Tenkomori Chapter 107.2

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Chapter 107.2. The Second Year at the Academy - Toward the Future (2)

Chapter 107.2. The Second Year at the Academy - Toward the Future (2)

Upon escaping from the Adventurer's Guild, I headed towards the original destination, the Commercial Guild.

Payment for tuition and rent ends with this.

I'll be freed from money-making schemes, but the reality was quite the opposite.

Feeling like going to battle, I stepped into the Commercial Guild.

The Commercial Guild, open year-round, was still bustling even on New Year's.

I deviated from the flow of people, searching for my target.

As expected, they spotted me and approached.

"Welcome, Altair-sama," greeted Samini with a smile, bowing.

Returning the greeting, I was led to the usual private room.

After paying tuition and rent, I received letters from my parents.

Normally, I'd glance over them lightly here, but I tucked them away this time.

Samini watched me with a smile as she sat back.

"I have a few matters to discuss."

"I'm listening."

I took out a vial and parchment from the bag and placed them on the table.

Samini looked them over curiously, tilting her head.

"A potion...?"

"No, it's a beverage."

"I see."

Samini bowed and opened the parchment.

"A beverage for fatigue recovery and vitality boost. However, the effect is weak. It seems costly to use alchemical solutions and Seron grass. How much are you thinking?"

"I want it to be under seven copper coins. Though it's not written in the recipe, it's easily achievable."

"Taste test?"

I nodded, and Samini tilted the vial, rolling the liquid on her tongue to taste.

"Sweetness from Seron grass and Tejiril grass... and saltiness from Incess leaves?"

"Correct. Because the sweetness has a peculiar taste, I balance it with other spices and Akru fruit juice."

"If it's not inconvenient, could you share the recipe? Is it okay to add the juice at the end?"

"It's possible. In fact, that's how I designed the recipe."

Upon hearing my answer, Samini nodded satisfactorily.

As expected of a professional, she noticed without even looking at the recipe.

Though potions are a type of magical tool and are resistant to deterioration, Tejiril water, being a beverage, doesn't last a day in summer. Therefore, it's stored in concentrated form and diluted with water, spices, and juice as needed to complete it, to minimize waste.

From her reaction, she's probably aware that the taste can be altered freely.

"So you'll apply for a patent for this beverage?"

"In fact, I intend to entrust everything, including the rights, to the Breos Company."

"Breos... Ah, your fellow student."

"You remember that? A member of the association."

Samini smiled wryly and bowed her head. "This conversation is confidential," she added.

I explained how I came to produce Tejiril water.

"That's why I've asked Samini to handle it. I don't understand the application process well, but I think it'll go smoothly with an acquaintance."

"Leave it to me," Samini confidently accepted.

Now, onto the main topic.

I adjusted my residence and began.

"This is more of a request than a consultation—do you have any intention to invest in me?"

"Investment, you say?"

"I've been making magical tools so far, and I want to mass-produce them. However, I'm always short on magic stones. But if I keep buying them every time, the profit margin will decrease. So, I want you to sell me magic stones at the same price as the Magic Guild."

As soon as I mentioned this, Samini's smile disappeared.

She clasped her hands and pondered.

"Are you asking us to wholesale the magical tools you produce to us?"

"Of course. Even with my own magic stones, I'll try to channel them through the Commercial Guild as much as possible."

Even with that response, Samini's smile didn't return.

"Usually, when requesting the creation of magical tools, we agree on the reward first. The artisan prepares materials and magic stones within that budget, and in case of failure, compensates for the expenses. In the previous discussion, even though partially, the Commercial Guild would have to bear the burden of failure. It's unlikely that higher-ups would approve. At least if you were a member of the guild, supporting the business would be justifiable—"

"I understand your concerns. Sorry for being presumptuous."

I lowered my head, and Samini gestured for me to raise it, looking troubled.

They are merchants; they don't act out of sentiment.

But I had no choice but to bow my head.

Samini clasped her hands again and contemplated.

In his own way, he seems to be thinking about what to do.

But whether he couldn't come up with a clever idea or not, time passed with a stern expression on his face.

Shortly after, Samini asked,

"If it's not too much trouble, could you tell me the rank of [Magical Tool Creation]?"

"It's currently rank 3."

As soon as I answered, Samini was surprised.

"Wait a moment, didn't you acquire that just half a year ago?"

"That's right. It was tough."

"I can't believe it... However, if it's Altair-sama... No, but—"

Though Samini muttered to himself, he suddenly looked up at me with a curious gaze.

"—Would you undergo an [Appraisal]?"

"It's impossible. Besides, I don't think it would work. I once underwent [Basic Appraisal] by a skilled individual, but apparently, they couldn't read anything. It seems there are rare individuals like that."

"You're right. Moreover, they are usually well-known figures."

By the way, I'm still undergoing [Basic Appraisal] secretly.

Now and then, Elfemia would click her tongue secretly.

Though Samini was impressed, he quickly shook his head to change the subject.

"Excuse me for not asking earlier. Why mass-produce magical tools?"

I raised my gaze and stared at Samini.

"It's not a big deal. I'm thinking of buying the rental house I live in."

"Why again—it'll only become a burden, won't it?"

"That's not like you. You should have researched my surroundings."

Samini tilted her head, but soon, his deep smile turned into a broad one.

I wrote with the pen and handed the contract to him.

Though he wouldn't openly rejoice, there's limited assistance I can offer him.

This is the last favor I can do.

"This is taking a while," Samini said as he brought out a small box and placed it on the table.

Inside was a finely carved sculpture of a voluptuous woman in milky white stone.

Though it seemed to be crafted by a considerable artisan, I couldn't help but sigh.

"Even though you asked me for a favor—aren't you going a bit too far?"

"Your promptness is greatly appreciated."

The material of the sculpture was Majumagu.

It's a mineral that changes color when heated, a material for King's Grass's Potion of Sharlp.

They probably caught wind of my involvement in the Tremble Cube's healing potion.

My [Mixing] skill is high enough to handle Sislas grass.

And it was my friend Valerie who suffered the damage, and I had also asked the Commercial Guild for information.

It wouldn't be surprising if Samini could discern who concocted the King's Grass's Potion of Sharlp.

However, this is a different matter.

"Was Ishtar no good?"

"Yes. It was dismissed by Mr. Egil as well."

"He's particularly stubborn. If it weren't for an emergency, we would have been turned away as well."

Apart from the deep vertical wrinkles between his eyebrows, I had never seen any other expression on him.

Samini shook his head, looking troubled.

"I also approached other blacksmiths, but they were all similar."

"That doesn't mean I'm available. My [Smithing] skill is only 1, you know?"

"I'll support you in every possible way. From ore procurement to charcoal, I'll offer everything needed at low prices, like magic stones. I can even provide magic metals if necessary."

At those words, I let out a big sigh.

Seriously, which one of us is—scary?

From the moment I asked for a favor, he probably anticipated this development.

He deliberately mentioned rank 1 to refuse and hinted at magic metals.

Even if I can't heat-treat them by graduation, [Smithing] is directly related to [Magical Tool Creation]. It won't be a complete waste.

What's more, it was only beneficial for me that the quality was poor.

"I'll tell you in advance. [Smithing] takes time. It doesn't improve as easily as you think."

"I understand. But if it's Altair-sama, I'm confident you can manage somehow."

"I don't need that kind of confidence. Anyway, I'll prioritize [Magical Tool Creation]. I don't care if it goes to waste."

"Loss is part of business. This is also an investment."

Taking advantage of people's words, Samini smiled warmly.

And then, Samini left to prepare the contract and fetch the magic stones.

I'm [Magical Tool Creation], and Samini is [Smithing].

Both of us have invested in each other, but it all depends on my growth.

Will it get even busier?

I also made a promise to Narbano; that I really need to train hard.

Feeling tired already, I tried to change my mood by putting my hand in my pocket.

When I opened my father's letter, it contained the same contents as last year's.

But as I reached the latter half, a smile naturally spread across my face.

That guy Roland became the commander of the knights.

The previous Conrad retired, and some others also yielded to the younger generation.

The birth of the new Leedvalt Knights.

I told them I'd return in three years, so they might be preparing for it.

My mother's letter was the same as last year, with trivial daily life details, but the edge of the text seemed to subtly convey "come back soon." When summer comes, it changes to "it's hot" as usual.

But there was also one piece of news.

My brother attended a ball held in Brassrad and met his fiancée for the first time.

She seemed to be a quiet woman, and she quickly got along with my quiet brother.

The letter ended with "I'll wait for your return and discuss it further."

Two years have passed not only for Selen but also for me.

Leedvalt is also about to undergo significant changes.

I wonder... how will it turn out?

I've become stronger, and I've had many encounters.

But I feel like I haven't grown much on the inside.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Samini said as he returned with the contract and magic stones.

I put away the letter and took the contract to review.

It stated that until the heating treatment of Majumagu became possible through [Smithing] training, support would be provided. Once possible, support would end, and an exclusive contract would be established. Additionally, it outlined situations where the support couldn't or could not be provided until graduation or afterward, using the iron ore obtained through support to produce armor and selling it to the Merchant Guild at a low price, among other things.

As I read the overly long contract, Samini began,

"Come to think of it—"

He didn't finish his sentence, and I looked up at him.

"Why mass-produce magical tools?"