Chapter 565

A Test Swing
We managed to figure out a way to transport the mountain of ores.
We just crammed as much as we could into our backpacks, then carried it down to the Lumite Grand Wing at the foot of the mountain, repeating that over and over.
Even so, going up and down the mountain path so many times was exhausting.
Still, the fact that it was this easy to move that amount at all was already a blessing.

“Well then, Taysa, Hannon. We’ll head back to Vardmoi for now.”

“Yeah, got it. While you’re in Vardmoi, I’ll try making a simple sword.”

“Please do. See you again soon.”

We boarded the magic vehicle and set off toward Vardmoi.
… Come to think of it, I hadn’t reported the fantasy metal discovery to Marquis Vardmoi yet. What should I do?
Maybe keeping it hidden would be safer?
I should hear Alizée and Plum’s opinions.

“Well, from my standpoint, I’d say we ought to report it. But, considering Marquis Vardmoi’s position, hiding the discovery of this much fantasy metals from the crown would be difficult. In this case, as a Platinum-rank Merchant, the right move would be to adopt the policy of not reporting to nobles.”

“I agree as well. After all, Marquis Vardmoi is still a noble of the realm. If word spreads that such an amount of fantasy metals was discovered, it’d have to be reported to the nation. If that happens, never mind the Duke King—there’s no telling what nonsense that reckless brat might spout. If a Platinum-rank Merchant is said to stand on par with the nation itself, then treating this as your own private treasure is the wiser course.”

Hmm, so in the end, the royal family problem rears its head again.
Well, Marquis Vardmoi probably won’t pry too deeply, even if his equipment gets a little better.
Whether it really counts as “a little” though… that’s another matter.

We stored the fantasy metals in the treasure vault of my mansion, and Talat sealed the entrance.
Then we made our way back to the volcano.
It’s been a few days now—could they really have managed to make a sword from fantasy metal already?
I was a bit nervous.
Anyway, let’s go see.

“Oh, Lily. You’re back sooner than I expected.”

“Yes. For me it was just going back and forth between here and the mansion. How’s it going on your end?”

“Hm? I managed to make a sword. Just one swing. Haven’t put an edge on it yet, though.”

“So you didn’t get that far.”

“After checking this forge carefully, I found some notes the previous owner left on how to work fantasy metals. According to it, when putting in the blade edge, you have to hammer it while channeling in mana. That increases sharpness. But my mana reserves aren’t that big, so I was taking a break.”

I see… so you have to imbue it with mana while working it.
Sounds pretty tough.

“So, Lily. Hate to send you on errands, but could you buy a bunch of mana recovery potions from Vardmoi? In amounts that won’t raise suspicion, of course. No way I can manage four full sets of gear otherwise.”

“Understood. …By the way, I’ve never drunk a potion before. Do they taste good?”

“Tastes like grass. Nasty.”

Ah. So that’s how it is.
In any case, mana recovery potions are clearly necessary, so I’ll head back to Vardmoi and buy some.
If I go through Alizée, we should be able to get quality ones without raising suspicion.

What do you think about this chapter?