Ch.6321. Is the Journey Smooth?

The skinny old man placed a candlestick-shaped mold on an iron container and shoveled soil into it.

Then he pressed down firmly on the soil to ensure it wouldn’t crumble or spread.

After completing the female mold, he placed another iron container on top to create the male mold, again filling it with soil and packing it down tightly.

Then he carefully removed the female mold and the shape template.

The male mold was complete.

Its center clearly bore the shape of a candlestick.

The old man had mentioned that he was trying this method because making such complex shapes by hand would consume considerable time.

He continued by blackening both casting molds with flames, coating them with soot.

Then after reassembling them into one piece.

“Bring it here! Pour it in quickly!”

At the old man’s thunderous command, a burly young man came running.

In his hands were long iron tongs.

They held an iron cup-sized container.

As he carefully poured it into the casting hole, bright red liquid flowed through the small opening.

The molten metal entering between the male and female molds began to solidify into the desired shape.

White smoke filled the small workshop.

When he removed the male mold and picked up the contents with tongs, the soil on top crumbled away, revealing a candlestick extending like an elongated branch.

“Hmm.”

The old man examined it meticulously, turning it with the tongs without blinking despite the intense heat.

“Gold and silver may need to be worked by hand, but iron can now be mass-produced this way. Don’t you think?”

“As expected of you, Grandfather.”

“Do I need to secure your futures for you? Can’t you learn and figure things out on your own?”

The old man clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“You there, little one, what do you think?”

“Me, sir?”

A black-haired boy.

His attire was dark as could be, but in stark contrast, his eyes shone bright like embedded gold.

Kariel had been quietly observing the work and tilted his head.

“What’s so fascinating about working with metal? Don’t you ever get tired of it?”

“I think understanding it helps me grasp the properties of earth, rock, and metals.”

“You’re not an alchemist, yet your interests drift toward such useless directions.”

Young people these days, getting fixated on strange things.

He muttered what might have been admonishment or preaching, but even that quickly faded.

“With enough molten metal, we could easily produce ten of these in a day.”

The old man’s grandson responded with a troubled expression.

“Even if we make that many, where would we sell them, and where would we get all that metal?”

“That’s your problem, not mine. Don’t you need to sell a lot to become that wealthy merchant or whatever it is you’re always going on about? Am I wrong?!”

“Ah. That’s… true.”

“You say you don’t want to work with metal when you get old like me? Then use your head! Your head!”

The old man was essentially developing techniques that allowed for production without requiring master craftsmanship.

And this was merely his pastime.

He had once been a famous craftsman, but after the Demon King’s invasion ended and peace returned, he mostly made farm tools, convenience items, and occasionally jewelry.

“You’re an unusual one too,” the old man grumbled, looking at Kariel.

“How so?”

“I was sure you’d be pestering me to make you a legendary sword. But you seem to have no interest in that at all.”

“Swords are consumables, aren’t they? How would a legendary sword be any different? Isn’t it more problematic when people become so attached to something precious that they can’t discard or let go of it when they should?”

“That’s the kind of talk that would earn you a scolding from those high-and-mighty knights… but you’re right.”

It might be disrespectful to the craftsman who made it… but still better than someone dying.

The old man added with a grumble.

“I hear you’re leaving soon?”

“Yes. My ship was delayed due to circumstances. Same with my guide.”

“…Are you sure you don’t need a sword?”

“Yes. I promised, didn’t I? That I’d just observe. That I wanted to understand the properties of earth, rock, and metal.”

And along the way, I’ve also learned about heat treatment and the importance of temperature.

I never expected to gain such comprehensive knowledge just by watching metalwork.

Indeed, life in this world never quite unfolds according to expectations or plans.

“What a strange fellow.”

Paying money just to watch—what an oddball.

If he’d been trying to steal techniques, that would have been a different story.

…But he’d already proven he wasn’t that kind of person.

Over the next few days.

If yesterday was about making iron candlesticks through casting processes,

Today was about handcrafting silver candlesticks and teapots, which meant watching him work meticulously for three straight days.

A different approach from working with iron.

He explained that silver has different properties from iron, so naturally the process differs.

“This will sell for a high price. That’s why I’m putting in the extra effort.”

Understanding the client’s requirements and designing accordingly.

To be more thorough, first making a wooden model to show the client, then proceeding with production.

The cost increases to account for the additional labor.

Even making a cup isn’t just about creating a simple vessel—adding patterns and engravings increases the cost.

If nobles, guilds, or organizations provide their emblems in advance, adding colors isn’t entirely impossible.

…That was the old man’s explanation.

A true craftsman.

Not just any craftsman, but a master worthy of the title.

Despite his shabby appearance, his rough and seemingly chaotic hands could create anything given time and materials.

Truly a hidden sage in the world.

A master known only to those in the know.

“Boy, what exactly are you learning and realizing by watching me work?”

“Unnaturalness? Artificial aesthetics?”

“You madman. You’ve completely lost your mind.”

The old man burst into laughter and openly hurled insults.

“……”

Kariel could only offer a bitter smile.

Accepting the harmless ridicule lightly, Kariel announced that today would be his last day.

“Perhaps I’ll commission something from you if I get the chance later.”

“Get married first. Don’t go dying a meaningless death somewhere. Why does someone who looks so normal act like the world is ending?”

With those parting words, Kariel left the village’s only workshop.

“You’ve arrived?”

It had been a full week since he came to this place.

A small village near a valley.

Though technically part of the Empire, it was so small one might question whether it even appeared on maps.

If there was anything notable about this place, it was the small dock where boats could land.

Not a harbor, just a dock.

Going far downstream from this village would lead to the sea, while right ahead was the city connected to the Osmilan Valley that extended into the center of the continent.

Under the jurisdiction of Bahamilla County, the episcopal city of Amarang emerged, so most people traveling upriver from the sea, or vice versa, would dock there to conduct their business.

If not for Filbar, he would have originally planned to cross the Brut Mountains and then either take a small ferry at a place with gentle currents or, as a last resort, swim across the river.

However.

Taking a boat from here and following the river upstream would allow him to bypass the Kingdom of Dabas and head straight to the Kingdom of Metran.

After consideration, he decided to follow Filbar’s advice.

It was clearly more efficient.

There would likely be checkpoints at trading posts along the way… but that wouldn’t matter if he stayed on the boat.

And even if something came up, Filbar had already provided him with an identity, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

“This friend should be arriving soon… surely they’re not lost.”

Anyway.

While discussing this with Filbar, the topic of disguise came up.

Kariel felt it wasn’t necessary at the moment.

More precisely, he didn’t care whether his whereabouts were known once he left the Empire.

Filbar advised him to avoid revealing his identity, especially as the son of a hero of the Knights of Radiance, as that could cause various complications.

…But that advice seemed meaningless.

Besides,

‘My face isn’t that famous anyway.’

He wasn’t being optimistic, but even for a celebrity, it would be difficult to recognize…

“Ah, there they come now.”

Meanwhile.

Since Filbar had insisted on personally introducing the guide before leaving, he too had been stuck here for about a week.

During that time, he always seemed busy, never without a pen or brush in hand.

The massive four-horse carriage next to the village inn was certainly eye-catching.

But as the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together—dealing with high-status or noble individuals is always troublesome, so most people either observed from a distance or simply passed by.

Therefore.

If someone approached with clear intent to speak, they must have a definite connection to them.

“……”

First impression: small.

Everything below the face was concealed by a thick navy-blue robe.

It must be quite heavy, as it barely moved even in the wind.

Thud, thud.

The heavy footsteps suggested unusual footwear.

Perhaps boots with metal heels?

Solid iron boots wouldn’t make such sounds.

Light purple short hair, like a fragment of intense lavender.

Eyes nearly white with a silvery tint, and relatively ordinary features.

A face that could appear cute depending on the expression.

Regarding gender, one glance at the face was enough to confirm it was female.

However, her impression came across as extremely cold due to her appearing even more indifferent and blunt than Kariel himself.

“Eden Levan Regiment, Blood-Sharing Family Peace Association, Second Prince Filbar Asubna. Is that correct?”

“Yes. If you’re looking for him, you’ve found the right person. That’s me!”

Second Prince.

By human standards, this would indicate an extremely high status, but among their race, “prince” differs somewhat from humans and other races.

It signifies a legitimate member of the bloodline.

For beings who, while not immortal, can live nearly eternal lives, the highest value lies in maintaining and protecting their fundamental bloodline.

And the original value and purpose given to that bloodline.

When considering how well they fulfill, lead, and protect this purpose,

The king or head of each bloodline corresponds to a leader of such an organization or group.

Thus, “Second Prince” here indicates a rank or status that has successfully fulfilled the values of such a bloodline.

“I’d like to confirm the request details?”

“As requested by the client, safely transport the distinguished guest to their destination. Provide personal protection and conveniences. If unavoidable circumstances arise, provide sufficient explanation and detours to both the guest and client simultaneously.”

“Excellent.”

Filbar clapped his hands and then turned to Kariel.

“With this friend here, you’ll be able to travel discreetly to your desired destination.”

“……”

Kariel briefly looked at the girl, who was about a head shorter than him, then said:

“I look forward to working with you.”

“I’m likely younger, so let’s drop the formalities.”

The girl demanded in a cold tone.

“I detest when speech becomes even one word longer than necessary.”

“Hahaha… She may lack social skills, but she’s that much more capable. That’s the honest truth.”

Kariel nodded.

“I don’t doubt it.”

Only.

“……”

Those frost-like cold eyes seemed somewhat pitiful.

But to sympathize would be an insult to her.

“She’ll have arranged the boat separately, so just follow her lead. She may make various requests as needed, but they’ll all be duty-related requirements, so please comply if they’re not too troublesome.”

“……”

Kariel nodded obediently.

“Well then! I must be off! I wish you both a pleasant and safe journey!”

The four-horse carriage kicked up dust as it moved away from the village.

After watching it disappear, the two of them:

“So, what now?”

When Kariel asked,

The girl replied:

“First, we eat.”

Huh?

“I’ve been starving for two days. When I come to places like this, filling my stomach is always priority. It’s essential.”

“…Alright.”

Kariel nodded compliantly.

He thought they could casually introduce themselves properly afterward.

But then he found himself watching in amazement as her meal continued uninterrupted for two hours.

He couldn’t help but smile.

After eating for quite some time,

The girl finally revealed her name during a brief pause between dishes.

“I’m Luirin. No surname. What should I call you?”

“……”

Kariel answered briefly.

“El.”

“That’s difficult to pronounce. In emergencies, it’s too short and phonetically inappropriate for quick communication. E~e-el! See? Your tongue goes to the roof of your mouth? Don’t you feel how your voice naturally gets sucked into your throat?”

“……”

Kariel was momentarily speechless as she opened her mouth wide, even showing her tongue to demonstrate.

If she insisted:

“Call me Riel then.”

“Are you a girl?”

“……”

“…My apologies.”

He had a feeling this journey wouldn’t be entirely smooth sailing.