Author: Yume Neiji

Holding the three knives, I quickly returned to the branch office. I then moisten the whetstone with water and start sharpening one of them. It’s not in a condition where I have to be thorough with the maintenance, but even with a cheat, I still had to show my professionalism.

Using my cheat, I sharpened the blade at an appropriate angle. At first, I thought of lightly hitting the entire blade, but since time might be pressing, I decided to just concentrate on sharpening it.

Even with my cheat, there is a limit to the extent in which I can improve its performance just by re-sharpening the blade. It will be troublesome for the younger ones if I made it to the extent where it could also cut the cutting board. And yeah, there is no need to improve the performance to that extent in the first place.

I simply sharpened the blades and since they were originally maintained well, it didn’t take as long as I expected to process the three knives. Finally, I rinsed them with water, wiped them with a cloth and then I head back to the kitchen area.

A while ago, I saw the subjugation team gathered in that place, but right now, no one is there anymore. It seems that they already head out for the subjugation. They were probably on a reconnaissance mission to find out what kind of monsters were there and how large is their number. In that case, they would probably come back before too much damage was done to them. I guess I don’t have much time to laze around.

Upon arriving at the kitchen area, Martin and Boris are already back, they are lining up the barrels of water in the kitchen. Sandro-oyasan on the other hand, is preparing the ingredients for dinner.

“Oyasan, it’s done.”

“Oh, thank you.”

I handed the knives to Oyasan. Oyasan took the knife I handed to him and stared at it for a while, he then picked up the ingredients for dinner, quickly cleaned them and began cutting them on the pan. The ingredients that were masterfully sliced were almost of the same size and they fit the pan perfectly.

“Oh- that’s impressive.”

“I should be the one saying that. Eizou, you’ve got excellent skill. It’s too good for them to use this.”

“Well, it’s maintained well originally, also…”

“Also?”

“It is my job.”

“Hoh-, I see!”

With “Gahahaha”, Oyasan laughed heartily.

“I’ll check it tomorrow if you want.”

“Okay, I’ll leave it to you!”

“Alright”

I waved my hand and left the kitchen. Oyasan’s angry voice saying, “I won’t forgive you guys if you treat this poorly!” echoed out behind me.

After stopping by our tent on my way, I came back to my work station and immediately started to make a fire with charcoal on the fire bed. I could have started it after the subjugation team came back and I received a request but I wanted to get it done as soon as possible. Besides, there are some things I wanted to check while I’m at it.

When the charcoals were hot enough, I grabbed a piece of sheet metal that I had brought with me when I stopped by the tent and put it in the fire bed. I did bring a few things with me, in case something went wrong.

If it is the kitchen knife of Oyasan and the others, it would not be possible for me to stop in the middle of my repair, but for this one, I can stop working on it whenever I want. I think I’ll be using extra charcoal but if Miss Frederica scolds me about it, I’ll just ask her to deduct the cost on may pay.

While manipulating the bellows and adding charcoal, the sheet metal is heated to a temperature at which it can be processed. Around this time, in addition to the fact that it wasn’t the usual workplace, there was also the inconvenience of not being able to use magic. So unlike the usual, it took some time.

While worrying about whether the subjugation team has returned, I placed the heated sheet metal on the anvil and hit it with my hammer. This part of work is done as per usual.

Yes, just like when I’m making a “custom model” item. I’m not hammering it to make a knife, but to form a spearhead. This does not require large amount of sheet metal and as for the handle part, it can even be obtained here or procured locally. The handle can also be removed and the spearhead can be brought back as a small piece and it can be reused by melting it down.

I hit it a few times to get the material well-balanced, I also made full use of my cheat this time as I tried to put the particles of magical power together. Then, although it is considerably thinner than usual, enough magical power is stored in the spearhead that would increase the level of its performance.

“Hmm, I see.”

I heard from Liddy-san that when the magical power stagnates, a monster is born. Considering that story, and the fact that there is a cave nearby, it’s easy to understand that there is a monster in the cave. Well, you can also feel it when you actually work like this.

“There is a lot of magical power here then.”

I thought to myself. Furthermore―, thinking until that part, I felt the presence of people coming. I then discreetly kept the spearhead that I had grasped with the pincers in the corner of the workplace.

It was Miss Frederica who came. Behind her are two soldiers holding a barrel.

“Eizou-san, please repair the weapons in this barrel. Here is the list.”

Miss Frederica handed a document to me, I received it and read its content. A couple of longswords are chipped and bent, and there are about two round shields. It seems like there’s only a little bit of damage to be repaired. This won’t take much time.

“Alright, I received the order.”

I gave her a quick response after confirming it.               

“Alright then, I’ll leave them to you. When you’re done, please go to the command post.”

Miss Frederica left with the soldiers after she thanked me. When she thanked me, her gesture really reminds me of a small animal.

Since the team also uses bow, it will be tough because it also involve the calculation for arrow replenishment. Thinking about the hardships of Miss Frederica, I pulled out a sword from the barrel and plunged it into the fire bed to start with my work.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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This chapter is sponsored by Logan Kerr.

Last night, we only managed to set up a camp here because we just arrived after the long travel. However, from today onwards, this will be the front line base of the subjugation team so additional setup is required accordingly.

The tent for living space is sufficient as it was during the camping, but now, a larger tent for the command center is being built by the soldiers. In another place, stakes have been driven into the ground to create something like a simple stable.

I also proceeded on building a simple smithy which will be my workplace here. I dug a hole, set up two pillars, and covered them with cloth for a roof. It may be easier to picture out if you imagine the hypotenuse of the triangle as the cloth, the bottom as the ground, and the rest as openings. I made a fire bed using bricks near the widest opening. Well, it would have been difficult to assemble the bricks in such a way that the wind from the bellows would be wafted properly. What helped me on that was the blacksmith cheat I have, it appears that it also works when setting up a forge so I “know” where to put the forge to get the most work done. I wonder if this is a means in case something happens and I don’t have any other option but to abandon that house and rebuild one.

Looking at the tent’s structure, it’s obvious that I didn’t know how to efficiently set it up. It seems that it is neither a part of production nor a blacksmith. ……Well, it’s a given I guess?

There will be no furnace this time. It’s just something that can be fixed by heating it on the fire bed anyway, besides, there’s no further work to be done either. Although if it takes two weeks or more, I think it would be much better to bring a furnace and iron ores.

With the help of Delmot-san, we placed the anvil near the fire bed. Then we brought a barrel of charcoal and a barrel of water. In addition to that, in an upside down position, I also placed the three small barrels (which were emptied during the journey) inside the tent. I used one as a chair near the anvil, the other as a tool holder close to the chair and the last one as a whetstone stand. It now finally resembled a smithy.

After that, I took the hammer and chisel (a specially made one) and the statue of the goddess from my luggage inside our tent. I then make a shelf to place the statue of the goddess and attach it to the pillar. Naturally, I don’t want to just put it on the ground.

Eizou’s Workshop branch office is completed by leaning the shovel (for throwing charcoal into the fire bed) and pincers in the tool holder, placing the hammer and chisel brought from the house on top of it, and installing the whetstone on the whetstone stand.

I’m now ready to accept any number of repairs.

While I’m looking at the state of the branch office, Miss Frederica approached me with quick steps. She also looked at the state of the branch office and expressed her admiration.

“Whoa, it’s amazing. No matter how I look at it, it’s a smithy.”

“That’s because I’m a blacksmith you know.”

“I think you can sell knives and shears.”

Miss Frederica laughs and jokes while writing something on the document she’s holding.

“Well, since it will be a warzone price, it will be expensive.”

“Eizou-san is very predatory huh.”

“Yeah, I’m a miserly blacksmith you see.” 

Me and Miss Frederica laugh as we exchanged such friendly banter.

“Tell me if the charcoal and water are about to run out. Oh yeah, Eizou-san, as for your working hours, you can just go to the command center. Also, like I said before we arrive here, I’ll be bringing the repair requests. That’s all I want you to fix. Please note that anything that does not pass through me will not be compensated.”

Then, if I don’t care about the remuneration, I don’t need to go through Miss Frederica? Well, that’s just a thought, I don’t need to bother her in saying that.

“Understood”

I replied with a smile.

It’s a good thing that I finally opened the branch office, but of course there’s no work to do yet. As I walked toward the cooking area, I saw a lizardman in leather armor and a Marito soldier coming back. They were probably scouting since they were coming from the direction where the cave was. They then continued to walk towards the command post.

The other soldiers were building a fence with the trees they had cut down. As expected, there are no elves or giants in sight, but there are lizardmen and dwarves in the subjugation team. The dwarf soldiers were giving instructions on where to build the fence, and the human soldiers were listening to them as they set up the fence with those woods.

I walked past them till I reached the cooking area. Sandro-oyasan is cleaning the knives, and the two young men were nowhere to be seen. ―Although I referred to him as “oyasan”, my mind and actual age is not that different from his. But since my physical body has rejuvenated, I have to address him accordingly.

“Hi, Oyasan”

“Oh, it’s you, Eizou. What’s the matter?”

“No, nothing. I already built my workplace but I don’t think that I’ll be doing some work for the time being. Then I thought I could sharpen your knife.”

“Oh, I see. They will set out at least once today but it won’t be for a while. Until they come back, you don’t have much work to do I guess.”

“Right. That’s also why I don’t know what to do with my spare time. Well, since it’s the life for a chef, I won’t be forcing you.”

“Not really. Well, since you want to, I’ll leave it to you then. I’m almost done with mine but I still have to do theirs.”

“Which reminds me, what about those two?”

“They are out fetching water with the soldiers.”

“I see.”

Everyone is busy huh. Will I also be busy soon? Well, it’s not a good thing to be busy because it means that their armour will be damaged. Given that, getting busy will be tricky.

“This one, this, and this one right?”

I picked up the three knives and confirm it with Oyasan.

“Yes, I’ll leave them to you.”

“Alright, I’ll bring them back in an hour.”

“Ou”

I went back to the branch office with the knives in my hand. If this is in the town, this situation is totally no good.

At that moment, I saw some soldiers gathering in an area. I could also see Marius on a platform. He’s probably giving them a warning before they set off. If that’s the case, they might come back while I’m still sharpening the knives if I don’t hurry a bit. I stopped walking in a leisurely manner and then I hurriedly return to my workplace.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Eventually, tents were lined up all over the area and smoke rose from the stoves. There’s also firewood piled up on the bonfire pit but since the sun has not yet set, it will not be lit until later. After setting up their tents, the soldiers had a temporary break while waiting for the food to be prepared.

Since there is no source of water nearby, the water in the barrels are used for both food and provisions. Tomorrow’s lunch break will be near a water source again so we’ll do the refill there. Miss Frederica is also keeping a record of how much water we have used. Each time we arrived at an encampment, Miss Frederica seemed to be quite busy running around.

Considering that a total of about fifty soldiers, twelve days’ worth of food and firewood, three days’ worth of water, cooking utensils (including the stoves), a set of things for blacksmithing work and the fodder for the horses are carried in wagons, a considerable number of wagons have been mobilized.

Well, in case of war, the number of soldiers moving around is different so they don’t need to ride in the wagons, they are asked to walk instead. And to some extent, they are requisitioned, so the number of wagons is reduced in proportion to that, but in any case, logistics is surely a tough job.

When the food is ready, a long line is automatically formed. Well, there is no way to reduce this of course. We, the supply team, will head there after the line is gone. We will have our dinner together with Sandro-oyasan and his men. Our dinner is stewed dried meat placed on a dish-shaped hard bread. The bread is hard but it’s not that you can’t bite into it, it can be eaten as it is. In short, it’s used as a substitute for a plate. There is no source of water here, and with this, we won’t waste some water to wash the dishes.

The supply unit eats meals with the escort team, Delmot-san and the others, in a friendly atmosphere. In this situation, eating meals together and getting along well on the way will help for us to be concerned in helping each other in case of emergency, and above all, this is the best way to enjoy meals. We finished eating while talking about random things.

After the meal, we had a free time until the sun sets. I asked Miss Frederica if she had any spare pieces of cloth, needles and threads. As soon as I said that, she quickly walked to a wagon. The way she walks is like a squirrel. She’s a young lady giving off an impression of a small animal in general. I also followed her while feeling somehow relaxed.

“It’s okay if it’s from this wagon. The materials here are from Eimurl family and I’m told that you can use it freely.”

“I see. Thank you.”

When I thanked Miss Frederica, she bowed in reply and then she left quickly.

It took me some time to find them but luckily, I found a blanket, a piece of cloth, a needle and a thread. It will be used for spares or when repairing the clothes that are torn I guess. Everything else has some spares as well so it wouldn’t be a problem if I could return them back.

I returned to the tent then I make a bag out of a piece of cloth. I fold it in half and sew both ends together without cutting it. The seams can be rough as they are not stuffed with cotton. After sewing that part, I turn it over, stuff the blanket on it, sew the opening closed and there I have it, I made a simple cushion. I’ll give it to Miss Frederica tomorrow. Well, women are in different tents. I don’t want to carelessly approach her and be misunderstood.

The sun has set so the bonfire was lit. All that’s left for today is to go to bed. All the soldiers except the ones on shifts are going back to their respective tents. We are no exception to that. We quickly wrapped ourselves in blankets and lay down. I was unexpectedly tired, and soon, the drowsiness took me to the world of sleep.

The next morning, I woke up just before the sun came up. The cooks seemed to be up already. They work hard. I slowly got up, took out a water bottle from my luggage, took a sip, and went outside the tent to exercise. Since I’m going to be inside the wagon most of the time today as well, I need to actively move my body.

As soon as the sun rises, breakfast begins. All the supply unit take breakfast together. We eat together, talking about the day’s itinerary. After that, we will load everything into the wagon and took our leave so I also took it out. We then got inside the wagon.

“Frederica-san”

“Yes”

“Please take this”

I give Miss Frederica the simple cushion I made yesterday.

“This is?”

“Ah, you can sit on it. It will probably be better.”

“Oh-, I see. Thank you.”

Miss Frederica received it with a smile and then she sit on it. Well yeah, I don’t think it was necessary for me to do that. But-, well, never mind. Miss Frederica, who is in a good mood sitting on the cushion, looks more and more like a small animal. The sight of her makes the people inside the wagon feel much more relaxed. This alone was worth the effort of making it.

This day’s lunch break was also near a water source like the day before. When I got out of the wagon, Miss Frederica said,

“The pain in my butt is much tolerable now. Thank you very much.”

She thanked me. She’s such a cute child, she honestly expressed that she’s happy. It’s no different whether it’s in blacksmithing or in this kind of work, I’m happy when people are pleased with what I made. I almost patted her on the head but I managed to hold it back.

After that, it was the same thing as yesterday until we reached our destination. Not many thieves or beasts would attack a large number of armed men on the march, and the weather was not particularly bad either so we went on smoothly.

And then, on the evening of the third day, we finally set up a camp in an open space near the target cave. Base construction will begin tomorrow morning.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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The wagons on which the subjugation team is riding on goes out of the Capital through the main street of the city. It’s not done so as to appeal to the people but because it is the only street which is wide enough to let big wagons pass through. With a glimpse outside of the carriage, I saw the usual variety of races seeing off the convoy from the roadside with eyes that were neither full of admiration nor contempt. Hopefully they’ll be greeted with applause and praise when they return.

The wagon went on a road that is in a different direction from the way towards the city. The ride is very uncomfortable. The younger ones, Matis, Martin and Boris seemed to be doing well but the older ones, Sandro and I, could only complain about our lower backs and butts. Miss Frederica also grumbles that her butt hurts. I wonder if there is also a concept of sexual harassment in this world… Anyway, I didn’t dare hold her because it could be considered as sexual harassment. I should prepare a cushion or something like that later on.

We had a short break before the sun passed midpoint. We hurriedly got out of the wagon and did some stretching. I heard a cracking sound in my lower back. It is quite painful. As there was a river nearby, we fetched water by ourselves. There are already many soldiers in the river. Some of them were washing their faces downstream.

Marius and his men can be seen upstream. It seems that they too, are having a hard time traveling in a horse-drawn wagon with chains tightly pulling the passenger cabin. He is constantly rubbing around his waist. I wonder if it would be better if the wagons had leaf springs. Well, it’s not in my intention to spread that, comparing the previous world and this world, the first one is one with advanced technology after all.

I went back to the wagon, took some dried meat out of the luggage and nibble on it. I’m not going to do any physical activity today so I can just chew on this slowly to quench my hunger. That should be enough to last me until dinner. The others also did the same outside the wagon. However, Miss Frederica, who is currently inside the wagon, is not eating. She is flipping through something, perhaps she’s looking over the inventory of the supplies.

“Will you not eat? You may get car sickness in the wagon so it’s better if you eat something. If you’re too hungry, your head won’t work that well either.”

“I forgot to bring mine.”

When I asked her, Miss Frederica just answered that and she did not say anything else.

“Is this your first time in this kind of work?”

“Yes. I usually calculate tax withholding.”

Generally, a desk work huh. It looks like she’s still young so I guess she didn’t think much of it. I took another piece of dried meat and offered it to Miss Frederica.

“Young people have to eat properly.”

“No, that’s… Eizou-san’s consumption arrangement will be messed up you know.”

“I’ve already took it out. Besides, I also brought some extra so it’s fine. Feel free to take it.”

Miss Frederica was still reluctant, but when I firmly recommended it again, she said, “Thanks then”. She looks like a squirrel chewing on it slowly. She nibbled on it for a while and then her eyes opened wide.

“It’s a dried meat but it’s delicious!”

“Well, it is a special product of my Eizou workshop you see.”

I smiled and replied to Miss Frederica, who cried out in admiration. In fact, the dried meat I brought this time is not only salted but pepper was also added on it. The dried meat is specially made from the black forest’s deer meat. If I were to sell it, it will surely fetch a good price. But since I am a blacksmith, I have no plans on selling it and it will be for our consumption only. I ate mine while watching Miss Frederica happily chewing on the dried meat.

After a little less than an hour break, we boarded the wagons and then we proceeded on our way again. I don’t feel that good but I could endure it until evening. After half a day has passed, we started talking more, perhaps because the initial tension between us has now disappeared. Right now we are having a conversation about each other’s job. It seems that Sandro-oyasan and his men are running a large restaurant in the Capital. He was laughing when he said that they would give me better food if I went there. I asked him if it was okay for him to take a week off from work, he said that the other store will help him for a while. I can somehow see oyasan’s popularity.

Matis seems to be one of several groom in the Eimurl family. He usually takes care of the horse on which Marius is riding today. It seems that the old man, Matis’ superior, is dedicated to this expedition. In his usual slow tone, he said that he had been there before Matis came so it was only natural that he should be in charge.

Miss Frederica, as she said earlier, is involved in a tax-related job. She is not a tax collector, but her job involves in the collection of taxes. It’s completely a desk work to be exact. It seems that she was instructed by her superior to join here when they were discussing about the formation of the subjugation team. The chain of command is under Marius, but the country manages it. The materials for the subjugation team are provided by the country as well. And since there will be disbursements for the materials, it would be inconvenient for the commander to manage it directly.

As for me, I said that I am just a blacksmith living in a remote area. That I wholesaled my goods to Camilo’s store and I came here with his help. Well, if I said that I was invited directly by Marius, I will no longer be considered as a ‘normal’ blacksmith.

Long before the sun went down, we found a suitable place to camp so we decided to camp there today. Soldiers unload the luggage from the wagons loaded with tents and stove. Sandro-oyasan and the others are also in charge of setting up the stoves while Miss Frederica manages the consumption of ingredients. Matis took care of the horses that were tired from pulling the wagons the whole day, and each of them appears to be busy in each of their own works.

I was the only one who had nothing to do. I thought about helping them but if I didn’t do it well, I would just get in their way so I just went to the horse that had eaten the fodder and finished drinking water.

“We got nothing to do huh……”

“Brrrr…”

We watched such scene together.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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This chapter is sponsored by Logan Kerr. Enjoy reading!

The tent is big but there is no one inside. There are only a few things here but I think the other things must have been loaded in the wagon outside since we are already leaving tomorrow. I unloaded my luggage and then I lied down for a while. I’ve been swayed by the wagon for a long time so my waist and butt feel sore. I’ve been told that I’ll be inside the wagon most of the time for the next three days. Although my body is rejuvenated, I think it’s better to be prepared for things like this.

Since I have spare time, I used the knife I brought with me to make a statue out of felled wood to pass time. After an hour or so, my production cheat more or less came into play so I was able to make a pretty good statue of a goddess. I placed it on top of my luggage and then I prayed for the safety of this expedition.

While I was doing this, it was just about time for dinner. The soldiers gathered near the supply unit’s tent, forming a line with bowls in their hands. I took a wooden bowl from Boris and then I also got in line. As one went up on the queue, Sandro and Martin would pour the soup from the pot into the bowl and they handed out a bread as well. The line went on smoothly and then it is my turn.

“Oh, it’s you! Enjoy your meal!”

Sandro greets me with a loud voice and fills my bowl with soup.

“Thank you!”

I received the soup and bread with a smile. For today, it’s not a hard bread yet, but hard bread will be served starting from tomorrow’s breakfast. It seems that hard bread will continuously be served for the next week. This is a fleeting meal I guess.

I walked over to where the soldiers were sitting, sat down, and then I started eating my food as well. The food is not really that delicious but it is not particularly bad either. The taste of the soup is similar to the one I make at home. However, it seems to be a little tastier because the ingredients and seasonings used on it were more expensive. Still, if one can eat a delicious food even with such limited ingredients, I’m sure that there will be many soldiers who would be glad to be a part of the subjugation team.

From tomorrow, and until we reach our destination, we will only eat two meals a day (there will be a lunch break). Our staple food while we are on our way will not be soup, but, we’ll have dried meat that has been dipped in some kind of tare sauce and sandwiched on a bread. This is probably because it is difficult to prepare and pack the stove and of course, it will be hard to wash the dishes while traveling.

Once I’m done eating, I returned the dishes. Boris is the one in charge of collecting them.

“Thank you for your hard work, it must have been hard.”

“Not at all, this is my job you see. Well, it was far harder during the war two years ago.”

When I talked to him while I’m returning the dishes, Boris laughed it off and replied so. He is short, but he has a robust figure. If you meet him on the street, you’ll certainly be wary of him.

“See you in the tent later then.”

After saying that, I returned to our tent.

When the sun sets, everyone in the garrison goes to bed except for the guards. Supply unit are not asked to keep watch so we could all went to bed quickly. We got our own special jobs after all. I decided to follow suit, and then I slept with Sandro and Matis, who also returned to the tent after they had finished their work. Ah, I’m glad that I could sleep anywhere.

The next morning,

I swiftly get ready and then I ate my breakfast as quickly as possible. Our breakfast is the same soup as last night, paired with hard bread. I soak the bread in the soup to soften it. It is not really that hard that it cannot be eaten if you won’t soak it though. I guess it was because it’s not that long since it was baked. I finished eating it in a way that it’s almost like I’m pouring it down the drain. In this situation, the experience I had in the previous world when I was so busy with work was useful. It’s an experience that I don’t want to bring back though.

When breakfast time was over, tents and stoves were being packed and loaded onto the wagons. Dozens of soldiers worked together to finish loading the wagons in about an hour. In between that, Matis led the horses and connects them to their respective wagons. It seems that the soldiers were assigned to be the coachman for each wagon. Sandro and I got into the wagon assigned to the supply unit.

At that moment, a petite woman also jumped inside the wagon in a hurry.

“J-Just, haa-, I am just on time…”

She’s out of breath but she looked rather glad that she made it. As I was thinking that, Matis, who was sitting next to me, whispered,

“That’s right.”

He didn’t say much but Matis makes a curt and straightforward statement. In this case, he meant to say that “she is the civil official I told you about yesterday”, but his words were overwhelmingly short. Well, it’s okay since I got what he’s trying to say though….

I approached the woman who was out of breath and then I talked to her.

“Are you okay? Do you want some water?”

“Ah, yes. Thank you very much.”

She took the canteen that I offered to her and took two quick sips. As soon as she had caught her breath, I speak to her again.

“My name is Eizou, I’ve been invited to join the supply unit as a blacksmith. I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Oh, that’s very kind of you, thank you. I’m Fredrica Schulter, a civil officer within the supply unit. So as a blacksmith, you’ll be doing the repairs is it?”

“Yes. That’s what I’ve been asked to do.”

“Any armor in need of repair will be reported to me at once. I will then ask Eizou-san to repair those that may come to me. It would be great if you could concentrate on repairing those.”

“Understood.”

Those items that needed repair will be reported huh. Well, if I repaired them half-heartedly, I will be raking on profit but the cost of that would also be high. It’s also stressful if I have to deal with beyond saving repairs. Thus it would be much more helpful to me if I would not allow that to happen from the start.

And like this, the wagon carrying all the supply unit started running slowly. Finally, the expedition begins.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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This chapter is sponsored by Logan Kerr. Enjoy reading!

When I entered the tent, which has the fanciest style inside the garrison, I saw two familiar faces. The first one is Marius of course. And the other one is Marius’s colleague. Both of them are dressed in luxurious clothes and they both affixed my high-end model short sword in their hips. There is no one else other than them inside the tent.

“Thank you for coming here Eizou.”

Marius extended his right hand. I then shook that hand.

“Well, I heard that it’s a job that pays well.”

I said that with a laugh. I feel relaxed facing the Count but that is because aside from me, his colleague is the only one here. Besides, based from Marius’ attitude, I guess they probably had a conversation about me to some extent (I don’t think that he told him that I forged a new heirloom for him though).

“It’s good to see that you are also doing well.”

After shaking hands with Marius, I faced his colleague and said that to him.

“Yeah. It’s been a while.”

His colleague also extended his right hand to me. I shook his hand and greeted him again.

“My name is Eizou. As you already know, I am a blacksmith.”

“I’m Leroy. I’m Marius’s adjutant now. Nice to meet you again. Also, you don’t have to be so polite to me. From my standpoint, nothing is different from before you see.”

“Alright then, I’ll do so as you wanted.”

Having gotten Leroy’s permission, I decided to feel relaxed in addressing them when it’s only the three of us. Originally, I know him by sight so I guess we both feel comfortable to each other already.

“So, this time I’ll work on repairs, is that correct?”

I asked Marius.

“Yeah. There will be no work along the way, but once we get there, I’ll leave the repair of any damaged armor or weapon to you.”

“And, as for the remuneration?”

“You’ll have enough food during the expedition, an allowance for the expedition similar to a normal soldier and there will also be a commission reward for each piece of armor you repair.”

The next answer came from Leroy.

“Hohoh-”

That’s not a bad deal at all. I wonder if this condition is applied whether it’s me who’ll do it or not. Well, it will be pointless if I can’t earn more than what I normally work for. Since I can repair things faster than most blacksmiths, it’s likely that I can get a higher commission than that of a normal blacksmith, which is a little different from the norm.

“How will you compute the total of the items I repaired?”

“A civil official from the supply unit will do it. He is in charge of income and expenditure of supplies as well you see.”

This time, Marius was the one who answered me.

“I see. I understand. Lastly, when is the departure?”

“We just finished a series of training yesterday. I had them take a day off today.”

Ah-, so that’s the reason why I didn’t hear the sound of training huh.

“We will be leaving here tomorrow.”

“Understood”

With this, all the prior confirmation I needed to know is settled. Now, all I have to do is wait for our departure. Marius called one of the soldiers and ordered him to lead me to my tent. I felt sorry towards the soldier that was asked to take me to the tent where I would be sharing with the rest of the supply unit.

The supply unit’s tent is rather large. There were wagons and horses securely tied separately nearby. A short distance away from here, there is a simple cooking stove with steam rising from it. I thanked the soldier for leading me here and I decided to head towards the stove first. There is a burly man with a moustache and two other young men struggling with a pot.

“Hi, my name is Eizou. I am the blacksmith invited to join the supply unit. Nice meeting you.”

Though I’m a little worried that I would disturb them, I spoke with a loud voice.

“Oh! I’m Sandro, I’m the head cook! That’s Martin and Boris! We will be the ones taking care of the meals!”

My worries seemed to be unfounded, with a voice so loud that seemed to make the ground rumble, Sandro-san actively introduced the two younger ones ―Martin is the taller guy and the shorter one is Boris. The two gave me a slight bow as they stir the pot. I waved to them in response.

“The one over there with the horses is Matis!”

“I see. Thank you very much!”

Since he introduced himself with such loud voice, I also replied with a loud voice and then I headed towards the horse stable. There are many horses tied up around that area and it’s quite noisy. A tall man is slowly walking to and fro between the horses. This time I waved my hand so that he could notice me. If I called out to him with a loud voice, the horses would surely be startled so I did not do so as I feel bad for them.

The man who noticed that I was waving to him, approached me unhurriedly.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your work. My name is Eizou, I’m the blacksmith invited to join the supply team.”

“You are too polite. I’m Matis, I manage the wagons. I’m just looking at the horses so don’t worry about it.”

He is tall and quite handsome but the way he talks is somewhat relaxed. I get this impression that he is a laid-back person.

“The horses of the knights are not here, right?”

“The knights have their own horse groom.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

Thinking about it, it is indeed a given. People above a certain level of status have a variety of personal assistants. Marius could also have a personal cook or blacksmith, but since he was previously a guard, he said that he wanted to be the same as everyone else even though he is the third son of a Count. And at least for appearance sake, maidservants and horse groom are with him.

“Is the civil official inside the tent?”

I asked Matis. Then he replied,

“Ah-, as for that person, I think he is back at his home today.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Unlike the soldiers and us, there aren’t many reasons for him to stay here in advance.”

“I see. I’ll just do my greeting tomorrow then.”

“Yes, that could only be the case.”

After I excused myself to Matis, I headed towards the tent.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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It has been a while since I came to the capital and as expected, I’m still impressed by its liveliness. Just like the last time I came here, the number of people, as well as the number of races, is much more different from the town. In the town, there are dwarves, marito, and beastmen at best but here, there were also lizardmen and this time, there’s even a person who is twice as tall as a normal human. When I asked Camilo about him, he told me that he was from a giant race. It’s rare to see them in the Capital but it’s not something strange.

Elves can’t be often seen in towns or in the Capital, this is because, as Liddy-san had said, they need to take in some magical power so they don’t go to places where magic power is not that abundant.

Such people are coming and going on the streets. I don’t know how it is in other big cities, but in this city, the citizens don’t mind your race. But for something like an inn, there may be some consideration because of the availability of chairs and beds, putting it in the other way around, at least it’s not a situation where there is a ridiculous traffic.

Aside from the technical aspect, in my opinion, it appears that there has been a lot of progress in this world already.

We pass through the main street of the city and then we head towards the gate on the inner wall, which was one size smaller than the gate on the outer wall. This wall appears to be a reinforcement of the outer wall when this city was first built. It is similar to the wall on the town. If the fences at the town were turned into a wall, its appearance will then be close to the Capital.

When Camilo showed the gatekeeper the token, which is the proof of entry and exit to Eimurl’s residence, he was easily let through. Then our wagon drove through the cobblestoned streets in the inner city. It’s hard to believe, but the hustle and bustle a while ago is gone just like that. Still, that doesn’t mean there is no vivacity here. I can say there is a kind of serene feel in here. Slowly, the wagon made its way through the city and eventually, we arrived at a square lined with tents.

So this is the garrison huh. The soldiers gathered here won’t stay here forever I guess.

“Well then, I can only go until here. You should bring this one with you.”

Camilo, who dropped me off, says that while he’s taking out a piece of paper. Having a quick look, I saw that it is a proof that I’m the blacksmith who will be doing military service in this subjugation and that I was personally invited by the Eimurl House. Hmm, I only need to show this to the reception desk huh.

“Thank you, you really helped me there.”

“Don’t mind it.”

Camilo and I waved each other goodbye and then we part ways from here. Although Marius is also here, I’m not a strategist so it’s not like I’ll always be staying with him. I think I’m with the transportation corps so I want to get along with them.

I showed the document I received from Camilo to the garrison guard. The guard looked at the documents he received and summoned a nearby soldier.

“Please wait here for a moment.”

The soldier he called told me that. He is extremely respectful to me, I think it’s probably the effect of the invite which was directly from the Eimurl House. Well, no matter how they look at my appearance, I suppose I’m like those middle-aged man in this city. And just like that, the soldier who told me to wait, run off. Me and the guard were left behind.

“Are you also participating in this subjugation team?”

“Y-Yes. I’m supposed to follow as an escort for the supply unit.”

The young guard answers my question with a slightly tense look. I asked him casually, but I guess he wasn’t supposed to answer to this kind of question. He must be a new recruit. Well, now that I already started chatting with him, I’ll just keep on with the conversation.

“I see. I think it was also written in the document but, I’m Eizou. I’m in the supply unit and I’m supposed to repair your weapons and armors.”

If he is one of the escorts, we will have many opportunities to meet each other. Thus I introduced myself.

“My name is Delmot. I’m pleased to be your acquaintance.”

Delmot-san bowed with a graceful movement. He may be a second or third son of a noble family. It’s good that he can give his name like that.

After that, we talked about a lot of unimportant matters. Though I look like those middle-aged man in this city, he thinks that I am a decent person. It seems that even craftsmen who are employed by a noble family have a good social status even though they don’t have a title.

Well, instead of saying I’m employed, I’m just someone who caters to a client’s request. Or rather, I’m a supplier so I don’t have a connection to that. Besides, I don’t need such status titles even if they give it to me. Getting involved in various ties of obligation is troublesome. I’d rather spend my time making new weapons instead.

Marius seems to be eating and sleeping here together with the soldiers. “I used to be the same soldier as you”, he said that it was Marius’ favourite phrase when he was drunk. Delmot-san can’t help but smile when he told me that. With him looking like this, it seems that Marius has skilfully grasp their sentiments.

After a while, the soldier who said for me to “wait”, came back.

“The captain of the subjugation team wants to meet you.”

“Oh, then I’ll go to him then.”

I decided to head there myself. Well, it’s like, what kind of blacksmith I am for the Count himself to welcome me at the entrance of the garrison. However, since I don’t know the location, I asked for the soldier’s guidance and then I followed him. We arrived at a tent that has a fancier decorative curtain than the others.

“Captain, I’ve brought him here.”

“Let him in.”

“Understood. Please enter.”

I heard a voice that made me feel nostalgic and then the soldier urged me to enter the tent.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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After we got home, we spent the next six days like usual. Following the usual schedule, we worked on the production, hunting, eating etc. Thus we made a week’s worth of deliverables as usual. I could have worked on the production efficiently but I don’t have to do that unless it’s necessary.

Though I was once away from home for a certain period of time before, everyone’s reaction to that is just like their father is going on a business trip. They are not particularly worried about me.

Morning of the delivery day,

After we loaded the deliverables like usual, I also pack the hammer I habitually use, some dried meat just in case, and a piece of cloth (sterilized by boiling) to be used as a bandage in my usual bag. Those are in preparation for my departure after the delivery. More or less, it will covered by the other party. …In my previous world, it comes with a meal fee, transportation expenses and accommodation fee. That said, the level is completely different. As for the appearance fee, I hope I can negotiate directly with the other party which is Marius.

We then head to the town like how we normally do. We proceed while being vigilant inside the forest and on the main road. And as usual, we were able to arrive at Camilo’s shop without any problems. Nothing special happens each time (well, we do come across a deer or a wild boar but they quickly run away or move out of our way, we did encounter a caravan on the road too). Even so, we should always be vigilant because as soon as we neglect to do so, problems will definitely occur.

After we arrived at Camilo’s shop, the procedure is basically the same as usual. Well, at least the process of confirming our delivery and our purchase are the same. Since I’ll be going on a trip this time, we will not come for the next delivery so the big difference is that the amount of our purchase will be for two weeks instead of one week. After all that exchange, it’s time for the departure.

As for the horse and clay, it will be settled in another time. It will probably be two weeks at the earliest. In any case, it’s not something that I needed now. As for the clay we have on stock, he told me to use it in making knife mein** so it should last for a while. And in the unlikely event that it runs out, I’m told that normal knife will do.

(TLYN: I just literally translated it as I’m not sure, ナイフメイン – knife mein, please do comment if you know =))

“Well then, let’s go.”

Camilo urges when the conversation is over.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

All of us left the room and then we head to the warehouse. In front of our cart loaded with our luggage, there is the wagon from Camilo’s store with two horses in front of it, our cart is connected at the back.

“My wagon will pull you guys halfway. I’ll be loading a decent amount of luggage on my way home from the Capital so it will be fine with just this much.”

Since he said so, I did not hesitate and I took his words for it. We all got into our own cart. Shortly after, the wagon we are connected to departs. Although it is rattling and shaking, we slowly proceed through the town with a much higher line of sight than usual. Rather than because it’s heavy, the reason why the wagon is not moving that fast yet is because we are still inside the town so it would be dangerous if we speed up.

“As expected, it’s convenient if a horse pulls it.”

“Right”

I said that while looking at the changing townscape and Rike replied back to me. After I told Camilo that I am going to procure a horse, I realized that I had forgotten to bring up the matter about the coachman. Thankfully, it seems that Rike could handle it to some extent. She told me that her family use a fairly large wagon when going to the workshop and that Rike acted as a coachman once in a while. It seems that she took care of the horses at their home too.

Thinking about it, if several families were all working together in the smithy, there would be a certain number of deliveries and no matter how powerful the dwarves were, it would be inefficient for them to pull a cart by themselves. It would be more natural to use wagons. So, even if the horse arrives, it seems that I don’t have to panic for the time being.

When we are leaving the town, we waved and greeted the guard we are acquainted with, he waved over to us as well. He is not using a halberd today as well. Perhaps because of the matter with the subjugation team, Marius doesn’t have much time to get around to it. Combined with that, I would like to actively cooperate and get the job done so that I can come home quickly.

The speed of the wagon increases as we reach the main road. There are no sharp curves here so the speed is faster than I expected. At least much faster than walking speed.

I think it was faster because the last time I rode it coming back from the Capital, the load was mostly just me (and Dianna), but even if it is now considerably heavier than that, we can proceed faster regardless. I don’t think we could go this fast inside the forest but it would still be easier and quicker. I wish I had introduced the horse earlier.

We arrived at the entrance of the forest much earlier than usual. This is where I’ll say goodbye to my family. After reconfirming our plans for the next week or so, we gave each other a quick hug and then I said “I’m going now”. Well, it’s not like we’re parting for good. I then get inside Camilo’s wagon, which had been separated from our own, and when I looked back, I saw everyone seeing us off at the entrance to the forest so I waved lightly.

With a much lighter weight, the horses energetically gallops along the road towards the Capital. When we came back from the capital, we had only one horse because we didn’t have much luggage, but this time, perhaps because we had two horses, it feels like we are moving faster than that time. The scenery I saw before (on our way back) was a little more exciting.

And then while I’m looking at the view of the outer wall of the Capital and the mountains rising like a larger wall beyond it, which I thought I might never see again, I entered the Capital once again.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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