CH 64

Hipopo pounds down on the ground with fierce intensity. It would be no exaggeration to say it looks very powerful and majestic.

We’ve arrived at the site where a road linking the camp and the neighboring dominion is being built. It’s right at the entrance of the borderland.

Many soldiers sent by the neighboring dominion are hard at work around us. Some over there appear to be taking measurements, and over here we can smell something cooking.

In the meantime, my transmuted beasts are also working while following their directions.

“Master Rust! It’s been a while.”

I hear someone say while I look at Hipopo’s gallant figure.

“Mister Memels. We haven’t seen each other since the business with the magic crystals. Are you also here because of the road work?”

“Yes, this is a large undertaking, and I am here as an inspector. And thank you very much for your help.”

“No no, it’s very important for us to stabilize the circulation of goods too.”

“Your transmuted beasts are doing a wonderful job. Even the alchemists in our dominion’s army are in awe of your skill.”

He says while pointing to a group of people peeking this way from a distance.

“I see. I’m sorry to trouble you, but can you introduce me to your alchemists? I’m an outsider, so it would make things easier if you acted as an intermediary.”

“With pleasure.”

Says Memels while signaling to them.

Apparently that was his intention from the start. It’s nice to have an acquaintance present at a time like this.

The alchemists from this dominion’s army walk towards us, but from what I can tell there doesn’t seem to be anyone with a master rank medallion.

They all start introducing themselves in kind of an exaggerated way, and for some reason many say they’ve heard of me.

I’m a bit curious about what exactly people are saying about me, but we’re going to be working together, so I don’t want them to treat me like a deal or anything. I try to be frank.

“Thank you for having me for this short time. Please don’t be so formal, I’m the one who is new here, and this sort of public work is outside of my area of expertise. Please teach me about it, so hopefully we can accomplish our goal.”

Unfortunately, Seilook decides to land on my shoulder just as I finish talking. The alchemists start making a commotion as soon as they see this.

“Wow! A dragon!”

“The rumors were true. It’s the return of the legendary…”

“It’s pure white. So beautiful. I want to touch those scales.”

“I thought you were incredible for your inventions alone, but you are employing a dragon as well?”

It looked like the mood was getting lighter, and now it shifted all of a sudden.

I smile awkwardly on the inside, and Seilook lightly taps my back with its tail.

“Kyuu.”

Is Seilook telling me to hurry? It kind of feels like it’s amused too.

“Master Rust! They have returned! Pseudo-moles, and in larger numbers!”

Yells Ahri while running towards me.