Chapter 288

A Long-Awaited Return Home
"Hmm. A vein with this many types of Skill Crystals..."

As soon as I returned home, I was granted an urgent audience with Marquis Vardmoi.
Considering the sheer number of Skill Crystals, it certainly qualifies as an emergency.
The marquis’s expression remained stern.

"So, Melanie, this vein—it isn’t located somewhere just anyone can access, is it?"

"No. Without someone holding this map, they can't even acquire the first key. So, I believe there's no risk of it being plundered."

"I see. The issue is whether we can send additional people."

"Indeed. With this map, it should be manageable."

"This map… who owns it?"

"... Lily does."

There had already been some debate over the ownership of this map.
For my part, since I had already obtained the Skill Crystals I wanted, I thought I’d hand it over to the Adventurers’ Guild, but they outright refused, saying they couldn’t take responsibility for something so dangerous.
Well, it is a dangerous find, but that’s all the more reason I’d prefer the guild to handle it.

"Lily, regarding the value of the Skill Crystals you brought as samples... how much would you like?"

Huh?
Don’t items like these usually have a standard market value?
When I asked Marquis Vardmoi, he explained the situation in a somewhat troubled tone.

"If these were Skill Crystals for something like fire magic or healing magic—things already widely circulated—it wouldn’t be an issue. But the ones you’ve discovered are of exceedingly high rarity. Honestly, the only way to proceed is to purchase them at whatever price you name."

Whoa, so they’re that rare.
In that case, what should I do?

"Um, could I ask for increased security for Amira?"

"For Amira? That’s a simple request, but are you sure that’s all you want?"

"Yes, that will suffice. Oh, and also, there are small veins of Magic Sewing and Magic Weaving Skill Crystals. Could I request mining rights for those?"

"Magic Sewing isn’t an issue... or so I’d like to say, but I’d prefer not to see an uncontrolled increase in magic tailors. Let’s make it a regulated system."

"Understood. What about Magic Weaving?"

"I’ll need to think about that. There’s talk of establishing a major textile production area in the country, and this skill might play a significant role."

I see.
In that case, perhaps I can arrange for the orphanage children to have opportunities there.
I’m starting to develop a knack for crafty thinking, aren’t I?

"One more thing: regarding who will mine the Skill Crystals... could I leave that to you, Lily?"

"To us!?"

I couldn’t help but raise my voice at the marquis’s serious suggestion.
He explained his reasoning:
First, he wanted to keep the existence of the vein a secret. Even if someone learned about it, they couldn’t reach it without the map.
Second, the demand for Skill Crystals wouldn’t be frequent, and they’d only order quantities they could prepare for in advance.
Finally, since we already had the map’s key, we could reach the vein just by entering the dungeon and ringing a handbell.
You see, ringing the bell on the first floor brought you to the vein, and ringing it again when leaving returned you to the first floor.
No need to delve to the fourth floor.
Given the set requirements, relying on us would be quicker.
It was hard to argue with that logic.

We agreed that we’d receive compensation for each job, and with that settled, I hurried to return home to Amira!
The marquis arranged for me to be dropped off at my house via a magic carriage.
Finally, I’d get to see Amira again!

"I’m back, Amira!"

"Welcome home, Big sister Lily!"

Ah, the life where Amira greets me with a beaming smile.
This, this is the life I’ve always dreamed of!

"Oh, right. Big sister, look! I made this!"

Amira showed me an apron she had crafted.
It was beautifully made, with perfect form.
Could it be...?

"Amira, did you learn Magic Sewing?"

"Yeah! While you were away, I practiced a lot and finally got it!"

… Of course. Amira is such a hardworking girl.
I was away for quite some time, so it couldn’t be helped.
The Skill Crystals may have gone unused, but I’ll let that slide!

What do you think about this chapter?