Chapter 8 – Money from an Unexpected Place

※※※※

After the Imperial soldiers disappeared from sight, I had Ati—whose ears stand out—wait at the cabin while I headed into town.

The reason was—to go to the workplace I bailed on just the other day and ask if I could work there again, even if only for a short while.

Frankly, after my unauthorized absence, I wasn’t too keen on the idea. However, I had to earn money for my upcoming dungeon venture.

So, for now, I planned to humble myself and ask if they could let me work there again. I would also have to explain that once I’d saved up enough, I’d be heading off to the dungeon—so it would only be for a short period.

“…I just hope I don’t get yelled at.”

I do have an excuse—something like “I became reckless after my house burned to the ground.”
But once I regained my composure, I realized that neither what I’d done nor what I was about to do was praiseworthy. After all, I’d bailed without notice and now had the nerve to come back and say, “Is it alright if I work for a bit before quitting?”

The boss at my workplace is the kind of person who tends to be rather emotional. I can’t shake the feeling that he might just blow his top…

“Well, but I’ve been with you guys for ten years…”

Even so, even if I get turned away at the door, the fact that I worked there for all those years won’t be erased. Even in that case, I intend to offer at least a word of thanks. I believe that’s something important as a person.

Before I knew it, I arrived at my old workplace—the silversmith’s workshop.
From inside the workshop, I could hear the sound of metal being filed.
I slowly stepped inside…and my eyes met those of the very hairy man, the boss.

“…” “…”

We both fell silent for several seconds.
A strange tension hung in the air.
It was the boss who broke the silence first.

“Oh…”

Ah, crap. This might mean I’m about to get yelled at.

In an instant, I braced myself for what was to come. However—contrary to my expectations—the boss suddenly burst into tears, streaming down like a waterfall.

…Huh?

“You—Harold—y-y’know, you were alive, huh?! Every day you used to come to work without fail, so when you stopped showing up with not even a word, I got worried. I even went to that new place you set up—and everything was burned to a crisp! I was sure you were dead…”

I see…
Since I, who used to show up every day, hadn’t been coming in, he got worried and went to check on my new place—only to find nothing but ashes.
Well, it’s no wonder he thought I was dead.

In any case, it seemed that his emotional nature had swung toward sorrow, which made it easier to talk.

“…I’m sorry for worrying you. By the way, there are a few things I need to discuss with you.”

I explained that I needed funds to venture into the dungeon, and that once I had saved enough, I intended to resign.

※※※※

“I see…”

After hearing my thoughts, the boss rubbed his beard thoughtfully.

“But why the dungeon again? Are you planning to save up money to buy another house?”

“No, that’s not it. Actually, I now have to go to the Southern Continent, and I need to save up for the journey. And I need to do it as soon as possible.”

“Rushing off to the Southern Continent…?”

“I have some pressing business.”

The reason for heading to the Southern Continent—I decided to withhold the details regarding Ati.
After all, the boss is also from the Northeast Continent.
He doesn’t think highly of Dark Elves.

“So, there’s something you can’t say, huh?”
“I appreciate your understanding.”
“Hmm… Alright, just wait a moment.”

Frowning, the boss headed to the back of the workshop. Shortly thereafter, he returned holding an envelope in his hand.

“…Here.”

The boss pressed an envelope into my hand.
Wondering what on earth it could be, I looked inside the envelope and discovered that it was filled with banknotes.
After a quick count, it turned out there were roughly 1,000,000 Robs.

“This is…”

“It was originally meant to be given to you when you struck out on your own. When a master passes on his trade to his apprentice, it’s customary for the teacher to give a celebratory bonus.”

“It’s not like I’m expecting to have a share passed down to me or anything…”

“That’s true. However, this money was originally saved with the intention of giving it to you. Either way, since you’re going to be leaving eventually, I’ll hand it over.”

It’s not as if I plan on setting up a silversmith shop elsewhere.
So I have no real reason to accept a celebratory bonus or anything like that.
However, the boss’s determination seemed unwavering.
At this point, there was no changing his mind.

“Harold, you’ve worked hard for ten years. Though it’s not much, consider this your retirement bonus.”

I hesitated for a moment, but decided to accept it.
Right now, I need the money.
I figured it’s best to take what you can get.

“That should be enough to at least get you outfitted. You’re in a hurry, right?”
“…Thank you very much. I’ve truly been in your care all this time.”

I bowed deeply.

The boss isn’t the type of person who creates goods for wealthy customers.
Rather, he makes silver accessories aimed at ordinary folks.
I was busy with the crafting and hadn’t been involved in sales—but I had noticed that the boss always seemed to be struggling.
I figured it must have been no small feat to save up this money.

“It’s all good. Well, anyway, take care.”

He’s the type of person who easily gets emotional.
Perhaps that’s why he was always thinking about the farewell that was bound to come someday.

I bowed deeply once again.

※※※※

Returning to the cabin, I found that Ati had prepared dinner.
The ingredients were wild mountain vegetables gathered from a nearby forest and chicken.
I suspect she must have taken down the chicken with a thrown stone again.

“I thought I’d have dinner ready as soon as Harold-sama returned.”

I was, admittedly, a bit hungry.
I wanted to have a meal immediately—but before that…

“I’ve managed to get some money, though it’s only a bit.”
“Huh…?”
“Tomorrow, let’s go buy some equipment… and here’s a little gift.”

While letting her know about the money, I placed a casquette hat on Ati’s head.
I had bought it on the way back, thinking it might help hide her ears.
Even when getting outfitted, it’s not ideal to have your ears exposed.

“…A hat?”
“It’s better to keep your ears hidden, you know. Would you have preferred another hat?”
“N-no, thank you! …I’ll take good care of it!”

Saying so, Ati adjusted the hat and pulled it down firmly over her head.
I got the sense that she was somewhat happy about it.
I’m glad I bought it.