hRzY9eZb

1"Dad, please!"
2
3"What's up?"
4
5The fever was not gone, and I lay on the bed with my hands folded, begging my father who brought me water. I wrote some mirrored letters on the cut surface of the wood that I could just hold and asked him to carve a seal.
6
7"What are you going to do?"
8
9"Oh, test the oily pigments."
10
11"... Okay, but even if I'm done, I won't show you until you're healed."
12Two days later, I was finally able to get out of bed, but Lutz and my family began to discuss whether I could go out. Some people thought that if I went to the workshop today, I would be too excited, so it was better to observe my physical condition; some people thought that I would be excited to have a fever again anyway, it was better to let me go out.
13
14"Um ... I think ..."
15
16"Don't talk! You will definitely say you want to go out!"
17
18After Tuuli said, everyone agreed, so although I was the one who caused their discussion, I couldn't express my opinion. Boredom led me into the storeroom to rummage, and finally found a piece of thin wood. When everyone was discussing in the kitchen, I nestled in the corner, wrapped this wood with rags and bamboo leaves, so as not to scratch the paper.
19
20Great, baren was ready, and it should be useful for printmaking.
21
22When the baren was done, my family also came to the conclusionthat my physical condition still needed to be observed today, and I would be allowed to go to the temple tomorrow.
23
24Today I was full of energy! Bringing the seal my father made for me, soap, and old clothes that could be discarded directly after getting dirty, I was ready to go out.
25
26"Lutz, I wish I can fly to the workshop!"
27
28"I'm sure you do so."
29
30Lutz also seemed to be looking forward to making something new. I don't know if it was an illusion, but his eyes seemed to be sparkling.
31
32"Tell me what to do. You can't do it yourself, right? Can you explain it to me first?"
33
34Since the blue-robed trainee priestess could not actually work in the workshop, I began explaining the steps to Lutz.
35
36"Don't be anxious when making the pigments, you need to batch a small amount so that you can mix more evenly. First, pour the soot on the marble table, then make a groove in the center with your fingertips, drip a bit of linseed oil into it, and stir with a spatula. If the oil is not enough, just drip one drop at a time.When the soot is stirred well, keep grinding with a grinding rod."
37
38As I explained, I measured the amount of soot and oil by hands, but Lutz frowned.
39
40"... you said to 'keep grinding', how long does it last?"
41
42"I'm not sure, it depends on the pigments. It took me twenty minutes before... well... it was about the same time as boiling the water in the soup pot. But people who grinded different pigments were not able to complete the work within this time. I think this is the difference."
43
44The pigments needed to be ground until it shone,even those who are motivated and patient would feel tired. After I compared grinding time to cooking time, Lutz's eyes widened in surprise.
45
46"... You really did it in the past?"
47
48"Because my previous strength was healthy and lively. People used to say that I was an energetic girl as long as I had a book. I even got the 'Library Attendance Award' because I went to the library every day."
49
50"But now there is no trace of health."
51
52I nodded hard. I couldn't help feeling again, if this body was not so weak, I could do more.
53
54"Then I'll go to the workshop first. Maine, take your time."
55
56Lutz handed me over to Fran at the entrance of the temple and walked to the workshop at a brisk pace. As I had been in bed for several days, I went first to the Dean's Office. After greeting the attendants, I intended to go to the workshop.
57
58"Master Maine, I don't know what you're going to make, but you should practice fespiel before going to the workshop."
59
60I could not wait to rush to the workshop immediately but was stopped by Rogina with a gentle smile on her face. Finally got the permission to go out, my mind was all about making pigments, but now I encountered an unexpected ambush!
61
62"But Rogina..."
63
64"For playing the fespiel, the most important thing is to practice every day. You have been resting for five days, in order to get the feel back, you should practice more than usual. Since you've had five days off, how about a fivefold increase in practice?"
65
66With these words, Rogina's blue eyes lit up with delight.
67
68She was serious.
69
70Rogina really wanted to increase my practice amount fivefold.Just as I could enjoy reading books all day, Rogina was the kind of person who could survive with music.
71
72I shook my head in a hurry.
73
74"No! Please let me practice as usual! I will try my best!"
75
76"So, let's begin."
77
78Rogina smiled and handed me the fespiel. I took it and started playing the first etude as a review. But as Rogina said, since I hadn't practice for five days, my fespiel skill, which was not great in the first place, had deteriorated further.
79
80Now I couldn't start practicing the second etude at all! I broke out in a cold sweat and practiced hard until the third bell.
81
82"You were very focused in practice today."
83
84After the third bell rang, Rogina praised me with a smile. Being praised by a beauty was always a joy. OK, this time I must go to the workshop! I just came up with this idea, Fran appeared and I was stopped again.
85
86"Master Maine, you have been ill for several days, so the official duties of the Head Priest are stagnant. Besides, he is worried about you. Let's go to him together."
87
88Fran apparently would not budge. I was absent for five days, the Head Priest would definitely worry about me, but I really wanted to go to the workshop. If only I could leave the Head Priest's official duties out of the clouds, I just wanted to make oily pigments.
89
90"Ah... Fran..."
91
92"If you want to go to the workshop this afternoon, I will not stop you."
93
94"Do your best, Master Maine, to learn not to be upset under such circ.u.mstances. Moreover, there are many things you have to do even if you are not good at or willing to do."
95
96In front of Rogina, who was not good at calculations, there were a stack of bills that Fran had ordered to be calculated before noon, so I could not refute her advice, but bowed my head in dismay. It's too difficult for me to smile in this circ.u.mstance. Although I thought so, I still suppressed my bad mood and forced a stiff smile.
97
98"Rogina was right. I see. I'll go to the Head Priest's Office..."
99
100I walked dejectedly to the Head Priest's Office. It's not that I hated to help the Head Priest with his official duties, but I was too eager to go to the workshop today.
101
102"Ah, you finally recovered! Maine, come here."
103
104When the Head Priest saw me, he immediately handed over the magic tool to prevent eavesdropping. I held it in my palm and heard the voice of the Head Priest.
105
106"The grey-robed priests of the orphanage were all dispatched a few days ago. They cleaned the stove and chimney earlier than in previous years. What are you up to?"
107
108"Please don't worry. I won't do anything out of line. I just want to make pigments suitable for writing on plant-made paper. They just helped me collect the soot, because that's what makes pigments."
109
110After listening to my reason, the Head Priest sighed with his hand against his forehead.
111
112"I understand you're trying to make pigments. But be aware not to offend the Temple Chief by making too much noise."
113
114"...Okay."
115
116I hadn't seen anyone recently, so I forgot it completely, but there was indeed a troublesome figure here, the Temple Chief. But it seemed that no matter what I do, he would feel offended. Was I the only one who felt so?
117
118After helping the Head Priest finish his official duties and lunch, I was finally able to head to the workshop. Lutz seemed to have expected that I would be stuck all morning, so he was directing everyone to make paper.
119
120"You have been absent for five days, so you must have a lot of mess to clean up. You're so excited about making pigments, you just need these daily tasks to calm you down."
121
122"... I am completely calm."
123
124Neatly placed in the workshop were the soot collected by everyone, the linseed oil purchased by Benno, the lime purchased by Lutz, and three sets of tools.
125
126"I heard that everyone helped collect soot, thank you very much. Today I plan to make pigments, but this job requires strength. So, with the exception of the adult grey-robed priests, everyone else can concentrate on making paper as usual."
127
128After expressing thanks and a.s.signing tasks, we started making oily pigments.
129
130"Lutz, please."
131
132Lutz took the lead. He must have memorized the steps I explained. He poured the soot on the marble table, made a groove in the center with his fingertips, dripped a bit of oil into it, and then started to stir with a spatula. With the memory of making oily pigments, I didn't think I would fail. Just because the materials are not so particular, the quality of the pigments may not be very good."It looks like it's already well mixed, so let's start grinding."
133
134The materials can only be stirred evenly in small amounts, so I asked Lutz to start with a small amount. Everything looked smooth. If the materials were stirred, grinded them constantly with a grinding rod. Lutz's forehead was sweating and his face flushed. He was grinding with all his might. As a blue-robbed trainee priestess, I couldn't help. Besides, if I did, it would only hinder him, because it was physical work. And after all, this was too hard for a child, so I asked the gray-robed priests to stand by and be ready to take over Lutz's work, but Lutz did not ask for a break and finished it on his own.
135
136"It is enough to grind until the pigments have such gloss and stickiness."
137
138I immediately took out the seal made by my father, pressed it a few times on the freshly made oily pigment, and then printed it on the poorly made paper. The word Maine appeared on the paper, and everyone amazed.
139
140"... The oily pigment was really made."
141
142"It can be made out of soot and oil..."
143
144It was the first time that the gray-robed priests had seen the process, and they all stared at the oil pigment. It seemed that they had all doubted whether they could really make pigments out of soot and oil. I thought the painting workshop would have made the pigments in a similar way, but the priests wouldn't have had a chance to see it with their own eyes. Perhaps the way pigments were made was generally not disclosed.
145
146"Well, others should try to make some, too. Please put the pigments in the clay pot."
147
148I asked Fran to bring a clay pot for oil pigments and let Lutz put the pigments in.
149
150"Lutz, wash your hands and face with this soap and take a rest."
151
152A gray-robed priest took over Lutz's tools and started making pigments. Two others also brought another two sets of tools and started making together. While they were working hard, I prepared to test the freshly made oily pigment, such as dipping the tip of a wood-shaved pen into the pigment, then using this pen to write on paper or draw on a wooden board. If it was to be used as ordinary ink, the viscosity of this pigment was too high to write easily. However, if it was to be used for making prints, it was perfectly fine. If there was any problem, it was that without the roller that I used in the art cla.s.s when I was Rena, the thickness of the pigments would be uneven. It's probably hard to make beautiful prints now. I really hoped there was a roller, at least a brush.
153
154"Maine, how's the pigment tested?"
155
156Lutz walked back after washing his face and hands. However, the black stains on his fingertips were not completely washed off. It seemed necessary to prepare soaps with stronger cleaning power.
157
158"It's a success. Now I want to make other colors in the same way..."
159
160"Other colors? Can colors be made?"
161
162Lutz looked surprised so I replied: "As long as there are materials, the way is the same." Other colors could certainly be made, but I didn't know where and how to get the materials.
163
164"Are there any other materials besides soot?"
165
166"As far as I know, the materials are mainly minerals. In simple terms, it is to grind stones of different colors into powder, mix the powder with oil and then grind like making the black pigment."
167
168Since the prehistoric era, loess and iron oxide had been used as dyes. Other famous ones include blue taken from lapis lazuli and azurite, and red taken from hemat.i.te and cinnabar. Another problem was that even if I saw the minerals in the rough state of this world, I probably wouldn't recognize them as minerals.
169
170"... Hey, Maine, who is responsible for grinding the stones into powder? Won't it be me?"
171
172Seeing Lutz's trepidation, I shook my head. The work of grinding stones into powder couldn't be left to Lutz, for his body couldn't bear it.
173
174"Is anyone responsible for this kind of work? I asked my mother about the dyes used in the dyeing workshop, but she said that once more people want dyes, the price of dyes will increase. No one wants this to happen."
175
176When discussing dyes with my mother, she reminded me: "When we set up a painting workshop before, we had conflicts over the materials used to make dyes. Maine, don't cause any disputes over this, or I won't be able to work in the workshop." I could never do anything that would cause my mother to lose her job.
177
178It's okay if we collected the materials from ourselves, but I'm afraid I could not buy pigments in the name of Maine Workshop. The trouble was, I didn't know where to get the minerals that could be used as materials. After all, my range of activities was only in the city and the forest next to it, which was of course given my physical condition.
179
180"As long as you know the location, the easiest to get is the loess, right? Although it has to be ground into powder, the particles of the loess are already very small."
181
182"So, who is responsible for grinding?"
183
184Lutz's expression seemed to say, "I will never do it!" Now I had neither the tools nor the strength to grind the stone into powder, so I had to give up.
185
186"You can take a look at the stone shop, maybe there will be stone fragments. However, it is too difficult to grind the stone into powder. Would you like to ask the staff of the painting workshop how to obtain the pigments?"
187
188"Master has said that although the tools are no problem, they refuse to provide information about the pigments."
189
190"Ah, is it true?"
191
192When discussing pigments with Lutz, the three gray-robed priests finished their work. They are adults and have the strength to complete faster than Lutz. I couldn't help but smile as I watched more and more pigments in the clay pot.
193
194"Anyway, the seal has been successfully tested. We can talk about other colors later. Next, we will use woodblock prints to make picture books!"
195
196"Making pigments is too physically demanding. Let's call it a day. I've lost strength in my arms."
197
198"Well. About papermaking, can you make more thick paper for picture books?"
199
200"Understood. Maine, go back to your room and take some rest. You can think about making picture books in bed. Got it?"
201
202The oily pigments business was over for now, and the next step was to make picture books. I encouraged the children who were making paper in the workshop before leaving, and then returned to Dean's Office.
203
204Immediately after sitting down at the desk, I took out the paper sent by Benno and rewritten the Scripture into a story suitable for children. Since it was to be a picture book, the content did not need to be too detailed, and the wording should be as simple as possible. After writing it out, I checked it from the beginning. Although it seemed fine, I decided to ask the Head Priest whether such content could be made into a picture book.
205
206"Ah, right. Since it's going to be a picture book, I should talk to Vilma about drawing... Rosina, can you accompany me to the orphanage? I have something to discuss with Vilma."
207
208When meeting Vilma who was not good at facing men, Rosina was a better companion than Fran. Rosina was sitting at the table under the guidance of Fran, learning to deal with affairs. Rosina, who was struggling with the wooden boards, smiled brightly when she heard my call. It seemed that calculations really pained her.
209
210"Fran, Master Maine is calling me, I have to go out with her."
211
212Rosina quickly began to pack. Fran nodded and handed her some boards.
213
214"Give these to Vilma. Although she doesn't seem to be good at calculations either, but now that she is in charge of the female dormitory, she should also learn."
215
216After taking the unfinished accounts and the files of the female dormitory, Rosina blinked and smiled softly.
217
218... She was indeed a lady who would never show a little bit of panic.
219
220With Rosina carrying the ink, paper and boards, we went to the orphanage together. During this time, the children were working in the workshop, so Vilma cleaned and cooked for them. She was like a mother to this orphanage family.
221
222"Oh, Master Maine. Rosina is here too. Please sit down."
223
224Vilma greeted us with a tender smile, and I smiled back. I was lucky that all my attendants were beauties. After I sat down in the Dining room, Rosina explained to Vilma why we were here today.
225
226"As previously announced, Master Maine would like you to paint pictures for a children's edition of the Scripture. In addition, these are the files Fran asked me to give you. He wants you to handle these matters as a female dormitory manager."
227
228Vilma's face paled as she looked at the boards piled like a hill. I heard that Vilma had once advised Rosina to overcome what she was not good at if she wanted to be an attendant of the temple.
229
230Then Rosina smiled and said: "Vilma, take it easy. This is the job of an attendant, and even if you don't like it, practice makes perfect. As with the arts, practice and habit are the most important. Is that right, Master Maine?"
231
232"Yes. After getting used to it, you will make fewer mistakes and get faster. Let's overcome what we are not good at together."
233
234After giving the boards to Vilma, who bowed her head helplessly, I asked her and Rosina to read the story I had rewritten for the children and point out any irregularities or inappropriate deletions. Vilma suggested that I add all the words used on Carta to help children remember them better, so I racked my brain to rewrite the story again. During this period, Vilma began to draw pictures on boards about half the size of A5 as sketches for prints.
235
236"Vilma, thank you so much. I'll ask someone to carve these pictures out and make them into a picture book. After checking the finished product, I'll decide whether to let you continue."
237
238"Okay, I'd be happy to."
239
240I happily returned to the Dean's Office holding the sketched boards but found that Lutz was waiting for me angrily.
241
242"Maine, didn't I tell you to stay in the room and rest?"
243
244"Huh? Didn't you tell me to figure out how to make picture books? ... Did I hear you wrong?"
245
246It seemed that I did mishear part of what was said. Lutz gave me a good scolding for not staying in the room.
247I wrote the contents of the picture book in mirrored letters on the sketched boards, and then asked Lutz to take them home and carve them into prints. Wilma's paintings are very detailed, so I was worried about whether Lutz could carve them well, but Lutz shrugged and said, "Just say that this is Maine's commission and provide some compensation, Ralph and Seig will rush to do it."
248
249After entrusting Lutz and his two brothers to make prints, I also made a request to meet with the Head Priest, asking him to check the story I rewritten for the children, and then allowed me to make a picture book of the Scripture. Although I changed the content of the Scripture to make it easier for the children to understand, after all, the changes were made, and I thought I must get permission first.
250
251But every time I came up with a new idea, the Head Priest questioned me discreetly, so I followed him into the secret room again. In fact, I thought that a magic tool to prevent eavesdropping would be enough, but it seemed that the Head Priest could not judge whether what I had brought was suitable for others to see without first hearing my instructions.
252
253"You mean the children's edition of the Scripture? That should help children improve their literacy."
254
255"I plan to make a picture book and use it to teach orphans to read."
256
257"Teaching orphans to read? why?"
258
259Even if he asked me why, I did not really have a sound reason. I just wanted to start raising the literacy rate of ordinary people from those around me.
260
261"Because sooner or later they will learn to read and write after they become attendants. Moreover, the main product that Maine Workshop intends to make is books. As employees of the workshop, how can they not read?"
262
263"Well, is that an idea from a businessman's perspective?"
264
265After reading the story rewritten for the children, the Head Priest murmured, "Well, okay." Then he looked at me silently, narrowing his sharp golden eyes.
266
267"Maine, where did you get your education and what kind of education was it?"
268
269This question from the Head Priest was too unprepared, and my smile froze on my face instantly.
270
271I really did not understand. What did I do wrong to have this question suddenly raised by the Head Priest? He still looked at me, watching my reaction, flicking his fingers against the paper on which the children's edition of the Scripture was written.
272
273"...... The article is too organized. After reading such an ancient Scripture with long sentences and many difficult words, you can still get the point and rewrite it into a simple story that children can understand. It is definitely not an easy task. At least, it was impossible for someone who didn't even remember the words when I read the Scripture for her for the first time.
274
275My heart was shaking. In retrospect, this was the first time I have shown the article I wrote to the Head Priest. When helping with the paperwork, I was responsible for calculations, and every time I submitted a doc.u.ment, it was written under the guidance of Fran. The reason I learned to read and write was because I wanted to be a businessman's apprentice, but I was not clear about the vocabulary of daily life, so every time I wrote a letter, it had to be revised by Fran. It must be very unnatural for me, who was not good at writing, to write such an article.
276
277"...Do you mean I write well?"
278
279"Well, it's well written. It's almost like it was written by a foreigner who had been fully educated in another language ​​but doesn't understand the language here."
280
281The Head Priest looked at me with alertness, as if I were a spy. I clenched my lips. I really didn't know whether the Head Priest who could deduce this conclusion by just one article was too clever, or I was too stupid to notice that my writing was different from ordinary people.
282
283...... It should be both.
284
285I exhaled slowly and thought hard. Unlike Lutz, my trust in the Head Priest was not enough for me to tell him all the truth. Although his way of thinking was not the same as other blue-robed priests, it was because he was thinking from the perspective of the n.o.bleman instead of the priest. What would someone with great power do to deal with an aberration like me? I could not imagine it.
286
287"Head Priest, I was born and raised in this city. I have never gone out except to go to the forest. I never knew there were other countries until now."
288
289Maine did never leave the city. When she was younger, she rarely even stepped out of the house. Everyone knew she had absolutely no chance of receiving education. Hearing what I said, the Head Priest still seemed unable to dispel his doubts and kept his eyes fixed on me.
290
291"The results of my investigation are also unquestionable... But it still doesn't make sense."
292
293So far, I had maintained a fairly good relationship with the Head Priest. Once he had doubts about me, there was no blue-robed priest in the temple willing to stand on my side. I could now carry out various activities smoothly without being hindered by other blue-robed priests, all thanks to his intermediary. To arouse his suspicions now would have deprived me of a backstop in the intricate society of the temple.
294
295... It's bad. Very bad.
296
297Although I must give an answer to him, lying is not an option. The Head Priest had a good memory. Unlike him, I did not have a brain good enough to remember what lies I had told forever, so I was bound to get caught somewhere. I had to muddle through as best I could without being a liar.
298
299"... I was asked the same question when I provided a recipe for cooking. Why did I know this recipe and where did I see it?"
300
301"So, how did you answer?"
302
303I looked back at the sharp eyes of the Head Priest and said,
304
305"I told her that I saw it in my dreams. Not here, but in a dreamlike place where I can no longer go ... If I answer like this, will you believe me?"
306
307I didn't know how he'll react, but that's all I could say.
308
309I clenched my teeth and fists.
310
311...I answered, and I didn't lie.
312
313Cold sweat ran down my back. The Head Priest and me stared at each other silently. I felt that my internal organs were burning, but my skin was cold, which made me uncomfortable. Time was pa.s.sing, and I had no idea how long it had elapsed.
314
315"...I don't know."
316
317After a long time, the Head Priest said so with a sigh. He still frowned, but his eyes softened. I thought his eyes would get fiercer and he might yell at me, "no kidding!" "Answer me honestly! " Then I'd have the nerve to declare, "I'm not lying." But his reaction was so unexpected that I didn't know what to do.
318
319"Although your answer was ridiculous, it was not completely unreasonable, and it shows that I am correct in my guess that you were indeed educated elsewhere. What's more, you are not good at lying and concealing the truth, all your thoughts will show on your face. It is impossible for n.o.bles to be deceived by you or to see what you are thinking. "
320
321"Woohoo ..."
322
323I couldn't help but cover my face, not wanting to be read any more. The Head Priest tapped his temple with his fingertips.
324
325"But that's what makes it all the more confusing. I need time to think. You can go today."
326
327The Head Priest returned the children's edition of the Scripture to me, and I walked out of the secret room alone, but the gaze of the Head Priest stabbing on my back made me feel painful.
328
329The next day, I didn't go to the temple. This was because I had to prepare the tools needed for making prints, not because it was too awkward to meet the Head Priest. Definitely not!
330
331"So, what exactly are you buying?"
332
333"I want to buy 'rollers' and brushes for printmaking."
334
335"'Roller'? What is that?"
336
337Lutz and Benno both had their heads tilted, so I had to explain to them as concisely as possible what the roller was.
338
339" Uh... the roller is a cylinder with a curved handle, which can be rolled on a board."
340
341"What are you saying?"
342
343I struggled to explain, but they seemed completely lost, and at last they sighed heavily together. I thought the roller would be used in construction, so lutz would know, but it looked like there was no such thing at all.
344
345"Anyway, let's go to the store first."
346
347Benno took me to the painting tool store, where he bought the grinding rods. So, I started looking for rollers and brushes here. I also explained to the boss what a roller was, but he didn't understand either. Although I found wide brushes, it's a pity that this store did not sell rollers.
348
349"Hey, Maine, I didn't see the roller you said, what can I do now?"
350
351"Well, let's try it with a brush first. If it doesn't work, I will go to the forging workshop to make a custom order."
352
353"It would be nice if someone could understand your instructions."
354
355Benno snorted a laugh, but I thought John of the forging workshop would know what I meant if I drew a sketch and detailed the measurements. I believed him!
356
357After buying things, Lutz and I went home together. As we walked hand in hand, I could feel the cool autumn wind blowing on us. As we sauntered toward home, Lutz suddenly said, "I'm looking forward to tomorrow."
358
359"I was afraid you'd get too excited before you went shopping, so I kept it quiet. Actually, the prints you asked my brothers to make have already been finished. I'll go home and get it for you. "
360
361"Great!"I returned home and waited anxiously, and soon Lutz came with an engraved board. As soon as I saw the board handed by him, I knew it had been a complete failure.
362
363“Maine, my brothers want me to tell you that this job requires high skills and is too difficult for them.”
364
365“…well, I probably knew it when I saw the board.”
366
367Lutz looked ashamed as he took the message for his brothers. Probably because they did not grasp the force of the engraving, so the lines are either too convex or too deep. One reason was that they were not accustomed to making prints, the other reason was that Wilma’s paintings were too detailed, which made the work more difficult. Even Ralph and Seig, who worked in the carpentry workshop, couldn’t stand the job, it seemed that it was not easy to increase the number of pages of picture books by making prints.
368
369“If you can print a good picture book with these prints, would you consider entrusting Mr. Inge’s workshop for carving?”
370
371“Yeah, let’s entrust it to the real workshop. This job is too elaborate to earn pocket money.”
372
373I nodded in agreement with lutz, but my heart sank at the thought of the rising cost of picture books.
374
375“So, how to use the brush?”
376
377Lutz quickly turned his attention to how to print picture books. He took the newly bought brush out of the bag and played with its tip. I took out the homemade baren and paper from my wooden box and started to explain.
378
379“First lay paper underneath and place engraved board on it. Then apply the oily pigment lightly to the paper with the tip of the brush like this, making sure to brush evenly.”
380
381I brushed back and forth on a board with a brush that had not been stained with any pigment to demonstrate Lutz, and he took notes while watching my demonstration.
382
383“The roller is used in this step. Although I really want to spread the pigment evenly with a roller, it is not available right now, so I can only give up. After brushing the pigment, lightly place the paper on the board, and then press with baren, so that the pigment can be printed on the paper. Be sure to press all corners with the same force.”
384
385I held baren and pressed in circles on the paper. “I thought you’d made something strange again,” Lutz whispered. “I didn’t expect it would really come in handy.”
386
387“After pressing, slowly tear off the paper, dry it and you are done.”
388
389“I know what to do. Let’s try it out tomorrow.”
390
391The next day, I went to the temple with my heart in my mouth, but when I saw the Head Priest, he didn’t say anything about my unusual behavior. He just gave me instructions as calmly as if nothing had happened. Until finally, the Head Priest did not question me a word, which made me feel relieved.
392
393Good. I got through the worst. Next is to make prints!
394
395“Well, I’ll take my leave today.”
396
397All I could think of at the moment was prints, and the joy almost made me hum. As for the sight of the Head Priest that seemed to pierce me, I pretended not to feel it.
398
399“Master Maine, you are in a good mood.”
400
401“Because I am done with the official duties, I’m going to the workshop to make picture books.”
402
403When I answered Fran, I was already humming. When I came to Maine workshop after lunch, my mood was even better, a little too excited to say the least.
404
405“Sorry to keep you waiting. So, let’s start printing right away. Lutz, give it a try!”
406
407When I arrived at the workshop, I saw that lutz was almost ready to make prints. Paper had been laid on the workbench with a board on it. The children were all around the bench in high spirits.
408
409“Master Maine, what will these make?”
410
411” Well, please wait and see.”
412
413As I made my way to the workbench, everyone backed away, leaving a special position with a great view. Because it was vacated for me, I stayed there to watch Lutz work. Lutz dipped the ink with a brush, then blackened the board, and the children let out squeals of excitement.
414
415“Wow, it’s all painted black! I can’t see anything!”
416
417For the squeals of the children, Lutz just raised his eyebrows and calmly went on with his work. He laid the paper down lightly on the inked board and pressed it with baren as I explained yesterday.
418
419“Ah, it looks so fun. I also want to try it.”
420
421“Me too, me too!”
422
423Lutz put baren down and pinched the edges of the paper with his fingers. With my excited gaze, Lutz tore the paper carefully and slowly. Under my expectant gaze, lutz tore the paper carefully and slowly. As I expected, the paper was printed with black pigment, just like the prints I was familiar with..
424
425“Wow, it’s a picture! It’s black, but there are white lines on it!”
426
427The children all beamed and chattered when Lutz conjured up a picture from a black board. After telling the children to go back to making paper, Lutz and I looked at the print.
428
429“Maine, what do you think?”
430
431“… It seems weird.”
432
433That was all I felt now, though I had been waiting excitedly for the paper to turn over. Unlike the prints made by Urano in primary school, this one was more delicate and full of artistic flavor. It seemed that it was indeed the right decision to entrust the engraving task to Ralph and Seig.
434
435“As a print, in fact, it is a success. But this isn’t for picture books, is it?”
436
437“Yeah. Although the words are understandable, the black background with white letters will make eyes uncomfortable.”
438
439Not only did it hurt my eyes to read white letters on a black background, but I also made mistakes in some of them. This was my fault, but the picture and the letters were on the same board, if I wanted to change the characters, I had to change the picture together. Besides, it looked a bit ugly because there were so many places that were not well engraved. Although this was because Ralph and Seig were not used to engraving, if we use this board to make picture books, the children may not be able to adapt.
440
441“Wouldn’t it be more clear if the letters were engraved on the seal?”
442
443“Ralph and Seig have said that the pattern this time is too complicated, how can we engrave all the letters on the seal? Relief requires a different amount of labor and time than ordinary engraving.”
444
445“That’s right… It seems we have to think about other methods. At least it is certain that prints are not suitable for picture books. There are too many black parts on the print, making it look a bit scary.”
446
447Lutz put the print on a shelf near the wall and began to pack his tools. After all, even I felt weird, there was no point in continuing.
448
449Hmm… the paintings of Wilma seemed to be more suitable for making etchings…
450
451However, even if I wanted to make etchings, I didn’t know if I could easily buy corrosion fluid here. Also, the workshop was full of children, and I wanted to avoid dangerous chemicals.
452
453…But what should I do?
454
455In fact, I had never been frustrated by failure before, but this time I first asked Wilma to draw, and then asked Ralph and Seig to engrave, and it was really hard for me to tell them I’d failed. Besides, I couldn’t ask them to continue to help me without being sure of the chances of success.
456
457“What are you thinking?”
458
459After finishing packing, Lutz walked back.
460
461“I’m thinking of just not illustrating the children’s edition of the Scripture. Anyway, even if there are no pictures, as long as there are words, it can also be called a book, right?
462
463“I don’t insist on illustrations, that’s ok. But can a book without pictures be called a picture book?”
464
465“No. That’s why I’m thinking about not making picture books, just general books.”
466
467“But didn’t you say that the first picture book was the first gift you would give to your cute brother and sister?”
468
469“Ah! Yeah! How can I compromise! I must make a great picture book!”
470
471…I can’t be discouraged by one or two failures. Think of methods other than prints!Our first print was a complete failure. Although I came to the conclusion that prints were not suitable for picture books, I couldn’t give up, so I did some soul-searching with Lutz on the way home.
472
473“As the saying goes, failure is the mother of success. Find out the reason for your failure and you will have a chance to succeed next time.”
474
475“Well, Maine, what do you think is the reason for the failure?”
476
477Hearing Lutz say this, I began to think about the reasons for my failure, and immediately came up with at least three.
478
479“First of all, the sketches are too complicated. Wilma’s paintings are too detailed to make prints.”
480
481I could never ask Wilma to illustrate all picture books page by page, so I had to think of methods other than prints. It might be feasible to ask Wilma to change to something with simpler lines, but she had only seen the paintings in the temple. In this case, it would be very difficult for her to change her painting style. I must at least provide her with a model before I ask her to “paint in this style”.
482
483“By the way, I also made some mistakes in the mirrored letters. I need to check them more carefully in the future, but with a little care, I can avoid this kind of mistake, right? I should get someone else to check with me…”
484
485“Well… in that case, how about separating the words from the illustrations in the first place? That way, even if the words are wrong, the illustrations won’t be affected.”
486
487“Lutz, you’re a genius!”
488
489Since this picture book was for children who were first exposed to words, I always had a stereotype that words and illustrations should be put together, but in fact they could be divided into two pages.
490
491“The last thing is the engraving. It’s not very good in many places.”
492
493In some places the letters were engraved through the board, and the lines of the illustration protruded. Lutz puffed out his cheeks in disgust when I pointed out the weakness of this part.
494
495“It’s partly because they don’t have tools for engraving, not because they’re bad at it.”
496
497“No tools… but your home is supposed to have a lot of tools because of work.”
498
499The Lutz family had made a lot of room for tools, which should have come in all shapes and sizes. I thought back to Lutz’s house, but he gave me a slight shrug.
500
501“Although we do have more large tools for processing wood than anyone else because of our work in architecture, we don’t have tools for precision processing because we have no chance to use them.”
502
503The tools uncle Dido used to repair houses were not suitable for precision processing. My father also had some large tools, but he only used a knife for small things.
504
505“That painting is too delicate to engrave with a knife.”
506
507“What? Was that engraving made with a knife?”
508
509If it was engraved with a knife, it could be said to be very excellent. Instead, I should have provided them with tools like the engraving knife when I commissioned the work.
510
511“Then the next time I ask Ralph and Seig to engrave, I will also provide them with tools. Please say sorry and thank you for me.”
512
513“Well, I see… but why did it turn out to be a Scripture for children?”
514
515Asked by Lutz, I began to wonder why I had gone from making a picture book for babies to making a Scripture for children.
516
517“It seems that it is because the paintings Wilma can draw are basically related to the temple.”
518
519“Then if it’s for the babies, it doesn’t have to be a Scripture, does it?”
520
521Because people said I was not good at drawing, I had to give the job to Wilma, and because all the paintings she could draw were related to the temple, I changed my mind to make the children’s edition of the Scripture in order to cooperate with her.
522
523… Huh? Came to think of it, the children’s edition of the Scripture wasn’t a picture book for babies at all, was it?
524
525I finally sensed the seriousness of the situation. Picture books for babies had different needs than picture books for children. I couldn’t confuse them because they were all young.
526
527“Ok, let’s make black and white picture book sfor the babies first. The children’s edition of the Scripture can be made later!”
528
529“We only have white paper and black pigment, so we can only make black and white picture books, right?”
530
531“Yes, but it’s a little different.”
532
533So let me go back to the beginning and think about what kind of picture book I want to make for babies. I began to recall lessons that referred to the theory of children’s libraries and child services. First of all, it is said that babies at birth only have very blurred vision. Vision is inextricably linked to the development of the brain. By seeing a variety of things every day, the brain is slowly stimulated to grow. It takes three to four months after birth for a baby to recognize more prominent colors, such as red, and for the eyes to begin focusing.
534
535It is not until a baby is about a year old that he or she can see as well as an adult. Before that, the outlines of things were blurred in their eyes, and they had difficulty recognizing inconspicuous colors. So, picture books for babies under the age of one were all about strong contrast in color and sharp figures. Colors as long as white, black, and red were sufficient, while illustrations were best made up of clearly defined shapes such as circles, triangles, and squares.
536
537I recalled some of the black-and-white picture books for babies that were illustrated just by putting the graphics together. If such illustrations could be made into picture books, even I could draw them.
538
539“Lutz, I’m not going to the temple tomorrow. I’ll stay home and make picture books for the babies!”
540
541“Okay, I will inform the temple. I will come to work with you tomorrow after I have checked Maine Workshop. Every time you make something, I must be there to watch you, otherwise it will be dangerous.”
542
543Lutz started sighing again. I couldn’t argue, so I changed the subject immediately.
544
545“I want some thick paper. Can you bring me ten sheets of paper from the workshop?”
546
547So the next day Lutz came to my house before the third bell.
548
549“Wow, that’s a mess. Aunt Eva will be angry.”
550
551The table in the room was littered with notebooks, soot pencils, and boards. If my mother was at home, she would tell me to “clean up quickly,” but today she and Turi were away at work, so no one would lecture me.
552
553I kept drawing on the board, thinking about what would be the most appropriate illustration. When I had decided what to draw, I opened my notebook and drew it down with a soot pencil. My father had a ruler in his kit, so I took it out to draw straight lines. After drawing triangles and quadrangles, I should have drawn circles, but I suddenly stopped. I really wanted a compass.
554
555“Lutz, do you have a compass in your house? It’s a tool you can use to draw circles, and it looks something like this, and it’s used like this way…”
556
557I drew a circle on the board and made a circular motion with two fingers. Lutz nodded slightly.
558
559“Oh, the compass? I used to have it, but now it seems to be missing.”
560
561“Well… I can’t help it. I’ll have to use something else instead.”
562
563I got the thread and tied it to the soot pencil. I wanted a thumbtack, but I didn’t have one, so I took a nail out of the tool box and wound the thread around it. Then I held the nail head with my left hand, straightened the thread, and turned the soot pencil to make a circle.
564
565“Wow, that’s amazing.”
566
567It was probably the first time that Lutz had seen such a way of drawing circles, since it was not usually necessary to draw beautiful circles, and people who often drew circles at work used compasses. I was a little smug because I was rarely praised for it. I drew several circles in one go, but found the smaller ones not so easy to draw. In such a need to draw a lot of graphics, I particularly wanted the geometric graphic templates.“Lutz, is there a shop here that sells geometric graphic templates?”
568
569“What are you talking about?”
570
571“You see, you just dig out lots of patterns on thin metal plates or ‘plastic’, and they come in all sizes…”
572
573“You see, a geometric graphic template is a thin sheet of metal or ‘plastic’ with lots of hollow graphics, and the graphics come in all sizes…”
574
575A geometric graphic template was handy when you need to draw the same graphic multiple times. Since this world had compasses, there may also be geometric graphic templates. I drew a diagram on the board, but Lutz just turned his head. He didn’t seem to have seen anything like it.
576
577“How does this work?”
578
579“Well, you can draw a line along the border like this to get the graphic you want.”
580
581“… can’t you make it out of thick paper?”
582
583“Wow! Lutz, you’re a genius!”
584
585I pulled out a sheet of thick paper for my picture book and began to make a geometric graphic template. I drew various graphics of different sizes, and then, as long as I cut them down along the line, the geometric graphic template was done. Lutz and I worked together, happily drawing the graphics, but when it came to the cutting, I was struck by something important. We still didn’t have a proper cutting tool!
586
587“The graphics are too small to cut with a knife!”
588
589I looked back and forth at the thick paper and the knives in our hands, and at last dropped my shoulders. Big circles and straight lines were just about manageable, but small circles were really impossible to cut.
590
591“If we don’t have a right tool, we’ll go back to making prints. Let’s ask John to make a penknife.”
592
593“What’s that?”
594
595“It’s a small, thin knife that I can use, too.”
596
597Since we were going to commission work, we should go in formal dress, so Lutz and I changed into apprentice uniforms, took the guild certificate and detailed design, and went to the forge.
598
599Craftsman avenue was on the south side of the city, so John’s forge was close to my house.
600
601“Hello.”
602
603“Oh, welcome.”
604
605They might have just been receiving guests, I saw several boards on the table in the doorway, and the master was sitting on a chair. At the sound of my greeting, he stroked his beard and turned to me with his eyes wide and bright. Last time I ordered an iron pen here, the master seemed to remember my face for that, so he grinned at me.
606
607“Isn’t this the little girl who came last time? Come to place an order again?”
608
609“Yes. Is John here?”
610
611“He is. I’ll get him. Please sit here and wait.”
612
613The master folded the boards, picked them up, and shouted at the top of his voice, “hey John! Your guests!” Then we heard a thunk, and John, with his orange curls tied behind his head, rushed out in a panic.
614
615“Yes… ah, you’ve been here before. You’re from the Chilbota Chamber of Commerce, aren’t you?”
616
617“Hello, John. I came today to ask you to make a penknife. Please look at the design.”
618
619I took out the order written on the paper and flipped over to the back to show John the design. John felt the paper curiously and looked at my drawing, looking puzzled.
620
621“Most people order big knives. No one has ever ordered a knife so small and so thin. What is it for?”
622
623“It’s for cutting plant paper. When you cut small circles, the blade has to get smaller.”
624
625“Oh… to cut this paper? This is the first time I’ve touched plant paper.”
626
627John picked up the paper with his fingertips, looked at it front and back several times, and waved it in front of his eyes to confirm its texture. After letting him confirm it to his heart’s content, I pointed to the design on the back of the order. Since John’s questions were very detailed, I wrote down the size and purpose of the knife on the order in advance.
628
629“The handle can be made of wood, but I hope the blade can be replaced. You can try to leave a small hole in the blade. Also, there must be no gap between the handle and the body, otherwise the blade will wobble, which is very dangerous. The craft of this knife is very complicated, that’s why I came to John who is good at fine craftsmanship.”
630
631John looked at the design and asked questions about the replaceable blade. I gave him clear instructions as I answered. John’s eyes lit up as if he was about to accept a challenge that ignited his spirit as a craftsman.
632
633“Oh, that’s interesting. It’s nice to replace the blade so easily.”
634
635“In addition, please make a pen cap or a special box for the penknife. The blade is very sharp, so it is dangerous to leave it exposed, and it’s also thin and small, which makes it easy to break or damage.”
636
637“That being the case, it is better to prepare more replaceable blades.”
638
639After a long discussion, I produced the guild certificate and paid the master the deposit.
640
641“When you’re done, please send it to the Chilbota Chamber of Commerce.”
642
643If this penknife came to my house, I couldn’t get the cash ready right away. But if I asked John to send it to the Chamber of Commerce, as long as I told Benno and gave him the money in advance, he would pay John in cash when he received it. Also, I could trade with my guild certificate, which was convenient because I didn’t have to carry cash around.
644
645“Lutz, Maine!”
646
647It was about ten days after I ordered the penknife. On the way home from the temple, Lutz and I passed the Chamber of Commerce and were stopped by the guard at the gate. It was Mark who told the guard that something was coming and let him call us in.
648
649“John brought it in the afternoon. He was very excited and said it was an interesting job.”
650
651I took the slim box Mark handed me and headed home. As soon as I got home, I used the penknife John had made and began to make the geometric graphic template. Since there was no special backing, I had to put thick paper on the board and be careful not to cut too hard, but this seemed to make the blade wear out faster. However, thanks to the sharp and handy penknife, the geometric graphic template was soon made. I put it on my notebook and blackened the hollow graphic with a soot pencil, creating a perfect black circle.
652
653“As long as the template for the picture book is also made of thick paper, there’s no need to engrave boards, is there? Wow, maybe I’m a genius, too.”
654
655So I put it into practice and started to design black-and-white picture books using the geometric graphic template. I did it as I pleased: first, I made two large triangles, and then I added a rectangle to make a Japanese fir; Then a round eye, a semicircular mouth, and a triangular nose were drawn in a round frame to form the features of a man; And with the help of the compass, a flower composed of hexagons appeared.
656
657I couldn’t help but enjoy it and plunged into the world of design picture books. I didn’t cut the graphics with the penknife and complete the template until my family said, “it’s time to call it a day.”
658
659“Lutz, look! I’m done!”
660
661The next day, I beamed as I showed Lutz the templates. After cutting the original thick paper in half, each template was about the size of A5. Lutz frowned and looked at me with a puzzled expression as he flipped through the ten templates.
662
663“Hey, Maine, these pictures … will the baby really be happy after looking at them?”
664
665“Yes… yes! The contrast between black and white is very strong, and the pictures are also simple combinations of graphics, which has nothing to do with drawing skills, right? ”
666
667As I explained, Lutz’s suspicious eyes became even more suspicious.
668
669“Um… well, if you can take it yourself.”
670
671So in the afternoon, though still full of doubt, Lutz started making picture books at the workshop. Like drawing with a geometric graphic template, he took a brush and filled the hollow graphics with pigment. As for the thinner lines, the paper would wrinkle if he used a brush to paint it, so I wrapped rags around a thin stick to make something like a cotton swab and asked him to apply the pigment with gentle pressure.
672
673“Wow, great! It’s done!”
674
675“… Master Maine, what is this?”
676
677“What’s this for?”
678
679The children gathered round and peered over. I asked a grey-robed priest to dry the pictures on the rack and answered the children’s questions with a big smile.
680
681“This is a picture book for the babies!”
682
683“… for the babies? Oh…”
684
685The children’s reactions were all indescribable. They either tilted their heads or looked away, and there was an air of “I’d better not talk, though I can’t understand it at all”.
686
687… Now I was sure everyone could not understand me. I wished the world would catch up with me soon.
688
689Although I felt a little lonely, the inside pages of the picture book were finished. I wanted the pages to spread out and stand up like screens, so I had to glue them to the boards, then drill holes in the boards and string them together.
690
691… Oh, and I had to make paste with gelatin!No matter what people said, at least the inside pages of the black-and-white picture book for the babies were done. I felt satisfied, holding hands with Lutz as we walked home on the main road where the smell of autumn had grown stronger.
692
693“We can’t make gelatin until we’re ready for the winter, so I want to continue making the children’s edition of the Scripture.”
694
695I wanted to finish this picture book of Scripture during the autumn of reading, so I told Lutz. He pondered for a moment.
696
697“Do you want to make prints again? Cutting paper seems easier. Even you can do it.”
698
699Lutz was right. It wasn’t hard to cut thick paper into templates, and I could do it because it didn’t take much effort.
700
701“If the text in picture books is also cut to make templates, there would be no need to write mirrored letters. The number of words in picture books is also limited, so there should be time to finish…But it looks like we’ll have to order some more penknives. Although the initial investment is large, it is necessary.”
702
703Because it was specially made, the price of the penknife was on the high side, but if we wanted to make prints, we still had to prepare tools like engraving knives, so this was a necessary expense after all.
704
705“We just saved for the initial investment anyway.”
706
707I was very eager to develop movable type printing, but printing required a lot of movable type, and making them was a very delicate job. If I wanted to make movable type in metal, the cost would be even greater than now. I would have to wait a little longer before I got started on movable type printing.
708
709“Alas, Mr. Gutenberg is still out of reach.”
710
711“Who is that?”
712
713“He is a great man who has accomplished an innovation, and in my mind he is god and my goal… but now I can only improve gradually within my own power. Lutz, do you think there is anything that needs to be improved?”
714
715“… do you have anything I can use to press the paper on when I print? Paper slides easily, and if I press it with my hand, I get ink on my fingers. You know it’s hard to wash off, it bothers me.”
716
717Lutz was an apprentice merchant who would receive nobles, and it would be very disgraceful for him to do so with hands as dirty as a craftsman’s. Although I could get the grey-robed priests to do the printing, Lutz was obsessed with the idea that what Maine wanted must be made by him. Then I had to think of a way not to get his hands dirty.
718
719“Well, it will be a lot better if we can make the frame for the stencil.”
720
721“Stencil? What’s that again?”
722
723“There are many types of printing, one of which is stencil. Stencil requires wood frames to press the paper, so if you have a wood frame, you won’t get your hands dirty. Um, it looks something like this.”
724
725I took out my writing board, stopped where I was, and began to draw. Lutz was taken aback. He quickly pulled me to the side of the road and scolded me: “Hey, Maine! At least get to the side first!”
726
727“We can install a wooden frame that can be lifted and lowered on a worktable the size of which can hold paper. The frame and the worktable are hinged, and a net is placed inside the frame. When printing, lower the frame to fix the paper and apply pigment through the net.”
728
729“I see… if the material is wood and net, is there any way to make it?”
730
731With the exception of wax paper and steel plates, the other tools were not so complicated that even Lutz might be able to make them. The only tool we couldn’t make ourselves was the wooden frame with a net.
732
733“Lutz, can we place an order with the Artisan whom we had commissioned to make the bamboo curtains? Are the bamboo curtains for the plant paper workshop ready?”
734
735“You’ll have to ask master and Mr. Mark about that.”
736
737We happened to be near the Gilberta Company, so Lutz and I decided to go around. By the time we walked into the Company, everyone’s work seemed to have come to an end. As I looked around the lobby, I saw that everyone’s movements were quick but frantic.
738
739“Ah, Maine, Lutz. If you need any help, go straight to the office.”
740
741If we discuss things in the lobby, we would get in the way. Mark let us into the office without asking Benno. Benno, who was checking the accounts, sighed and accepted the meeting.
742
743“Mr. Benno, may I take some of Mr. Mark’s time tomorrow? I would like to ask him to accompany me to the artisan workshop and order something from the artisan who made the bamboo curtains before. Is that artisan free now?”
744
745When I had finished, Benno turned over the ledger and nodded.
746
747“He has delivered the goods as promised. He ought to be free, as long as there are no other orders. What are you going to order this time?”
748
749“A wooden frame with a net.”
750
751At my answer, Benno turned to me with a quizzical look.
752
753“What net? What is it for?”
754
755“With a net, Lutz doesn’t get his hands dirty when he paints.”
756
757Benno looked puzzled and turned to Lutz for his explanation. I had just explained this to Lutz, but he shook his head, indicating that he didn’t know either.
758
759“Oh, never mind. I’ll tell Mark. When are you going?”
760
761“I have to go to the temple to practice fespiel. Is that OK in the afternoon?”
762
763“The afternoon is convenient for us, too. Come tomorrow, then.”
764
765The next afternoon, Lutz and I went to the Gilberta Company after having lunch, and then accompanied by Mark, moved to the artisan workshop on Craftsman Avenue.
766
767“… it’s you again.”
768
769When the artisan came out to meet us, he frowned and showed a very impatient expression. I couldn’t help but think how he could give that look to his guests.
770
771“You won’t order bamboo curtains again, will you? I had a hard time getting the last batch done. Don’t give me another job with such a tight deadline.”
772
773It seemed that the work of making bamboo curtains had worn him out. I looked back and forth at the haggard artisan and gently smiling Mark, then quickly shook my head.
774
775“Oh, no. This time I want to ask you to make a wooden frame.”
776
777“A wooden frame? You should go to the carpenter.”
778
779The artisan’s eyes turned to the door and waved his hand at us as if trying to drive us out.
780
781“No, it’s not just a wooden frame, I want to put a net on it… the net can be made of spun silk, can you make it? The mesh doesn’t have to be very small, because the net is just used to hold the paper down so it doesn’t slide or wrinkle.”
782
783I took out the board and drew the frame I wanted the artisan to make. He squinted and stared at the picture for a long time, then sighed helplessly.
784
785“… it is possible, but troublesome.”
786
787“Can I count on you?”
788
789“It takes time and effort, but you never hesitate to pay. Since it’s a job other than making bamboo curtains, all right.”
790
791So we ordered a wooden frame with a net and, as usual, asked the artisan to send it to the Gilberta Company when it was finished. Then at the end, Mark signed the contract.
792
793“Mr Mark, I’d like to go somewhere else. Can we go round to the forge? I want to order some more penknives and talk to John about the rollers.”
794
795If we wanted to make templates out of thick paper, we needed more penknives. In addition to myself and Lutz, I also wanted to prepare one for Wilma. Also, I wanted rollers that could spread the pigment evenly. But the rollers I used to know were made of rubber and sponge. Was there anything to replace them? Maybe cloth was one of the alternatives, but I didn’t know if it worked.
796
797We went to the forge and ordered two more penknives. John accepted the commission with a big smile and seemed happy to have a job that would allow him to put his skills to good use.
798
799“I also want to order some rollers…”
800
801I drew a diagram of the roller for John. I also described to him what rubber and sponge were, but he just looked puzzled.
802
803“… paint by rolling a cylinder? Another strange thing.”
804
805“I hope I won’t feel bumps when I use the roller. I think it’s possible to put a cloth around the surface of the cylinder to get the pigments on, and I’ll leave it to John to decide which cloth to use.”
806
807Although I wished to use a cloth that was slightly stretchy and easily stained with pigments, the rollers should work without it. After listening to my instructions, John nodded several times.
808
809“If that’s all it is, it shouldn’t be hard to make. When it’s done, shall I take it to the Gilberta Company as usual?”
810
811“Yes, please.”
812
813When we left the forge, Lutz and I said goodbye to Mark and started toward home.
814
815“The rest of the problem is the illustration. If we make a template out of thick paper and then print it, it will look like shadow puppetry. Now with the penknife, some fine lines can be preserved, but what should I do if I want Wilma to change her style a little?”
816
817“If you give her examples, she would know better how to draw. To be honest, no one can understand your vague explanations.”
818
819Indeed, if it was something Wilma had not seen, however I tried to explain it, it would be difficult for her to understand at once.
820
821“Hmm… I don’t know if it’s going to work, but I’ll try to draw an example first.”
822
823“Huh? Do you want to do it yourself? Is it really all right?”
824
825“I will refer to Wilma’s picture, don’t worry. You are really disrespectful!”
826
827Lutz’s face twitched uneasily as he stared at me. I had only drew chibi picture once, how low is his evaluation of my skills?
828
829… Don’t look down on me. Urano got a B in art almost every time.
830
831I said goodbye to Lutz in Well Square, who had looked worried until the end, and quickly returned home. As soon as I got home, I drew the outline of the goddess by referring to Wilma’s print, and then painted black and white with soot pencil in imitation of the style of shadow puppetry. Although the pattern is simple, it seems clearer than the print.
832
833“Um, it seems pretty good.”
834
835But that’s what I felt in the Japanese aesthetic, I didn’t know if people here would accept that. The widely acclaimed drawings here were of a delicate and realistic style, so such drawings as shadow puppetry might be too simple to be accepted.
836
837Since Kaburagi wanted to see a commoner’s supermarket I decided to pick a place far away, where the likelihood of bumping into someone from Zui’ran was nil.
838
839We stepped through the automatic doors with a shopping basket. Kaburagi looked at our basket, and then looked at the other customers in the shop.
840
841“We’re not using one of those?” He pointed at a shopping trolley.
842
843“We are not buying anything bulky or heavy and have no need for one,” I explained.
844
845He hummed in thought.
846
847Although you couldn’t tell from his expression, I could sense some dissatisfaction in that sound.
848
849Had he wanted to use a trolley? Damned child.
850
851Stop staring at the customers who are using one.
852
853“Well then, shall we head to the food aisles?”
854
855I guided him further into the shop.
856
857“See this?” I pointed. “Are the drinks here not cheaper than in a convenience store? Buying sweets are by far more economical in a supermarket as well.”
858
859“Hmmm.”
860
861He seemed a little lost.
862
863…I bet the problem was that he’d never looked at a price tag before.
864
865Suddenly, from the side, somebody held a small plastic cup out in front of Kaburagi.
866
867“We have a new vegetable juice on sale~ Would you like a try~?”
868
869Kaburagi looked at the young woman like she was crazy and started to frown. Oh crap…
870
871I tugged him out of the way by the elbow.
872
873“My, this seems delicious~” I said, taking the cup and drinking it.
874
875“Wow, that was incredible. There was no bitterness to it at all,” I shilled and took a bottle of it. Then, with a smile, I left the place while pulling Kaburagi along.
876
877“…What just happened?”
878
879“That was a product demonstration. They hand out samples of food and drinks in order to encourage purchases. So just because they suddenly speak to you is not a reason to take an attitude with them!”
880
881“Hmmmm.”
882
883Did this guy really understand?
884
885Just whose fault was it that I was now buying some vegetable juice I didn’t even want?
886
887Oho? I smell something good cooking.
888
889I was actually planning to buy some side dishes for a snack tonight, but I guess that’s out since I’m stuck here with Kaburagi.
890
891Ahh~ That yakisoba looks nice though.
892
893Maybe I ought to buy a microwave for my room. But then what kind of young miss would have a microwave in her room? That’d be weird, right?
894
895Wha-, hey! Kaburagi!
896
897Kaburagi was curiously wandering here and there, so I couldn’t even take an eye off him!
898
899When I quickly went after him I found him caught by someone trying to sell ham steaks.
900
901Let me explain to you exactly what I was looking at.
902
903There’s a high school boy with an dignified and handsome face, and not the type you’d ever find in this part of town. In front of him is a middle aged lady cooking up pieces of ham like she’s ready to give them all to him, saying,
904
905“Come on, mister! Eat up, eat up! This ham steak comes with a special sauce, so all you’ve gotta do is grill it up like this and it’s ready to eat.”
906
907“Hmmm.”
908
909Ah, he ate it.
910
911“How is it, mister? Delicious, right~?”
912
913“…Not too bad.”
914
915Uuu, it was hard walking away without buying something after having a sample!
916
917In place of Kaburagi who got talked into trying some food, I was the one who had to grab one of the vacuum-packed ham steaks.
918
919At least give me some to try too…
920
921After that Kaburagi was stopped by someone selling a season limited jam, someone selling yoghurt good for your digestive system, someone selling freshly baked garlic bread, and each time I ended up with more and more unnecessary additions to my shopping basket.
922
923“Product samples, huh? So this sort of thing existed too,” he murmured admiringly between chewing his garlic bread.
924
925“If it is product sampling you are looking for then department stores do so on their basement floors. It is not exclusive to supermarkets.”
926
927It was just something I happened to mention in passing, but the next thing I knew Kaburagi was muttering “Department store…” to himself. Ah, I’d done it now…
928
929“All right then. Next time we’re going to the basement floor of a department store-”
930
931I cut him off and began tugging him.
932
933“Oh my! Look! That, there, is the sweets corner~ There should be plenty of chocolate: your favourite~”
934
935If I let him finish that sentence just now it would have been a real crisis.
936
937Hmm, since I was here anyway, maybe I ought to buy some sweets and then head home. Oh! Lucky Turns were on special!I put two packets into my shopping basket.
938
939“You’re buying two?”
940
941“This is the lowest I have ever seen it, so I am buying some extras.”
942
943Maybe I could buy one more?
944
945Oh dear, but these fried rice crackers were quite a steal too. Into the basket they go.
946
947Mmmn, and what about these biscuits with cream between them. After all, the slightly bitter chocolate-flavoured biscuits just went so well with the flavour of milk!
948
949Yeah, I’d just buy them all!
950
951“…You look really practised. So you come here often?”
952
953“Yes. For market research and the like. I am an advocate for getting your own hands dirty when it comes to these things.”
954
955While I was shopping about for more sweets, Kaburagi wordlessly took the shopping basket off my hands.
956
957“Eh…?”
958
959“I’ll hold it for you.”
960
961It actually occurred to the Emperor to hold someone else’s things!
962
963Kaburagi, the guy with no consideration whatsoever, the guy who unhesitatingly used a frail girl (that’s me by the way) as his gopher, had noticed that I was carrying a heavy basket and decided to hold it himself.
964
965Did anyone foresee a day such as this!?
966
967Wow. Humans really never stopped improving themselves.
968
969Still, if we wanted to be technical about this, normally you’d offer right after entering the store, huh~
970
971While I was lost in the feeling of watching my unworthy disciple grow up, the boy himself had already walked off quite a distance. With the basket.
972
973Waah-! And now he was throwing whatever caught his fancy into it!
974
975A fish-shaped kitchen sponge? What dishes do you even clean!?
976
977And what are you going to do with that mapo tofu marinade!
978
979Put everything back right now!
980
981This is exactly why I didn’t want a shopping trolley!
982
983I took the shopping basket back.
984
985“What’s that?” he suddenly asked.
986
987Ah, the cup ramen section.
988
989I glanced at the prices and just kept going. These noodles could still go cheaper.
990
991The next area that drew his attention was the crowded fresh foods section. They were giving out melon samples here.
992
993Spot the handsome young man behind the crowd of housewives, the staff member who was handing them out passed a toothpick with a sample on it to Kaburagi.
994
995Not this again…
996
997I was pretty much resigned by now.
998
999“I’ve never seen this kind of melon before,” he muttered as he looked at the mountain of melons.
1000
1001“It’s an Andes Melon, known for being sweet.” And cheap, a friend to commoners everywhere, I left out.“Oh?”
1002
1003The big sucker that he was, Kaburagi nodded thoughtfully as he tried a piece of it.
1004
1005I sighed. While Kaburagi was enjoying himself again I picked out a pack of melon bites and put it into the shopping basket.
1006
1007Aah, we’d have to finish the fresh food today…
1008
1009After making a round of the store Kaburagi seemed more or less satisfied, so it was time to head for the counter. I was buying more than I’d planned…
1010
1011While we were waiting in line I pulled out my points card. Kaburagi noticed and asked me about it.
1012
1013“This is a points card for this supermarket. For every 100 Yen you spend, you receive a point in return. On occasion there are days when they give out five times the points too.”
1014
1015“Hmmm.”
1016
1017It was eventually our turn, so I was about to pay when Kaburagi stopped me from the side.
1018
1019“It’s fine. I’ll pay.”
1020
1021“Will you? Well then, I will pay you back later.”
1022
1023“It’s fine.”
1024
1025“Eh? But…”
1026
1027“It’s thanks for coming here with me.”
1028
1029Kaburagi flashed a quick smile, which had the girl manning the register flushing.
1030
1031He didn’t seem likely to change his mind about it, so I decided to just accept his thanks this time.
1032
1033“So let me have this.”
1034
1035Those were my Lucky Turns! Mention that part beforehand!
1036
1037I placed the shopping basket next to the counter and began stuffing our purchases into the grocery bags there.
1038
1039“Do we pack the bags ourselves?”
1040
1041“Yes. Supermarkets like these implement this sort of system in order to speed the process up.”
1042
1043Kaburagi hummed in thought at that. After watching me work for a while though, he told me that he’d do it instead.
1044
1045I guess it’s like how pre-schoolers like to play shop, huh?
1046
1047I watched as he emptied out the bag I’d just filled and began methodically packing the heaviest items first, and then neatly putting the softer items on top.
1048
1049“How conscientious of you~”
1050
1051“You’re just too carefree. Look here. The bread is a little flat because of you.”
1052
1053“…”
1054
1055Kaburagi took the lion’s share of the snacks I’d picked out for myself. Oi! If you’re going to do that then take back this vegetable juice with you too!
1056
1057What “I only drink freshly made”!
1058
1059At least I managed to force the yoghurt into his bag. It was something else that he bought after having his interest sparked by samples. I figured he could probably do with it anyhow, since the curse I placed on him with my Third Eye back in the Handicrafts Club had to be reaching his intestines by now.
1060
1061When we left the supermarket my sense of smell detected an anomaly. In the parking lot next to the supermarket was a smoking yakitori stall!
1062
1063No, Reika. Kaburagi is with you right now. You mustn’t buy it. You mustn’t…!
1064
1065“Mister~ I’d like the negima please!” I smiled widely, having run straight up to the yakitori stall.
1066
1067“Coming right up! How many skewers do you want?”I was firmly in the negima camp when it came to yakitori.
1068
1069Naturally I’d order both salt-seasoned and sauce-seasoned. But then wouldn’t it be rude of me if I only ordered one each? In that case~
1070
1071“Give me five of each, mister!”
1072
1073“That’s five of each, so ten in total, coming right up!”
1074
1075Uhuhu, they looked delicious. I watched him put the skewers into a paper bag.
1076
1077“You’re a gorgeous little missy, so I’ve included an extra skewer of each for you.”
1078
1079“Ehhh~!? You shouldn’t have! Thank you, mister! You’re the best!”
1080
1081I took out the freebie and beamed as I waved him goodbye and left.
1082
1083“I love you, mister! Thanks so much!”
1084
1085Man, what a steal, what a steal.
1086
1087Is this what they mean when they talk about the kindness of regular folks? Gosh, I wanted to start eating already.
1088
1089“Oi…”
1090
1091Geh! Kaburagi. Thanks to the allure of the yakitori I’d forgotten he was there for a moment.
1092
1093“…What the hell did I just see?”
1094
1095“…Whatever do you mean?” I tried.
1096
1097“It’s like you turned into some whole other person. You said ‘I love you, mister’, what was that?”
1098
1099“Why, learning to adapt yourself to the people here is just one part of what composes fieldwork, Kaburagi-sama.”
1100
1101After my previous display Kaburagi looked at me like I was some strange creature.
1102
1103Well, if it was for delicious yakitori I’d go any number of extra miles to appear friendly.
1104
1105“…Kaburagi-sama, would you like some yakitori?”
1106
1107“I would.”
1108
1109There was a bench off to the side so we ate the yakitori there.
1110
1111“This is pretty good.”
1112
1113“Right? Have one of the sauce-flavoured ones.”
1114
1115“Cheers. I’m getting a bit parched though.”
1116
1117“Would you like some vegetable juice?”
1118
1119“…I’m good. I’ll grab some tea from that vending machine. You want anything?”
1120
1121“Then a tea for me as well.”
1122
1123Thanks to the freebies I earned with my friendliness we ended up having six each, and when we finished that marked the end of our outing.
1124
1125*
1126
1127*
1128
1129That night I received a rather cheerful message from Kaburagi.
1130
1131‘That trip to the supermarket was genuinely fruitful. It was my first time trying cheap sweets too. Interesting flavour. I wanna try a different supermarket next time.’
1132
1133I read the text in my room as I ate bread and ham and melon in between gulps of vegetable juice.
1134
1135That lady was right. This roast ham really was good cold.
1136
1137That night I woke up to my stomach disagreeing with me. Aaah, my curse had come back to roost…!
1138
1139Vandalieu looked happily at the him that was slowly taking shape through being reconstructed and broken down repeatedly, and the sight of everyone taking part in the process.
1140
1141He had the feeling that they had increased in number without him realizing it, but he was more interested in how fun it all was rather than worrying about that.
1142
1143“Van, this sticky black stuff won’t come off,” said Pauvina.
1144
1145Vandalieu noticed that she and some others had discovered something mixed with the blocks… the fragments of Vandalieu.
1146
1147“Some of the fragments have a black, strongly adhesive substance mixed among them… Danna-sama, what could this be?” asked Bellmond.
1148
1149“We do know that it’s not a good thing; it’s somehow not Vandalieu-sama-like,” said Eleanora, looking perplexed.
1150
1151Vandalieu looked at the fragments that they were pointing to through the eyeballs and compound eyes around him and saw that there were black muscle-like things between the fragments.
1152
1153There was something black in between the fragments, similar to the white striations found in high-quality meat. For some reason, Vandalieu felt a sense of repulsion the moment he saw it.
1154
1155Every human and conscious person had a part of them inside that they didn’t want to believe existed, but Vandalieu felt a different kind of presence from it. However, he could not remember what it was.
1156
1157“Okay, time for an encore,” said Vandalieu, deciding that he couldn’t remember so he would have Kanako dance some more in the dome that was his own skull.
1158
1159Every movement of her legs caused grooves to be carved into the gray flesh-mass fragments, providing moderate stimulation for Vandalieu.
1160
1161“Hmph, I must not lose!” said Bone Man as he began to make cuts in the fragments in front of him. This stimulation was perhaps a little strong.
1162
1163But before long, Vandalieu remembered what that black substance was. It was the three curses that Rodcorte had placed on him.
1164
1165Rodcorte had placed three curses on Vandalieu – ‘Experience gained in previous life not carried over,’ ‘Cannot learn existing Jobs’ and ‘Unable to gain Experience Points independently.’
1166
1167These were still in effect, but… they caused almost no hindrance to Vandalieu now.
1168
1169In fact, it was possible that these curses were why his Mana pool had increased to this point.
1170
1171“So, what shall we do, boy? It will be quite the task, but should we try removing all of it?” asked Zadiris.
1172
1173Vandalieu wasn’t sure whether to put a pause on the rebuilding to try and remove the curses or ignore them and continue the rebuilding.
1174
1175It had already been over ten years since Vandalieu was reincarnated in Lambda, so the ‘Experience gained in previous life not carried over’ curse was almost entirely meaningless now. As for ‘Cannot learn existing Jobs,’ there were many undiscovered Jobs, so it did not cause any significant inconvenience for Vandalieu.
1176
1177The only curse that was still actively hindering Vandalieu was ‘Unable to gain Experience Points independently,’ but this also caused him no problems as long as he was a little careful, as he had his Dead Spirit Magic and his Demon King Familiars.
1178
1179Was it worth it for Vandalieu to delay the reconstruction of his soul to remove these curses?
1180
1181And even if he did choose to delay his soul’s reconstruction to remove them, would it actually be possible?
1182
1183Using one of his hands that had been completely built, Vandalieu took one of the fragments nearby and opened it up to find its cross-section filled with black specks.
1184
1185“… It seems impossible to remove all of this,” said Princess Levia, sounding disheartened.
1186
1187In order to remove all of the black substance, every single fragment of Vandalieu’s soul would need to be opened up and checked before being used. But the fragments varied greatly in size, from small fragments that would fit in the palm of a hand to large fragments that would need all four of Vigaro’s arms to hold.
1188
1189The total volume of the fragments was roughly equivalent to an entire skyscraper’s worth. There were more people working on the task than there were at the beginning, but even so, there weren’t enough.
1190
1191“And there’s definitely got to be some negative effects to breaking down the fragments even smaller than they are now, even for you. You’re in a bit of trouble even now, aren’t you?” said Borkus.
1192
1193As he said, there was no guarantee that Vandalieu would be completely fine after having the fragments of his soul, which was already in pieces, broken down even smaller.
1194
1195On top of that, it would be problematic for Vandalieu to be unable to move his arms and legs for too long. After all, he had entered the city of Morksi in order to draw Murakami and Birkyne out.
1196
1197“So, should we just take off the stuff on the surface of the fragments? That should at least do something,” said Schneider, who had joined the task without Vandalieu noticing.
1198
1199Even if it was impossible to remove all of the black substance, it could be assumed that the curses’ effect would decrease if some of it was removed.
1200
1201It was small consolation, but it would be unpleasant to simply leave the black substance as is.
1202
1203“Alright, let’s just take the stuff off the surface of the fragments and gather it up. If you’re struggling to get it off, work with the person next to you!” said Schneider.
1204
1205Everyone obeyed his instructions… and began moving with rather dull movements. It seemed that their consciousnesses were sluggish because they were dreaming.
1206
1207Some time later, Knochen brought the black masses of curse that had been gathered together to Vandalieu.
1208
1209Knowing that it would be terrible if it were to stick to anyone else, Vandalieu decided to use Soul Devour to break it. He didn’t devour it; he simply extinguished it from existence by breaking it down.
1210
1211Vandalieu easily broke a part of his curses to pieces.
1212
1213 
1214
1215 
1216
1217 
1218
1219Immediately after returning to his Divine Realm, Rodcorte began devoting all of his effort into the work on the soul of the ‘Ash Blade’ Edgar, one of the members of the Five-colored Blades.
1220
1221“… I wonder how much meaning there is to this task?” he wondered.
1222
1223Ordinarily, Rodcorte would not repair… heal, damaged souls. This was because there was no meaning to it.
1224
1225Rodcorte being in possession of a soul meant, under ordinary circumstances, that the body that the soul belonged to was already dead. In other words, its life had already ended.
1226
1227With that being the case, Rodcorte could simply place the soul in his circle of transmigration system, which would take it to its next life no matter how damaged it was. The damage to the soul would be largely repaired in the process.
1228
1229If such a soul was born as a human, it might perhaps behave and react to things more strangely than a baby with a healthy soul, but that would be the extent of the effects. The damage would heal completely over the next few years, and the soul would enter a new, ordinary life.
1230
1231If the soul was born as something other than a human, even these small effects would not be seen.
1232
1233The reason that Rodcorte was repairing Edgar’s soul despite all of this was because he had been requested to do so by Alda, the god of law and fate. If Edgar were to be lost, the Five-colored Blades would become greatly weakened, so Alda had asked Rodcorte to do anything that he could.
1234
1235“Indeed, the Five-colored Blades were able to corner Vandalieu a great deal. I must admit that they performed the best in battle against him out of all of those who have faced him,” Rodcorte murmured to himself.
1236
1237At the very least, they had done far better than the reincarnated individuals utilized by Rodcorte… the ‘Gungnir’ Kaidou Kanata and the ‘Death Scythe’ Konoe Miyaji.
1238
1239Having seen records of the series of battles fought by Heinz and his companions, he felt that they had a chance of defeating Vandalieu… at least a one in ten-thousand chance.
1240
1241Vandalieu’s powers had been greatly limited in that Dungeon. Perhaps not reduced by as much as half, but Rodcorte doubted that he had been able to exert even two-thirds of his original strength.
1242
1243And there was no doubt that if weren’t for the intervention of Curatos, the god of records, not only Edgar’s, but Delizah and the all-important Heinz’s souls would have been devoured as well.
1244
1245On top of that, the Dungeon was largely destroyed during the battle, so it was uncertain as to whether Heinz and his companions could become any stronger.
1246
1247“To insist on occupying me with the task of restoring a man who does not even possess any cheat-like abilities… and even demand that I ‘do nothing unnecessary’ other than repair his soul. I was certain that Alda would have requested me to add cheat-like abilities like those of the reincarnated individuals,” Rodcorte muttered.
1248
1249“… I’m pretty sure that this Alda god has made some good decisions. Warning you not to do anything unnecessary is absolutely on the mark, and the same goes for the other decisions he’s made,” said Aran, his eyes fixated on Edgar’s soul with an expression of pity on his face.
1250
1251Aran had ascended to become a familiar spirit, a spiritual life-form. It couldn’t be pleasant for him to see a deeply-damaged soul.
1252
1253What Rodcorte was doing was equivalent to transplanting an Edgar whose body surface was missing over 90% of its skin into the empty skin of Niltark’s destroyed heroic spirit Luke, then performing plastic surgery based on previous records of Edgar’s appearance.
1254
1255But perhaps fascinated by the task of restoring a soul, Aran showed no sign of wanting to avert his eyes.
1256
1257Rodcorte had no problem with his work being observed, so he made no attempt to stop Aran from watching.
1258
1259“Other decisions, you say?” he asked Aran.
1260
1261“The fact that he’s not expecting anything from us reincarnated individuals,” Aran replied. “Excluding Murakami’s group, everyone you’ve sent so far has failed, right? With that being the case, from Alda’s point of view, he just doesn’t want to lose the strongest cards in his hand, the ones that he’s been raising himself.”
1262
1263Now that Aran mentioned it, this was indeed the case. ‘Gungnir’ and ‘Death Scythe’ had been pitifully defeated, while ‘Venus’ and two others had betrayed Rodcorte. ‘Noah’ had refused to take part and fled the Bahn Gaia continent, and ‘Super Sense’ was attempting to do the same.
1264
1265The rest had yet to produce any results.
1266
1267It wasn’t surprising that Alda had no trust in the reincarnated individuals who had accomplished nothing.
1268
1269“Well, considering that, his choice of leaving one of his strong cards in your hands is incomprehensible,” Aran added. “Couldn’t the other gods have done something? They grant divine protections and have their familiar spirits descend on their followers; they probably do some work with souls.”
1270
1271This seemed to be the thought process of Aran, who only had knowledge of gods other than Rodcorte and didn’t know them personally.
1272
1273It was true that gods granting divine protections and responding to the activation of the Familiar Spirit Descent Skill to have familiar spirits descend upon their followers were feats related to the soul in a way.
1274
1275However, the task that Rodcorte was performing now was in another dimension.
1276
1277“If Alda and his servants believed they could have done this task on their own, they would not have requested that I do it,” said Rodcorte. “The fact that they have means that they do not believe it possible for them to do it.”
1278
1279In any case, Edgar’s almost non-functional soul needed to be restored to a state as close as possible to his original state. It wasn’t just his personality and memories; he needed to be able to use the Skills he had acquired just as he was able to before.
1280
1281To Alda’s knowledge, Rodcorte was the only god who could possibly be capable of accomplishing this.
1282
1283Though it is possible that there is such a god in Vida’s faction, Rodcorte thought to himself.
1284
1285It was unpleasant for him to imagine this, but the fact that she handled her own circle of reincarnation system meant that it was likely that Vida herself had expert knowledge regarding souls. It was possible that she or her subordinate gods would be capable of repairing Edgar’s soul.
1286
1287Of course, it was even more impossible for Alda to request this of them than Rodcorte.
1288
1289“What I find more difficult to believe is your actions, the fact that you are speaking to me. Are you curious as to what was decided in the gods’ council and the battle between Vandalieu and the Five-colored Blades?” Rodcorte asked Aran.
1290
1291“… Of course I am,” Aran muttered.
1292
1293“I see. That is why you are trying to gain information from me while the other two are analyzing information regarding Vandalieu from the records,” said Rodcorte. “Would ‘Inspector’ not have been more suitable for that task? You have no guarantee that I am not lying.”
1294
1295“If it were Izumi here, you might not say anything at all,” Aran pointed out.
1296
1297“… Hmm, that is true,” Rodcorte agreed.
1298
1299It would have been a troublesome task to protect his secrets, responding to questions without lying so as not to be detected by the ‘Inspector’ ability, while treating Edgar at the same time. It would have been far easier for Rodcorte to ignore any questions and not reply with a single word.
1300
1301But during the council… the discussion with Alda and his followers, nothing had been decided that Rodcorte needed to keep a secret from his familiar spirits. Aran and the others had already correctly predicted the contents of the discussion.
1302
1303“Regarding the reincarnated individuals, I will erase their memories if they refuse to show any desire to fight against Vandalieu. I will then either reincarnate them in adult bodies in Churches controlled by Alda’s forces, or take their abilities back and reincarnate them as infants,” said Rodcorte.
1304
1305“I expected the former, but why did you decide the latter?” Aran asked.
1306
1307“Because Alda and his followers believe that each reincarnated individual has things that they are suited for and things that they are not,” Rodcorte replied. “Even if I erase their memories and they are made to be champions, it seems that those who are not suited to battle will remain that way, as they will possess their original personalities.”
1308
1309If Rodcorte were to erase someone’s memories to the point that their entire personalities would disappear, they would also forget how to speak and walk, returning to an infant-like state. If the reincarnated individuals were to be used as fighting forces, Rodcorte would need to preserve their basic knowledge, such as language, when erasing their memories. But doing that would leave their personalities intact.
1310
1311If the reincarnated individuals’ remaining personalities were the kind that disliked fighting or felt distrust in unfamiliar religions, they would become a hindrance.
1312
1313“It seems that it would be problematic if reincarnated individuals were to feel distrust towards the people of the Churches and escaped. With that being the case, Alda believes that there is a higher chance of succeeding if I simply recover their abilities from them and grant them to others,” said Rodcorte.
1314
1315“I see. That might be for the best,” said Aran, remembering his companions who were still alive in Origin.
1316
1317They would have their memories erased and their abilities removed. But that was only natural for someone dying and being reborn. None of them even knew that a third life was awaiting them.
1318
1319At the very least, it would be far better than being forced into a battle that they did not want to fight, risking their souls being devoured by Vandalieu… There were too many things that they were better off not knowing, and this was particularly true for the ‘Angel’ Narumi.
1320
1321“Speaking of the reincarnated individuals, has something happened in Origin? I sense a curious deviation in your thoughts,” said Rodcorte.
1322
1323He had quickly looked over the records of Aran and the other familiar spirits in spare moments during Edgar’s treatment, but Aran remained composed.
1324
1325“What are you talking about?” he said calmly.
1326
1327However, Aran had ascended to become one of Rodcorte’s familiar spirits. Rodcorte saw through Aran’s façade and knew that he was hiding his discomposure. The thought that perhaps the familiar spirits’ records were worth investigating in detail, even at the cost of delaying Edgar’s recovery, crossed Rodcorte’s mind.
1328
1329However, Rodcorte stopped Edgar’s treatment for another reason. He sensed a part of his own power… a very tiny part, being destroyed.
1330
1331“… Vandalieu has broken a part of the curses that I placed on him? How futile,” he mused.
1332
1333The curses that he had placed on Vandalieu’s soul were now unremovable even for him, largely due to Vandalieu’s own actions.
1334
1335Rodcorte had seen in the records of the Five-colored Blades that Vandalieu was capable of not only breaking others’ souls, but absorbing them by devouring them as well. Because of this, his soul had been greatly transfigured.
1336
1337The only possible methods of removing the curses likely remaining now were Vandalieu destroying them along with his own soul, or Rodcorte using the same method.
1338
1339But the fact that Vandalieu had attempted to remove the curses meant that… even if his soul was damaged to the extent of him devouring his own soul, he would quickly recover.
1340
1341“It seems that I cannot afford to spend too much time,” Rodcorte muttered to himself.
1342
1343It was likely that the ‘Avalon’ Rikudou Hijiri would make a move within the next few years, causing the deaths of even more reincarnated individuals than during the previous incident, but… it was possible that Rodcorte could not afford to wait for this to happen.
1344
1345With that being the case, Edgar, who was currently in Rodcorte’s possession, was a precious part of the currently-existing anti-Vandalieu force.
1346
1347“But at this rate, it will take time to return Edgar to Lambda. I have already used up all of the usable fragments of this heroic spirit… I suppose it cannot be helped,” Rodcorte said in a resigned voice.
1348
1349“Huh? Hey, what the hell is that?!” Aran exclaimed.
1350
1351From his pocket, Rodcorte had produced some fragments of the soul of the Demon King Guduranis… or rather, some residual pieces of his thoughts and memories, not even large enough to be categorized and given names.
1352
1353Using these, he continued Edgar’s treatment.
1354
1355“Hey, I can tell that powder was dangerous just by looking at its color! You just sprinkled it over Edgar, didn’t you?!” Aran shouted.
1356
1357“This is something that you do not need to know about,” Rodcorte told him.
1358
1359Though there was no changing the fact that these were fragments of the Demon King’s soul, the very act of repairing a soul on the verge of collapse by transplanting the soul fragments of a heroic spirit was already unprecedented. Surely it would not matter if there were some adverse effects.
1360
1361It would perhaps be dangerous to join together the crucial soul fragments of Guduranis that Alda had sealed away… the Demon King’s core, which was needed to hold all of the fragments together and resurrect the soul as Guduranis, and the Demon King’s life, which was needed for Guduranis’s fragments to function as a part of him instead of parasitizing other life forms.
1362
1363However, the risk of Edgar’s restored soul ending up being devoured by Vandalieu was far greater than the risk of such things occurring, so it was not even worth thinking about.
1364
1365“With this, I can shorten the time required for Edgar’s treatment. You three will need to watch over the system in my stead,” said Rodcorte.
1366
1367“… Alright,” Aran said, giving up on the impossible task of persuading Rodcorte to explain what the powder was and walking away.
1368
1369Lost in his own thoughts, Rodcorte did not even glance at Aran’s back.
1370
1371Considering their disloyalty, my three familiar spirits are quite useful. I was only able to attend Alda’s council, and I am only able to devote myself entirely to Edgar’s treatment, because they are watching over the system. This would not have been possible with familiar spirits that have no mind of their own, he thought. It is likely best to leave them be for a while. At the very least, there should be no problems as long as they are watching Earth and Origin. Vandalieu exists only in Lambda, after all.
1372
1373And so, Rodcorte decided to prioritize Edgar’s treatment over looking through his familiar spirits’ records, and in doing so missed his chance to learn that while Vandalieu did not exist in Origin, Banda did.
1374
1375 
1376
1377 
1378
1379 
1380
1381Awakening in his inn, Vandalieu checked his Status just in case, but the curses were still there after all.
1382
1383However, the numbness in his limbs had diminished greatly compared to the day before, and he gave a sigh of relief upon finding that he was able to move his body.
1384
1385He left the inn with Darcia and the first thing he did was purchase a food cart.
1386
1387“Vandalieu, is this really okay?” Darcia asked.
1388
1389“There’s no problem, Mom,” Vandalieu replied.
1390
1391Through the information network of the criminal organization that Eleanora and the others had infiltrated and taken control over, Vandalieu had learned of an old man who had retired from his food cart business last year. He purchased the food cart second-hand from the old man for three times its market value, with that sum also including hush money to keep quiet, and the old man walked away beaming happily.
1392
1393“It can be used with no problems if we clean it a little,” said Vandalieu.
1394
1395The old man had used the food cart with care. With some cleaning, it wouldn’t look out of place on the main street.
1396
1397“That’s not what I mean. I’m talking about the numbness in your limbs and your Mana,” said Darcia.
1398
1399She was worried because Vandalieu still had some numbness remaining in his limbs, and his Mana had not yet fully recovered.
1400
1401“… Well, roasted skewers aren’t that difficult to make. And I’ve recovered about half my Mana,” said Vandalieu.
1402
1403He had only recovered about half of his Mana because his soul was currently undergoing reconstruction.
1404
1405Even with only half of it recovered, he still had approximately 3,500,000,000 Mana, so there were indeed no problems, but there was still an expression of concern on Darcia’s face.
1406
1407“But it would be dangerous if you needed to fight… Don’t you think you should call Bellmond-san and drink her blood?” she suggested in a whisper.
1408
1409The blood of Bellmond, who possessed the ‘Offering’ Unique Skill, had the effect of rapidly recovering the Mana of those who consumed it. In ordinary circumstances, drinking her blood would have caused Vandalieu to make a full recovery.
1410
1411“But Mom, Bellmond is currently acting as the secretary and lover of the boss of the criminal organization, so getting her to come out here right now is a bit… Anyway, this is probably a problem that has to do with my soul, so drinking her blood might not be enough to cure me,” Vandalieu pointed out.
1412
1413He had made the effort to take control of a criminal organization without anyone noticing; it would be far too frustrating to risk breaking Bellmond’s cover to have her come out here only to have her blood not work.
1414
1415“You’re right. If it’s to do with the soul, there’s no telling what will happen… Ah, how about drinking my blood? I’m Vida’s incarnation, so it might have some effect! Veld-sensei told me to be careful not to give my blood to any remnants of the Demon King’s army plotting to resurrect evil gods!” said Darcia.
1416
1417As to be expected of the incarnation of the goddess of life and love – It seemed that her blood was immensely precious in a way.
1418
1419“And I’m really confident in my regenerative ability. Even if you drink my blood until your whole stomach is full, I’ll be back to normal in no time,” Darcia added.
1420
1421Her ‘Super Rapid Regeneration’ Skill was Level 5; her blood would quickly be replenished.
1422
1423“… Then let’s try it when we get back to our inn room,” said Vandalieu.
1424
1425They were keeping their voices down now, but he had the feeling that it would be a bad idea to start drinking blood while outside. He decided to drink Darcia’s blood after cleaning the food cart and returning to the inn.
1426
1427“Don’t hold back, put your fangs in deep. If you put them in shallow, the wounds will seal back up right away,” said Darcia.
1428
1429“Yes, Mom,” said Vandalieu as he bit into her neck with his fangs as he was instructed.
1430
1431Warm blood filled his mouth, and Vandalieu’s eyes opened wide the moment he tasted it.
1432
1433It was rich, savory and yet it entered his body without resistance, soaking into him. Power welled up from within the depths of his body.
1434
1435“Mmm… This reminds me of when I used to breast-feed you back in the day,” Darcia whispered.
1436
1437These words would normally have caused Vandalieu to writhe in embarrassment, but his body was so filled with power that they did not even register in his mind.
1438
1439The numbness that had been in his limbs since the morning faded away.
1440
1441 
1442
1443 
1444
1445 
1446
1447《You have acquired the ‘Enhanced Vitality’ Skill!》
1448
1449《The Levels of the ‘Enhanced Vitality’ and ‘Bloodwork’ Skill have increased!》
1450
1451 
1452
1453 
1454
1455 
1456
1457The power filling Vandalieu’s body was not the only effect of Darcia’s blood; the mere act of drinking it granted him a new Skill and increased some Skill Levels.
1458
1459If a single mouthful had such effects, Darcia’s blood could easily release a sealed evil god or two. The incarnation of Vida was incredible indeed.
1460
1461“I’m alright now, Mom,” said Vandalieu. “If I drink anymore, I think I’ll go crazy from all the power filling me up,” said Vandalieu as he removed his fangs from Darcia’s neck.
1462
1463Before he even finished speaking, the wounds they had left in Darcia’s skin had already healed cleanly.
1464
1465“Okay. Once we take a rest, let’s take the food cart to the Commerce Guild,” said Darcia.
1466
1467“… I feel like I’d be able to drag the food cart and run into the distant horizon right now. But although the numbness is gone, my Mana hasn’t recovered yet,” said Vandalieu.
1468
1469“It seems that it really is to do with your soul. But my blood worked for your numbness, so it might have some effect,” said Darcia. “You should drink my blood once a day from now on.”
1470
1471“… Once we’ve made a temporary registration at the Commerce Guild, let’s buy or rent a house as soon as possible.”
1472
1473Though this inn was better than the first one Vandalieu had stayed at, the Starling Inn, it was hard to say that it had exceptional soundproofing and security. It would also be problematic if one of the inn workers were to come into the room for cleaning while Vandalieu was drinking Darcia’s blood.
1474
1475Vandalieu decided to speed up his plans in order to protect their parent-child privacy.
1476
1477 
1478
1479 
1480
1481 
1482
1483Unlike the Adventurers’ Guild, which was near the entrance to the city, the Commerce Guild was at the city’s center… close to the building that served both as the center of the city’s politics and as the residence of Earl Morksi, the lord of the city.
1484
1485The Commerce Guild was possibly in the perfect location, right on the border between the residential and commerce districts where the commoners lived, and the high-class residential area inhabited by the city’s lord, the nobles as well as successful merchants and adventurers.
1486
1487On their way there, Darcia and the food-cart-dragging Vandalieu attracted many stares from the city’s citizens.
1488
1489“I guess Dark Elves really do stand out?” said Darcia.
1490
1491“Yes. I saw several Elves when I looked around, but not a single Dark Elf,” said Vandalieu.
1492
1493“But I can’t use my ‘Chaos’ Skill to make my skin pale… Ah, maybe I should have made my ears round,” said Darcia.
1494
1495To be precise, the one gathering people’s attention was Darcia. Dark Elves were rare, even in Morksi, which was one of the Alcrem Duchy’s hubs for commerce.
1496
1497It wasn’t surprising that the townspeople’s gazes were attracted to the beautiful Dark Elf woman walking through the streets.
1498
1499“… It might not be making much difference,” said Darcia.
1500
1501Even with her ears made round to disguise herself as a human, a chocolate-skinned beauty stood out among the inhabitants of a city in the northern region of the Bahn Gaia continent who had skin as white as snow.
1502
1503As for Vandalieu, the people assumed that he was Darcia’s servant and didn’t pay him any attention after the first glance. There were none who realized that they were mother and son.
1504
1505“Maybe I should cover my face with a hood starting from tomorrow?” Darcia wondered.
1506
1507“Well, it’s not a bad thing that we’re drawing attention. Murakami has a Radar that tells him my location, but Birkyne wouldn’t take any notice of us if he doesn’t get information that we’re here,” said Vandalieu.
1508
1509As a part of his plan, Vandalieu and Darcia did need to attract attention to some degree, so it wasn’t entirely a bad thing.
1510
1511However, Darcia drawing attention also meant that it was easier to attract trouble.
1512
1513Two large men suddenly stepped in front of Darcia, blocking her way.
1514
1515“Yo, Nee-chan. Wanna come with us?” one of them said with a grin.
1516
1517“We’ve just finished work, so come have a drink with us and celebrate,” said the other, flashing a pouch seemingly filled with gold at her.
1518
1519The men had weapons hanging from their waists; they were likely adventurers or mercenaries. Their arms were thicker than Darcia’s thighs.
1520
1521“I’m sorry, we’re very busy. If you’re looking for people to celebrate with you, find someone else,” said Darcia, maintaining her gentle smile but firmly declining – standing and facing the men directly.
1522
1523“Hey, don’t be so cold,” one of the men said with a smirk as he reached out to grab Darcia’s arm.
1524
1525Meanwhile, the other man was ogling Darcia’s chest.
1526
1527“You know, we’re pretty famous in the Mercenaries’ Guild –” Suddenly, the man reaching out to grab Darcia stopped in his tracks. “W-we’re sorry for stopping you when you’ve got things to do. We’ll excuse ourselves now!” he stuttered, hastily grabbing his partner’s arm.
1528
1529“W-what’s the matter? We’re just about to get to the good part…” his friend said, looking bewildered.
1530
1531“Shut up and come with me! E-excuse us!” the first man said, and with that, the two of them ran away.
1532
1533If the man really had grabbed her arm, Darcia had been planning to grab his arm back and twist it enough to hurt, but not enough to break it. She blinked in surprise as she watched the men flee, then turned around and gave Vandalieu a confused look.
1534
1535“Vandalieu, did you do something?” she asked.
1536
1537“I haven’t done anything yet. Neither has anyone else,” Vandalieu replied.
1538
1539“… Chase them, fertilizer?” Eisen asked.
1540
1541“You mustn’t chase them, Eisen,” Vandalieu told her.
1542
1543Neither Vandalieu, Darcia or anyone around them knew why the two men had run away. Not really caring much about it, Vandalieu and Darcia stopped thinking about it and continued on their way to the Commerce Guild, and the people nearby just assumed that the man harassing the beautiful Dark Elf woman had realized that she was a former adventurer or something, then taken his companion and fled.
1544
1545The truth was that the fleeing man had a Level 5 ‘Intuition’ Skill, and he had survived on the battlefield many times due to that intuition. This Skill had warned him as he reached out to grab Darcia that he would be in danger if he laid a hand on her. Trusting that instinct, he had fled the scene.
1546
1547He had made a pitiful display of fleeing from a beautiful woman in front of dozens of people, but it certainly had been a better decision than having his arm twisted by Darcia or having something done to him by Vandalieu.
1548
1549 
1550
1551 
1552
1553 
1554
1555At first glance, the Commerce Guild looked like some kind of government office.
1556
1557“I was sure it was going to be more spectacular,” said Vandalieu.
1558
1559“The Commerce Guild doesn’t actually do any direct trading, so this is good enough,” said Darcia.
1560
1561Vandalieu stopped the food cart and entered the Guild to find that it was almost empty, partially because it was already almost noon.
1562
1563With that being the case, making a temporary registration at the Guild would be quick. However, Vandalieu could not shake off his feeling of unease, as he was even less familiar with the Commerce Guild than he was with the Adventurers’ Guild.
1564
1565That was why he had prepared an advisor that he could rely on for today.
1566
1567It was the ‘Fine Dog’ Chipuras, former colleague of Bellmond and Isla, one of the Pure-breed Vampire Ternecia’s Five Dogs… or rather, his Ghost.
1568
1569“The ones entering and leaving this place are not ordinary customers, but merchants, the merchants’ employees and tax officials,” Chipuras said.
1570
1571He had been slain by Heinz, but he had infiltrated human society before that and served as Deputy Guild Master of the Hartner Duchy’s Commerce Guild for ten years. It was now time for his experience and knowledge to be of use.
1572
1573“Do not worry. It is rare for there to be problems while making a temporary registration. You just need to respond to the receptionist’s questions confidently, as if you have nothing to hide,” Chipuras assured Vandalieu with a bright smile, looking like a good-natured old man.
1574
1575His good physique gave him a dignified and dependable aura, and Vandalieu’s unease vanished.
1576
1577 “Well… My memories are slightly unstable because Heinz cut me in two when he killed me,” Chipuras added.
1578
1579Vandalieu felt a little of his unease return at these words as he approached the counter with the receptionist.
1580
1581“Excuse me, I’d like to make a temporary registration,” he said.
1582
1583 “Of course. But it is a rule that the business owner must fill out the form themselves…” the receptionist said.
1584
1585“Yes, I am the business owner.”
1586
1587“Huh? It’s you, not that Dark Elf lady over there? You’re not kidding?”
1588
1589“Yes, I really am the business owner.”
1590
1591“Yes, this is where you use some force!” Chipuras said encouragingly.
1592
1593The Commerce Guild only registered business owners; their employees did not need to be registered. Thus, Vandalieu planned to be the only one who would be registered, and Darcia would be an employee working at the grilled skewer cart.
1594
1595“… Alright. Please fill out the form,” the receptionist said.
1596
1597She seemed unconvinced by Vandalieu’s claim of being the business owner, but there was no law in the Alcrem Duchy that prevented underage individuals from doing business.
1598
1599Vandalieu was obeying the advice of Chipuras that the receptionist could not hear, and the receptionist handed him the form and a pen, as if she had no other choice.
1600
1601“Do you need someone to write on your behalf?” she asked.
1602
1603“No thank you,” Vandalieu replied as he proceeded to write his name, age, race and the details of his business.
1604
1605“Please note that your registration will be erased if your business does not continue for the duration of the three-month temporary registration period,” the receptionist said.
1606
1607“Do I need to open my business every day during that period?” Vandalieu asked.
1608
1609“No, you are free to decide which days your business closes on. However, you will need to submit your ledger at the end of the three months, and if we decide that your business is not sustainable, your registration will be cancelled.”
1610
1611The receptionist didn’t give Vandalieu any specific requirements, but… it probably meant that there would be no problems as long as the business was making enough income to live on.
1612
1613“A food cart?” the receptionist said, running her eyes over the completed form. “The Guild will decide where your cart will be set up, so please wait one moment.”
1614
1615“So I can’t decide that on my own,” said Vandalieu.
1616
1617“No. There have been conflicts over locations between cart owners in the past, and since then, it has been decided that the Commerce Guild shall designate cart locations. And… you’re a Dhampir,” said the receptionist, looking up from the form.
1618
1619“Ah, yes. As you can see, I am a Dhampir,” Vandalieu said, removing the cloth covering his eye that he had forgotten about.
1620
1621He faced the receptionist, showing her his purple and crimson odd-colored eyes.
1622
1623“This is… Could you please show me your fangs and claws, too?” said the surprised receptionist.
1624
1625“Of course,” said Vandalieu, showing her his fangs and claws as requested.
1626
1627 “I-I see. You are indeed a Dhampir… It is my first time seeing one,” the receptionist said.
1628
1629The only publicly known Dhampir living in the Orbaume Kingdom was Selen, the Dhampir under the protection of the Five-colored Blades. Many of the Orbaume Kingdom’s citizens had never seen a Dhampir before, and the receptionist was no exception.
1630
1631“Is there a problem with me being a Dhampir?” Vandalieu asked.
1632
1633“That’s the way,” Chipuras said encouragingly.
1634
1635Vandalieu and Chipuras were both on guard, wary of a possible situation similar to the one that had occurred in the Hartner Duchy.
1636
1637But the receptionist shook her head. “No, not at all,” she said. “Please wait one moment.”
1638
1639The receptionist took Vandalieu’s form into the back of the office, presumably to determine where Vandalieu would be allowed to set up his food cart.
1640
1641“It looks like things are going okay, Vandalieu,” said Darcia.
1642
1643“Yes,” Vandalieu agreed.
1644
1645“It is as I said it would be, is it not?” said Chipuras.
1646
1647Vandalieu had made the criminal organization he had taken over investigate the rules of the Commerce Guild, but he and Darcia had still been worried. But they were relieved now that it seemed like the paperwork would be completed without any problems.
1648
1649However, some time passed, and the receptionist still did not return.
1650
1651“… Maybe there are more carts than expected, and there isn’t enough space to accommodate them all?” Darcia wondered.
1652
1653“She might be taking care to not place us next to a stall owned by a believer of Alda,” Vandalieu suggested.
1654
1655“… I have a bad feeling about this,” said Chipuras.
1656
1657The receptionist finally returned, with a well-built, bearded middle-aged man behind her.
1658
1659“Welcome to the Commerce Guild. I am the Deputy Guild Master, Joseph,” the man said, introducing himself. “I have some matters to discuss with you, so I request that the business owner please follow me to the office.”
1660
1661There was no response from Vandalieu’s Danger Sense: Death, but he had a bad feeling about this man.
1662
1663 
1664
1665 It wasn’t just anyone who possessed the ‘Intuition’ Skill, and Joseph certainly didn’t.
1666
1667“Please, come on into the office,” said the middle-aged Deputy Guild Master Joseph with a friendly-looking smile.
1668
1669Vandalieu was a little hesitant.
1670
1671“Vandalieu-sama, a Deputy Guild Master would never personally handle a temporary registration. It is certain that he is planning something… However, it would be unwise to openly disobey him, so I believe it best that you follow him to the office,” Chipuras advised.
1672
1673“Alright,” said Vandalieu, giving a nod both to Chipuras and Joseph.
1674
1675Chipuras’s advice was reasonable, and he did have a bad feeling, but there was no reaction from Danger Sense: Death. This meant that even in the worst-case scenario, he would be able to make his way out of the situation with brute force.
1676
1677Even without using Soul Destruction Fighting Technique and magic, it would be easy for Vandalieu to destroy the Commerce Guild building and leave if he went on a rampage with his claws.
1678
1679“What will you do in the meantime, Mom?” Vandalieu asked Darcia.
1680
1681“Let’s see… Maybe I’ll go ahead and change Jobs, then,” said Darcia. “Merchants’ employees can use the Job-changing room, right?” she asked Joseph.
1682
1683“Yes, of course – You’re mother and son?!” Joseph exclaimed in surprise, looking from Darcia’s face to Vandalieu’s.
1684
1685The receptionist behind him seemed surprised as well, but she didn’t express it.
1686
1687“… His true thoughts appear on his face, in his behavior and even in his words, even more so than the receptionist who looks to be around twenty years old. I, Chipuras, feel some unease as to whether this city’s Commerce Guild can be relied upon,” said Chipuras.
1688
1689Vandalieu felt the same unease as Chipuras, but he responded to Joseph’s question.
1690
1691“Yes, I take after my father, so my mother and I don’t look alike. But one of my eyes is the same color as hers,” he said.
1692
1693“I-I see… Well, in any case, please follow me,” said Joseph, the expression of surprise still fixed on his face as he led Vandalieu to the office.
1694
1695Joseph motioned for Vandalieu to sit down on a chair inside the room, so Vandalieu sat down. Joseph began speaking immediately.
1696
1697“So, you wish to open a food cart… Why in this city in particular?” he asked Vandalieu. “You were not born and raised here, nor were you living in any neighboring village or city, were you?”
1698
1699“Is an explanation of the motive behind my business required for the temporary registration?” Vandalieu asked in turn.
1700
1701“I apologize if I have upset you, but you are a special case. After all, you are a Dhampir… That Dark Elf lady is your real mother, isn’t she? Not your adoptive mother. Thus, it is only natural for me to be curious,” Joseph explained. “Why is a Dhampir like you trying to start a food cart business in a city that should be unfamiliar to you?”
1702
1703Joseph did not have access to some special information network, but as he worked at the Commerce Guild, all kinds of information found its way to his ears. If there had been a Dark Elf and her Dhampir child living in this place or the surrounding areas, there would certainly have been rumors about them, and Joseph would have heard them.
1704
1705The fact that he had not heard of them meant that this Dhampir and his mother had come from another land.
1706
1707The city of Morksi was renowned within the Alcrem Duchy for being a commerce hub, but there were several cities in the duchy that were just as large. Why had Vandalieu chosen this city in particular?
1708
1709And the thing that Joseph was most curious about was… Why a food cart?
1710
1711“Since you are a Dhampir, you could earn much greater profits by becoming an adventurer, could you not? And you have been living in a Dark Elf settlement up until now, I assume? I am sure that you did not come to this city just to begin a food cart business,” Joseph said.
1712
1713“I see. Vandalieu-sama, this man has not heard any rumors regarding you and Darcia-sama, so he is assuming that you were living in the Dark Elf settlement that Darcia-sama was born in,” explained Chipuras.
1714
1715Vandalieu understood this, but he gave a small internal sigh at how troublesome this was.
1716
1717“… Due to certain circumstances, we had to leave the place that we have been living in until now, and I came to this city with my mother to begin a new life in a new land. I chose to start a food cart business rather than become an adventurer because I am more interested in business than adventuring. That’s all,” he told Joseph.
1718
1719Now that Darcia was here, this was the story that had replaced his previous story of being an apprentice who was fortunate enough to survive a bandit attack. It was different from the story that he had told the guards Kest and Aggar the previous day, but even if Joseph were to investigate that far, Vandalieu intended to push through by telling him, “Sorry, I lied. Is there a problem with that?”
1720
1721After all, it wasn’t illegal to lie to guards.
1722
1723Smuggling contraband goods into the city and evading taxes would be illegal, and it was also of course illegal to lie to guards that were investigating a crime. However, as long as no crime was involved, there was no problem with lying to guards while entering the city.
1724
1725This was possibly difficult to believe from the perspective of someone from Earth, particularly someone from modern-day Japan. But if visitors to the city were treated so strictly, less people would come, and if the guards held too much authority, it would be difficult to detect corruption.
1726
1727Of course, Vandalieu was only able to be as defiant as he was because he had taken over the city’s criminal organization.
1728
1729But if he asks too many questions, I’ll have to have Eleanora and the others do something, so I want him to stop, Vandalieu thought.
1730
1731Perhaps sensing how Vandalieu felt, or perhaps this topic was only a preface to the main topic coming up ahead, Joseph stopped his questioning.
1732
1733“I see,” he said. “Let us leave it at that… So, moving on the main topic, do you have any interest in religion?”
1734
1735It seemed that it was the latter. Joseph was wearing a beaming smile.
1736
1737“Despite my appearance, I am well-known to be a humble worshiper of Alda, and Alda’s peaceful faction, which advocates that we should co-exist with Vida’s races, has gained much influence in the Orbaume Kingdom as of late. Even here in the Alcrem Duchy, they are becoming a force whose influence we cannot ignore,” he said.
1738
1739“… I have heard as much during my travels,” said Vandalieu.
1740
1741He was aware of this even without Joseph telling him.
1742
1743Only humans had previously been able to become guards, government officials and knights in the Alcrem Duchy. Vida’s Church had protested over a long period of time, demanding a change to the system, and in recent years, they had received support from Alda’s peaceful faction.
1744
1745The system had been revised, and Vida’s races were now able to become public workers such as guards, like the Beast-kin Kest that Vandalieu had met at the city’s gate.
1746
1747… It was unpleasant for Vandalieu to think about this, but all of this was largely because of the influence of the ‘Blue-flamed Sword’ Heinz, the leader of the Five-colored Blades.
1748
1749It wasn’t that Heinz had personally come to the Alcrem Duchy to express his objections to the duke. The duke had simply accepted the suggestions of Vida’s Church and Alda’s peaceful faction after Heinz became an honorary earl.
1750
1751It was likely that the duke had wanted to show Heinz, a national hero, that he was willing to actively make compromises.
1752
1753Thus, the persecution of Vida’s races had decreased within the Alcrem Duchy at least on the surface, but it had not disappeared completely, and Heinz almost never visited the Alcrem Duchy, so there was almost nobody associated to the Five-colored Blades here. That was why Vandalieu had thought that it would be the perfect place for his plan.
1754
1755If he had gone to a Duchy where the influence of Vida’s Church was strong, there might have been people insisting on protecting him because he was a Dhampir. But if he had gone to a Duchy where Alda’s extremist faction were influential, then he would likely have run into trouble very frequently.
1756
1757The Alcrem Duchy was right in between these two points.
1758
1759“So, what is this main topic?” Vandalieu asked, curious as to why Joseph had brought up this information as if he were well-informed on the matter.
1760
1761Joseph put a hand on his chin, and his smile grew even broader. “Impatient, I see. I believe that the strategic use of words is one of the thrills of business, but I suppose you will learn that with experience,” he said. “I would like to propose a scheme that would make us very rich. If I use my connections, I could arrange a meeting with the S-class adventurer Heinz, who is the symbol of Alda’s peaceful faction, and those involved with him. I am sure that there is no need for me to describe just how many business opportunities there would be if one had connections to the Five-colored Blades, who are national heroes and honorary nobles, and those associated with them… We are talking about sums of money that you could never earn in a lifetime of running a food cart business. This is a chance that cannot be missed –”
1762
1763“I decline,” said Vandalieu.
1764
1765It seemed that his bad feeling had been right. Chipuras gave a silent prayer for Joseph, who had inadvertently stepped on a landmine.
1766
1767 
1768
1769 
1770
1771 
1772
1773After Darcia finished her Job change, she was waiting in the lobby in front of the front desk when an expressionless but tired-looking Vandalieu returned.
1774
1775“Our discussion has finished… That man doesn’t know when to give up,” he said as he casted Silence, a barrier that prevented oscillations of air particles from passing through, so that the receptionist who had returned to the front desk couldn’t listen in on their conversation.
1776
1777“Welcome back, Vandalieu. What kind of discussion was it?” Darcia asked.
1778
1779“Nothing important. It seems that he wanted to use me to make connections to people associated to the Five-colored Blades.”
1780
1781“He is not suited to scheming,” Chipuras remarked. “He is third-rate as an actor.”
1782
1783Joseph had pretended to offer Vandalieu a way to get rich quickly. But as Chipuras said, his true intentions were so obvious that even Vandalieu, who was not very good at reading what other people were really thinking, could see them.
1784
1785If Vandalieu thought about it, he did understand… but no matter how valuable a connection with S-class adventurers who were also honorary nobles and their associates would be, no matter how vast the sums of money moving if they were entrusted with work would be, these were not things that a boy starting a food cart business could handle.
1786
1787It seemed that Joseph had not believed Vandalieu’s lies, but he certainly wouldn’t suspect that he was the emperor who ruled the region within the Boundary Mountain Range and the Dark Continent.
1788
1789Thus, if the scheme that Joseph had suggested to Vandalieu actually materialized, the profits would largely enter his own pockets.
1790
1791At the very least, he had likely planned it that way. Joseph had persistently hounded Vandalieu, and Vandalieu had left the office after repeatedly turning the scheme down.
1792
1793“That’s… What a problematic person. He has a high position in society, too,” Darcia sighed.
1794
1795She knew that although he was on the small scale for a villain, he had considerably high status within the Commerce Guild, so it would be difficult for Vandalieu to silence him by brainwashing him using Mental Encroachment.
1796
1797Darcia drew closer to whisper in Vandalieu’s ear. “Did Eleanora-san and the others not tell you anything about that Joseph person?” she asked.
1798
1799There was no way that Eleanora and the others who had taken over the city’s criminal organization would have no knowledge of individuals related to the organization or those that the organization was keeping under surveillance. That was what Darcia thought.
1800
1801But Vandalieu shook his head lifelessly. “I did ask them about the Commerce Guild. I heard that the Guild Master and the three Deputy Guild Masters were harmless people who think of nothing but schemes to make money, but that’s all.”
1802
1803“… Umm, so what exactly does that mean?” Darcia asked, confused.
1804
1805Vandalieu paused for a moment before answering. “In other words, he’s not connected to the criminal organization, but it seems that he’s still problematic for me.”
1806
1807Joseph had been tiresome for Vandalieu, but he was not a criminal. He had tried to use his words to take advantage of Vandalieu, but even that wasn’t some kind of fraudulent plan; it was merely business talk.
1808
1809Joseph’s personality and history may not have been praiseworthy. There were probably moral issues with his everyday deeds, too. But he hadn’t done anything causing him to attract the attention of the criminal organization.
1810
1811That was why Eleanora and the others had not given Vandalieu any warning about him.
1812
1813“The guard named Aggar who forced a small bribe from Vandalieu-sama is the same. I believe that these small things do not deserve the attention of a criminal organization, so Eleanora and the others did not think that you should be cautious of him,” said Chipuras.
1814
1815“But according to him, he can introduce Vandalieu to those people, right? Then doesn’t that mean that he’s related to Alda’s peaceful faction or something?” said Darcia.
1816
1817“Mom, anyone protecting a Dhampir would be able to meet those guys and the people associated with them,” said Vandalieu.
1818
1819The Five-colored Blades were taking care of a Dhampir girl, Selen. If there were a Dhampir in the country other than her, Alda’s peaceful faction would respond even to a proposed introduction from someone whose face and name was completely unknown.
1820
1821That was the extent of the ‘connections’ that Joseph had mentioned. He had essentially been pretending.
1822
1823“As someone who was once in the same position, what do you think?” Vandalieu asked Chipuras.
1824
1825“… Even as a merchant, I believe he is third-rate,” Chipuras replied, giving his opinion on Joseph as someone who had once been a Deputy Guild Master of a Commerce Guild himself. “The fact that his true intentions were easily seen through by Vandalieu-sama already puts him below an apprentice, and his scheme itself is also sloppy. Perhaps it would be possible for him to earn great sums of money if he were to take advantage of Vandalieu-sama to create connections with those people – This was what had occurred to him the moment he heard that a Dhampir has come to make a temporary registration, and he simply jumped at the chance.”
1826
1827It seemed that this was the case. Vandalieu was aware that he wasn’t good at telling what other people were thinking, so he gave a nod, not denying Chipuras’s conclusion.
1828
1829“In other words, Vandalieu looked like such an easy mark that he attracted the eyes of even someone that we’d normally never need to be cautious of,” said Darcia.
1830
1831“I think that’s right. It just so happened that Joseph was at the Guild today so he was the one who got involved, but if we came yesterday or tomorrow instead, I’m sure another Deputy Guild Master or the Guild Master himself would have gotten involved in the same way,” said Vandalieu.
1832
1833“… Drawing attention is pretty hard, isn’t it,” said Darcia, giving a deep sigh. But her face quickly lit up again. “Still, we shouldn’t be worrying about it this much. It was something that was bound to happen after the fact that you’re a Dhampir became known,” she said.
1834
1835“Concealing my race would have made it harder to draw Birkyne out, and it would also have hindered the missionary work that will be done later… Even if I disguised myself as a human or Elf, I’d probably have looked suspicious,” Vandalieu said in agreement.
1836
1837It would have been possible for him to conceal his race by using the Demon King’s ink sacs to change the color of his pupils. However, that would put his social position at risk.
1838
1839And in any case… it would be problematic if people were to find out about Vandalieu’s claws, the fangs that protruded from his mouth, his regenerative abilities that no human could possibly possess or his Dark Vision that gave him the ability to see in complete darkness as if it were the middle of the day.
1840
1841If he made it clear that he was a Dhampir, such things would not arouse any suspicion. And if anyone were to see that he clearly had better Attribute Values than should be normal for his age, if they were not very well-informed about Dhampirs, they would just assume that it was because of his rare race.
1842
1843“But it would be troublesome if he were to hold a grudge against Vandalieu-sama for refusing his scheme, and abuse his authority to cause problems for us. I shall go and tell Eleanora and the others to investigate him and keep watch,” said Chipuras.
1844
1845“No, please stay with us, Chipuras,” Vandalieu instructed him. “I’ll have another Ghost deliver the message… I would feel uneasy without an advisor.”
1846
1847Chipuras seemed happy that Vandalieu was relying on him, but his smile was a little stiff. “Vandalieu-sama, it is true that I have infiltrated a Commerce Guild before, but… there are times when I am unable to recall my memories from when I was alive, and I have never conducted a food cart business,” he said.
1848
1849Chipuras had been a subordinate of the Pure-breed Vampire Ternecia, and he had infiltrated the Commerce Guild for the benefit of the evil-god-worshiping Vampire organization. He’d had no true intentions of being a merchant.
1850
1851It seemed that he was uncertain as to whether he would meet Vandalieu’s expectations if he relied on him too much for advice as a merchant.
1852
1853“Chipuras, I understand what you’re trying to say. But you’re far more reliable than an amateur like me, so I’m counting on you,” said Vandalieu.
1854
1855He was even more of an amateur than Chipuras. Chipuras was currently the biggest source of mental support for him after Darcia.
1856
1857“… Very well. I, Chipuras, shall once again do everything I can in my limited ability for your sake, Vandalieu-sama,” said Chipuras.
1858
1859“So that settles things, then. Pull yourself together and go and change Jobs, Vandalieu,” said Darcia. “I’ve gained the ‘Magic Staff Clothing User’ Job, so I’ll be able to make better use of the staff that you made for me.”
1860
1861“I see. You will transform to act as the skewer cart’s salesperson? That should certainly increase profits,” Chipuras remarked.
1862
1863“… Chipuras-san?” Darcia said, looking sternly at Chipuras.
1864
1865“I-I have said something terribly rude! Please forgive me!” Chipuras stuttered hastily.
1866
1867And in the next moment, the muscular Vampire Ghost retreated inside Vandalieu to hide.
1868
1869“He doesn’t have to be that scared of me,” Darcia muttered. “Have you decided what kind of Job you’re going to choose, Vandalieu?”
1870
1871“For now. I was thinking of choosing one that would grant Luciliano and Doug’s wishes. I was also considering a leader Job that would give me large increases to my Attribute Values, since I lost to Heinz’s party, but… considering the situation at the time, I think the result wouldn’t have changed even if I had 50% more Attribute Values than I have now. Well then, I’ll be back,” said Vandalieu as he headed for the Guild’s Job-changing room.
1872
1873This Guild’s Job-changing room had been built at the far end of a corridor, which also had its own door. Those using it would enter the corridor, lock the door from the inside and then go through the corridor into the Job-changing room.
1874
1875Though Jobs weren’t as important here as in the Adventurers’ Guild, which Jobs which people had was still important information in the Commerce Guild.
1876
1877 
1878
1879 
1880
1881 
1882
1883《Jobs that can be selected: Whip Tongue Calamity, Vengeful Berserker, Dead Spirit Mage, Dark King Mage, Divine Enemy, Fallen Warrior, Insect Nin, Destruction Guider, Bestower, Dungeon Master, Demon King, Chaos Guider, Hollow King Mage, Eclipse Cursecaster, String User, Demon Ruler, Creator, Demiurge, Pale Rider, Tartarus, Wild Spirit, Dark Battery Cannoneer, Magic Staff Creator, Soul Fighter, God Destroyer, Dream Guider, Qliphoth》
1884
1885 
1886
1887 
1888
1889 
1890
1891The available Jobs were displayed in Vandalieu’s consciousness as he touched the crystal, and as usual, there were more new Jobs. ‘Magic Staff Creator’ was there because he had created transformation staves, and ‘Soul Fighter’ was related to the ‘Soul Destruction Fighting Technique’ Skill that he had awakened yesterday. The ‘God Destroyer’ Job had likely appeared because he had destroyed Curatos, the god of records.
1892
1893Curatos was not the first god Vandalieu had destroyed. But now that he thought about it, Curatos was perhaps the first god he had destroyed that was one of the gods that had originally existed in this world from the very beginning, rather than a god belonging to the Demon King’s army.
1894
1895As for ‘Dream Guider,’ he could think of a hundred reasons it had appeared if he glanced back at his recent past. However, he couldn’t think of a single one for the last Job on the list, ‘Qliphoth.’
1896
1897‘Qliphoth’… I have no idea what it even means. Even for new Jobs, there probably shouldn’t be any with their titles containing entirely newly created words, so I’ll ask everyone about it later, Vandalieu thought.
1898
1899And so, he decided to leave figuring out the mysterious Job for later and choosing the Job that he had planned to take.
1900
1901“I select ‘Bestower,’” he said.
1902
1903He chose the ‘Bestower’ Job that seemed like it would allow him to lead Luciliano and Doug beyond the bounds of humanity.
1904
1905He assumed that the ‘Bestower’ Job could cause a change in those whom he granted fragments of himself to. He thought that perhaps it would cause some effect in those who were granted his fragments… in other words, those who consumed the Blood Potion made from his own blood and the fragments of the Demon King that had become a part of him.
1906
1907 
1908
1909 
1910
1911 
1912
1913《You have acquired the ‘Bestower’ Job!》
1914
1915《You have acquired the ‘Mutation Induction’ Skill!》
1916
1917 
1918
1919 
1920
1921 
1922
1923“‘Mutation Induction’… I’ve only ever caused experimental animals to turn into monsters from drinking Blood Potion, so isn’t it a little strange for me to acquire a Skill named that?” Vandalieu wondered. “Umm, let’s see, Luciliano and Doug are –”
1924
1925Thinking that perhaps something might have happened, Vandalieu sent his consciousness to a pseudo-main-body-type Demon King Familiar in Talosheim.
1926
1927 
1928
1929 
1930
1931 
1932
1933Several dozen people were in Talosheim’s underground workshop, waiting for Vandalieu’s Job change.
1934
1935“The main body has now acquired the ‘Bestower’ Job and acquired a Unique Skill named ‘Mutation Induction,” reported the pseudo-main-body-type Demon King Familiar that possessed a capsule-shaped head containing countless fist-sized brains. “Has anything unusual occurred to your bodies?”
1936
1937Luciliano, Doug, the young girls who had become addicted to Vandalieu’s guidance and Emma hastily checked their bodies.
1938
1939“Hmm… Pulse, heartbeat sound, respiration and body temperature are normal. There does not seem to have been any change,” said Luciliano.
1940
1941“Our appearances haven’t changed either. Our skin and eyes haven’t changed color, and we haven’t grown fangs or anything either. Right?” said Doug.
1942
1943“Yes, you haven’t grown a tail or wings or any extra eyes,” said Melissa, who was accompanying Doug.
1944
1945As far as she could tell, no changes had occurred in any of the young girls, either.
1946
1947“There are no changes to the experimental animals, either. Maybe this was a failure?” said Legion’s Enma.
1948
1949Perhaps Vandalieu’s intuition had been wrong this time. But just as everyone began to think this, it happened.
1950
1951“Hmm? Ugh… Gah! I thought I was merely imagining it, but my body has suddenly grown hot, and I am experiencing heart palpitations, shortness of breath and dizziness! I am unable to remain standing!” Luciliano shouted as he collapsed onto the floor.
1952
1953“Hey, Ossan, your joke is a bit too forced, it’s not funny – W-woah, I’m experiencing similar symptoms!” shouted Doug.
1954
1955“Doug?!” Melissa exclaimed in surprise.
1956
1957“Everyone, please sit down. You might injure yourselves or collide with other people if you collapse, so sit down first,” instructed the pseudo-main-body-type Demon King Familiar.
1958
1959It wasn’t just Luciliano collapsing as he described the symptoms that he was experiencing; the same symptoms had also occurred in Doug.
1960
1961The young girls quickly obeyed the Demon King Familiar’s instructions and sat down on the floor, and they seemed to begin experiencing the same symptoms immediately afterwards.
1962
1963“Hey, they’re going to be alright, right?” said Melissa, looking up at the Demon King Familiar for reassurance as she felt Doug’s body growing hotter and hotter in her arms.
1964
1965“It seems that there is no danger to their lives, so I believe that these are the side-effects of some kind of mutation that is currently occurring inside them,” the Demon King Familiar said.
1966
1967All it knew was that these symptoms were not the effects of some kind of poison, and their lives were not in danger.
1968
1969“Melissa… If I do change race, there’s something I need to tell you…” Doug groaned, struggling to speak as he lay in Melissa’s arms.
1970
1971“Doug, save your sinister jokes for later!” said Melissa.
1972
1973“No, I’m not trying to set up a death flag by making a joke… There’s something I really need to tell you! Wait, huh? I’m fine now?” said Doug, suddenly realizing that his extreme heart palpitations and dizziness were gone.
1974
1975He was still a little hot and out of breath, but even that was fading away.
1976
1977“W-what was that?” Melissa asked, bewildered.
1978
1979“As Master said, it seems that it was a side-effect of some ongoing mutation,” said Luciliano, standing up and wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief as if nothing had happened. “Look at your Statuses to see what has happened. It should be very clear,” he told everyone else.
1980
1981“I feel it, I feel it! I can feel Vandalieu-sama so strongly!” said one of the girls.
1982
1983“Ah, it feels like I’ve returned to back when I was first rescued!” said another.
1984
1985“… It seems that there are many children who can tell that something has occurred without checking,” said Luciliano.
1986
1987“I can’t tell, so I’ll check my Status… Dark Human?!” Doug exclaimed, finding that his race had changed from human to Dark Human.
1988
1989 
1990
1991 
1992
1993Name: Darcia
1994Race: Chaos Elf Source
1995Age: 0 years old
1996Title: Witch, Holy Mother, Monster’s Parent, Vida’s Incarnation, Empress Mother
1997Job: Magic Staff Clothing User
1998Level: 0
1999Job history: Magical Girl, Life Empress Mage, Magical Idol
2000Passive skills:
2001Dark Vision
2002Magic Resistance: Level 10
2003Physical Resistance: Level 10
2004Status Effect Resistance: Level 10
2005Monstrous Strength: Level 5
2006Super Rapid Regeneration: Level 5
2007Vitality Enlargement: Level 8 (LEVEL UP!)
2008Mana Enlargement: Level 6 (LEVEL UP!)
2009Automatic Mana Recovery: Level 6 (LEVEL UP!)
2010Increased Mana Recovery Rate: Level 6 (LEVEL UP!)
2011Self-Enhancement: Vandalieu: Level 10
2012Self-Enhancement: Guidance: Level 10
2013Strengthened Attribute Values: Creator: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
2014Strengthened Attribute Values: Ruling: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
2015Allure: Level 7 (LEVEL UP!)
2016Strengthened Attack Power while equipped with a bow: Medium
2017Strengthened Defense Power while equipped with non-metal armor: Medium
2018Strengthen Followers: Level 1
2019Active skills:
2020Cooking: Level 5
2021Housework: Level 5
2022Hunting God Archery: Level 1
2023Hearth-Style Dagger Technique: Level 1
2024Unarmed Fighting Technique: Level 10
2025No-Attribute Magic: Level 5
2026Fine Magic Control: Level 1 (Awakened from Mana Control!)
2027Life Empress Magic: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
2028Water-Attribute Magic: Level 10
2029Wind-Attribute Magic: Level 10
2030Spiritual Magic: Level 4 (LEVEL UP!)
2031Dismantling: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
2032Spirit Form: Level 1
2033Surpass Limits: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
2034Chant Revocation: Level 5
2035Coordination: Level 7 (LEVEL UP!)
2036Goddess Descent: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
2037Clergyman: Level 2 (NEW!)
2038Dancing: Level 3 (NEW!)
2039Singing: Level 3 (NEW!)
2040Surpass Limits: Magic Staff: Level 1 (NEW!)
2041Staff Technique: Level 2 (NEW!)
2042Unique skills:
2043Vida’s Incarnation
2044Life Attribute Gods’ Divine Protection (Those allied with Vida)
2045Chaos Elf Founder
2046Vandalieu’s Divine Protection
2047Divine Metal Skeleton
2048Demon Eye of Regeneration: Level 5
2049Chaos 
2050 
2051
2052 
2053
2054Job Explanation:
2055
2056Spirit Warrior
2057
2058A Job that can be acquired by someone with an affinity for the death attribute, has experienced death, possesses the ‘Spirit Form’ Skill and possesses the ‘Unarmed Combat Technique’ Skill at a certain Level or above.
2059
2060It is a Job that offers a bonus to the ‘Materialization’ Skill which allows the user to materialize their own spirit form and use them in place of their own limbs or as weapons. It is a Job that is mainly related to the ‘Unarmed Combat Technique’ Skill, in the same category as Jobs such as ‘Unarmed Fighter.’
2061
2062 
2063
2064 
2065
2066 
2067
2068Job explanation:
2069
2070Magical Idol
2071
2072A Job that can be acquired by someone who has acquired magic-related Skills and possesses a transformation staff made specifically for them. It provides bonuses to the Singing, Dancing and Staff Technique Skills in addition to magic-related Skills.
2073
2074Mage-type Jobs grant low Attribute Value growth except Mana and Intelligence, but this Job also provides large bonuses to Vitality, Agility and Stamina.
2075
2076According to Kanako Tsuchiya, the first one to discover this Job in this world, “Idols can’t afford to run out of stamina!”