That Time a Shut-in for 300 Years Continued to Make Antiques , but All of It Turned out to Be Cheat-Level Magic Tools - Chapter 35

“But are you really okay with this? We turned down the kind offer from the Adventurers’ Guild…”

On their way back from the Adventurers’ Guild, Alecto said this with a frown.

Oh dear, such an exasperating fellow.

“You really are foolish.”

“Why would you say that? Edson-kun, aren’t you being too harsh for a child?”

“But I do love such a master very much.”

“Ehhh…”

Alecto exaggerated his surprise. Mei meant it purely in the sense of their master-servant relationship.

“Alecto, let me tell you something good.”

“What is it?”

“The one who plunged you into debt was none other than Dorbel.”

“Oh, is that so? Wait, what!? Eeeeeee!?”

Alecto exclaimed in a ridiculous manner, jumping up in surprise. He’s always so over the top.

“But why? That person even admitted that the debt was unfair and we properly received the compensation.”

“Hah, aren’t you technically the manager of the Magic Guild? You should be more responsible, being a master.”

“Eh? I’m not a master at all.”

“What?”

Now it was my turn to let out a dumbfounded response. Not the master?

“Then there is another master?”

“Yes, he’s been away for a while but he does exist. I’m just filling in while he’s gone.”

So that was it… But it made sense. This woman couldn’t possibly handle the role of a master.

“Regardless, was it really okay for you to use the magic tools’ rights to pay off debts while you were supposed to be just house-sitting?”

“That’s no problem. Those rights were all originally mine.”

Alecto responded to Roat’s inquiry. I knew that much. The contract to sell the rights had her personal name on it. If it were the rights owned by the Magic Guild, it would be a guild transaction.

In fact, the Adventurers’ Guild that made the purchase listed the guild name and the approver as that master.

“When is that master supposed to return?”

“I don’t know. He left four years ago and hasn’t shown any signs of returning.”

“Is he… safe?”

“We do get letters occasionally. Besides, the master has always been quite carefree.”

I see. But leaving this woman in charge for over four years seems quite reckless. It’s surprising it hasn’t collapsed by now.

Honestly, four years might not be a long time for an elf, but it’s considerable for humans.

“By the way, monk, is what you just said definitely true?”

Roat asked. He meant whether that guild master was truly the mastermind.

“It must be. If it were just embezzlement, that frog might have done it on his own, but Dorbel definitely approved the contract to buy the magic tools. That means he knew about the sale in advance. That’s why he brought the contract with him beforehand. He was too well-prepared, bringing not only the contract but also promissory notes and even planning to pay compensation.”

And that man initially called Frog disgraceful. Such words wouldn’t fit just knowing about the corruption; it makes sense if it was towards someone who made a blunder.

“But it’s good that we were able to retrieve the money, right?”

“Are you an idiot? If we still had the rights to the magic tools, we could have earned even more.”

To me, it’s questionable if such things are worth anything, but even a magic bag goes for 500 gold coins.

“By the way, young lady, what kind of magic tools were you dealing with?”

“Well, for example, I made a magic mortar.”

“Oh! You made that? I thought you were unreliable, but… I’ve relied on it, you know.”

The mortar can apparently measure the exact amount of crushed herbs or potions.

Personally, I would automate the entire process of grinding the medicine.

“Ah, but it’s been acting up a bit recently. Could you take a look at it?”

“Yes! If you bring it over!”

“You can look at it, but since you sold the rights, you can’t charge for it, right?”

“Eh? I wasn’t planning on charging, so no problem there.”

“No, I feel like that would be somewhat improper.”

Alecto doesn’t seem very good at business. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t care much about rights.

“That’s it, from now on, let’s source our magic herbs from the Magic Guild. Of course, I’ll place the orders for that.”

“Is that okay? You might attract the attention of the Adventurers’ Guild.”

“I don’t mind. Plus, if we can get Aloy herbs in that condition, other magic herbs might be promising too.”

“That’s a generous offer. Of course, we’ll accept it.”

“Yes, thank you!”

This means we can get jobs for harvesting magic herbs without going through the Adventurers’ Guild.

“Here, the promised magic herb.”

“Ooooooh! This, this is the legendary Cambrian Lily!”

Roat jumped with joy as I handed over the potted plant from my bracelet. I had promised to give him one just to get him to accompany us to the Adventurers’ Guild.

“But are you really that happy with this thing?”

“Of course! It’s considered an ancient species that was thought to be extinct!”

Extinct? There’s plenty of it growing in the elf forests. It’s all over my estate, too.

“Ah~ perfect~ I never thought I’d see it alive in my lifetime.”

“If you’re happy, then that’s all that matters.”

“Indeed! Alright, then I’ll call the other members too! Let’s get the magic herb harvesting directed to the Magic Guild!”

Then we parted ways with Roat. It looks like we’ll check the necessary magic herbs and place an order later.

“So, what shall we do now?”

“Let’s head to the Magic Guild first. I want to see the magic tools you’ve created.”

“Eh? Mine? That’s fine.”

We then returned to Alecto’s guild and checked the magic tools that this woman claimed to have created.

“Hmm…”

“How is it?”

“It’s completely unacceptable. The use of materials is all wrong, and the construction of the spell formulas is sloppy. At a glance, I found more than twenty points that need correction.”

“Ha! To be criticized this much by a child…”

“Alecto-sama, although the master may look like a child, he is a genius in creating magic tools. If he finds only about twenty areas for improvement, you should take pride in that.”

“Hmph, that’s an overstatement, Mei. But, if she’s taught properly, she might be somewhat useful.”

“Eh? Teach me?”

Alecto looked bewildered, but even if there is another master, she is the only magician in this guild now.

“I’ll have you create magic tools for sale.”

“Eh? But, I’ve already sold the rights…”

“Those were your rights, right? Don’t worry. This Magic Guild will grow to a point where losing those rights won’t hurt us. The first step will be for you to create a magic bag.”

“Eh? A magic bag, the one we talked about before?!”

◇◆◇ Side: Dorbel

“Master, Mr. Muran from Doyl Commerce has arrived.”

“Understood. I’ll be right there.”

So he’s arrived already. This man is always so prompt when it comes to these matters.

No helping it, I went downstairs and there stood Muran, looking as disgruntled as ever.

“I’ve heard the news. What’s this about a failure?”

“I apologize. Frog went a bit rogue and this was the result. Of course, that man will take the appropriate responsibility.”

“I don’t care about that man! I told you to make moves to acquire Alecto and that kid Mei who was with him!”

“…I’m sorry, but I haven’t heard anything about a woman named Mei. It seems Frog took it upon himself to deal with Alecto, and as a guild, we were not informed.”

“What did you say!?”

Muran’s eyes bulged as he stamped his foot in frustration. Such a restless man.

“Do you not remember how much I’ve helped your guild! Surely you haven’t forgotten!”

“Of course, Lord Muran. So as a small apology, let me share some information with you. What you do with it is your choice.”

“Do you think I’d be satisfied with that?”

“There’s another point. We’re expecting a new receptionist to join us soon. At an appropriate time, I’ll have the newcomer come to greet you…”

“Hmph, a new receptionist… But such a person!”

“This receptionist, actually, was raised in that orphanage you know of. I think you’ll be pleased.”

“That orphanage, you say?”

Muran, who had been complaining endlessly, paused and then cracked a sly smile.

“Hmm, well, if that’s the case. But still, there’s also the matter with Alecto.”

“So, here’s the information. If handled properly—it might prove interesting.”

“Ah, that does sound intriguing…”

After hearing the conversation, Muran left looking satisfied. Such a predictable man. That makes him easy to manage.

“Master, what shall we do about Frog’s punishment?”

“Ah, right. I’m not sure he can handle it, but let’s pass it on to him.”

“Understood, I’ll arrange that…”

With that, the immediate troubles were taken care of. But that boy, he talks big. What can he possibly do with a guild that’s nearly bankrupt…