129 Episode 25: Looking Forward Tomorrow (1/2)

With Tomas' approval, I decided to introduce Tomas to my usual face as soon as possible. I moved the place to the salon and called everyone who was waiting for me in the outhouse to meet Tomas face-to-face.

In addition to me and Tomas, Yufi, Ilia and Raini, Gakkun, Navr, Charne and Priscilla. It's also uncommon for so many people to gather at the salon, and I feel kind of fresh.

”Well. Everyone, Tomas Ghana is going to be my exclusive blacksmith next time. Kind of heartless and harsh, but not a bad person, so nice to meet you!

”... stop that introduction, no, please don't... I left it for you, Tomas Ghana.”

You didn't like my introduction, Tomas exhales and blurs. But soon I bowed my head quietly because it was in front of the nobility.

The Navres, who knew me well in that series of conversations, perceived the air, and their gaze at Tomas was somewhat warm.

”Tomas Gana... is he the blacksmith that His Royal Highness the King used heavily”

”Oh, this guy, right? I hit Anise's celestial and Her Majesty's arcane shell.”

”What!? Is this better?!?”

Navre looks interesting and nods at Tomas, and Gakun puts in a supplement. Charne doesn't know about Tomas, he's honestly showing surprise.

Priscilla is just smiling the usual way. However, my narrowed eyes always seemed to stare carefully at Tomas.

Tomas seems uncomfortable with the gathering of gaze from everyone.

”... as you can see, I'm a blacksmith at a shitty town workshop. Neglect when it comes to politeness, so if you need anything, say it.”

”Don't be too frightened. If it wasn't a public place, Lady Anis wouldn't say anything.”

”Gark.... point it out here if you need it. Don't worry too much, I know what you mean when you say it's a personal relationship with Her Royal Highness Sister Wang. And the temperament of this one. Don't worry too much.”

”... you were Master Navre Sprout. That's really helpful to hear you say that. How about then, please give us guidance.”

Gakun says in an easygoing manner, but your firm and serious navre won't allow it there. Still, I think you're still flexible with Tomas.

I began to create an atmosphere that seemed to break down sooner than Thomas thought, even if I felt any sympathy for such a navre. Navre felt something in that reaction, too, and I feel how sweet his eyes are to see Tomas.

”Well, how did you get Tomas to be exclusive to you again for introducing you to Tomas? We need to make sure that explanation is clear. Honestly, it's gonna be pretty confidential from here on out, so I want you to be ready to listen.”

Everyone who was on the spot in front of me tightened their faces. I started talking after I made sure everyone was listening.

”Recently, as we all know, a new treaty was to be concluded with the Aylene Empire. At dawn when the City of Magic has been completed, it plans to build a college that will open doors to anyone who wants to study magic, whether civilian or aristocratic. International students from the Empire will also be invited here. In other words, the technology of the magic props will spill over into the Empire. Let's get this far first, okay?

Look over everyone and check each and every face. If my gaze matches, everyone snorts small.

”Although it is unlikely, it cannot be denied that the magic artifact can be tailored as a tool of war by teaching technology. Emperor Lukeheim, the current emperor, shows a friendly attitude towards the Kingdom of Palletia, but does not know what will happen in the future. I want to be prepared for that.”

”Are you ready? Is that why you welcomed Tomas Gana as a dedicated blacksmith again?

I nod and affirm to the confirmation from Navre. I guess I expected it to be this far, no surprise to Navre. Charne will be the one who's getting the most nervous. I still have a look on the verge of being strong.

”There's also a reason that Emperor Lukeheim wanted the Devil's Sword as a condition for the signing of the treaty. Anyway, Tomas is the blacksmith I trust the most. That's why I wanted to help Tomas prepare.”

”What exactly do you do to prepare for that?

”That's the real deal, Gah. I want the empire to establish a new technology unique to the kingdom that teaches magic props techniques but does not give them to the empire. If my vision materializes, I will be able to make the most of the resources available in the Kingdom of Palettia.”

”An underutilized resource, is it?

Charne is leaning her neck strangely. I don't know, a face like that. I continued my conversation as I grinned at Charne's reaction.

”An underutilized resource, it's a magic stone.”

”Demon Stone...!

”What, is that good?!”

Navre is unexpected, fighting as he says. Gakun, on the other hand, looks at me as if he were surprised. He sees Yufi and Raini as they are, exposing confusion. Gakun knows about the engraving, and this reaction is natural.

”I already know Gakun, but I'm trying my skills to take advantage of the Demon Stone. However, in my current form, I can only use it as much as I would recommend using it.”

”... uh, how do you make use of demon stones?

”I've heard stories about demonic stones being turned into demonic stones by degenerate spirits in demonic bodies. But I heard you can't use it like a spiritual stone...”

Charne and Navre look difficult and inquire. Demon Stone is a subspecies that the Spirit Stone has degenerated, and this perception is already known to those who know it.

At the same time, it is common sense that it cannot be utilized like a spiritual stone because it is a subspecies. That's why the two of us have a particular question.

”Yeah. Well, I'm going to share a secret with everyone from now on. Let's talk about this as a good opportunity.”

Once again, I explained the engraving marks engraved on me using demonic stones. Charne and Priscilla are sometimes in charge of my attire, so I knew about the engraving on my back, but I was surprised I didn't think the engraving was like that.

Use the Dragon's Demon Stone to harbor the magic of the Dragon. Upon hearing the description of the engraving marks, Navre opened his eyes to surprise, but at the same time seemed convinced. They say I can't use magic. I guess I'm convinced I can use physical enhancement. The reason why the enhancement was awesome also convinced me that the dragon would come from.

”... surely you're not going to spill such technology. Especially not to the Empire.”

”Yes. Because of all the problems, no method of utilizing demonic stones has ever been studied. I had a lot to study first.”

Even the Ministry of Magic, which studies new techniques of magic that it is a way of utilizing spiritual stones, magic revalidation and redefinition, was that way the research subject to be prioritized. Even though I thought the engraving technique should not be on the table.

”Hiding the study of spiritual stones, though it's a bad way to put it. I thought it would be a good idea to teach a technology similar to the current demonic props that flows to the Empire, because that one is a technology that can also be used in everyday life. That's why we're not going to use that technology just to fight.”

”But the Demon Stone is different.”

Navre points that out to me with a rugged face. I nod and return the opinion because I agree.

”If it's just demonic material yet, there's a way to utilize it, but demon stones are different. While that is close to a spiritual stone, its nature can only be used in a way that passes into power. If the research goes ahead, I think we still have to start the first trick in terms of exercising power.”

”... so we can help you with your research? But what do I do...?

”Gakun, Navr, and Charne will be testers of” inventions ”created using demonic stones. If the invention is successful, the invention will be given to you. As proof of my own personal protection.”

The three named in my proclamation looked to surprise.

Since I became involved in politics in the position of Sister Wang, I have been hesitant to develop magic tools with someone specific in mind. There were reasons why I couldn't follow my inventions around, but if I made someone special, I would have called for unnecessary trouble.

So even if I made the Navres my exclusive, I didn't intend to step ahead of them only because of their relationship beyond the role they were given. Sometimes this change of mind changed the situation with the Empire, but above all, that raid was the hang-up.

”I don't know what to say, but I took my worth lightly. I should have been more cautious and had to be more vigilant around me. That's what I found out in the last raid.”

”It is... we hope that you understand your worth, but not that His Royal Highness feels responsible.”

”No, I had to feel responsible. For my sake, you are in the position of escorts and samurai. My standing is very special, so I thought I shouldn't step in. But it involves everyone more than I am.”

This time, everyone, thanks. But if I'd hung one thing wrong, I might have lost someone. Thinking about it, I couldn't help but get scared.