Chapter 59: Just a Little
I delivered the healing potions to the Merchant Guild. After that, I stopped by the Adventurer’s Guild to check on Retze’s capture.
“So, we’re leaving in a month, huh?”
“Depends on Amedeo, but that’s the plan.”
Amedeo is a Gold Rank Adventurer, apparently summoned by the Guild for this expedition. He just happened to finish another request and had some free time. After taking a break, it seems a month later was the best option.
We’re set to depart at the end of spring or the beginning of summer, heading to a location deeper than where we investigated, staying for a while to thin out the number of Demon Beasts.
The Guild has assessed that while there are many Demon Beasts, they aren’t particularly strong yet. Even if they show up, it should only be one or two at most, and with Amedeo around, they believe we can manage.
Silver Rank Gin is required to participate, and Tetsu has also been summoned. Copper Rank Adventurers can join if they have three or more stars recommended by Tetsu. Given the conditions this time, it seems that ordinary Copper Rank Adventurers won’t let go of the chance to earn stars.
Ash and the Butler are also joining thanks to Dean and Chris’s recommendations. In the Butler’s case, he’s participating because Ash is, and Ash isn’t in it for the stars; he feels it’s only natural to fight if the people are in danger as a noble.
The increase in Demon Beasts is attributed to the Black Spirits, which the Adventurer’s Guild is aware of. It’s only natural since there are others besides me who can see Spirits.
However, this particular situation seems to stem from the ongoing skirmishes in the Nakahara nations, likely caused by some mage or shaman in that area. While the use of magic that creates Black Spirits is frowned upon, it’s also somewhat tolerated.
There’s a sense that during wartime, one can’t afford to be too idealistic. Generally, injured Spirits tend to flee to places out of sight to heal, so while it’s not impossible for them to be in immediate danger, it’s rare, especially since most people can’t see them.
The Nakahara region, embroiled in skirmishes, is around the Dragon’s Neck. Ajeel, where Kanum is located, serves as a buffer against the Demon Beasts and is less affected by the conflicts between nations. Instead, whenever there’s a war somewhere, like this time, the number of Demon Beasts tends to increase, leading to a rush to deal with them.
Ash’s country sometimes participates in territorial disputes, while the country where my sister resides has been home to Heroes for ages, being a strong nation often referred to as an empire that rules over several countries.
My own country is peaceful, divided by mountains. The mountain range at the jaw’s base consists of steep, high peaks, and even within the lower jaw peninsula, there are many small nations isolated from international affairs, except for those facing the sea.
“By the way, sorry to change my mind, but could you make a bag out of cloth? Of course, I’ll pay.”
“Cloth?”
“Yeah, cloth. I heard the Guild is rushing to have it ready for the expedition.”
I had declared my non-participation in the expedition during the investigation phase. Feeling a bit guilty, I asked if they could make a bag—since there weren’t any products like backpacks or rucksacks here—but was turned down at that time.
According to Retze, even if my conduct is a bit questionable, participating in this expedition and hunting a few Demon Beasts would guarantee me some stars. He mentioned that it’s uncertain what kind of beasts might show up, and having something too conspicuous increases the chances of it being stolen.
“Shall we measure your back here?”
“Yeah, please do.”
Dean and Chris are Silver Rank, so they won’t attract unwanted attention. They’ll take the hides they’ve hunted and promised to make bags. They plan to prepare a waterproof sheet by coating cloth with wax.
Having spent four or five lazy days, it’s about time to start making the bags. Right, as long as I don’t stand out, it should be fine.
After promising to meet in twenty days, I returned to my rented house. For a while, I’ll be busy sewing both in the morning and at night.
I heard that Amedeo, the Gold Rank Adventurer, is teaming up with a mage rumored to soon rise to Gold Rank, and I was curious to see them in action. However, I didn’t want to get too close to Adventurers who operate across nations.
First, I need to prepare: tanning and dyeing the leather, and selecting cloth for Retze. It needs to be durable, lightweight, and waterproof. Waterproof fabric here is made by coating it with wax or soaking canvas in oil.
…The climate suitable for rubber trees is hot and humid year-round. The fabric for raincoats is made by spreading melted natural rubber between thin layers of fabric and then applying heat to bond them. But that deteriorates quickly, and while it might work for clothing, if I put heavy items in it and it stretches, it could fail. The leather from the lizard is definitely more convenient.
So, I decided to use standard waterproof fabric for the exterior and lizard leather for the lining. I stuffed a bit of felt into the back for cushioning. Retze requested a moss green color.
I made Dean and Chris’s bags out of leather without worrying about it, and they turned out black.
As I diligently worked on the bags, I changed the location for chasing the Black Spirits in the forest to the area along the river near the campsite. My job is to ignore the Demon Beasts and capture Spirits. I’m naming the Spirits in this area and the Black Spirits to increase my contracts.
In particular, the Water Droplet Spirit among the branches and leaves has the same ability as the Fireplace Spirit, allowing it to convey information even from a distance. It reflects the scenery seen in the Water Basin.
I want to see people using magic. I need to make sure I name every spot around here to avoid missing any good observation points.
I’ll also ask Ash and the others for a little help. Just a bit of luck, just a little relief from fatigue would be enough. I remind myself to keep it subtle and not draw attention.
Amedeo, the Gold Rank Adventurer, is famous for being able to see Spirits.