Chapter 60: Second clash with Ireas student (1/2)

”First, we will start with some carpenters. If you are so keen at the entire thing being wooden, there is no better place to look for them than their guild.” Setting off from Irea's home, the duo made their way forward while discussing the situation.

Even though openly talking about their plans like that didn't seem to be the smartest idea in the world, as long as they refrained from mentioning any of the vital parts, what could others derive from their wish to get something wooden done?

”How much it will cost? I mean, in magic stones.” More than a half of the hundred stones offered by the princes remained safely hidden in Irea's place. With the treasure consuming less than twenty of the stones, about thirty of the unused ones remained in Layn's pocket.

”Well, it depends on the size, the scale, everything. Since we need to get it done as soon as possible, even five grade one stones might not be enough.” Shaking her head with annoyance mixing with disbelief, it was clear for everyone to see that the topic of the professional craftsmen's wages was a sore spot on her soul.

”You don't like craftsmen?” Noticing the girl's distraught, Layn stopped himself from laughing with only the utmost effort, before bringing his eyes up to the skies. ”If it's about how much they earn… Then as conceited as it might sound, there should be no upper limits to it.”

Surprising the girl with such an outrageous statement, Layn instantly had to dodge a nudge sent his waist way. Stepping to the side to avoid the attack, Layn grabbed Irea's hand while openly laughing up.

”You see, no matter how great it feels to follow the path of power, how many great heroes can be out there? What will they wear if not for craftsmen? What will they eat if not for cooks? What will they fight with if not for the smiths?” As the corners' of Layn's lips moved up, his tone softened up a bit.

”Every civilization is defined by the mastery of its craftsmen. A thousand years from now, no one will care about one's personal exploits. But those who will leave behind a legacy, something tangible…” Layn didn't finish. Worried that speaking out more could bring some light to his real past, he decided that it was better not to open this can of worms yet.

”Either way, we are here. Would you like to go in or…?” Leaving the question open, Irea directed her eyes at Layn's face.

”No, I will be okay out here.” Snapping open the small strap that held his pouch to his belt, Layn passed the bag with stones to the girl. ”Obviously, the less you spend the better, but don't be too stingy either. While we need it to be simplistic, it still needs to reach a minimal level of quality.”

Sending the girl off with a smile, Layn rested his back against some random wall that cut away the guild lands from the rest of the city. Stretching his hand forward, he pretended as if he was pulling out a smoke from his preferred box of choice.

Even after all this time in the ancient world, he could still remember the delicate engravings on the sides of the small, metal container. For some reason, even when a new style of disposable carton boxes started circulating on the market back in the past, Layn, still loyal to his traditional habits, opted to keep using his decorative box instead.

Yet, right now, all that the archmage could do was to pretend he was pulling out a slim, round piece before inserting its phantom in his mouth and pretending to light it up.

”Gosh, I would kill for a smoke…” Whispering to himself, Layn suddenly turned his head to the side when a rustling alerted him of someone's presence.