Kays Translations

Chapter 17: Kukuto

"This is the work I have now. Please feel free to look at or touch them, desu."

To be honest, I had underestimated her.

The meticulous stitching and the high-quality materials were impressive.

I couldn't say it out loud, but the stuffed animals had more elegance than Marle herself.

This is it. Let's ask Marle to do it.

When I looked at Mia's face, she nodded, agreeing with my idea.

We showed Marle the sketch of the cat-shaped robot drawn by Mia and asked her to create the stuffed animal.

"A unique stuffed animal... Do you have any specific color preferences, desu?"

"Please just make the stuffed animal according to this sketch. No need for any cute modifications or adjustments."

It was most important for it to match Mia's vision, so I made sure to convey that clearly. The other details could be discussed between Mia and Marle.

Since the size was small, the material cost would be 100 gold coins.

It was within our budget. I signed the order form, and the request was successfully placed.

"It will be ready by tomorrow evening, so please come then, desu."

"That's so fast. Thank you. Oh, could you introduce me to a skilled blacksmith, if you know any?"

I wanted a close range weapon.

A skilled dwarf blacksmith was essential for adventurers. There were various things I wanted to discuss as well.

If Marle knew a skilled blacksmith who met her standards, there shouldn't be any problems.

"Hmm... I only know dwarves, but is that okay, desu?"

"Yes. In fact, I find that more reliable.

"... Everyone usually hates him, he’s a little weird. But he's my father, and I can vouch for his skills."

Marle's father's name was Kukuto. He was an amazing blacksmith.

He had a workshop behind this building, so I decided to pay him a visit.

Marle would now focus on making the requested stuffed animal, so we said our goodbyes here.

◇

After leaving Marle's house, we circled around to the back and found the workshop.

It was a two-story building, with the first floor converted into a workshop.

No smoke was coming out of the two chimneys.

Perhaps he's not here...

“Is Kukuto-san here? Marle-san referred us to him.”

Hmm? Is no one here?

I called out once again. Then the door swung open forcefully.

"What is it... Do ya have somethin' to ask me!?"

"Ah, sorry for bothering you while you're busy. I came because I want to have a weapon made."

"Boring! I ain't doin' no boring stuff like that. Swords, spears, shields, armor, it's all boring. I got tired of it. So just go away!"

Eh, who is this person? He's scary...

He's the type whose work and hobbies are the same.

"Can you take a look at this?"

With that, I showed Kukuto the wooden branch that Mia had materialized using her 'Deform' skill.

"Hmm? It's just a piece of wood. What's up with it?"

Right in front of Kukuto, I extended the end of the wooden branch by about one meter.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! What in the world is this!!?"

“I’m sorry to bore you sir. I’ll be leaving now."

"Wait, wait a minute. Show me that wood."

Hehehe, gotcha. Surprisingly, he fell for it easily.

I handed the wood to Kukuto.

After Kukuto made the wood extend and contract, he seemed to be exploring effective ways to use it, extending it at the timing of a thrust or during a downward swing, imagining it in combat.

"Phew, I'm exhausted. But this is interesting. You want me to make a weapon with this material, right? Well, you won't be comfortable here. It's a bit messy, but come into the workshop.

The workshop was full of weapons and tools used for blacksmithing, except for the area around the table for four people.

"So, what do you want me to make?"

"Both me and Mia here want weapons that suit us."

"What type of weapons and materials?"

"We're beginners who aspire to become adventurers. We don't know what weapons suit us best. But we can provide materials like the one earlier. So, we're looking for someone who can create equipment that suits us with creative ideas."

"Eh, you want me to figure out what kind of weapons to make with what materials just by looking at you? Is that what you're saying?"

"Only a skilled craftsman like that can be entrusted with the materials we provide."

"Are those ancient civilization artifacts or something related to spirits? ...Indeed, if you can provide such materials, a craftsman who can only do things by the book won't cut it."

“How about it Kukuto-san? By the way, I've asked Marle for a different job."

"My daughter, huh!? Then let me take care of this too. I'll make something that will definitely satisfy you!"

And so, we ended up requesting equipment fabrication from Kukuto-san.

◇

The next day,

Kukuto-san wanted to see how we fight and move, so we went hunting together.

Mia and I defeated nearly 20 goblins and kobolds.

"That slingshot weapon of yours is amazing", he said.

Seeing how we fought, Kukuto-san was surprised.

Well, it's useless if it's not a set with a strengthening stone.

Since Kukuto-san assured us that he’d gotten what he needed, we decided to return to the town of Barcely.

◇

Upon entering the town of Barcely, we saw the group of old guys who approached us at the adventurer's guild before.

As soon as they saw us, one of the men came closer.

"Oi oi, are you with the dwarves this time?"

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