Chapter 572

Reporting Completion to Marquis Vardmoi
After returning from the volcano to Vardmoi and spending a night at the mansion, it was time to report this matter to Marquis Vardmoi.
I figured he’d have a lot of questions.

“Welcome back, Lily. I see the equipment for Wildcat Claws has been completed—that’s good to hear.”

“Huh, you’re not going to press me on the details?”

“I’m well aware you’ve been working on various things behind the scenes. And I also received word from the Trade Guild that had been arranging equipment materials: they told me they no longer needed me to procure anything. No doubt you tracked some down from elsewhere.”

“Ah—well, that’s…”

“I don’t intend to ask. If I knew too much, I’d be obliged to report to His Majesty the Grand Duke. His Majesty would take action considering the position of both a platinum-class merchant and the Grand Duchy… but there is one person whose behavior is unpredictable.”

Right, that’s Prince Sharon.
If handled poorly, the situation could escalate into war between me and the Grand Duchy.
His Majesty the Grand King would understand which side holds the advantage… but would the Crown Prince really think that far ahead?

“Still, not only does Wildcat Claws wear new gear, but the newcomers too… what was it, Dark Green Sprout? They seem to be clad in the same armor.”

“We had plenty of materials, so I remade everything at once. The armor is dragon scales, the clothes are made from Talat’s silk—so defense is more than covered.”

“… I see. You went all out, didn’t you?”

“Yes!”

“Good answer.”

Of course I went all out.
It’s equipment for everyone, and we had top-quality materials on hand.
The armor doesn’t look bulky at all, but it’s tougher and more flexible than any metal could be.
Truly a collection of masterworks.

“And do you still have some of those materials left for making equipment?”

“Yes, I do. Do you need some?”

“No one besides you could handle dragon scales or defense-grade Talat silk with ease. When you have the time, I’d like armor made for myself, Kou, and Vic.”

“Understood. Do you need it urgently?”

“No. As I just said, whenever you have free time is fine. Thanks to borrowing Kiblinki Saltas from you, monster outbreaks have nearly ceased. Bandit activity is virtually unheard of in my lands. There’s no sign of war either. We’re planning to hold exercises in autumn to maintain morale—if the armor is ready by then, I’d be pleased.”

I see, so by autumn.

… Hm?

“You’re fine with an order on such a long timeline? I could finish much sooner, you know?”

“First, you should focus on the presentation right before you. Everything else can wait. Even if the request comes from a noble.”

Hmm… so I really am becoming that important, huh?
It still doesn’t feel real.
I thought I was just working hard at my usual jobs, that’s all.

What do you think about this chapter?