Chapter 13: My Disciple is a Dwarf

When I gather materials myself, the scope of my craftsmanship expands. I tried using the nuts and grasses harvested from the Sea of Trees to dye the lumber with natural colors. When I made furniture using colorful lumber, the impression changed significantly. That realization inspired me, making me think, “Let’s try making things like that,” and I started having fun again.

As I experimented with various things, I ended up creating so much that I built another large warehouse in the back of the garden, in addition to the first one, but even that was starting to fill up. Even if the Margrave’s mansion is large, we don’t need that many new pieces of furniture. Even gifting them to the nobles that my father and mother associate with has its limits.

After consulting with Father about what to do, we first donated the furniture to the orphanage within the domain. The director was initially quite humbled, saying, “We can’t accept such magnificent furniture,” so I told them, “It’s just what was left over because I made too much, so please take it,” and they accepted. When we showed the installed furniture to the children, their eyes lit up with joy. I would be happy if the mood of these children who lost their parents could be brightened even a little.

Next, I thought it might be unnecessary, as Dwarves are excellent at crafting, but I figured they might still need furniture, so I took some to the Dwarven Village. “Oh, this is splendid! Is it truly alright for us to receive such fine goods?”

I was glad they liked it more than I had imagined. “The ornamentation is beautiful. The coloring is nice as well. Even those who are feeling down after being driven from their homeland will be happy.” I would be delighted if the things I make can be of use to the struggling Dwarves. Just as I was giving my farewells and preparing to leave, someone suddenly called out to stop me. “Wait! Please take me as your disciple!”

The one who asked to become my disciple was a Dwarven boy. “My name is Theodore. I wish to learn craftsmanship under you.” Theodore had light brown hair, which was unusual for a Dwarf, large dark brown eyes, and a slender build.

“Uh, why do you want to apprentice under me?”

“Yes, William-sama built homes for us. Even though Dwarves are good at crafting, we couldn’t do something like that, so I respect you greatly.”

It’s embarrassing to be praised for my craftsmanship by a Dwarf. “Furthermore, there is this furniture. It is amazing that you can create something with such beautiful decorations using a skill. Dwarves do create intricate decorations, but our Production Skill can only rough out the shape; the rest is made through handiwork, which takes a lot of time.”

“Thank you for the compliment. But I’ve never heard of a Dwarf—who are so skilled in craftsmanship—becoming an apprentice to a Human. Wouldn’t it be better to apprentice under a Dwarven master?” Theodore lowered his eyes.

“To be honest, despite being a Dwarf, I am not very good at Blacksmithing. I was granted a Production Skill, but my appearance isn’t very Dwarf-like, and I’m not physically strong, so I can’t properly handle the heavy hammer needed to strike hot metal.”

“In Dwarven craftsmanship, the Production Skill handles the general creation, and the finishing is done by hand. And since the essence of Dwarven blacksmithing is the physical labor of the artisan, being unable to swing a heavy hammer is fatal. That’s why I wanted to apprentice under William-sama, who can create wonderful things using only skills.”

So that was the case. Indeed, Theo had slender limbs and didn’t look very strong. If he has such circumstances, I can’t just turn him away. After that, we talked so I could determine if it would be suitable to take him on as a disciple.

The Dwarves are kind people, and it seems they didn’t bully Theodore just because of his different appearance. However, he had always wanted to be useful in something other than Blacksmithing.

“Even though I am weak, I can make metalwork of decent quality, but metalworking is the craft of metals that have been forged through Blacksmithing, so it is a supporting role. In the Dwarven community, Blacksmithing—where one swings a heavy hammer to forge metal and craft swords, etc.—is the main role.”

What I learned after talking things over was that Theodore possesses both a sincere willingness to listen to others and a quick mind for understanding. As a test, I used my Production Skill to create an intricately decorated chair and a folding chair, explaining the kind of image I was using to create them. Theodore was immediately able to create both types of chairs.

I was surprised that he could understand my intuitive explanation and put it into practice so quickly. Furthermore, Theodore‘s power of imagination is extraordinary. As we continued talking, I also learned that he got separated from his parents while fleeing monsters in his homeland, and he is currently living with his uncle’s family.

That’s why he wants to become independent and self-sufficient quickly. If that’s the case, perhaps it would be alright to take him on as a disciple. Alright, I’ll consult with Father.

There’s no time like the present. As soon as I returned home, I spoke to Father. I earnestly explained to Father that Theodore had understood my explanation and created the chairs with his Production Skill, and that he was sincere and quick to grasp things.

“Haha, I understand. Will, you seem to have taken a great liking to this Dwarven boy.” “Yes, I would really like to work on craftsmanship together with him.” “I see, a Dwarven child with talent in Production Skill. He might become your right-hand man in the future. Yes, let’s hire him into our household.” That’s good. Father agreed to hire Theo.

The next day, when I went to the Dwarven settlement to pick him up, Theodore was extremely delighted. He had already spoken to his uncle, and he was immediately set up to live and work at the Margrave’s mansion.

“Master, please take care of me from now on. You can call me Theo. That’s what my close friends call me.” With Theo joining me, my motivation has increased even further.

While teaching Theo craftsmanship, I also started working on new creations. As I was living these fulfilling days, I was summoned to Father’s office. Being summoned to the office usually means it’s about work.

“What is it, Father?”

“Oh, apologies for calling you in. It seems you’ve been working even harder on your craftsmanship lately. Actually, there’s something I’d like to ask of you, Will.”

“You have a request for me?”