Chapter 184 – An Extended Hand

The next day, Claudia went to the castle to gather information and returned.

“The Count has summoned Ricardo-san and ordered him to subjugate the monsters.”

“That’s good.”

Lutz breathed a sigh of relief. One positive aspect of Count Zander’s Territory was that if wild monsters caused trouble, they would promptly deal with it. In other places, the lord would respect the autonomy of the residents only during such times.

The downside was that, since the knight order was useless, they had to entrust the task to adventurers. Despite the awareness that something needed to be done, the troublesome issue had been left untouched.

There were discussions about welcoming the adventurer Samurai Mask, popular among the people, as a knight. However, his true identity was originally a knight of Count Zander’s territory who had now transferred to the neighboring Baron’s territory.

After the incident with the orc extermination, the faces of Count Maximilian Zander and Gerhardt could only be described as “emptiness.” It was an extremely cruel joke.

“By the way, where are the lumberjacks living now?”

When Lutz asked, Claudia hesitated for a moment before answering.

“They are living outside the city walls, setting up tents. Well, calling it a tent is questionable; it’s more like wrapping themselves in ragged cloth for warmth.”

“It’s going to be winter soon, you know?”

“Yeah, it’s a concern.”

“Maybe I should bring them something as a consolation or offering.”

“I’ll take care of that. But more importantly, Lutz-kun, do you have something you want to say?”

“… Can you tell?”

“Your expressions are too easy to read, Lutz-kun.”

With a somewhat awkward expression, scratching his head, Lutz responded.

“As for Ricardo’s monster subjugation, I’d like to join if possible. If I get stabbed by the curse, it should be over in one shot, but other times, it might be a tough fight.”

“I thought you’d say that,” Claudia said, shrugging. Claudia knew that Lutz would bring it up if she talked about the dire situation of the lumberjacks and their families.

“Well, I’ve been helped by Lutz-kun’s nature, so I can’t oppose it now.”

“Sorry.”

“But, Lutz-kun, there’s something I’m curious about. Why do you always stick your nose into troublesome matters? No, I’m not denying it. I’m just curious.”

Claudia recalled the past events and asked while counting on her fingers.

“In the last orc attack incident, you fulfilled your obligation when you introduced Ricardo-san to that idiot Donald. There’s no reason for you to join. Even if the result proved it was the right decision.”

“Maybe so…”

“In the case of the cursed pot incident, you probably joined the first time to test the axe, but the second time, it’s not your responsibility. You handed it over to Gerhardt-san, and that was the end of it.”

“Ricardo probably feels awkward, but, well, yeah, you’re right.”

“As for the Princess Listille’s kidnapping incident, as a princess supporter like me, I’m grateful for your help, but it’s not related to the work of a blacksmith, right?”

“I couldn’t really refuse considering the scale of the incident. It would feel weird if I ignored it.”

Smiling wryly, Lutz questioned himself. 

“In other words, even if you’re someone who often gets involved unintentionally, the one making the final decision to stick his neck in is you yourself. Why do you go to such lengths?”

“…I really wonder why.”

“Do you think I’ll be satisfied with a line like that?”

Lutz said while twisting his head. Although there seemed to be a reason, articulating it was challenging.

“Maybe it’s about maintaining balance… something like that.”

“That’s another odd word.”

“I feel like my life has been blessed with encounters with people. My father, who taught me everything about swordsmithing, the wonderful woman Claudia, meeting skilled artisans afterward, and even becoming acquainted with a hero.”

Claudia nodded and prompted him to continue.

“I think I’m fortunate in life, and in return, I try to maintain balance by helping people. I have this vague feeling that if I neglect it, something bad might happen. I do think it’s just my imagination, but it’s an uncomfortable sensation of a different kind if left unattended.”

“If we consolidate that into one word, it’s just ‘vague,’ right?”

“Probably.”

“But, Lutz-kun, I think everything except the fact that you were born into a family of blacksmiths is the result of your actions. It’s not just luck.”

“I appreciate it if you could say that.”

“By the way, if Papa-san had been a bit more socially adept, you might have been born as the son of the court blacksmith in the Count’s household…”

Lutz could only respond with a wry smile to that point. Now that they had reconciled with the Duke Eldenberger, who was once driven out, it was something to laugh about.

“In that case, I wouldn’t have met Claudia, so in the end, I’m glad things turned out this way.”

“Looks like Lutz-kun really likes me.”

“Haven’t heard that line in a while.”

“Your feelings haven’t changed, right?”

“I’ve become much more determined than before.”

“I see, it seems you’ve become more eloquent.”

Claudia silently shook her head. She couldn’t tell him not to go because he was already deeply involved in helping people here and there, and that’s why the current Lutz existed. So, if there was something she needed to do, it would be to support him.

“I’ll send food, blankets, and firewood to everyone outside the city walls from me. However, I can’t keep doing that indefinitely, so, Lutz-kun, please defeat the monsters causing the problems.”

“Thank you, I appreciate the trouble.”

“Now then, what should we do after we’ve incurred their favor? Maybe start a lumber business?”

With a tone whose seriousness was uncertain, Claudia muttered.

“Well then, I’ll go to Ricardo’s place. However, if he insists he doesn’t need help, there’s not much I can do.”

As far as the conversation went, there was only one enemy. Even if the curse of “Tsubaki” didn’t work, Ricardo had “Sakura” that could enhance concentration to the limit. There was no way for him to lose one-on-one.

Feeling a somewhat uneasy premonition, which was just Lutz’s impression after the muscular lumberjacks were defeated without any tricks, Claudia looked at him.

It was groundless worry. From the lower floor, there was a loud, unceremonious knocking on the door.

“Hey Lutz, you there?! It’s me, Ricardo!”

Claudia looked at Lutz, smiled, and said, “Whether to say it’s just right or that troublesome matters have come, which one is it?”

Lutz waved his hand flippantly in response. “It’s both.”

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