Let’s Go to the Smithy
"Why is Father coming along too? Aren’t you busy with work?"
Today, we were on our way to a blacksmith to request the creation of an ornamental knife for Brother Gerald. Father and Georges were with me in the carriage.
"I can’t let you go alone."
"Georges and the escort knights are here."
"Georges may be reliable and older than you, but he’s still only twelve. And the escort knights wouldn’t be able to stop you."
"So you don’t trust me at all."
"Of course not. Haven’t you reflected on your recent blunders?"
Lately, I’ve been treated like a problem child, which I didn’t think was fair. Apparently, my dissatisfaction showed on my face because Father added, "You’re uncontrollable because you don’t even realize it."
As we continued our back-and-forth, we arrived at the blacksmith district on the outskirts of the territory’s capital.
The sound of metal being hammered echoed from all around, and smoke billowed from numerous chimneys.
Before long, the carriage came to a stop, and the escort opened the door.
Inside the shop, a young man noticed us and said, "I’ll go get the master," before heading to the back.
Shortly after, a man—stocky and short by this world’s standards, with an impressive beard—emerged.
"Zachariah, sorry to interrupt your work. Today’s request is from my youngest son, Reinhardt."
Father then introduced me.
"Hardt, this is Master Zachariah, a Dwarf and the finest blacksmith in this city."
"Nice to meet you, Master Zachariah. I’m Reinhardt Westland."
"I’m not great with fancy talk, so forgive my rough speech."
"That’s fine, just speak as you usually do. I came today because I have something I’d like you to make."
I then explained the concept for the ornamental knife.
"I can make it. You want engravings on the plate portion of the knife, right? Though, as a blacksmith, I’d prefer it to be used rather than just displayed."
"I’d like protective symbols or spells engraved alongside plants, magic beasts, or birds on the plate. Also, I’d like a stand to display the knife."
"A stand would be the job of a woodworker, not a blacksmith. I know someone, though. Want me to ask them?"
"Please do. I’d like it to be something that can be displayed on a desk or bookshelf. Aside from that, I leave the design up to you. I’d like five different ornamental knives."
"Got it."
Beside me, Father let out a sigh.
Right… I got carried away again, despite being warned in the carriage.
"Enough. Proceed with the order as discussed. Let me know when it’s done."
We bid farewell to Master Zachariah and left the shop, returning to the carriage.
"I’m sorry, Father. I just got excited while talking about it."
"I didn’t expect you to have such a creative mind. By the way, you didn’t mention using gemstone fragments on the plate. Are you not using them?"
"No, I’m planning to use them on the sheath. I’ll decide on the embellishments after seeing the completed knives."
Sorry.
I mentally apologized—this was all based on my past life’s memories from Japan.
"I see. Depending on how the ornamental knives turn out, this could become a trend for gifts."
Back home, I sat quietly while Father told Mother about our visit.
Then Mother turned to me and asked, as if she already knew the answer, "Hardt, you’ve thought of something else too, haven’t you?"
She wasn’t asking—she was telling me to spill.
"Charms, actually. Even if they’re just gemstone fragments, they’re still gemstones, so only the wealthy would be able to afford interchangeable accessories. If we want them to be popular among commoners, it might be interesting to make them out of colored glass instead."
Essentially, like the glass beads from my past life.
"Honestly, one idea after another… If my family finds out, they’ll try to adopt you."
… No, thanks.
If I were taken in by Mother’s family, I’d be worked to the bone. It’d be like my past corporate-slave life all over again.
I just want to assist my brothers and have enough freedom to do what I enjoy.
They wouldn’t push any grueling work on me. Sure, I’ll hunt magic beasts and explore dungeons, but I still want to live on my own terms.
Mother must have noticed my deeply unwilling expression because she said,
"Rather than managing the business myself, it’d be better to appoint someone. We need someone who can help bring Hardt’s ideas to life. You’d also like to visit a glass workshop, wouldn’t you? I thought you were a quiet child who only read books, but you’re the most unrestrained of all your siblings."
"Seriously. And on top of that, Chris and Gerald spoil him."
They were both saying it in a teasing way, but I don’t think I’ve been particularly selfish.
I just wanted to make something my brothers would like, and now it’s turned into something huge.
Well… since I seem to be causing trouble, I’ll just stay quiet.
What do you think about this chapter?
