.

“Quick as always Rust. It took a regular alchemist days to install the water jug and purification function we already had before you came.”

“Well, writing magic circuits takes time. Please go check it out later.”

I answer as I take one of the parchments and start reading it.

It’s from the lord of the neighboring dominion, and it’s addressed to Kalin.

Usually I’d ask permission first, but since she handed it to me, I just start reading it.

“I was informed of this, but I’m still surprised.”

Says Kalin.

Hou… Toma’s village chief did talk to his lord like I asked.

“The conditions seem good.”

I tell Kalin how I feel.

“More than good, extraordinary. What kind of trickery did you use, Rust!?”

Kalin puts her arm around my waist and pulls me closer.

I raise my arms like I’m surrendering, as I look down at her red hair. With Kalin’s superhuman strength, she’d shake my brain if she grabbed me by the collar and shook me.

I think back to what I did and said, and look at the parchment again. I remember. After treating the patients, we ate together and I told her that she could receive a business proposition about magic crystals from the neighboring dominion, but that’s all I told her.

The parchment only mentions magic crystals too.

“Ah, Kalin. I didn’t use any tricks, this business is about old-style magic crystals.”

“What!? The ones for the H-32!? Hey, can you make that Rust!? No, of course you can. Ahh, geez.”

Kalin lets out a deep sight while looking at me.

“Now I get it. Those can’t be found anywhere anymore. Geez”

Repeats Kalin.

“Are you storing H-32 here too?”

“No, most combat personnel here used to be my subordinates. They all know their stuff when it comes to military arts.”

She says proudly.

“Well, of course.”

“Nevermind that. I’m sure you realize that you’re barging straight into the interests of those people in the capital, and you’re pretty much picking a fight with them, right?”

“More or less.”

I open the second parchment.

“Hey hey. Are you saying it’s my job to do something about that?”

Says Kalin in a self-deprecating way.

“I’ve been asking Harold about that. The answer is here.”

I hand the parchment I read to Kalin. It’s the answer to the letter I sent from Toma.

Harold isn’t just my friend, he’s also Kalin’s friend from when we were in the academy.

“Harold? He was in accounting wasn’t he? Hm, I see.”

Whispers Kalin as she reads the parchment.

“Looks like there’s trouble in the capital. I heard it from Ahri and Roa too, but I didn’t think it was this bad. This is a good opportunity.”

Says Kalin with a mischievous smile.

“We should do it in one go, right? I’m ready when you are.”

I respond with the same smile. This conversation takes me back to our days in the academy.”

“All right, you can look forward to it. We’ll get you more than you can handle.”

“I accept.

I say with a bow.