159 Glasses Boy Meets the Ruler Again the Next Day
“—Hey, it’s about time.”
When I was looking at the oversized King Horse, Queen, another uncle wearing the same robe came over.
“Yeah, I’m about to do it. So, Miss, I’m going to cut her up. Can you move away?”
Oh, is it about time to dismantle it?
“May I watch?”
I’d definitely like to see the dismantling work of the monsters, which I’d never seen before.
“No, no, we aren’t dismantling it, yet. We’re just going to take the horn. We just killed her yesterday. Considering her size, it’ll take another day before all her blood is drained. If you really want to see it, come back tomorrow.”
Is that so?
If the magic core within the monster wasn’t taken off, it wouldn’t rot or get rigor mortis for a few days.
If it was a monster of this size, I was sure the core would be huge.
In that case, instead of two or three days, it might be possible to preserve it longer.
“Excuse me, I’m sorry for bothering you.”
To be honest, I wanted to see him cut the horn, too. However, since I’d only serve as a hindrance if I stayed here any longer, I decided to go somewhere else.
—Oh, that’s right.
I’d like to ask him how to process monster fangs.
These people were blacksmiths, after all.
Surely, other than metals and ores, they also handled monster materials.
In that case, shouldn’t I tell these people about my business?
“Fang? From what monster?”
“It’s from a monster called Obsidian Wolf.”
““What—!?””
As expected of a blacksmith, they were sensitive to rare material.
The old man, who chided his colleague for making him wait, suddenly became excited.
They knew what it was.
The same went for me. After all, when I first encountered the Obsidian Wolf as a hunter, I—well, let’s leave it at that.
The Obsidian Wolf was so rare that everyone knew about it—even those from Krozheit.
“Well, this is certainly…”
“The density is different compared to the usual fangs. It’s pretty solid.”
Just in case, I showed it to them and asked them to check it.
It wasn’t like I didn’t trust Roda, who handed me the fangs.
However, I didn’t witness the moment when he took it from the Obsidian Wolf. Therefore, I couldn’t just brush off the possibility that it might be the fangs of a different monster.
Also, as a matter of course, this was different from the glasses snatched at the time of entry. If the fangs got taken away, I’d recover it at all cost.
“Do you know how to process it?”
“No, I’ve only witnessed another person do it. If I’m not mistaken, only the experts have the experience of cutting it.”
After having such a conversation, the blacksmiths handed me the fangs back.
Good.
If they didn’t, I’d have beaten them up.
I honestly thought of knocking them out before they drew their weapons or called for backups or something.
“Katsumi, lead him to the store. I’ll take care of this one.”
“Okay, he’s a customer after all. I’ll leave this to you.”
After that exchange, the blacksmith called Katsumi turned to face me.
“My father can probably process those fangs. I’ll guide you.”
…Father? Two generations of blacksmiths?
“I’m sorry, even though you’re at work, but please.”
“Haha, don’t worry. I haven’t started yet, and you’re a customer.”
Led by blacksmith Katsumi, I went to the building next door, which was only a short distance away. The smell of blood and monsters permeated the land and buildings, so the workshop and living area were probably separated.
It seemed like an ordinary store, with a hammer-like signboard carved into an iron-like metal plate.
“Mother, is father here?”
When the door was opened, there were clutters scattered around.
As far as I could see, there were huge iron ore, pots, hoes, swords, spears, morning stars, and even armor.
The only path for us to walk—the exposed cobblestone—seemed like an animal trail.
Behind it was an old woman sitting at the desk.
“He’s out. He’s probably at the workshop.”
“Is that so? Then, Miss, please wait here for a moment…”
However, Katsumi had a second thought.
“You have such a rare item with you. I can’t take responsibility if it’s lost. Come with me.”
Instead of entering the store, we went to the workshop.
—On the way, I heard that Katsumi’s father was a skilled blacksmith, but he was very picky about his work and clients.
If it was a material from the Obsidian Wolf, he’d surely agree. But the problem was whether it was the real thing or not.
I might sound stubborn, but like I said, I didn’t witness the exact moment he removed those fangs.
I didn’t want to suspect Roda, but what if he accidentally grabbed the false ones, or that someone switched them out?
Hence why I felt that it was necessary to check it in person.
Had it been any other materials, I’d have handed it to Katsumi or the old woman from the store. However, the material from the Obsidian Wolf was extremely precious, to the point that not even Katsumi himself wanted to take responsibility.
Well, a lot of incidents have happened in this place.
It wouldn’t be funny if it got lost or stolen by someone. Even I’d be in deep water if it went missing.
Ultimately, I’d go with Katsumi and show the material in person.
“Well, he’s a bigoted and stubborn old man, but he’s good at his job.”
I see, does he have the passion of a blacksmith?
The next place we arrived at was a large stone building, which looked just like any other workshops around this part.
However, the forge hadn’t been lit, yet, so neither the sound of hitting metal nor the blazing heat of said metal could be felt.
Instead, I heard men yelling at each other.
“…Yeah, they seem to be busy.”
“Good grief. Father, are you arguing with the customer again?”
He seems to be a really difficult person. I wondered if I could really deal with him. Honestly, he was the type that I’d avoid the most. I preferred a calm-headed person.
…
Huh? Wait, that voice sounds familiar…?
“Give me a moment.” I nodded at Katsumi’s words. Out of curiosity, I peeked through the double doors, which were left open…
Sure enough—or as expected, I saw a familiar face.
—A lot happened last night, but in short, I saw Beckenberg in the Glory District.
I couldn’t possibly mistake him for someone else. That well-tailored aristocratic attire, along with his rotund figure. Just like yesterday, he had this ambitious look on his face. Two bodyguards accompanied him.
“Didn’t I say that I’ll hand you the money later!?”
“I don’t care, I only accept up-front payment! There are no exceptions, you hear me!?”
Beckenberg looked so out of place there. As for the one who argued against him, it was a short, gray-haired old man wearing similar work attire as Katsumi.
“—I already told you that I’ll provide collateral! I can give you jewels, deeds, or even a mansion! Anyway, I don’t have any cash on me at the moment! Give me a few days to get the money!”
“Stop with your excuses, you new money bastard! Up-front payment is my policy! No money, no work! I’m going to beat you up, you damn bastard!”
…Both old men were yelling at each other. What an amazing sight. Or rather, the zeal of both gentlemen was. Even though it was only morning, they were already going at it.
“Beckenberg! You used to pay me up-front! So, what’s the problem!?”
“T-they stole it… My money—!”
Oh, courtesy of Zett yesterday.
I didn’t know what they were arguing about, but it definitely had something to do with last night.
“That’s a shame, but not my problem! Like I said, no exceptions! No matter what happens, if you want to work with me, pay up-front!”
“What—!? Stop testing my patience, Tatsunami! Do you know I can easily put you out of work!?”
—Hm? Tatsunami? That old man?
“Huuh!? Who do you think I am!? I’ve been hearing these silly threats since before I was even born, I’m tired of it! Try harder, you bastard!”
Come to think of it, didn’t Adyll entrust me a letter for someone named Tatsunami…?
Oh, it seems that the dispute is over.
“I’ll never forgive you, Tatsuna—ah.”
Ah.
Our gazes collided.
159 Glasses Boy Meets the Ruler Again the Next Day
“—Hey, it’s about time.”
When I was looking at the oversized King Horse, Queen, another uncle wearing the same robe came over.
“Yeah, I’m about to do it. So, Miss, I’m going to cut her up. Can you move away?”
Oh, is it about time to dismantle it?
“May I watch?”
I’d definitely like to see the dismantling work of the monsters, which I’d never seen before.
“No, no, we aren’t dismantling it, yet. We’re just going to take the horn. We just killed her yesterday. Considering her size, it’ll take another day before all her blood is drained. If you really want to see it, come back tomorrow.”
Is that so?
If the magic core within the monster wasn’t taken off, it wouldn’t rot or get rigor mortis for a few days.
If it was a monster of this size, I was sure the core would be huge.
In that case, instead of two or three days, it might be possible to preserve it longer.
“Excuse me, I’m sorry for bothering you.”
To be honest, I wanted to see him cut the horn, too. However, since I’d only serve as a hindrance if I stayed here any longer, I decided to go somewhere else.
—Oh, that’s right.
I’d like to ask him how to process monster fangs.
These people were blacksmiths, after all.
Surely, other than metals and ores, they also handled monster materials.
In that case, shouldn’t I tell these people about my business?
“Fang? From what monster?”
“It’s from a monster called Obsidian Wolf.”
““What—!?””
As expected of a blacksmith, they were sensitive to rare material.
The old man, who chided his colleague for making him wait, suddenly became excited.
They knew what it was.
The same went for me. After all, when I first encountered the Obsidian Wolf as a hunter, I—well, let’s leave it at that.
The Obsidian Wolf was so rare that everyone knew about it—even those from Krozheit.
“Well, this is certainly…”
“The density is different compared to the usual fangs. It’s pretty solid.”
Just in case, I showed it to them and asked them to check it.
It wasn’t like I didn’t trust Roda, who handed me the fangs.
However, I didn’t witness the moment when he took it from the Obsidian Wolf. Therefore, I couldn’t just brush off the possibility that it might be the fangs of a different monster.
Also, as a matter of course, this was different from the glasses snatched at the time of entry. If the fangs got taken away, I’d recover it at all cost.
“Do you know how to process it?”
“No, I’ve only witnessed another person do it. If I’m not mistaken, only the experts have the experience of cutting it.”
After having such a conversation, the blacksmiths handed me the fangs back.
Good.
If they didn’t, I’d have beaten them up.
I honestly thought of knocking them out before they drew their weapons or called for backups or something.
“Katsumi, lead him to the store. I’ll take care of this one.”
“Okay, he’s a customer after all. I’ll leave this to you.”
After that exchange, the blacksmith called Katsumi turned to face me.
“My father can probably process those fangs. I’ll guide you.”
…Father? Two generations of blacksmiths?
“I’m sorry, even though you’re at work, but please.”
“Haha, don’t worry. I haven’t started yet, and you’re a customer.”
Led by blacksmith Katsumi, I went to the building next door, which was only a short distance away. The smell of blood and monsters permeated the land and buildings, so the workshop and living area were probably separated.
It seemed like an ordinary store, with a hammer-like signboard carved into an iron-like metal plate.
“Mother, is father here?”
When the door was opened, there were clutters scattered around.
As far as I could see, there were huge iron ore, pots, hoes, swords, spears, morning stars, and even armor.
The only path for us to walk—the exposed cobblestone—seemed like an animal trail.
Behind it was an old woman sitting at the desk.
“He’s out. He’s probably at the workshop.”
“Is that so? Then, Miss, please wait here for a moment…”
However, Katsumi had a second thought.
“You have such a rare item with you. I can’t take responsibility if it’s lost. Come with me.”
Instead of entering the store, we went to the workshop.
—On the way, I heard that Katsumi’s father was a skilled blacksmith, but he was very picky about his work and clients.
If it was a material from the Obsidian Wolf, he’d surely agree. But the problem was whether it was the real thing or not.
I might sound stubborn, but like I said, I didn’t witness the exact moment he removed those fangs.
I didn’t want to suspect Roda, but what if he accidentally grabbed the false ones, or that someone switched them out?
Hence why I felt that it was necessary to check it in person.
Had it been any other materials, I’d have handed it to Katsumi or the old woman from the store. However, the material from the Obsidian Wolf was extremely precious, to the point that not even Katsumi himself wanted to take responsibility.
Well, a lot of incidents have happened in this place.
It wouldn’t be funny if it got lost or stolen by someone. Even I’d be in deep water if it went missing.
Ultimately, I’d go with Katsumi and show the material in person.
“Well, he’s a bigoted and stubborn old man, but he’s good at his job.”
I see, does he have the passion of a blacksmith?
The next place we arrived at was a large stone building, which looked just like any other workshops around this part.
However, the forge hadn’t been lit, yet, so neither the sound of hitting metal nor the blazing heat of said metal could be felt.
Instead, I heard men yelling at each other.
“…Yeah, they seem to be busy.”
“Good grief. Father, are you arguing with the customer again?”
He seems to be a really difficult person. I wondered if I could really deal with him. Honestly, he was the type that I’d avoid the most. I preferred a calm-headed person.
…
Huh? Wait, that voice sounds familiar…?
“Give me a moment.” I nodded at Katsumi’s words. Out of curiosity, I peeked through the double doors, which were left open…
Sure enough—or as expected, I saw a familiar face.
—A lot happened last night, but in short, I saw Beckenberg in the Glory District.
I couldn’t possibly mistake him for someone else. That well-tailored aristocratic attire, along with his rotund figure. Just like yesterday, he had this ambitious look on his face. Two bodyguards accompanied him.
“Didn’t I say that I’ll hand you the money later!?”
“I don’t care, I only accept up-front payment! There are no exceptions, you hear me!?”
Beckenberg looked so out of place there. As for the one who argued against him, it was a short, gray-haired old man wearing similar work attire as Katsumi.
“—I already told you that I’ll provide collateral! I can give you jewels, deeds, or even a mansion! Anyway, I don’t have any cash on me at the moment! Give me a few days to get the money!”
“Stop with your excuses, you new money bastard! Up-front payment is my policy! No money, no work! I’m going to beat you up, you damn bastard!”
…Both old men were yelling at each other. What an amazing sight. Or rather, the zeal of both gentlemen was. Even though it was only morning, they were already going at it.
“Beckenberg! You used to pay me up-front! So, what’s the problem!?”
“T-they stole it… My money—!”
Oh, courtesy of Zett yesterday.
I didn’t know what they were arguing about, but it definitely had something to do with last night.
“That’s a shame, but not my problem! Like I said, no exceptions! No matter what happens, if you want to work with me, pay up-front!”
“What—!? Stop testing my patience, Tatsunami! Do you know I can easily put you out of work!?”
—Hm? Tatsunami? That old man?
“Huuh!? Who do you think I am!? I’ve been hearing these silly threats since before I was even born, I’m tired of it! Try harder, you bastard!”
Come to think of it, didn’t Adyll entrust me a letter for someone named Tatsunami…?
Oh, it seems that the dispute is over.
“I’ll never forgive you, Tatsuna—ah.”
Ah.
Our gazes collided.
