Chapter 109: Eclair
In this world, swords aren’t forged with the loud clanging like in Japan. Instead, they are made by pouring molten metal into molds. You place the sword mold inside a tube, pack sand into the gap between the tube and the mold, and pour the molten iron into it. The ones who do the clanging are more like farriers, specialists in horse legs.
I’ve been learning by helping out with both tasks. The ability to learn through observation, thanks to my Production Talent, is incredibly useful. Even the vague knowledge I have from my previous world, gathered from TV and books, seems to be enhanced here, allowing me to understand why each step in the process is necessary.
It’s not like I have no knowledge at all about cooking, but I can’t just look at a finished dish and know how to make it. Still, it feels like a cheat.
When it comes to cooking, it’s something beyond just a cheat. The knowledge from my original world is all-encompassing, and I have the written recipes from this world as well. If I see the finished product or the ingredients, I can use Appraisal to figure out how to make it.
For now, I’m diligently learning about production methods other than cooking. Currently, I’m mainly gathering knowledge at the Library. According to what I’ve learned there, there’s a northern tribe skilled in blacksmithing that does the clanging.
However, it seems they lack a culture of documenting their techniques in books, as all I could find were order forms for items. The clanging itself is something noted by other tribes.
They seem like a mysterious people, perhaps akin to dwarves? I plan to go searching for them later. It’s a blessing to have the time and ability to chase after mysteries; it’s enjoyable.
The sword I crafted is a Western-style sword; after all, a katana would stand out too much around here. But as a Japanese person, I can’t help but want to experience that clanging. So, this sword, forged with the manufacturing process and the stickiness granted by the Magic Iron, should be stronger than a regular steel sword. Yeah, as long as I didn’t mess up. Though, the color looks a bit different from what I expected, which worries me.
“Rishu, stay back a bit; it could be dangerous.”
With the completed sword in hand, I step outside the Smithy. It’s larger and thinner than a regular sword, and for some reason, the blade is dyed a beautiful hue reminiscent of dawn.
I swing it once, horizontally.
Flames burst forth from the sword, tracing a fiery arc.
I swing it again, slicing upward from below, then reversing to bring it down. Flames trail behind, scattering sparks.
Whoa! So cool!! Even I can tell, I can tell! This is going to get me in trouble!
I can’t help but glance at Rishu, who’s sitting cutely at the entrance of the Smithy. When our eyes meet, she tilts her head slightly. Yeah, adorable.
What should I do? I’ve gone and made a sword I can’t use, even though Ash gave me the Magic Iron…
In Japan, a proper apology gift would be a sweet from Toraya, but what would it be in this world? Alcohol? No, I have no idea.
Would alcohol and sweets be enough? I still can’t appreciate the taste of alcohol, so I’ll just transfer some wine that was said to be delicious back in Japan into a bottle.
As for the sweets—let’s go with chocolate eclairs. I think Ash would like one filled with custard and whipped cream, with strawberries in it. The dough will have a subtle sweetness with a hint of bitterness, and I’ll just glaze the top normally.
With that direction in mind, I start making the eclairs.
I pipe out the slightly firmer dough and bake it, then cut it in half. I fill it with custard made with plenty of vanilla beans. On top, I pipe whipped cream for decoration. Finally, I place three strawberries on the cream and gently set a chocolate-glazed top on it to finish.
Alright, time to go apologize. Well, Ash probably won’t be angry.
“Welcome, Lord Jean,”
I knock gently on the back door, and the Butler opens it immediately.
“Jean.”
“Hello.”
Before the Butler could say anything, Ash peeks his head out.
I guess being a noble means he usually doesn’t enter the kitchen. At first, the Butler had a somewhat awkward expression about it, but that’s faded recently. I suppose it’s because I usually have ingredients with me when I come around.
“Here’s some alcohol and sweets. I came to apologize to both of you today.”
“I don’t think there’s anything you need to apologize for, Jean… What is it?” Ash asks, looking puzzled.
“I messed up with the Magic Iron and ended up making a sword I can’t use. I’m really sorry for wasting something you gave me.”
I hand the Butler the bottle of alcohol and the box of eclairs, then bow my head as I quickly explain.
“There’s no need to apologize. The Magic Iron was given to you, Jean; you’re free to use it as you wish.”
Ash seems unconcerned. I feel really bad for wasting something he went out of his way to gather.
“Lord Jean, you’re also doing blacksmithing, I see. Why not melt it down and remake it?”
The Butler offers a solution with a smile.
“I see. I hadn’t thought of that. Can it be melted down?”
Originally, it was steel and Magic Iron, both of which melted. Is it possible?
“…Lord Jean. Could you call Balmoa—Lord Dinoss and show him the failed sword together?”
The Butler’s smile seems to be hiding something!