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 45

“Sorry to doubt, but are we really okay with this?”

As we left the Doyle Commerce Guild, a guard anxiously asked me. His concern likely stemmed from wondering if that was enough to make Doyle give up.

“If you’re that worried, why don’t we step aside and wait for a bit?”

“Eh?”

“If he’s the man I think he is, it won’t be long before we hear screams.”

With a puzzled look, the guard and I stepped into an alley and waited briefly. Indeed, within 30 seconds.

“Ah, AAAAAAHHHHH!”

“See?”

“W-What on earth?”

From the direction of Doyle Commerce Guild, a scream echoed, and the guard’s eyes widened, seemingly eager to understand why.

“The judgment issued by our master will follow him for life. If that man thinks of doing anything to you, he will scream just like now.”

This mechanism involved invisible lightning striking the man without harming anyone else or causing visible injuries.

To others, it would be utterly unclear why the man was screaming. Indeed, the guard didn’t fully grasp what was happening.

“Get it? Now that man can’t lay a finger on you or your family. Even if he tries to command, he’ll scream before he can communicate. Even if he writes it down, he’ll be punished.”

“I can’t believe it… but it seems you’ve saved me. I can’t thank you enough. I don’t even know what to say…”

Relieved at last, the guard’s face softened, and he even began to cry.

“There’s no need to cry here. Mei.”

“Yes, please use this.”

Mei offered a handkerchief. The guard accepted it.

“Thank you so much (tinkle!)”

“…”

“Ah, I’ll wash this and return it.”

“No, please keep it.”

After wiping his tears and blowing his nose, we decided to give him the handkerchief. Then, we briefly returned to the Mage Guild.

“But after all that… why me?”

Sitting across the table, he brought up this question.

“Don’t misunderstand. It’s not just for fun or out of whim that I helped. I have a purpose.”

“A purpose?”

“Yes. I plan to brand the magical tools we’ll create here, including some equipment. I want you to handle those.”

“Handling them… Will there be specific requirements for the materials?”

“What do you mean? I don’t understand, but if you need something specific, feel free to ask. I’m not saying you have to sell whatever we make without question. If you don’t like it, you can say so.”

“Really? Is that okay?”

“Huh? Of course. It’s more troublesome if you’re dissatisfied and just pretending to be okay. That won’t help us improve.”

“Ah…”

He looked at me, blinking in wonder. Well, let’s move the conversation forward.

“Also, for creating magical tools, I can handle the core processing and spell formulation, but I’d like a referral to a craftsman who can handle material processing and casing.”

Ideally, I’d leave it to Benz, the Overdwarf, but that’s only because I’m asking. Thinking ahead, if there’s a reliable craftsman in town, we should utilize them.

“What sort of items are you making?”

“We’re currently working on a Magic Bag. Also, an adventurer named Hazan has asked for a weapon, but he’s so poorly equipped in armor that I’m considering taking that on as well.”

“I see… But to think that even Hazan the “Destroyer,” a skilled B-rank adventurer, is a client… that’s surprising.”

“…What? ‘Destroyer’ is his nickname?”

“Yes, having a nickname is a sign of a top-tier adventurer.”

“Is he happy with that nickname?”

“Isn’t he? I guess?”

Well… it’s like being named twice, but if he’s happy with it, no issue there.

“By the way, about the Magic Bag, if it’s alright, my wife could help… She’s actually skilled in sewing, and her clothes and accessories are quite popular.”

“That’s perfect. Can I meet her?”

“Yes, how about right now?”

“Can I come along too?”

Just as Alecto offered to join.

“What about your spell formulas?”

“Um, so, I was taking a short break…”

“Mei, make sure he gets back to it.”

“Understood.”

“Nooo…”

I’ll leave Alecto to Mei. Alright, let’s go now.

“My wife’s dress.”

“My husband has been in your care, thank you so much.”

“…”

Upon arriving at the guild with the guard, a young woman with black hair greeted us on her knees.

“Your daughter?”

“You said wife, didn’t you?”

“…You’ve caught quite a young lady.”

“No, she’s only three years younger than me…”

“Hehe, how old do I look?”

The dress inquired, seeming interested. Well, if we were to judge by human standards…

“22 or 23 years old?”

“Ara ara, hehe.”

“No, my wife, the dress, is 35 years old.”

“…You—”

“No, it’s true!”

The guard flinched under a stern gaze. Though she looked at least ten years younger.

Wait? 35 years old?

“Hold on, that’s strange. If the wife is 35, that would make the guard 38 years old!”

“Um, is that so…”

“…Lying is bad.”

“It’s true!”

After testing with a lie detector, it turned out to be true.

“I was sure he was at least in his 50s…”

“Argh, I’ve always looked older. Hey, don’t you laugh!”

He seemed annoyed, but they also appeared quite harmonious. Not that I’m envious!

Later, Dress showed us some of her sewing, and indeed, her skills were as good as they said.

“Could I be of help?”

“Yes, this is excellent. I’d definitely like to commission you once we gather the materials for the Magic Bags. Would you be able to work with monster or beast hides?”

“Yes, I’ve handled all sorts of materials during my adventuring days. They even called me ‘Live Peel Dress’ back then.”

“Eh? You were an adventurer?”

“Oh, did I not mention that?”

Indeed, having a nickname was a mark of a first-rate adventurer.

Maybe that man could have handled any threats himself…

“Well, that explains why your skills are reliable. I look forward to working with you.”

After hearing her story, I decided to entrust the Guard Commerce Guild with our requests. They also introduced their daughter, Bra.

She had been working at the Doyle Commerce Guild but was unemployed as of today. Since she was skilled in accounting, it was perfect timing to ask her to handle the Mage Guild’s finances, especially since she was pleased with the offer.

Alecto’s idea of accounting was hardly what one might call accounting. From when he accepted to gather Aloy herbs for one copper coin a bundle, it was clear.

And it’s good that the daughter, Bra, resembles her mother—a beautiful young lady with gorgeous black hair.

Now, with the Magic Bags seemingly sorted, next are the swords and armor—