Chapter 58: The Friend of the Dwarves

The Elder of the Elves said he would have members of his clan explore to locate the Ley Line Cross-Point so the World Tree could grow faster. I understood the importance of the World Tree, so I thought it was necessary. And since humans cannot sense the flow of the Ley Lines, I thought the Elves were the right people for the job.

But the Unsettled Land is a lawless area, so there might be Bandits and Kidnappers. I worry because the Elves are going to such a dangerous place. At the very least, I want to provide them with the best equipment possible.

For that matter, even though they were happy with the assortment of Nuts Oliver recommended, it wasn’t a proper thank you for finding the Plant Materials. Speaking of thanks, I haven’t adequately thanked the Dwarves who generously gave us information from their Ancient Documents to save Mother. I want to properly thank both the Elves and the Dwarves.

So, I decided I want to give the Elves and Dwarves equipment with resistance Granted through Granting Magic. Two resistances Granted to Leather Armor would be good for the Elves. I feel a different resistance would be better for the Dwarves.

“Theo, Dwarf blacksmiths handle high-heat materials, right?”

“That’s right, they pound hot iron.”

If that is the case, there is a resistance I want to Grant.

Theo and I came down to the basement of the Workshop‘s new building to perform a new Grant. I spread out the Deer Hide material and began to visualize the image. Something that protects the Dwarves, who swing their hammers in front of a high-heat Furnace, from the heat. Something that repels sparks and protects the Dwarf blacksmiths who pound their hammers single-mindedly.

Once I could visualize it, I concentrated and activated Production Skill. Magic Power gathered at my fingertips from deep within my body. A Magic Circle floated above my palm, and the Deer Hide was wrapped in warm light. After the warm light vanished, there was a hide that had changed to a reddish color.

When I used Appraisal, it was listed as “Sea of Trees Deer Hide: Heat Resistance – Major (Granted).” Yes, it’s exactly what I aimed for. Only one resistance was Granted, but in return, the effect became Major.

When I explained this to Theo, he said, “All the Dwarves will want this.” After that, when Theo activated Duplication, as usual, the exact same thing was created. Theo‘s skill is amazing, after all.

Then, the two of us made large pieces of Leather with Heat Resistance – Major and processed them into Aprons, Gloves, and Boots worn by blacksmiths. I worked hard and made enough for ten people.

“This is a wonderful product.”

Since Theo gave it his stamp of approval, I hope it will be a good gift for the Dwarves.

The next day, I visited Father‘s office. I couldn’t give the Granted items to the Elves and Dwarves without Father‘s permission.

“Excuse me for taking your time.”

“It’s alright. What is the matter today?”

I explained to Father that I hadn’t adequately thanked the Dwarves and Elves for their help, and that I wanted to give the Elves Leather Armor with two resistances Granted, and the Dwarves Aprons and Gloves with Heat Resistance – Major Granted.

“I see, it is true that we haven’t sufficiently thanked both races.”

It was as expected, but I was happy that Father felt the same way.

“Alright, I understand. Let’s give them the items Will Granted. Although His Majesty told us not to let the existence of items with two resistances Granted become widely known.”

So that was the case.

“Heat Resistance – Major will have the same value as two resistances Granted. But it is important to properly thank the Dwarves and Elves. And the risk of other humans finding out is low even if they use them.”

“Thank you, Father. Then I will go give them to the Dwarves and Elves.”

With a light step, Theo and I visited the Dwarf village.

“Welcome, what brings you here today?”

“Uncle, I brought some Aprons for blacksmiths today.”

Theo presented the red Leather Aprons, Gloves, and Boots and explained them.

“Ooh, those are amazing items, Heat Resistance – Major. Blacksmiths are always next to the danger of burns. Some are forced to quit blacksmithing due to severe burns, so everyone will want them.”

“I am glad you like them. I am giving all of these to you.”

“We are grateful to receive them, but these are expensive items. How much should we pay for one set?”

“I consulted Father, and since this is a thank you for cooperating to save Mother, we cannot accept payment.”

“No, we are satisfied that Lady Mary is safe, so a thank you is not necessary.”

“I thought you might say that. However, regarding that, Father said, ‘It would hurt my pride if I couldn’t thank those who saved my precious wife. I want you to accept it no matter what.’ I feel the same way as Father.”

“Hahaha, I see, pride. No, now that I think about it, Lord and Lord William worried about and cherished Lady Mary incomparably more than us. In that case, not accepting the gift might be rude.”

And the Chieftain reverently accepted the red Leather blacksmith equipment.

“The Lord could have commanded us to cooperate, since he protected us when we fled the Sea of Trees. Instead, he bowed and asked for our help, and now we receive such good things as thanks.”

The Chieftain wore a gentle smile on his rugged face.

“Besides, these were made for us Dwarves, not for selling. Human blacksmiths would find such thick and heavy Aprons difficult to use.”

I certainly only thought about the Dwarves’ ease of use when making them, but the Chieftain noticed immediately.

“Both the Lord and Lord William have truly good personalities. Lord William, could you tell the Lord? The Dwarves have indeed received the gift. We consider the Fairchild House to be a ‘Friend of the Dwarves‘!”

“Uncle, are you sure?”

Theo was surprised. For the Dwarves, who are more sincere than humans, calling someone a Friend is a heavy declaration.

“Theo, it is fine. We will stand with the Fairchild House. Even if a horde of Monsters were to attack this land, we will not flee.”