Published: August 2, 2025
Today, 10 chapters updated simultaneously.
This story is the third chapter.
“Good work today.”
“Mr. Serge as well.”
I walked through the town with Mr. Serge, having just endured Mr. Dinorm’s grandchild boasting together.
Thanks to him skillfully steering the conversation elsewhere, the sun was still high in the sky.
“By the way, Lord Ryoma seems to have been quite well-liked. That was an impressive performance.”
“I was just doing my best not to ruffle any feathers. Mr. Serge, your conversational skills are truly remarkable.”
What kind of back-and-forth is this, like some villainous duo from a period drama…
“By the way, what do you plan to do about it?”
“What should I do, I wonder…”
In my hand was a small box containing a single gear. Mr. Dinorm, delighted, had called it “the memorable first piece of a future famous magic tool craftsman.” ...I wonder if it’s actually worth anything?
“Just how talented is your grandchild, really?”
“Well... sometimes young children naturally learn and use magic by imitating their parents. It’s rare, and it might be a glimpse of talent. But whether they will continue to show aptitude in that direction in the future is another matter...”
“Right…”
“Well... Mr. Dinorm used to be extremely difficult to get along with. But that was just the flip side of his strong sense of responsibility toward his work. His training of apprentices was strict. Even if I’m biased, if he recognizes someone, they probably have potential.”
I hope such expectations won’t become a burden on his grandchild in the future.
“By the way, Mr. Serge, I’ve been curious—what about your bodyguards? Isn’t it dangerous to walk around alone? This city seems to have poor public safety.”
If he’s the head of a large trading company, you’d expect at least one bodyguard, but there’s no one in sight.
It doesn’t look like anyone is secretly following us either...
“I’ve stayed in this city countless times. As long as it’s before dusk, there’s almost no danger. During market days like this, security is tightened, and in busy areas, there’s no threat to life. If I were to be pickpocketed or robbed, then that would be my fault.
Also, some of the people I visit dislike unnecessary company... but I do have precautions in case of emergency.”
Saying this, he lightly tapped the buckle on his belt. At first glance, it looked like a delicate, well-crafted ordinary belt, but...
“Is that a magic tool, by any chance?”
“Indeed. It’s one of my collection pieces. When mana flows through it, a barrier magic defensive shield instantly deploys. Also, this bracelet here is a magic tool that releases a smoke screen. It can temporarily hide you, and in the city, it’s easy to attract attention, which may lead people to gather thinking there’s a fire. It’s not a fighting tool, but I have several means to protect myself, so please rest assured.”
I see. If it’s about walking in the city, I didn’t need to worry.
“What will you do next, Lord Ryoma?”
“First, I plan to get a room. Since I’m here, I want to watch tomorrow’s market before heading back.”
“If that’s the case, I’ll introduce you to the inn where I’m staying. It’s safe, and since it faces the main street, you won’t get lost if you take the shared horse carriage.”
With this information, I headed to the inn.
Mr. Serge said he still had some greetings to make and went separate ways.
However, he promised to guide me for dinner and tomorrow’s market.
And thirty minutes later.
I secured a room safely, but now I had free time.
There was no urgent business. The magic tools were for tomorrow’s enjoyment. I’d wait for Mr. Serge to return for dinner. I’d already fed the slime, so there was nothing to do.
If I went out and missed crossing paths with Mr. Serge, it would be troublesome... I realized anew how convenient mobile phones are. I wish there was a magic tool like that. ...Magic tools... Since I had free time, why not try making something?