Chapter 7

Chapter 7
Chapter 7: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

The Millionth Mudu brought his hands together with a hint of worry on his features.

I had no alternative.

Fire Spirit.

Descendants of the Dwarves possessed a singular capability to perceive the presence of Fire Spirits.

However, that was the extent of it.

Because he was a Dwarf whose aptitude for Spirit Affinity sat at the absolute bottom, direct communication remained entirely out of the question.

They merely tracked down the exact coordinates of a Fire Spirit to refine materials or carry out metalwork in that vicinity.

The primary motivation behind the Millionth Mudu establishing himself within the Asteri Territory and anchoring his shop at the local forge stemmed directly from this fact.

The thermal output of the Fire Spirit situated here surpassed all other locations by a wide margin!

Once he settled in, set up his operations, and labored diligently, he crossed paths with a woman he grew to cherish and even fathered two children.

Above all, he managed to take over this very forge, expanding it into the grandest and most exceptional workshop across the entire domain!

Nevertheless, as the years progressed over the recent past, the flames began a gradual fading process.

Up to the present moment, he managed to stave off any drop in craftsmanship through sheer expertise, yet minor flaws started surfacing within the equipment produced by the standard blacksmiths.

Should this trend persist, the spirits would drain completely of their energy, forcing them into the grim reality of conducting metalwork relying solely on artificial heat.

Naturally, it was not as though crafting metal was impossible utilizing artificial fire…

A monumental divide existed between ordinary flames and those generated by living spirits.

‘If things reach that point, I will lose the capacity to forge top-tier creations.’

It was an undeniable truth that without maintaining the exact standard of quality as before, the workshop would inevitably face a swift decline.

Still, recruiting a Spirit Medium—rarer than rare throughout the continent, let alone within the borders of the Empire—was utterly out of the question, just as tracking down Elves on the brink of extinction proved entirely unfeasible.

Consequently, he had been plagued by deep anxiety lately…

Side glance.

The Millionth Mudu peered at the unreadable, serene visage before him.

Following the exchange of handshakes, Lion had remained anchored by the hearth, whispering softly to himself.

Does the heat not bother him?

Even with his own constitution as a descendant of the mighty Dwarves offering fire resistance, typical humans usually cried out in agony near such roaring flames until they grew accustomed to the environment.

‘Yet this individual…’

Unconventional. Lion Asteri.

Just as the whispers surrounding his fragile health implied, he looked sickly and devoid of color.

Had he not witnessed it with his own eyes moments prior, he never would have dreamed such a person capable of resolving the crisis.

Yet, Mudu had seen the truth.

Lion Asteri fixing his gaze squarely upon the source of the fire!

This peculiar fellow possessed the gift of sight regarding spirits.

And perhaps, he might even converse with them to diagnose the root of the malfunction.

Observe him now.

“Ah, in that case, if I supply it with…”

Is he not muttering under his breath at this very moment?

He must be actively engaging in dialogue with the Fire Spirit.

‘Without a doubt, I can get this fixed.’

Or at the very least, he should pinpoint the exact nature of the breakdown.

This realization prompted him to propose an unprecedented bargain.

He pledged to manufacture any requested item ahead of all other incoming commissions.

Naturally, a hidden calculation underpinned the offer.

‘Why would anyone belonging to a Magic Family commission pieces from a common blacksmith?’

At best, they might ask for one or two curiosities.

If the youth could restore the spirit, the trade-off was more than fair.

“So, what precisely did the spirit claim the issue was?”

When I directed the question toward Lion, who had just concluded his internal monologue and was striding in my direction, he answered with total nonchalance.

“It is thirsty.”

“… The Fire Spirit?”

“Spirits constitute forms of life as well.”

Indeed. Strictly speaking, they live, breathe, are born, and eventually fade away, making them living entities.

Yet they differed from conventional life forms, did they not?

Would splashing water onto a Fire Spirit yield any acceptable result?

“Should I fetch water, then?”

“Hold on a moment. What outcome do you anticipate if you hurl water directly at a fire?”

I stated clearly that it was thirsty!

“What on earth am I supposed to do, then!”

“Simmer down. You need to offer something suitable for consumption.”

“…”

Such were the internal musings of the Millionth Mudu.

Continuing a conversation with this fellow would undoubtedly reduce my own intellect to that of a fool.

“Have no fear. I shall handle every aspect.”

“… Very well. Just fix the issue, you peculiar young man.”

In exchange, I will hand over whatever you desire, whether it be my masterwork or anything else you fancy.

“Truthfully?”

“Indeed. Truly.”

The Millionth Mudu murmured those words almost on instinct.

And Lion caught every syllable, a wide grin spreading across his face.

Gotcha.

—

Late into the night, long after Mudu and the rest of the blacksmiths had departed for their homes.

“Even here, working overtime.”

Lion’s countenance radiated cheerfulness as he uttered those words.

Such was the disparity between forced labor and tasks chosen by one’s own volition.

“Have you been waiting long?”

Lion addressed the hearth, where the flames flickered with reduced intensity.

『A low-level spirit voices complaints of extreme thirst.』
『Due to prolonged exertion, the essence of the low-level spirit grows dangerously depleted.』
『Please quench the thirst plaguing the low-level spirit!』

“Understood. I will prepare your remedy shortly.”

One by one, Lion retrieved the items he had carefully laid out.

The low-level spirit found itself in a state of severe dehydration.

Typically, the routine heat of a forge would not induce such exhaustion, but the unique circumstance lay in the fact that this was the premier blacksmith shop within the entire Asteri Territory.

Furthermore, following the settlement of a skilled Dwarf descendant, incoming orders had surged to abnormal levels.

Consequently, the entity had likely been forced to emit continuous, unyielding heat.

‘It mentioned feeling thirsty, but…’

Regrettably, the Dwarf lacked any capability to comprehend the spirit’s communication, while this particular Fire Spirit, being of low rank, could not transmit its intentions with clarity.

Even now, direct verbal exchange remained impossible.

‘Regardless, identifying the source of the trouble is sufficient.’

And thankfully, the complication possessed a viable remedy.

Lion unlocked his inventory and withdrew a collection of specific herbs.

『Aqua Rosemary』

* Diverging from standard rosemary, this herb carries a pronounced, distinct oceanic fragrance.
* Consumed in its raw state, it delivers a deeply salty flavor akin to swallowing seawater.

Indeed, brewing a specialized potion derived from this Aqua Rosemary was mandatory.

Lion inspected the leaves, which curled and rippled like ocean waves, completely distinct from ordinary rosemary variants.

While the fundamental entry noted a salty taste upon raw consumption, the corresponding culinary guides suggested an alternative preparation.

『Aqua Rosemary Oil Recipe』

* Ingredients: Aqua Rosemary x1, Oil x1』
* It boasts a refreshing quality capable of replenishing all moisture lost by the body!
* Enhances flavor profiles when incorporated into meat-based dishes.

Processing the ingredients directly into oil eliminated the heavy saltiness, replacing it with an invigorating sensation.

In alternative terms, it transformed into a beverage fitting for a Fire Spirit to consume.

Because the medium was oil!

‘Mudu did state I possessed free rein over the materials here, correct?’

Fortunately, all necessary foundational kitchen apparatuses were present on site.

Lion immediately placed the Aqua Rosemary alongside the oil into a mortar, commencing a fine grinding process.

As the components blended smoothly with the oil, the sharp scent of ocean salt vanished, gradually yielding to a crisp, cooling breeze-like aroma that permeated the room.

Lion strained the crushed leaf and oil mixture through a piece of cloth, gathering the pure oil extract within a shallow bowl.

When a small quantity, roughly matching the scale of a tiny dish, accumulated…

『Asteri-crafted Aqua Rosemary Oil』

* Its classification as true cuisine remains debatable; it functions as a culinary component crafted by an ‘Alchemist’.
* Emits a revitalizing aroma.
* Surprisingly, ingestion in isolation grants minor relief from dehydration.
『Uses: Food, Potions』
『☞ Click to view recipe.』

While it fell short of a high-tier masterpiece, it proved entirely adequate for a low-level spirit.

Moreover, the implementation of the Potion Crafting Specialization trait appeared to infuse the creation with minor potion-like properties.

Without delay, Lion brought the gathered oil directly to the stove, beginning a steady trickle of application.

Upon contact with the oil, the subdued flames surged upward in a brilliant display…

『The thirst plaguing the low-level spirit finds partial relief.』
『The elemental affinity of the spirit aligns in absolute harmony with the Aqua Rosemary oil!』
『The thirst of the spirit remains partially unquenched.』

The strategy proved successful.

My past experience navigating ‘In the World,’ a realm demanding unconventional ingenuity, had not gone to waste.

“Indeed, indeed. I shall produce a larger batch for you.”

A satisfied smile graced Lion’s face as he continued compounding the oil.

A crisp, refreshing fragrance drifted outward from the iron-scented forge, making its way toward the neighboring residences.

『Through the independent crafting of basic components, a latent talent awakens!』
『New Talent: Cooking』
『Cooking Proficiency ascends to Apprentice Lv. 1.』

A notification flashed into view, announcing the acquisition of an entirely new talent.

At that exact second.

Whoosh!

The spirit erupted in a display of flames possessing an intensity entirely unmatched by its previous state.

『The low-level spirit’s thirst is fully eradicated.』
『The essence of the spirit achieves complete restoration.』
『The spirit expresses profound gratitude.』
『Experience for the Spirit Communion talent increases by 30%.』

“Think nothing of it.”

To be frank, possessing the precise solution rendered the task effortless.

Besides, did I not secure quite a substantial bounty in return?

A talent that had remained locked opened up entirely on its own accord.

‘If this holds true, broadening my repertoire beyond blacksmithing-related abilities should prove entirely achievable.’

Accumulating a greater number of talents could only yield advantages.

And speaking of culinary arts…

‘Utilizing those specific seasonings sourced from the Shilling Shop might also be viable.’

Would I not gain the capacity to prepare and consume dishes nonexistent in this dimension?

Take Kimchi Stew, for instance.

“Ah, merely contemplating the prospect stirs my appetite.”

Clutching his empty stomach, Lion raised his gaze toward the sky.

The sun had already begun its ascent once more.

And from the distance…

“You eccentric rascal! You actually pulled it off~!”

The Millionth Mudu came sprinting forward, bellowing at a volume sufficient to rouse the entire village from slumber.

Judging by his attire, identical to what he wore the previous day, it was clear he had forsaken sleep entirely while agonizing over the state of the spirit.

“Huff, huff, good grief, I really ought to moderate my drinking habits.”

Lion affectionately draped an arm across Mudu’s shoulders as the latter panted heavily before him.

“Huh…?”

Mudu stiffened for a fraction of a second.

The demeanor and expression worn by Lion carried an intense aura.

What sort of exorbitant demand was coming next?

Surely he did not intend to claim ownership of the spirit!

“A hoe.”

“Pardon?”

“Our agreement involved crafting them together. A scythe and a hoe.”

“Uh, er? That is correct. But you…”

My nose is bleeding.

Raising a hand to wipe his face confirmed the observation; a stream of crimson was indeed trickling down.

“Ah, I remained awake throughout the night. It is nothing of consequence.”

It is entirely a matter of consequence!

If matters stand thus, what becomes of Mudu’s professional pride!

Would I, a proud Dwarf, go down in history as the one who slumbered while overworking the fragile primary Young Master of the Asteri Household!

“Fear not, let us forge the hoe initially.”

“…Very well. Have it your way. I shall construct the hoe alongside whatever else you require, so do go take your rest immediately.”

“And the scythe as well.”

“Ah, I will fabricate whatever you command! Let us move, oh, goodness! Arms, lend me strength to carry this Young Master… Young Master? Have you drifted off to sleep already?”

Observing Lion, who had slumped into a half-reclined posture and lapsed straight into unconsciousness, the Millionth Mudu resolved to head back toward his residence first.

“Good heavens, dear! What on earth transpired to leave you sleep-deprived and rushing back this early… Oh my?”

Naturally, Mudu’s wife reacted with shock upon witnessing Lion being hauled in across her husband’s back with his limbs dragging behind them.

—

Lion fluttered his eyelids open, greeted by the morning light and the cheerful chirping of birds.

Creak.

As he hoisted his frame upright on the basic, utilitarian cot favored by commoners rather than the opulent furnishings of his estate, the wood emitted a protesting groan.

“Ah, you are awake at last, Young Master!”

“Mmm…”

“I heard about the ordeal you endured on account of him. While our quarters lack the scale of your mansion, I have boiled some warm water for you—please freshen up and partake of a meal first.”

Now that she mentioned it, a savory fragrance drifted temptingly through the air.

Such a serene morning.

Lion gathered his long hair into a loose tie, yielded to his bodily instincts by washing up, and took a seat at the dining table.

Then…

Sparkle!

A pair of small children peered cautiously at him from behind the partition wall.

Ah, the pieces finally connect.

This establishment belongs to Mudu.