Having visited House Trace, I was drinking tea in Vera's room.
The mansion was splendid, and in Baim — a densely populated area — it even had a spacious garden. Moreover, it wasn't in a bad location like the mansion I'd purchased.
It was built in a prime location with every advantage, a mansion that stood out as conspicuously as possible.
So what was I doing in Vera's room, you ask—
"Here's the list. We can get everything at our place, but since these are specialized tools, it might be better to buy them in bulk from another shop. If you're buying this much, they'll probably give you a decent discount. I'll prepare a letter of introduction, so go buy them together with Professor Damian."
I received from Vera a neatly organized version of the notes Damian had written, made easy to read by the automatons.
"Is buying in bulk actually cheaper?"
"The Trace Trading Company doesn't carry that many specialized tools. They have one or two, but buying in bulk is better than purchasing separately. You should keep buying your tools there going forward. As for shops that do carry them..."
When I consulted Vera, she told me this was the best place to buy the tools Damian had commissioned.
"You know a lot about this. Do you memorize these kinds of things?"
I asked Vera, who seemed as if she had memorized every merchant and shop in all of Baim, and she laughed at me.
"That's not it. Specialized shops for tools and equipment like these are rare. It's not as if I know every single one by heart."
After hearing that, I accepted her explanation and had her prepare a letter of introduction. The name of House Trace was quite effective in Baim.
The Fourth Generation's voice came from the Jewel.
"Lyle, why don't we also have them introduce us to some craftsmen? Craftsmen who can work with rare metals, for instance."
The Golem Damian was creating — what he called a Valkyrie — reportedly used rare metals for its skeletal structure.
However, processing that metal, selecting materials, and crafting the tools all required the skills of craftsmen. We needed to get introductions to such people.
"While you're at it, I'd also like to know about craftsmen who can process rare metals. Like, is there anyone who can work with Traashy materials or process them? Actually, Damian said it seemed like pretty impressive stuff."
According to Damian, who had examined the Traashy materials, it appeared to be an exceptional metal. But there were no tools that could process it, and I didn't have any acquaintances among craftsmen who could handle the job either.
Vera sat down on the sofa, propped her chin in her hand, and lowered her gaze slightly.
"There are craftsmen who can work with nearly unknown rare metals and materials, sure. Baim has quite a few. But beyond that... experienced craftsmen who can handle anything. They do exist, but they're incredibly stubborn. How about just substituting with metals you can get your hands on normally?"
I'd thought of that too, but the problem was gathering them would take time. It also cost money, and I wanted to use up all the excess Traashy materials we had.
"I've considered that as well. But Damian is more fixated on it than I expected. Apparently, he says it could also be useful for his own research."
Vera laughed, as if amused.
"That's just how researchers and craftsmen are, isn't it? They could just compromise. Fine, I'll look into that too. But I can only guarantee you a meeting if I'm present. There are craftsmen who sometimes even turn down commissions from the head of the household."
"Are they that impressive?"
I was surprised that there were craftsmen who would refuse a commission from the head of the Trace family.
But once I heard the explanation, it made sense.
"They're dwarves. They live so long that they've practically become exclusive to our family. Grandfather didn't dare push too hard against them when he was alive, either. And the important parts of the Vela Trace were built by one of them."
Sounded like a reliable craftsman.
(I guess I should try meeting them. If it doesn't work out, I'll have to look elsewhere.)
While I continued talking with Vera, there was a knock at the door. The one who entered was Gina, Vera's younger sister.
She had red hair, and unlike Vera, she was quite full-figured. —In the chest area, that is.
"Sis, I need to talk for a moment... Oh."
"What is it?"
Vera took a sip of tea, looking slightly displeased, and Gina glanced at me with a troubled expression.
"Th-the thing is... about Roland, there's something..."
That name—I was pretty sure he was Vera's first love. Apparently, he was now dating her younger sister.
The Seventh Generation let out a peculiar tone from the Jewel.
'I wonder why. When you know… well, things like this, it makes you want to tell people to choose who they confide in carefully.'
Mireia seemed amused.
'Games of strategy and messy stories like this are interesting, aren't they? Even in House Walt, sisters would vie for the same man in matters of love. Well, in the end, it was an unrelated younger sister who won him over.'
Fifth Generation sounded surprised.
'…I haven't heard that story. Or rather, did something like that actually happen?'
Vera let out a sigh, stood up, and came over to apologize to me.
"I'm sorry. Looks like we should call it a day here."
I stood up as well.
"No, it was great to talk about so many things. Sorry it was almost all about me, though."
"That's fine. Also, make sure you accept the souvenir later. I've been told to give it to you."
In truth, it had been almost entirely my story. The pleasant conversation with Vera, in those two hours, could be counted in minutes, if that.
Fourth Generation addressed me.
*Things were so much worse before, so this is actually an improvement, you know.*
Mireia, hearing that, said:
*It must have been even worse before. I would have liked to see that.*
*(…I'm absolutely sure the Sixth Generation was lying about her being a kind younger sister)*
——Once Ryle left the mansion, Vera was in Gina's room.
They sat on a sofa, facing each other.
The room was flooded with bright light, but everywhere else was dark.
Vera lowered her voice slightly.
"You don't have to be on guard against me. I have no intention of taking over House Trace from Lyle."
She had no intention of taking over. But Lyle himself had told Vera that, going forward, he was considering regulations for Baim in the future.
(If anyone else said that, it would sound like 'What on earth are you talking about?')
Hearing this, Gina twitched in reaction and, after a moment, opened her mouth.
"W-well, I understand that, but I'm just not sure about an adventurer inheriting House Trace. Even if my sister isn't interested..."
Listening to Gina's reasoning, Vera quickly grasped the gist of it.
(If it looks like I won't marry the heir Father has prepared, then she's come to secure the house. She's wary of Lyle, too.)
Vera knew that Gina was actively moving to formally welcome Roland as her husband.
In fact, Vera had long understood this calculating side of Gina. Gina also knew that Vera liked Roland.
She knew, which was why she had made her move first and started dating him.
"Father isn't planning to have me inherit, either. It doesn't matter which of us does. Besides, I have no intention of touching House Trace's money. It's all mine anyway."
Gina seemed worried that Vera would become infatuated with Lyle and burn through the family's assets.
"But, to go that far..."
Gina probably did have some genuine concern for her sister. However, for Vera, that was just an annoyance.
"...Gina, I won't interfere in your business with Roland. If you want to inherit House Trace, go ahead. So, don't interfere with Lyle and me either. I haven't caused you any trouble."
(At least, not yet.)
Vera thought to herself—.
After leaving Vera's residence, I headed to the Baim Eastern Branch Guild for the first time in a while.
It was the plan from the start, but upon arriving, I felt the gazes of those around me. Even after returning to Baim, I had been aware of the stares, but it seemed I was still quite conspicuous.
In a hushed voice.
"Hey, it's the Holy Knight."
"Huh? Isn't it the Knight of Love?"
"You know, the one who not only wooed the Saintess but also the Princess or something..."
Hearing the adventurers' voices, I felt irritation at how outrageous my rumors had become.
Then, a familiar group came into view.
It was Erhard and the others.
The Third Generation inside the Jewel was a little surprised.
*'Oh my, quite the change.'*
No wonder the Third Generation was surprised. After all, while his tank top outfit was unchanged, his gear had been filled out considerably.
It had seemed like only Erhard was the one carrying equipment, but the other companions were now decked out in the brand-new gear of fledgling adventurers.
Marianne was standing in line at the reception desk, keeping fairly quiet. Erhard and one other person were in line as well, while the rest of the companions waited in a corner of the lobby.
Then, as if he had noticed me, Erhard pointed a finger my way.
"Ah, you!"
I thought he'd straightened up a bit, but apparently his insides hadn't changed nearly as much as I'd thought. Deceived by appearances, I'd let myself believe the guy had actually grown.
"Long time no see. How've you been?"
When I greeted him with a smile, Erhard was as fiery as ever. He glared my way, but when a companion grabbed his shoulder, he regained his composure.
"Ha! So you've gotten a bit famous, but we'll catch up to you soon. No — we'll blow right past you!"
He was belligerent, but he wasn't about to start throwing punches anymore.
*(What's this? Even this much already feels like some growth. Maybe it's from seeing the adventurers in Cartafus, but these guys are starting to look half-decent.)*
"I'll be looking forward to it."
As I was about to head up the stairs, it seemed Erhard and the others had also reached their turn, as they were chatting away, looking rather pleased, with the staff member Marianne.
Seeing them like that, I let out a small, wry chuckle, but then—just for a moment—.
(Huh? Why does Marianne-san look a little sad?)
—that was the thought that crossed my mind.
The Guild’s third floor.
In a private room, I was discussing future commissions with the staff, and the person handling my case was Tahnia.
Having a productive conversation with Tahnia-san, a capable woman with black hair styled in an okappa cut and wearing glasses, we considered my future direction as an adventurer.
In a dispatch-type branch like the Eastern Branch, a significant amount of time is inevitably eaten up by travel. As a result, earning a decent income is tough.
However, adventurers recognized by certain guilds are offered lucrative, high-difficulty jobs like this, introduced to them in a private setting.
Tahnia-san checked the quest I had selected.
"Alright, next is this commission. While we're at it, would you mind handling a few cheaper, miscellaneous tasks? They're on the way to your destination."
When she asked me to complete a few odd-job type commissions, I reviewed the details.
"This one isn't exactly on the way, though? It's a bit of a detour. Well, it's fine, I suppose. I'd like to participate in the next Dungeon subjugation too."
Adding a slight hint of complaint, Tahnia-san gave a wry smile.
"You're quite capable, Leyel-kun. We'll be sure to call you when the time comes. Come to think of it, Alette-san and the others have returned—have you met them yet? It seems you and Leyel-kun just missed each other."
I tilted my head.
I'd thought Alette Baier—the woman knight said to be the next deputy commander of Rolfis—would be buried in work in the now-expanded territory of Rolfis.
I didn't understand why she'd come back to Baim.
"It's surprising they could dispatch her here when her own country is so busy. Their finances couldn't have gotten that bad, could they?"
"…I won't ask why Leyel-kun is so familiar with Rolfis's financial situation. She was probably dispatched specifically because of you, Leyel-kun."
I still couldn't comprehend, and lowered my gaze slightly in thought.
Then the Seventh Generation spoke.
'I don't think they'd be hostile, or perhaps they want to contain him? If they tried to kill Leyel here, it would spark a conflict with Zayin. It also seems unlikely they'd cooperate with Zayin to assassinate him.'
The Fourth Generation, with a laugh.
'We're pretty much wide open on the domestic situation, though! If they came to kill him, we'd just turn around and crush them instead.'
(Scary. But we actually have quite a few options.)
Having worked for Zayin, I understood their weaknesses, as well as Rolfis's. I knew where to strike to deal a major blow.
(Both only have a single successor. Zayin has Selma, but even if she came back now, it'd be tough.)
As Tahnia finished organizing the documents.
"Well, it doesn't seem like they've targeted us in a bad way. If you have the time, perhaps you could meet with her?"
I nodded and considered when we might meet.
It was then that I suddenly remembered Marianne looking so lonely.
"This is a completely different topic, but Marianne is in charge of Erhard and the others, isn't she? Did something happen between her and Erhard's group? She seemed a bit sad, or... I was wondering if those guys did something?"
Tahnia looked slightly surprised. But then, as if something had come to mind, she began to speak to me.
The fact that she spoke meant it was something she could talk about.
"They are remarkably serious compared to when they started. They've been getting stable high evaluations for doing odd jobs. Well, Leyel, you'll understand since graduation is coming up for them."
"Graduation?"
"They won't need to be exclusive anymore. Of course, they'll still take requests normally. But even so, when you see adventurers becoming independent, the staff has feelings about it. Marianne is especially gentle."
Graduation.
Adventurers who had fulfilled requests, saved money, and equipped themselves.
Young adventurers who prepared as thoroughly as they did would have a high chance of survival—as long as they didn't push themselves too hard.
Besides, Erhard had Skills.
He'd be fine even against the Monsters around Baim.
"Well, I thought you were more... scheming than that."
Tahnia shot me a slightly sharp look upon hearing that.
"I won't deny that there are staff members like that, but Marianne is different."
After she said that, I apologized, and Tahnia apologized as well. Then she gathered the documents, placed them in an envelope, and handed them to me.
Finally.
"Well, staff members come in all sorts."
That's what she said.