Published: January 13, 2026
"If it were me, I could repair from the outside while the furnace is running, or even install new ventilation holes."
When I said that, Havel and the others widened their eyes and opened their mouths in astonishment.
"No way."
"That's downright cheating."
"This is going to revolutionize the Dwarves' furnaces..."
Each of them murmured their amazement. I puffed out my chest, proudly showing off.
Then, one of the Dwarves looked seriously at the others.
"...Everyone, listen up. I want to stay here..."
"No, listen to me first. Here in this town, I..."
"Wait a minute! I go first!"
Suddenly, the Dwarves started arguing. Seeing this, Havel clapped his hands and laughed.
"Wha-what’s going on? What happened?"
When I asked, Havel chuckled and pointed at the furnace.
"The blacksmiths’ skills are fired up, of course. I’m the same. I’ve never seen a town this exciting. No matter how many weapons you make, they’ll get sold, and there’s plenty of materials too. Plus, the town is bright and lively. It’s not quite like the Dwarves’ homeland, but it looks comfortable to live in."
Havel laughed loudly and said, "For a blacksmith, this is heaven." Hearing that, I looked at the arguing Dwarves and spoke.
"By chance, I’m doing business with the commerce guild, and I can entrust Orichalcum ore to the people heading to the Dwarves’ land. So, if you like, why don’t you all stay here in Seato Village together?"
At that, the Dwarves immediately stopped arguing. They exchanged glances and finally looked at Havel.
"Hahaha! That’s great! How about you all join me here making the world’s best weapons!"
Havel laughed as he said this, and the Dwarves smiled broadly.
"Oh! That sounds great!"
"This is the best!"
"We’ll be counting on this place too!"
They said this as they patted each other on the shoulders, laughing heartily.
Thus, the Dwarven blacksmiths, rare even from the perspective of other countries, settled in Seato Village.
Within a few days, the furnace was ready for heat treatment, and suddenly, Mithril ore was melted and refined. Mithril armor and weapons were crafted by Havel and the others. As a result, within about a week, the first set of armor and weapons made by the village’s blacksmiths was completed.
"Wow, amazing!"
I cheered as I looked at the finished armor and weapons. Six pieces— a longsword, shield, helmet, armor, bracers, and greaves made of silvery metal— were arranged on a pure white stone table like exquisite ornaments.
"They have an incredible presence. These will definitely become Seato Village’s main attractions."
I said with a smile, and Havel and the others who brought the weapons smiled showing their teeth.
"Yeah, that’s right. From now on, we’ll make even more amazing stuff."
"But the first weapons we make, which we’ll never be able to reproduce again... Lord Van, we dedicate these to you."
"Please take good care of them."
Havel and the others said this in unison, so I accepted them sincerely.
"Really!? Thank you!"
I expressed my gratitude while examining the swords and armor. Every detail was crafted meticulously, truly a work of art. I was glad we built the furnace.
While I smiled, Havel and the others folded their arms, nodded with satisfaction, and then spoke.
"By the way, this territory is amazing! We were so focused on blacksmithing that we didn’t notice until yesterday, but what’s that public bathhouse thing! And there’s one in both Seato Village and the adventurers’ town."
"Oh, and you can get any ore or demonic beast materials you want! The food’s delicious too!"
"There are as many adventurers as in a big city, so blacksmithing can go on endlessly!"
Havel and the others happily talked about life within the territory. I had given them a decent amount of money as initial investment to start their blacksmith business, covering ore, coal, and their food and lodging expenses.
They seemed obsessed with blacksmithing, but maybe now that they had reached a milestone, they were taking time to explore the village and town.