Chapter 99.3 - The Second Year at the Academy - Distant Mentor (3)
"Ah, I see—"
Once again, I had forgotten. I'm a noble.
I had only considered whether it would be inconvenient.
There was no way commoners in the neighborhood could complain.
Perhaps the training sessions with Ted and the others were more disruptive than I thought.
I can't believe I'm realizing this just now.
It's clear that I lacked consideration, but, to begin with, I was avoided.
Even if we happened to meet, people would quickly flee.
Dana was like that at first too, so I optimistically thought that normal neighborly interactions would eventually happen.
However, apart from Nails and Dana, I still haven't talked to anyone else.
While it felt easy, I also sensed a bit of loneliness.
Now that I know a full-fledged noble like Lucina, I can understand their feelings well.
It must be quite frightening to think that such a person lives nearby.
And Lucina isn't the only special one, I believe.
As a noble, I hadn't noticed, but there are likely similar people at the academy.
Even Lambert had erected barriers between himself and commoners.
"For now, let's put aside my status. If a commoner were to set up a blacksmith, what do you think?"
"Well, even if you say that… What's the problem?"
"It's quite noisy, and there's also the soot. It might have a distinct metallic smell."
Upon hearing this, Dana pondered.
"Noise might be a concern. Some folks don't even leave their homes during the day. And especially with the windows open during this season."
"If there's noise, we'll have to close the blacksmith when necessary. It might be life-threatening, but we'll figure something out. We'll think about precautions later."
"The smell shouldn't be a problem. I think the residents around here wouldn't mind. The soot entering homes would be an issue, though."
"I see. Extending the chimney is the only solution. Let's start by having it crawl up the exterior wall of our home; we can extend it from there, and it should earn us quite a bit."
With Dana's advice, the conversation smoothly progressed.
The noise was shelved for now, but if it seemed impossible, we could always stop the blacksmithing and repurpose it as a workshop.
"Well then, let's go greet them right away. What should we bring as a gift—how about a healing potion?"
"Such a high-quality item! That's too expensive!"
Dana immediately rejected it.
Even if it's said to be expensive, for me, it's just the cost of materials and labor.
But being denied makes it feel correct.
I sell it to Sammy-nee for just one gold coin, and if bought elsewhere, it would be several times that amount.
But I am a noble.
Is that not normal?
No, I don't understand.
"If it's something other than a potion that I can give, then it's only meat."
The shepherd seemed pleased.
I said it casually, but Dana was positive, saying.
"I think they'll be happy."
I wonder why.
It's like I'm always giving away meat.
So, was the meat stew a thank-you gift?
"Understood. Let's go with meat as a gift. Tomorrow, I'll go hunting and—"
As I thought that far, I stopped my thoughts.
Fundamentally, something is wrong here.
As a person, it's fine.
But as a noble, how about it?
For sure, Lucina would unquestionably scatter noise without saying anything.
Other nobles would probably be similar.
But still, it's not okay; it's a neighborhood nuisance.
Even commoners like me are saying that.
With Dana tilting her head, I thought about it even more.
What's off is—nobles bringing gifts to inquire with commoners.
If that's the case, I hunted and had excess meat, so I shared it with the neighborhood. The blacksmith talk came as an extra.
If I ask them to come and take the meat, that would be great, but absolutely no one would come.
Alright, decided. Armed with a perfect rationale, no noble should have any complaints.
Satisfied, I nodded and asked Dana to accompany me on the greeting rounds.
Since she readily agreed, the next day, we set out for hunting.
After capturing two boars, I toured the neighborhood with Dana.
I thought it would be good to have someone along, asking lightly, but it turned out to be the right choice.
When I introduced myself, everyone took a humble attitude, and many were fearful.
If Dana weren't there, I don't think a conversation would have happened.
I greeted while being careful not to be arrogant but not letting them disrespect me either, facing the elderly woman who stiffened before me. My neighborhood tour as a noble was over.
Returning home and sitting in a chair, fatigue started to seep in.
While being healed by the general's tea that Dana brewed, I suddenly thought.
Maybe I'm overthinking things.
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