Chapter 77
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Hmm
Ian grunted as he stared at the item presented by the dwarf craftsman.
He had intended to make it out of copper to make his height even shorter but the craftsmans skill was better than he had expected.
He couldnt reproduce the colors, but still.
The wristguard seamlessly connected the shapes, and the chain mail arm guards were tightly woven with sturdy joints. The shoulder guards showed no signs of having been squashed anywhere.
How did he manage to do all this in just one day?
As I said, I couldnt revive the enchantment circuits. It will also be a bit heavier and less durable. But with the current materials, this is the best I could do.
It does seem so.
Ian put the item down.
The craftsman snapped his fingers, and an apprentice who had been watching rushed over.
Shall IHelp you take it off?
The human boy looked at Charlotte as he spoke. The chain mail arm guards still needed to be meticulously connected to the torso and shoulder area.
Charlotte readily complied with the request.
She didnt seem dissatisfied with the quality either. In fact, even if she was, she wasnt in a state to show it.
I heard you had a big accident.
The dwarf craftsman asked nonchalantly as he watched the scene.
Ian casually replied, It was the demonkin that caused the accident. I just stopped them.
And your commander just readily believed that?
Is he trying to pick a fight now?
Ian turned his head, wondering that, but seeing the craftsmans eyes, he realized the dwarf was just genuinely curious.
Lets say I swung my sword at you. And you stopped me, but ended up killing me instead. Whose fault would that incident be?
Well, the one who swung first, of course.
And if I fell and knocked over a neighboring stall in the process?
Ahhmm, yeah. I see what youre getting at. Quite the convincing argument.
Because thats what happened.
So was it really a vampire, like the rumors said?
They say northerners are all blunt, but I guess thats an old tale.
In a city like this, there always needs to be some gossip going around.
It would seem so.
And you really took it down all by yourself?
Thats about right.
Hmm They said youre headed towards the mountain range.
Instead of answering, Ian looked back at the dwarf craftsman again.
The craftsman casually gestured at Ians body.
Im asking because your equipment looks like trash.
Ah, so this was his real point.
Finally letting out a snicker, Ian said, Your skill is even more impressive, then. Will you repair it for me?
Thats why I brought it up. Take it off and leave it here.
Without objection, Ian began removing his armor pieces one by one.
His chain mail was riddled with holes where the crescent blade had struck, causing links to fall off completely in some areas.
The reinforced plate sections were crumpled in more than a few places.
Perhaps the highly skilled craftsman could reinforce it to be even sturdier than before.
How much will it be?
No need. I still have quite a bit left from the money you gave last time.
?
Ians brow furrowed.
The craftsman snorted at his gaze.
Why are you looking at me like that?
Its the first time Ive seen a dwarf refuse money.
Your bargaining skills are dreadfully lacking. Makes me want to take money I didnt even plan to.
He clicked his tongue, then added, The mountain range was originally our dwarves land. Since you took down that vampire all by yourself, youll probably smash the rest of those damned things squatting around there too. Cant very well send you off with that shoddy junk you call equipment.
I heard that place used to be a giant kingdom long ago.
They had enslaved us dwarves and humans. After the giant kingdom fell, dwarves and humans ended up living separately. Well, we did spill a lot of each others blood back then, but thats ancient history now.
I see
Ian gave a casual nod, having little interest in the backstory.
If the craftsman was offering free equipment repairs, he could listen to a bit of storytelling in return.
So, how long will it take?
Three and a half daysno, four days. That acolytes item was small and I already had chains prepared, so it was easy. But your gear will need more time.
Looks like hed have to stay a few more days.
With that thought, Ian nodded.
Ill come back in the morning, four days from now.
***
Ippotranslation
***
After returning to the inn, Ian took a hot bath and went straight to bed.
When he opened his eyes, it was the middle of the night. From the noisy sounds downstairs, it didnt seem too late yet.
This place really has no soundproofing at all.
His past life when the faint sound of a cars exhaust would disturb his sleep suddenly felt luxurious.
It was a time that now felt more like a dream or fantasy.
Come to think of it, he didnt dream about his original world very often these days.
Perhaps his subconscious had already accepted this damned world as his own.
Well, it wasnt entirely wrong.
If I cant find a way back Ill have to live here for the rest of my life.
Putting aside how dirty, smelly, and barbaric it was, he had not the slightest desire to spend his whole life in this world where threats to his life were everywhere.
He didnt need supernatural powers or abilities.
A warm home. An occupation that could support a decent living, nothing too grand. And delicious food with a simple but peaceful life.
Even now, all he wanted was to someday regain all those things he had lost and only realized their value after they were gone.
There has to be a way.
Ian muttered to himself in reassurance.
Since there was a way for him to come here, there had to be a way back somewhere.
He would tenaciously survive to find that way. Following the only lead he had, he would see the ending of this damned world, however it may conclude.
And if even after that he still couldnt find a way back
I guess Ill have to go grab those gods by the collar or something.
Not that he knew if such a thing was even possible.
Shaking off the gloomy thoughts he had repeated countless times, Ian suddenly sat up.
Beyond the darkness, the eyes of the other foreigners simultaneously focused on him.
Looking back at the orange and red eyes watching him, Ian said, Youre all awake.
Im hungry.
I couldnt sleep.
Thats because you slept a lot during the day.
At Tessias jibe, Charlotte frowned and closed her mouth.
Ian shook his head as he stood up.
Where are you going, Ian?
To get food.
Charlotte raised her head.
Can I come along? I feel like having a drink.
As Ian nodded, Tessia sprang up too.
Ill go too. Not that Ill be eating.
You stay here.
What? Why?
Was she really clueless?
Ian narrowed his eyes as he looked at her.
The fangs protruding below her lips. Her reddened eyes from hunger.
It was not an appearance she could show to others. Especially right after a vampire attack had occurred.
Only go out during the day until we leave. Charlotte will bring you something to eat later.
I can get my own food, Ian.
If you want rumors of vampires spreading again, be my guest.
Cutting off Tessias retort, Ian opened the door and left.
Following behind him, Charlotte glanced back at her.
Just stay put quietly. Unless you want to eat a scrawny rat.
Two. At least two. If youre a grateful beast-
Bringing you food was me repaying all my debts.
Saying that, Charlotte shut the door behind her and followed Ian.
As they came downstairs, the noisy tavern suddenly fell quiet.
But it didnt last long.
Soon, everyone was nonchalantly chattering away again.
Doesnt seem like there will be any brawls.
Thinking that, Ian sat across from Charlotte at a corner table.
A server soon brought food and drinks to their table.
Ian tilted his head.
We havent ordered yet, though.
I know. This is just on the house from us.
Why?
Word is you dealt with the demonkin that entered the village. I dont know what happened exactly, but they say you saved a bunch of the townsfolk.
Whos saying that?
Everyone. Saying its no wonder you were heading towards the mountain range.
Ah, I see
Ian glanced around.
But no one seemed to pay them any mind, not even a single glance in their direction.
Was this the northerners way of being considerate?
Well, I wont decline then. Thanks.
Ian shrugged. The black-haired server smiled faintly, then added, Actually, if I may ask one more question?
Go ahead.
By any chance, do you also take on small requests?
I do. But it doesnt seem like theres anything here that would need me.
Thats not true. There are houses on the outskirts where ghosts appear, and rumors of beasts lurking near the mines. There are even abandoned tunnels said to be cursed. Quite a few problems have just been left alone since they arent causing any major harm.
Is that so?
Sounds like perfect ways to pass the time.
Thinking that, Ian took a sip of his drink before speaking.
I dont work for free, though.
Of course not.
But I dont need money right away. I already have plenty.
Then?
Not sure if youre aware, but Im new to the northern regions. Especially snowy areas, Ive never been there.
While Charlotte looked at him puzzled, Ian calmly met the servers gaze.
I heard there are many migrants among you. So for payment, Ill take things that would be useful when we travel through snowy regions. Big or small, doesnt matter. Of course, if the pay is good, Ill put in more effort too.
!!
The servers eyes widened.
Before she could respond, Ian continued,
Go tell anyone with a request to come see me directly with their items. And well be leaving four days from now. Ill start taking requests from tomorrow morning. Understand?
Yes. Perfectly. Thank you!
The servers expression brightened as she spoke.
Seems like she already had some ideas in mind.
Ian snickered and gestured with his chin.
Then bring a few more drinks while youre at it.
Of course.
The server swiftly turned away.
Soon, she went around the tavern patrons relaying the information.
Discussions broke out among the drunks.
Mostly debates on what was most crucial when traveling in the cold.
All sorts of anecdotes would probably come out.
Thinking that, Ian calmly raised his cup.
The blessings from the Temple of Furnace priests were almost depleted.
The items the northerners would bring should provide practical help for the journey through the barren northern lands.
As Ian sipped his drink, he soon met Charlottes watching gaze.
What?
I was just amazed. You truly have the courage of a lion and the cunning of a fox.
He could tell she had been about to say something else.
Its just a simple tactic. Whether the clients will actually bring anything useful, well have to see.
Charlotte took a sip of her drink, then added flatly, But people find it hard to discard things from their hometown, even if they no longer have any use for them.
But if an opportunity arises, theyll let go without hesitation. The present is always more important than the past.
Sounds like youre speaking from experience.
Ian snickered.
Instead of answering, Charlotte just took another sip of her drink.
A pensive look in her eyes.
As if reminiscing about the past. Or ruminating over her current situation.
For a moment, her expression overlapped with his own from earlier.
Do you want it back?
Ian blurted out, and Charlottes orange eyes focused back on him.
She asked in a low voice, My past life? Or my tail?
Both.
Are you planning to chase me away by any chance? Because Im no longer useful?
I have no such intentions. But I thought that was what you wanted.
I did. And I still do, but
The look in her eyes as she gripped her cup rippled with complex emotions.
At least not right now.
Why?
If you were like Habury, I wouldnt have felt any shame. I would have seen it as justifiable. But you are a warrior, Ian.
She looked at Ian again.
We fought over each others most prized possessions, and mine was taken. Likewise, I will only request its return after paying an equivalent price. Moreover, after having my life indebted to you, getting my tail back would be meaningless. It would only remain a lifelong disgrace.
Ian pondered briefly whether this was her original belief, or a rationalization for becoming subjugated to him.
Eventually, he just shrugged.
Whichever it was, it didnt change anything.
You dont seem to assume I wouldnt return your tail, though.
If you were like Habury, I would have. Then I would have tried to overcome the fear ingrained in me and find a way to kill you, even if it meant my own demise. But now, there doesnt seem to be a need for that.
You really hated Habury, huh.
Ian snickered. In any case, she wasnt entirely wrong.
He had no intentions of keeping Charlotte forever. The day would come when he would return her tail.
If she was still alive by then, that is.
So feel free to shove me into the most dangerous battles. I welcome it. Even if I die in the process, it wouldnt be a bad ending for me.
Dont worry. Ill be sure to do that when needed.
Charlotte smiled.
After draining her cup, she stood up.
Then, Ill go catch some rats.
Things might get busy from tomorrow. Make sure Tessia doesnt cause any trouble.
Gladly.
Charlotte turned away.
After watching her retreating figure for a moment, Ian eventually silently drained his own cup.
Alone, until the quiet dawn arrived at the tavern.
Translator; ippo
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