Chapter 180: Keeping the Economy Flowing
I suddenly realized the reason why there were so many Spirits in the workshop. The House only allows Spirits with names instead of numbers, and only the tiny ones born from the Fire Spark Spirits can live inside.
The workshop I added later for making potions is considered outside! Not only do the tiny Spirits that should vanish quickly stay here, but some have even grown larger. Working inside the House is dangerous.
Since there’s no place for smithing or dyeing in Kanum, it can’t be helped, but at least I want to make potions there to avoid any strange effects. I built the workshop specifically for potion-making, so why is this happening?
“This is fine.”
“What do you mean?”
I muttered to myself while taking things out, and Kiel jumped in.
As I mentioned the other day, I brought some Magic Stones to Soleil for him to sell alongside his usual wares.
The most common one is the jade from the Giant Lizards. I didn’t just hide away in Kanum; I diligently polished the jade while kneading Daifuku. No, I polished it diligently. It’s fine; it doesn’t have any strange effects.
While some jades remain beautiful, most have a brownish, dull surface, so I polished them to reveal their green color. The ones with a nice, clear green are more valuable, while those that didn’t turn out well can be ground into powder and sold as kidney medicine.
“Jade, huh? It’s popular among the elderly because of the superstition that it helps with back pain when worn at the waist.”
Soleil checked the jades I had sorted into boxes.
If the powder really does help the kidneys, then the back and waist pain that arises from kidney issues might be the origin of that superstition. And with the Magic Stones here, the fantasy effects are… Well, just when I think something won’t work based on Japanese common sense, it sometimes actually does, so I can’t dismiss it.
“This is unfair… No, I brought one promotional item.”
I handed over a jade piece that I had carved intricately, resembling the Chinese Jade Pendant, complete with a decorative cord.
Since it was a delicate task, I made it in the House’s workshop. A Spirit came by and imbued it with a back pain relief effect. I was troubled and retreated to Kanum. I didn’t have the tools for such fine work. Plus, I got bored, so I just polished the rest.
That’s how I managed to create one promotional item.
“Oh, this turned out well.”
“It’s just a little, but it really does relieve back pain, so you can lend it out to those with back issues to promote other products. Selling is prohibited, but if you absolutely want to compete, you can sell it, but there’s only one.”
Since I moved it to Kanum before it was fully completed, the effect is weak.
“If it were complete, it could build a decent-sized mansion…”
Soleil’s reaction was one of skepticism. She would probably test it with someone involved in the castle renovations to confirm its effectiveness.
“And here are the furs.”
I pulled out the furs I had stuffed haphazardly into a bag.
“These furs aren’t suitable for just stuffing in a bag! Help me!”
Soleil had Kingin help her lay the furs out neatly on the table. There were two pelts from the Three-Horned Silver Fox I had hunted in the Deep Forest. They were large enough to make a cloak.
Even though they’re exported from Naruadeid, it’s a hot place. The trade for regular furs is more active on the northern tribes’ islands, where they gather. However, rare furs are more common here.
“Put the proceeds from these into my account. Make sure to take the Merchant Guild’s commission. Also, here’s some Spirit Gold; congratulations on establishing the Trading Company.”
“Spirit Gold…”
“You can use it as a centerpiece for the Trading Company or for your own wedding; either way is fine.”
Spirit Gold is rare and incredibly valuable.
While it could make strong weapons and armor, its current use is primarily for special jewelry, like engagement or wedding rings and earrings for the wealthy. It seems that when one becomes extremely rich, they might also make bracelets or necklaces.
Especially for those above the rank of marquis, if they can’t provide jewelry made from gold or platinum Magic Stones, their marriage might be delayed, I recently learned. It seems you can’t get them without money (Kin) and connections (Tsute).
—In the past, stories have circulated about a man who became extremely wealthy after discovering a large vein of Spirit Gold, and a king who crafted Golden Armor from that Spirit Gold. There’s a legend that the armor sank in the sea heading towards the Land of Ruin.
I handed over a piece that, by common sense, was only the size of my thumb. After all, the mine didn’t yield much Magic Gold. But if Magic Gold and Magic Silver can turn into Spirit Stones just by being left alone, that’s an incredibly efficient way to make money. Though I feel like Spirits would get bored if the items left unchanged for too long.
“What on earth is my master…?”
“I have connections with a Gold Rank Adventurer who has been in seclusion.”
I waved my hand at Auro, who looked suspicious. I’ve been told I can mention the name of the King Wolf to Dinoss, but for now, I’ll avoid saying names.
“A Gold Rank Adventurer? How did you—”
“Kiel, it’s not good to pry into personal sourcing routes. These are valuable items, and I’ll have them appraised by the Merchant Guild. That way, it’ll be good for credibility and promotion—thank you.”
Soleil stopped Kiel from pursuing further and thanked me.
After that, I was guided through the restoration progress of the fortress.
“The restoration of the buildings surrounding the Courtyard is nearly complete. We just need to install the doors and fixtures. I want the Smithy to be operational as soon as possible for the restoration.”
Right now, they’re doing simple smithing work in a makeshift shed.
“Can you scout for skilled blacksmiths?”
“I’ll see if I can rely on some connections.”
Is it just me, or does Auro’s connections make me a bit uneasy? I want to ask again, but I can’t after what just happened…
“Next month, I’d like to schedule interviews with a few people, including Soleil’s friends. How does that sound?”
“If they keep the initial conditions, I’m fine with whoever Soleil thinks is good.”
“Of course, we’ll conduct interviews here as well. I think it’s best to have a direct contract with those who will be in charge of the main building’s inner areas.”
“Understood.”
We discussed the schedule as we moved.
Next, we entered the main building, the grand Hall.
“That beautifully cut area is a window, right?”
“Yeah.”
Kiel was referring to the spot where I had opened a window in the stone wall with the Zanzenken late at night.
“The stonemason wants to add tracery; what do you think?”
Wait, what’s tracery? Please don’t say that so casually.
“What is it?”
When I asked, Kiel led me to the stonemason, who showed me a drawing. Ah, it’s that thing, like the ones found in European churches. Due to construction methods, stone houses have arched tops above large windows. The arch part has stone carvings, and vertical bars are placed in it.
However, since I didn’t understand the necessity of the arch and just cut through it, several intact walls ended up crumbling. My bad, my bad. It makes sense; if the stone above is just one large long stone, it’s fine, but if there are joints, it would collapse.
The term “tracery” refers to the stone or iron partitions and decorations arranged around the window.
“You’re quite knowledgeable, Kiel.”
“Hmph.”
“I just asked the stonemason.”
…I wonder if Auro and Kiel get along well or not. I can’t quite grasp their relationship.