The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

“Yo, Bon and Zaga!” (Shuuya)

Upon hearing my words, Zaga stops his work and swiftly turns around in my direction.

“O-Oooooh, ain’t that Shuuya?” (Zaga)

His wrinkled face broke into a smile as he yelled my name, and he came running over with brisk, small steps.

Bon also sprints towards me after stopping his duet dance with Rollo.

His expression has a feel of being desperate and dare devilish.

Once Bon arrives in front of me, he leaps as if lunging at me.

“Encha, encha, enchanto-to!” (Bon)

With each enchan, he jumps up, exhibiting a unique dance and rhythm.

Haha, he sure hasn’t changed even after so long.

“Shuuya, are you doing fine?” (Zaga)

“Enchant!” (Bon)

The clothes worn by the dwarven siblings have become extravagant. Still, their hairstyles and physiques haven’t been refashioned, the same as before.

“Aye, I’m alright. This Magic Halberd as well. ” (Shuuya)

I summon the Magic Halberd Baldok into my right hand while showing a cheeky grin.

“Oh… let me see; the shaft hasn’t warped, and there are no cracks either. What a wonderful gem it is indeed. ” (Zaga)

Is it Zaga’s occupational disease? He scrutinizes the Magic Halberd as if appreciating an enchanting beauty.

Seemingly in jest, he sings praises on his own creation, entirely wrapped up in himself.

“…That’s likely because it’s your work, Zaga. ” (Shuuya)

“I’m fully aware of it. It was just a little joke… yeah, just a joke. ” (Zaga)

Seeing me retort with a serious expression, Zaga apparently becomes slightly embarrassed, and his face turns crimson.

“Haha, well, I wasn’t kidding. This Magic Halberd surely is the best. Furthermore, it’s my main weapon. ” (Shuuya)

“Gotcha. Your satisfaction makes me very happy, and those words of yours give me more praise than I deserve as a craftsman. ” (Zaga)

Zaga’s face is full of smiles.

“Encha!” (Bon)

Bon grins like a Cheshire cat, spilling out from his pure heart.

“Bon, you also did your best at that time and consumed a large amount of mana while crafting it. ” (Zaga)

Zaga commends Bon while nodding in approval.

Thereupon,

“Enchaaant!” (Bon)

A loud version of Enchant follows.

Bon presses his hands against his waist and throws out his chest.

It’s a truly triumphant look with an attitude as if saying, “It was made by me!”

Where did the pure smile from just now go, I wonder?

As that behavior looks slightly weird, Zaga shifts his look towards Viine, who is standing behind me, and says,

“…By the way, that elven woman, is she possibly…?” (Zaga)

He mutters with suspicion after seeing the color of Viine’s skin.

Which reminds me, I still haven’t introduced her.

“She’s called Viine. As you can see, she’s a dark-elf and my servant. ” (Shuuya)

“Yes. I’m the servant Viine. Please treat me well. ” (Viine)

Viine quickly reacts upon my introduction.

She politely bows her head in a respectful greeting.

Zaga, who is staring at her smooth and free-flowing silver hair, approaches her with distinct curiosity dwelling in his eyes.

“No, the honor is all mine, and best regards to you, too. However… a dark-elf, that’s rare. I was told that it’s a race even more difficult to encounter on the surface than the Sosariel… Ah, sorry. Where are my manners? I’m Zaga, and this guy here is my younger brother Bon. Rubia, whom you’ve met before, is something like a daughter to us.

As you can see, we are running a smithy together to survive through the tides of life. I’m a smith and also a lowly craftsman. Bon is this shop’s exclusive Sage Engineer. Since Rubia is an adventurer, she’s in charge of obtaining materials. ” (Zaga)

Viine’s eyes widen once she hears Bon’s combat occupation. She’s startled seeing how such a cheerful and carefree lad could have such veiled potential.

“…That’s amazing. For the pinnacle of Enchantment Magic… certainly, that’s the reason why you could create the weapon Master is currently using… isn’t it? Zaga-sama, Bon-sama, you have my deepest respect and regard for being able to create such a work of art. ” (Viine)

Fully admiring them, Viine straightened herself and politely talked with the siblings.

Exactly as she has stated, her respect is plainly visible from her attitude and look.

Like chalk and cheese, her behavior is a downright contrast to her time with Rubia.

Due to this, Rubia puffs out her cheeks, showing a fit of slight anger.

However, it looks like she can’t voice her complaints in front of everyone.

I can understand her feelings, though, but I’d like her to not misunderstand.

In Viine’s defense… she’s only giving her honest evaluation towards their own wisdom, nothing else. And as she’s associating me as an evaluation criterion, Rubia seems to misunderstand.

“Enchaaa. Enchaaant. ♪” (Bon)

Having been praised, Bon shows his characteristic smile and repeats ‘Enchant’ many times.

Looking happy, he approaches Viine while thrusting his thumb and moving it up and down towards Viine.

That particular action of pushing out his thumb resembles that of a female actor that became famous for a while in my previous life.

Unintentionally, I smile bitterly due to it being so outdated.

“…Eh, M-Master. ” (Viine)

Viine has a troubled expression, apparently not understanding how she should cope with Bon’s unexpected and weird behavior, and thus sent a pleading look in my direction.

“Hahaha, Viine. If you just nod with a smile, all will be fine. Bon is simply happy to have been praised by a beauty. ” (Shuuya)

“Y-Yes, haha…” (Viine)

Viine laughs with a somewhat stiff face, feeling hesitant to follow the guy’s tempo.

As she does, Rubia, who has been watching the whole situation while apparently not being amused, can’t hold herself back and speaks up.

“Bon-kun, you are also weak to beauties, aren’t you?” (Rubia)

Rubia’s voice sounds displeased, clearly cheesed off with his conduct.

“Encha? Enchaaant!”

Bon turns around and closes in on Rubia while dancing as if saying, “That’s not true. ”

“Ah, Bon-kun~ Even if you try to deceive me, it’s futile! Your nostrils are flaring!” (Rubia)

“Enchaaa? Enchaaanttt. ”

Bon pulls a ridiculous face as if making fun of Rubia and starts running with his back facing her, seemingly making himself scarce.

“Ah! What’s with that face!? How irritating! Waaait. ” (Rubia)

Rubia starts sprinting outside the workshop, chasing after Bon.

“Ahaha, it’s the first time that I’ve seen Rubia make such a face. ”

Previously, she had kept up the image of a modest and reserved girl, but this might be her real face.

She seems to be on quite good terms with Bon.

I suppose she’s grown used to the life here.

…Well then, now that it’s become silent, I guess I will get down to business and take a look at Zaga’s workshop.

I ask Zaga, who has stayed behind, about this house.

“By the way, this house…no, shop, I guess…it’s a nice place that faces the main street. What’s more, it’s spacious…” (Shuuya)

While chatting him up like this, I inspect the interior of this workshop room as if I had become a middle-aged man who investigates buildings for interesting stories.

Inside, there are several big furnaces that seem to be mainly used by Zaga. An anvil has been installed there, as well.

Next to it, scrap iron and bent hammers are piling up in a heap.

“…True. The furnace over there is the latest model with the option to combine mana. Well, in exchange, all the money I earned from working with you, Shuuya, is gone, though, I guess?” (Zaga)

Zaga smiles broadly, showing his glistening teeth.

“All of it…” (Shuuya)

While muttering that, I still continue the inspection while feeling amazed for his courage to spend so much money on a single tool.

Albeit only a few, guns and arms that contain mana have been hung on the room’s walls like decorations.

Armor sets that seemed to have excellent quality were adorning several mannequins, as well.

This place probably also serves as a showroom for their proud achievements.

If you combine it with several arms that contain no mana, there’s definitely more goods here than at the storefront.

A great number of arrow bundles and toolboxes have been placed on the ground close to the walls. I could also see a significant amount of silver and gold ingots, apparently raw materials for smithing, piled up inside a huge rack.

…Certainly, if you include the plot, the house, the smithing tools, the materials, the furniture, and sundry expenses, the money will end up gone in a flash.

“…I see, so is the work going well?” (Shuuya)

“It’s so-so. I guess it increased with some weapon repairs for the clan of my acquaintance and commissions for the members of【Blue Wind】 due to Rubia’s referral. The number of individual adventurer clients has grown quite a bit, too. ” (Zaga)

“I see. Going by your judgment, were there any excellent adventurers among those clients?” (Shuuya)

“There were indeed some. The other day, there was a pair of children who chanted a spell to disappear, right in front of my eyes. Those guys came to this shop on the opening day after I moved here. At that time, I was badly startled. I mean, they appeared all of a sudden after all. ” (Zaga)

Hoh, isn’t it that strange pair of boy and girl?

And they could become visible by using that invisibility spell once more?

That vanishing pair of kids are S-Rank adventurers, and their clan’s name is 【Frozen Shrine of Blue Waters】.

“Those children, eh? Did they order something?” (Shuuya)

“Not really; they just told me politely, “We will entrust the manufacturing to you, should we once again hunt an ancient dragon,” and that they are carefully using the Blue Eye of the Evil Dragon King I gouged out… Their comments about it were: “It’s amazingly useful for explorations in the labyrinth. ” Since they were talking about the sixth and seventh floor of the labyrinth, I consider them to be acclaimed adventurers. They look like children, but they might actually be adults. Looks can be deceiving, mind you. ” (Zaga)

That strange pair of boy and girl have reached so far, huh?

“You might be right there. ” (Shuuya)

“But rather than that, Shuuya and Viine, have you formed or joined a party or a clan? How far did you explore the labyrinth?” (Zaga)

Zaga asks while looking at Viine and me, his questioning eyes beaming with curiosity.

“We have actually formed one, together with two other people, and we explored a part of the third floor. In other words, we are newbies. You might as well say: It’s just the beginning, I suppose?” (Shuuya)

I throw my question towards Viine.

“No, you might be a newbie, but if it’s you, Master, you might be able to go deep, or rather, to untouched floors even by yourself. To say nothing about it if the great Rollo-sama is with you. I will only help with the chores, making sure to not become a burden. ” (Viine)

“…Hoh, as expected of a servant following an adventurer who has slaughtered an ancient dragon. You do understand Shuuya’s true, hidden strength. ” (Zaga)

Zaga praises me while stroking his goatee. He was clearly feeling pleased with Viine’s understanding nature.

“…Master slaughtered an ancient dragon by himself?” (Viine)

Viine mutters after hearing the dragon bit, clearly shocked.

Once her silver-colored eyes meet mine, causing her to look directly at me, she genuflected—visibly in a hurry—and bowed her head.

Viine… it’s not something you have to humble yourself over so much.

“Oh, the beautiful servant didn’t know? The Magic Halberd made by me, which Shuuya is always using, is something made out of the materials of Evil Dragon King Baldok. Besides, there’s also the ring you’ve received from the Marquess, right? Shuuya, take it out if you have put it away. ” (Zaga)

Zaga instructs by jerking his head upwards.

Come to think of it, I haven’t shown the ring to Viine yet, have I?

I had left it in the same pocket as the Blue Eye of the Evil Dragon King, which I have taken off previously.

I retrieve it and hand the ring made out of the Evil Dragon King’s Navel to Viine.

Viine receives it while standing up and cautiously studies the ring.

“…It’s a magnificent work of art. The crest of the Marquis family and the phrase “To those who have slaughtered the dragon” have been engraved on its backside, as should be expected of my Master. You have my most profound admiration—” (Viine)

Viine gave the ring back while lowering her head as if she had received an honorable certificate.

“—I’m back~ Ah, Shuuya-sama, I want to have a look at it, too. ” (Rubia)

“Enchaaant. ”

Rubia and Bon came back at this time after playing around.

“Sure. Here you go. ” (Shuuya)

After holding it up like a sealed case, I hand the ring over to Rubia.

“This is the ring Zaga-san talked about… amazing. A dragon slayer recognized by a Marquis family of Oseberia… Shuuya-sama, you are a great adventurer-sama, after all. To such a person, I have…” (Rubia)

Rubia’s face becomes red, and her voice turns into a whisper towards the end of her phrase.

“Enchan, enchant. ”

Bon murmurs with his eyes sparkling and becoming perfect circles as he looks at the ring while standing next to Rubia.

“Here, you have it back. ” (Rubia)

“Aye. ” (Shuuya)

Receiving the ring, I put it on.

“It’s a ring going beyond what I heard of it from Zaga-san. ” (Rubia)

“I see, from Zaga, eh?” (Shuuya)

“Yes. He said that the ring you’re wearing is a masterpiece and that he’d like to meet the magic gold artisan employed by the Marquis family. Right~?” (Rubia)

While furrowing his brows as he listens to Rubia’s words, Zaga says,

“Rubia, don’t talk about unnecessary stuff. So, Shuuya, before being an important client, you are a friend. If you have some spare time, won’t you come into our new home as it’s been a while since we last met? How about reminiscing about the past while taking it easy for once?” (Zaga)

“Enchant!”

It seems that Bon is also regarding me as his friend.

A friend, huh? I’m really happy about his feelings.

…Even I perceived it a curious coincidence when we first met.

Zaga and Bon are like family to me, relatives who are also my comrades at the same time.

But, right now, I want to look for someone who can decipher the magic treasure map.

“…Shuuya-sama, I request it of you as well. I will do my best at making dinner! And my room is on the second floor. I’d like you to have a look at it if you like. ” (Rubia)

Rubia says with her eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation.

I won’t eat dinner, but I think I will stay with them for a bit. They are inviting so sincerely, and I would feel bad for rejecting them.

“Well then, I have some business to take care of, so dinner isn’t needed, but I will intrude for a little while. ” (Shuuya)

“Oh, come, come. It’s our honor to have you with us. ” (Zaga)

“Yay, Shuuya-sama, it’s this way. ” (Rubia)

“Enchaaa enchaaa!”

“Nyaaa nyanya. ”

Once Bon broke into a dance, Rollo also started to become animated.

We move from the workshop and are guided to a huge, dug-out, kotatsu-like place located in the living room.

Suppressing my curiosity, I didn’t ask right away why there’s a huge, dug-out kotatsu here.

There’s a plate with several mandarins, or rather, Saika on the kotatsu table.

T-This is really amazing.

This will definitely turn into a place that you don’t want to leave during winter.

“Shuuya, what are you daydreaming about while looking at the table? Don’t you know Tandarl-styled tables or ones from the archipelago states?” (Zaga)

Tandarl is the city where master once lived, isn’t it?

I wonder, are the archipelago states Asian-styled after all?

“…I don’t. ” (Shuuya)

“Oh well, sit down. The beautiful servant over there, you too. ” (Zaga)

“Yes. ” (Viine)

Once I take my seat, Viine quickly sits down next to me.

That causes Rubia’s body to react with a start for an instant, but it doesn’t lead to a quarrel.

Everyone sits around the kotatsu, and we lightly chat about the events so far, like in a happy family get-together.

We joked about how Bon got too enthusiastic while fishing, fell into the Heim River, and had to be saved by Rubia at the time when they came to this city; how Zaga massacred goblins with throwing axes, and how they drove horse-shaped monsters away with just Rubia and Bon…

I also give a simple explanation about Holkerbaum, the promise fulfillment with Rollo, and the events after coming to Pelneet.

Viine listened to our chatter while roughly breathing through her nose in excitement.

“Wow. You experienced quite the amazing things, didn’t you?” (Zaga)

“Yeah, I mean, it was a conversation with the gods. ” (Shuuya)

“As expected, you are a great adventurer-sama. ” (Rubia)

“Master, you are wonderful…” (Viine)

“Enchant!”

“Nyaoon. ”

Bon isn’t talking to me but to Rollo, who is playing around in front of him atop the kotatsu.

After we had some quality time eating mandarins and drinking tea in such a manner,

“Well then, we have to leave now sadly. We are in the process of looking for someone who can read magic treasure maps. So, see you again sometime. ” (Shuuya)

“…You are going to challenge a magic treasure map, eh? I understand, but, it’s regrettable…” (Rubia)

Kindness dwelt in Rubia’s eyes, but they were also filled with worry. She drops her shoulders, pouts her lips a bit, and averts her face while lowering it somewhat to the front.

A perfect demonstration of a (´･ω･`) face.

“Gahaha, won’t you be able to talk to Shuuya next time? There’s no need to pull such a face. Instead, be happy for the possibility of having met like this. ” (Zaga)

Zaga follows up and encourages Rubia, lifting her spirits up.

Although they are from different races, they are somehow really like parent and child.

“That’s true, isn’t it?” (Rubia)

Since it’s slightly awkward, I finish my goodbyes and am about to leave this place.

“Well, then. ” (Shuuya)

“Aye. If you get your hands on good materials, bring them to me again. ” (Zaga)

“Enchaaa!”

“Nyanya!”

“Roger, I will come here again without any reservations. ” (Shuuya)

Once I stand up, leaving the kotatsu reluctantly, I wave my hand lightly after saying so to Bon and Zaga.

Rollo returns to her place atop my shoulder and bids farewell as well, only to Bon, though.

Taking Viine with me, we leave through the workshop.

Seemingly wanting to see us off, Rubia follows, too.

“Well then, Shuuya-sama, please visit again when you have time. Usually, you can find me here or in the holy church located in a section of Street of Religion situated east of the arena!” (Rubia)

Church, eh?

It appears she’s praying to the God of Light Lulodis; what an admirable child.

“Aye. ” (Shuuya)

Rubia talks to me with a face that made it pretty obvious that she doesn’t want me to go, but I wave my hand and part from her.

——————- End of Part 1 ——————