Chapter 42: Lagritte (2)
At your age, becoming an Inquisitor
Hamal.
Yes.
Refrain from unnecessary talk.
The dwarf, Hamal, tilted his head, pulling back his lips like a flounder, and shrugged his shoulders.
Anyway, its quite impressive. But why would such talent come to the Empire
What? Whats wrong with the Empire?
To be honest, isnt it the least favored place for work?
Thats what you really want to say? I had my eye on him and brought him here.
Ah, you think kids would come here just because you say so, Phiri? Unless theyre crazy, no one would leave Haisen and come to the Empire. Are you insane?
Hamal turned his gaze away from me, reading the atmosphere, and shut his mouth.
Even though they seemed friendly, there was still a difference in status. Considering how others treated Phiri, Hamal had crossed the line.
I wondered if the last remark was meant as an attack on me, which could lead to a confrontation.
In any case, in such situations, the lowest-ranked person should act as a mediator.
I havent ruled out the possibility of coming to the Empire, but I came here because Vice-leader convincingly persuaded me.
Is that so?
Hamal widened his eyes and responded with more enthusiasm. Gratitude was evident in his brighter eyes.
But before I could reply, Hamal playfully nudged Phiri.
Indeed, to think that someone like this came all the way to the Empire after catching Vice-leaders eye.
Enough already, you bastard. Its too late now.
Come on, why are you like that? You should know how much I think of you, Phiri.
In response to Haemals obvious flattery, Phiri snorted. Still, the atmosphere was much more relaxed now.
By the way, an Inquisitor received personal gear as a reward.
Originally, they were expected to buy their own gear with the money provided, but being directly under the duke meant receiving better care.
Thats enough. Get to work quickly.
Yes. Then Ill take him downstairs.
Ugh, Ill go ahead.
Phiri swiftly turned around. It wasnt the door we entered through but another one leading to the underground.
Where are you going?
For fun.
I knew what Phiri meant, yet she came out like that, implying that I should ask again.
I sighed inwardly.
Please let me know because I need to find you when its over.
Figure it out yourself.
Phiri half-turned, flashing a playful smile, and opened the door to leave.
She must be quite bored, I thought.
Wherever she went, shed be back in no time Well, maybe not that quickly, but it wouldnt take long. I had Winds, after all.
I shifted my attention back to Hamal.
Lets go downstairs.
* * *
Another underground space, Hamals workshop, was three times larger than the sales area above.
In addition to crafting gems, it served as both a workspace and living quarters, a small house thoughtfully designed for the dwarf who loved the underground.
Being a fantasy-based game, it was natural to have different races like dwarves and elves.
However, they were a minority and difficult to encounter.
Since the founding of the Empire, it had gradually expanded its territory, causing the lands of these races to shrink.
The elves, who once lived in the southwest forests, retreated deeper into the woods to avoid the Empires grasp.
Similarly, the dwarves, who settled near the northeastern mountains, hid themselves deeper inside the mountain range.
Its natural to capture any visible race as slaves.
All non-human races were officially managed as slaves by the Empire, making it a living hell for them.
Due to this, after the appearance of the devil worshippers, these races began causing trouble for the Empire from various directions.
Although they didnt ally with the devil worshippers, from the players perspective, it could be quite annoying.
Thanks for earlier.
As Hamal stroked his beard, he let out a deep breath. He was the one who would craft my equipment.
I smiled cheerfully.
You have quite an eccentric personality. Truthfully, I came here because I hoped to join the Empire.
With a playful tone, Hamal chuckled heartily.
Then he rotated his right hand around the side of his forehead while looking at me.
Are you sick? Why did you come to the Empire?
As I felt before, dwarves were dwarves. They were a race that just had to say what they wanted to say.
They could say anything, the good and the bad.
Maybe it was because Hamal was affiliated with the Haisen Intelligence Agency that he took Phiris feelings into consideration.
Thinking of the dwarves I saw in the game, they were still quite human-like.
After all, dwarves were not the type to willingly work under humans, even if they had to die.
Perhaps they had some backstory, but they didnt end up as a human patch.
Growing up in difficult places is how you become stronger. I like this job, and I want to rise high.
How old are you?
Sixteen.
Youre not sound your age. When I was your age, all I wanted to do was play all day.
I wanted to say that it was inevitable to survive in this harsh world, but I just maintained a smile.
But seeing you getting along with Phiri, you must be the dukes godchild, right?
Was I someone who could answer that? I chose to keep smiling.
Hamal let out a sigh.
Hmm. Its good to be cautious, but its fine with me.
Though there might be positive implications in silence, I still had reservations about speaking up.
So I just kept my mouth shut.
Fine. Fine.
I ask for your understanding.
Just come here.
Hamal turned his back with a grumble. He glanced at me with his eyes as he walked into the workshop area on one side.
After staring at me for a moment, he clapped his hands together.
Ive got your measurements. Ill make the equipment to fit your current size, so if you grow bigger later, come back again.
He didnt even need a ruler; it was evident that he was a true dwarf.
What weapons do you use?
A longsword, a dagger, and a short sword.
The classic choices.
Hamal nodded slowly, then rummaged through a box beside him and handed me the hilt of a sword.
Literally, it was just the hilt without a blade.
But strangely, even with just the hilt in hand, I felt something fitting in my grasp.
His keen eye for craftsmanship was impressive.
Lets see your swordsmanship.
The space was large enough anyway; the central area of Hamals house was like a small tennis court.
Without any words, I swung the sword, or rather the sword hilt.
In the past three years, I had developed my swordsmanship based on the Moonlight Technique and the Mystic Winds.
The sword was as cool as the moon, flowing with the smoothness and speed of the winds.
How much time had passed?
The hilt of the sword that Hamal gave me fit so well in my hand that I could concentrate quite easily, even without an actual blade.
Thats enough. I know how to craft a sword, but I dont know how to use one. But it was quite beautiful swordsmanship.
Could he see the blade just from the movements of the hilt?
I couldnt be sure if he saw it clearly, but thats probably why I was here.
Thank you.
Anyway, I felt the sincerity in his words, so I slightly bowed my head.
When I first came to this world, I held a sword for the first time, but now I was taking it seriously.
Initially, it was for survival, but now it had changed a bit.
The talent within me made the sword I crafted feel beautiful.
Next, the short sword and dagger were demonstrated briefly, and it was over.
Lagritte is quite a relaxing place. Once everything is ready, Ill come find you, so take it easy.
By any chance, how long will the crafting process take?
Well, its hard to say. I have to make the clothes as well, so Ill know once I start.
Are you also making clothes for me?
I thought he would only make weapons, but as I showed my surprise, Hamal chuckled.
You still dont know what kind of equipment spies need. Wait and see; youll be pleasantly surprised.
Thank you. Ill be looking forward to it.
To hear a dwarf say that, I couldnt help but be a little excited. As I was about to turn away, I hesitated.
I had a question to ask before leaving.
By the way, do you happen to know where Phiri went?
Hamal showed a sinister smile.
I might know, but Im not sure if I can tell you.
I ended up getting the same treatment that I gave him earlier. I wondered if he would have told me if I had told him.
Sighing, I held my tongue, and Hamal chuckled.
Find out on your own. She said shes going out to play, so she must be somewhere having fun.
* * *
I left Hamals disguise workshop and climbed up to the highest building nearby.
Closing my eyes, I focused on the Winds.
The gentle Winds started scanning the buildings and people around me.
Even with my eyes closed, I could sense the nearby buildings structures and the movements of people.
Now, I could faintly hear people speaking, conversations of individuals who resembled Phiri.
The voices were not clear, but if I concentrated, I could make out what they were saying.
Amidst the faint sounds, I couldnt find Phiris voice.
Where could she have gone?
What would Phiri do for fun?
She was lively, but I had never seen her playing around. She only liked to play pranks with her words.
Hmmm, a tavern? Or maybe a restaurant?
She loved food so much that she might be there. Suddenly, I remembered that there was a gambling den in Lagritte.
It was called a gambling den, but its structure was similar to a modern casino, a place that sucked players money.
Id lost a lot of money there and won some as well.
A gambling den, perhaps.
I stopped a passerby and asked for directions, then headed straight to the gambling den.
Near the gambling den, I could sense Phiri inside through the Winds, but
I hesitated to go in.
Another drink here! Hurry up!
It seemed Phiri was busy enjoying a card game on the upper floor of the gambling den.
In Valhll, gambling was usually a pure skill game if it was a decent place. Magic cards were used in most big establishments.
They prevented magic intervention in the cards, and shuffling and dealing were done automatically without any sleight of hand.
Maybe I should wait outside?
I didnt want to interrupt Phiri having fun, nor did I want to go inside.
Once I entered, she would probably drag me into it, telling me to try it.
Besides, I was already tired, and I didnt want to do anything that would drain me further.
Especially using my head.
I shouldve booked accommodation in advance.
Even getting a room first was uncertain.
There could be accommodations run by the spy agency or places Phiri had designated.
It would be bothersome to find each other later if we got separated.
There were nearby cafes, but they didnt seem like comfortable places to rest, as ladies and noblewomen chatted with laughter.
Reluctantly, I moved to a relatively empty area and lay down on the rooftop.
I intended to rest for a short while, as being supported by the Winds was more comfortable than most beds.
Basking in the warm sunlight on my face, I lay there for a moment.
About an hour passed when I heard Phiris voice calling for me, and I got up.
Of course, she didnt come all the way up to where I was.
Carlyn, I know youre there. Come here.
She had briefly left the gambling den and called me from a nearby alley.
I hurried down, and Phiri greeted me with a mischievous smile.
There you are. I arrived here, and I thought you wouldnt come down.
Why did you call me?
You have your Winds, right? Cant you read the cards faces using your sense?
Oh.
It was a method I hadnt thought of. Mystic didnt trigger magical inspections, so it would work.
Perhaps I can.
You, try gambling once.
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