Chapter 92.1 - The Second Year at the Academy - Another Craftsman (1)
I returned to the craftsman's district and visited the shop I had in mind.
Its exterior was unchanged from a year ago as if time had stood still.
To be honest, I never thought I'd come here again.
"Welcome. Are you here for something?"
A man working behind the counter greeted me with a forced smile as I entered.
Not only the exterior but also the interior seemed the same. He was still a [Blacksmith 2].
"I've come to request a somewhat unusual job."
"I don't mean to brag, but I can't handle anything too difficult…"
He suddenly stopped working and gazed at me intently.
Then, he clapped his hands dramatically.
"Could it be the Kousai Sword!?"
"You remember, huh? Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Altar Les Reedwald, a second-year student at the Cartilhad Academy."
"Your…name…"
Upon hearing my name, the man froze.
It couldn't be helped.
Impolite as it was, this shop was no less than the village blacksmith's.
Nobles visiting here wouldn't be a first.
"Could you tell me your name as well?"
"S-Sorry! My name is Narban!"
"Alright, Narban, let's talk business. To cut to the chase, would you be willing to give me some lessons?"
Narban looked bewildered.
I explained the details of the lessons, including discussions on Basil's magic lectures and the Academy's methods.
When the conversation turned to [Magic Item Creation], he finally seemed to get the full picture.
"You want to learn blacksmithing, and your future is already decided. You don't intend to become a blacksmith in your hometown, right? You're just planning to assist with weapon maintenance and ‘Magic Item Creation,' right?"
"But why me? Embarrassingly enough, there are many more skilled blacksmiths out there."
"I'll say this knowing it's rude. Do you think they'd accept your request?"
Narban's face immediately turned gloomy.
"You're right. It's impossible…"
"As I thought. Maintaining Kousai Sword is left to Istar. He's one of the best in Selen, but he's also a typical blacksmith. What I need is not a stubborn craftsman. I need a blacksmith who will work with even an amateur."
Narban's expression didn't brighten.
If anything, he seemed close to tears.
I understood his feelings.
Stubbornness was often rooted in pride and skill.
Telling him he was a third-rate craftsman was essentially the same as an insult.
But I had to say it.
Even if I could make excuses here, the lessons would last more than a week.
Sooner or later, he would realize the truth.
"Let's put aside the specifics of the duration for now. Let me make a promise first. Shortly, I will definitely learn [Magic Item Creation]. At that time, I'll turn your weapons into magical items for only the necessary expenses. I can do it as many times as you want while I'm in Selen. This is the maximum reward I can offer you."
"Magic item transformation!?"
Suddenly, Narban leaned forward.
He seemed so eager that I thought he might jump over the counter.
That was more interesting than I had anticipated.
In [Blacksmith 2], you could only create cheap weapons for beginners.
No one would think of turning such items into magic items.
However, having trained in [Magic Item Creation], I knew that equipment with Durability Enhancement 1, which was available for sale, was likely made by fledgling craftsmen.
They were sold for around five to 10 gold coins in the shop, and considering the expenses, the profit margins weren't great.
The crucial point was where these novice craftsmen obtained their materials.
It was obvious that there were more blacksmiths than magic item crafters.
Both professions had deep connections, and let's assume they had apprentices. The answer was clear.
So less skilled blacksmiths had no choice but to turn their money into magic items.
Naturally, they couldn't sell them for the regular price.
They would end up in the red even after transforming them into magic items.
In less than 2 years, I had come up with a proposal for Narban.
"Is it true!? You'll turn my weapons into magic items for only the necessary expenses!?"
"I promise you. So, calm down a bit."
As I tried to restrain his upper body from jumping over the counter, he firmly grasped my hand.
"I accept it! Magic item transformation!"
"Correction. I meant lessons first. Magic item transformation comes after."
I pushed him back to the other side while correcting him.
I felt guilty for making him so happy.
I would charge the necessary expenses, including the cost of magic stones.
Since I could train him for free. The conditions were definitely in my favor.
I felt bad for deceiving him.
I would procure magic stones locally and only take a labor fee.
If the magic items sold well, Narban would also benefit.
The actual cost would come later.
But before that.
"It will be a short time, but please teach me well. Narban-sensei."
I took a step back and bowed my head.
The shop fell silent.
When I glanced up, Narubano was frozen.
Then, his face turned red, and he said, "Oh, no, you don't have to call me sensei…" and blushed profusely.
I wondered if craftsmen were weak to such things.
At that moment, Rag and Egil crossed my mind.
Well, it's just these two, I thought.
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