Teaching Amira Skills
Ever since then, Amira has been diligently working on making an apron while I handle my tasks.
However, she struggles to even cut fabric from the patterns, often ending up tearing the templates instead.
I've heard that the orphanage graduates working at Magical Butterfly face similar issues, but this is really disheartening.
It's no wonder there are so few magic tailors. Their rarity makes it easy to understand why nobles want to monopolize them.
Still, I want to support everyone in their efforts.
Isn't there some way to help?
Since mulling it over on my own wouldn't get me anywhere, I decided to consult Plum and Keuko.
While Keuko suggested perseverance and gradual improvement, Plum had a different approach.
What method could she have in mind?
“Well, it’s simple. Just use a Skill Crystal*.”
“A Skill Crystal… Oh, that.”
“Exactly. Isn't there a marketplace for Skill Crystals here?”
“I've never heard of one. Keuko, how are Skill Crystals handled in this country?”
“They are essentially all purchased by the nobility. They rarely, if ever, reach common citizens.”
Ah, I vaguely remember reading something similar in the Goddess’s book.
However, Plum and the others from the Darshe Principality seem to be able to buy Skill Crystals at auctions.
It’s one of those cultural or customary differences.
But heading to the Darshe Principality just to visit a Skill Crystal auction isn't practical.
Given the volatile state of this country, Darshe is also dealing with lingering threats from the Gaze Church’s inquisitors.
They've asked us to avoid visiting unnecessarily.
It’d feel wrong to go there just for Skill Crystals.
“I see. So, how can ordinary citizens acquire Skill Crystals legally in this country?”
“The most reliable way is to establish connections with the nobility. For you, Lady Lily, you might request assistance from Marquis Vardmoi, who could likely provide some leeway.”
“Hmm, but wouldn’t that draw attention?”
“Yes, it would. Unfortunately, alternative methods tend to be less reliable.”
Alternative methods?
Curious, I asked Keuko for details.
It turns out that acquiring Skill Crystals independently involves exploring dungeons.
“A dungeon. What kind of place is that?”
“It’s best described as a realm that defies the laws of this world. After traversing a cave floor, you might suddenly encounter a sprawling grassland or dense forest. The common features are the presence of staircases connecting floors, numerous monsters, and these inexplicable containers called treasure chests.”
Ah, that makes sense—there’s no logical explanation for treasure chests. Come to think of it, having a box filled with valuables amidst hordes of monsters does sound strange.
As for how to obtain Skill Crystals in a dungeon, there are two primary methods.
The first is to find them in treasure chests.
While this method lacks consistency and usually yields only one crystal at a time, the occasional discovery of a rare Skill Crystal is possible.
The second method involves locating a Skill Crystal vein and harvesting from it.
Skill Crystals can sometimes be found clustered together like minerals, forming what’s referred to as a Skill Crystal vein.
Although veins only produce crystals with specific skills, they provide a more abundant supply.
However, once discovered, veins are often claimed by nobility, so new veins must be found.
Hmm… I don’t need a large quantity, nor am I after rare crystals.
Consulting Marquis Vardmoi seems like the most practical approach.
What do you think about this chapter?
