801 It's a Love Triangle
"Sandra?!"
Thomas was shocked to see that he met his love again after separating for a few weeks. I looked around at Burnes and the others and I can confirm that they know about this.
Victoria also just realized it. And she was the most excited among everyone here. So I just sent her a telepathic message.
"Victoria, don't say anything. Keep your mouth or whatever it is that let you speak shut. Don't ruin their moment," I said.
"I'll try my best!"
With this, I don't think she will be any obstacle in Thomas' love life. She won't disturb him. Though I'm the one who needs to endure her excitement.
"Oh, Sandra. Do you know them?"
Suddenly, one man got between the two. A good-looking man. Just interrupted the two's reunion.
Again, I checked everyone's reaction. And they seem more excited than before.
.....
I heard that the woman is a widow. And for the agents to let things be and let Thomas do everything by himself, I guess he has a chance. And there's no way that Burnes would be quiet if he knew that Thomas won't have a chance.
If Thomas doesn't have any chance at all, then Burnes should have told Thomas about it. To give up on his love. And just to focus on finishing the tour.
That means this guy is not the woman's partner at all. Thomas still has a chance.
As for the man, looking at his body, it was similar to a trained trapeze artist. Focusing more on the upper body to swing and jump using his hands on a bar. And from how he stand, he has a good balance. Maybe he can play as a tightrope walker as well.
And this guy probably, or most likely, has a feeling toward that woman. So he's basically Thomas' rival in love.
"Roy, is he who I think he is?" Victoria asked via telepathy.
"Most likely. Don't scream. Just keep calm and watch things goes on," I replied.
"I'll try my best!"
Yeah. I just hope that she won't ruin Thomas' moment. Though I don't think Thomas will have any moment soon with that guy here.
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Why am I here watching a love triangle? I guess it is some sort of entertainment as well. To see if Thomas's love will bear fruit or not.
And it's also to see the future wife of our boss. Though the result is still yet to be seen.
"He's Thomas. The leader of that famous circus troupe who is currently on tour around the continent. I watched them perform before in the capital when I took a break from the circus because I heard that they would be there. They are much better than our group," the woman said. Wait, I think her name was Sandra. Let's remember our future boss' wife's name properly.
A rival in love, and a rival in job. Victoria is truly excited to see what will happen next.
"So... you're also in a circus?" Thomas asked.
"Yes. I'm curious on why your circus was so famous. I thought it was because of a sponsor making your name big. But I was wrong. You are exceptional indeed. As a person in the same industry, I have to say that I'm not at that level yet. You did a tour back then, but I couldn't watch your group. And the tournament at that time was more exciting than the circus, so everyone's focus as more to the tournament. But fortunately, I could watch your group perform in the capital," Sandra said.
I didn't feel anything from her words. Burnes said that the love might be mutual. But I guess it's not. Or at least at this time, it's not.
"Oh, really? Then where is that Clarence I often heard about?" the man asked. He's not convinced that we're better than them.
Is he a clown? To think that he's asking for a clown first before any other performers. I can only guess that he wants to see someone in the same duty. Or maybe because he doesn't care about other people. I was just famous because everyone keep talking about me whenever I perform. And it was very rare so that rumors about me keep spreading.
I even heard a rumor that I'm a noble who is hiding my status to play as a clown. There's even a rumor saying that Clarence is often get sick and that's the reason he rarely plays.
I won't deny any of those rumors. All of them only make the circus more famous. They expected to see Clarence perform, but even when I'm not playing, they are entertained enough by the other's performances.
"I don't know about that. When I watched them, Clarence was not there. But the other clowns are already better than ours. It's annoying that the one who is said to be the best clown wasn't there, but it's more annoying that the other clowns are better than ours. Now that our show here is done, why don't we stay here for a few days so we can watch their performances? We can learn a lot by just watching them," Sandra said.
The man just clicked his tongue. He was probably trying to boast his ability by comparing himself to the one who was said to be the best. Me. But his crush just told him that we're better than them. So he's not satisfied with the result.
"...Yeah, Clarence was a busy person. But finally, a few days ago, he can take a break from his real job and joined us again. You can watch him perform tomorrow night," Thomas said.
"Really? That's great! I can't wait to watch him perform! If the other clowns are already that good, I wonder how good Clarence will be!"
Sandra said. Her eyes are sparkling at the mention of me. I bet this is not something that the others can find in their investigation about her.
...The fact that I might be Thomas' biggest rival in love.
"Damn, Roy! You're Thomas' biggest rival!" Victoria said.
"I wasn't in the circus most of the time. I guess I'm too famous even when I'm not there," I said proudly.
I turn my attention back to Thomas, Sandra, and the man I don't know.
"Ah, yes. Clarence is... amazing. But he's a real bad guy outside the circus. I mean he tricked dozens of women to be in his harem. He's just the worst type of man there is," Thomas said.
Hey! You're insulting me! I didn't trick anyone to be my harem! They are the one who approached me first! And it's not a dozen!
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...Maybe not yet. I don't know. I will live very long after all.
"I see. What a horrible person he is. To trick women to get a harem. I guess his real personality won't be as fun as he is as a clown," the other man said.
Now he's insulting me? I'll make sure that his already one-sided love won't progress.
"Victoria, would you like to play a prank on that guy? I'll let you do whatever you want," I said to her telepathically.
"Anything for Thomas' love!" Victoria replied.
Good. I don't think that guy will be able to sleep at night while we're here.
Burnes then walked next to me and whisper to not do anything to them. I won't promise anything. They just made fun of me.
As for Thomas, he's not a bad guy. He's just desperately doesn't want his crush to have any good impression on any other man. Though I won't just forgive him so easily.
"Thomas, we will find a place to stay. You can talk to them. And don't eat anything bad again or your diarrhea will return. Last time, it was so horrible that you did it on the stage. Good thing you're wearing black pants and we have a pool for a performance so no one noticed it," I said. Loud enough to let Sandra and that man hear.
The man smirked. But I'm not done yet.
"As for you, I don't like that a stranger is insulting me. But I can't really say anything when there's a huge rip on your pants that you're showing your ass to everyone. You're already embarrassing yourself that I don't have anything else to say to humiliate you," I said.
Of course I'm the one who ripped his pants. It was a clean cut that no one noticed how and when it happened. It was deep enough to cut his underwear but not his skin. So he's uninjured.
"What?! How?!"
The man retreated backward after grabbing something that can be used to cover his ass.
Only now that Thomas realized that there's someone he shouldn't made fun of.
"...Meet Clarence. As you can see, he's a funny gut. Whether talking or not, he can make everyone laugh. Also, Clarence is just his stage name. But you can call him that," Thomas introduced me to Sandra.
"You can call me Clarence. And no, I'm not someone who trick women to join my harem. Though it's true that I have a harem. And it's just us two men having fun, so don't worry. Though I don't like it when stranger just insulted me right in front of me without knowing anything. Though I didn't do anything. I just said what I saw," I said.
"Oh, okay. I'm Sandra. I can't wait to watch you perform," Sandra said.
Then I asked Victoria.
"What do you think? Was that enough to stop Thomas from thinking that I'm his rival in love?" I asked.
"I don't think she has feelings other than admiration to Clarence. And for her chance to fall for you should be disappear by now. So it's fine," Victoria said.
Good. Now, Thomas only need to think of how to interact with her and to get that man away from her.
802 I Heard a Good Information While Binge Eating
I have destroyed the chance of Sandra falling in love with me by acting like an ass. So unless she's into that type of man, Thomas still has a chance.
I'm just worried if Sandra has a weird taste in men. Then Thomas will be depressed since his friend was the one who stole his crush.
Though I don't think she likes that kind of men. People like that are rare. If they want to be happy, they shouldn't get a partner who act like an asshole.
We left Thomas so he can be with Sandra. And it seems like most of the agents also left. Only a few of them are near Thomas. Probably to help him if he asked for anything.
The agents have promised that they will help with Thomas' love life. But they won't do everything. They will just support him from the shadow. So it's all up to Thomas whether he can get closer to Sandra or not.
"Roy, I'll stick with Thomas. So that I can experience everything directly. But I will continue to communicate with you telepathically because if I don't, I don't think I can be quiet at all and will just ruin everything," Victoria said.
"That means I have to endure your shrieking the whole time. How about you just leave with me and let him be?" I asked.
"Can't! There's something so interesting to watch, so I won't let go of this chance! And you as well! I'm sure that even if you leave, you will still watch Thomas with your Divine Vision. Am I right?"
She's right. I'm also making sure that Thomas is still within the range of my Divine Vision. I won't be able to tell what he's talking about, but I can see his expression at least.
.....
"Then I can tell you anything important that they said. Isn't it a good deal? I got what I wanted, and you can move if needed. Then, I'm going," Victoria said.
She then left my body and move on the ground. Then she reached Thomas, and slowly and carefully, to not surprise him, move up from his clothes to the back of his collar.
Then she said something to Thomas from the back of his ear so that no one can see her. Then she stays there.
I just leave with the other performers and get us an inn we can stay.
After the tour, we got enough money to rent an entire inn for ourselves. So we look for one where there are not many customers and stay there.
It's Burnes who lead us there. Though I'm the one who find the inn first thanks to my Divine Vision.
When we get there, the other customers staying at that inn were there as well. So we gave them a sum amount of money so they can move to another inn since we are renting the entire place.
If they refuse or ask for more money, then we can just let them stay. It's not like we need them to go. We are just being polite because everyone is from the same group except for them. So we might be more noisy when we gather and disturb them.
And if they don't want to leave, that's their problem. We have prepared them the money to go to another inn, but they refused. Just like the three men in at the inn.
"You want us to move? Then pay more!"
"Or maybe just lend us some of the girls you have. They can warm our beds!"
"How about it? Maybe you will join us instead of staying in that group?"
Wow! None of them would expect that most of us are already expert level mage. And those who are not is either master level mages or a monster like Victoria. Though Victoria is not here yet.
I should just leave it to Burnes. He knows how to handle it.
But the one who handles it is not him. Instead it's the female master level fire mage who replied.
"Boys, I won't just warm your beds. I will also warm your bodies," she said.
"Woohoo! Awesome!"
"Alright! Let's find another inn right away!"
"Yeah. As for me, I'll pick—"
The last guy tried to pick someone else. Does he think that the girls are for them to choose?
Well, whoever they choose, the end won't be good for them. But the master level fire mage stopped them from picking anyone else.
"It's been a long time since I've done it. And I want the three of you to play with me. Let's go!"
She just easily hugged the three of them and lifted them up. Even when they are trying to resist, they can't compare their strength against a master level mage who trained her body for a century.
"What the... Release me!"
"Let go, you bitch!"
"What the hell?! Why is she so strong?!"
...It seems like now that she no longer need to focus stay in a village with just old people anymore, she's letting her desire goes free. As expected. None of those ten master level mages are normal.
"Oh, she finally can't endure it anymore. I though it should be time," the master level summoner said.
"Yeah. She was the first girl to come to the village and play with us men, right? I think everyone had a taste of her already. Though she gave up after knowing that she can't shake our feelings as we just focus more on training. And she ended up focusing on training as well," the master level summoner said.
...So, that's who she is? Someone who enjoys doing it?
Though from what these two said, she hasn't lay her hand on the men in the circus. Maybe she's just being considerate.
And now that she found three preys, she will devour them.
"...Do you think that's the real reason she joined the circus?" I asked the two master level mages.
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"I think she was genuinely interested at first. But now that she has slowly adapted to the real world, she's returning back to how she was before she entered the village," the master level summoner said.
"...I guess we can get her to handle such men from now on. So that we won't get into trouble and she can enjoy herself," Burnes said.
Everyone just nodded in agreement. It's better than having to pay them more to leave.
Though Burnes still asked me to give her some money for those three. The same amount of money we offered at first. And I gave it to her before she left while carrying those men.
And so, we stayed at that inn. And I picked a room for myself. Still got the special treatment while the others are sharing rooms.
Other than me, the one who has the special treatment to stay alone is Thomas. And we picked the best room for him. In case he can bring home Sandra.
Then, Burnes asked me if I want to join him and another performer to see the noble in charge of the city if we can perform here.
The other performer is an agent from Varadis. That's why Burnes brought him.
Since I'm bored, I go with them. And at the same time, I can see that Thomas is splitting up with Sandra. So I asked Victoria to guide him to the inn. But Thomas said that he's going to come with us. So I chose to not go because there will be too many people just for asking for permission. Just three people and Victoria is enough. So that if there's anything I need to know, Victoria can contact me right away.
Seems like there's no progress with him and Sandra. But at least he still has more chance to meet her in this city.
As for me, well, it's the usual food hunting that I haven't done in ages. So I will enjoy the food in this city with Airy.
Of course the people always surprised to see that I ordered so many food alone. And even more shocked to see that I'm going to the next shop after finishing my meal when I asked the waiter if there are any recommended place.
That's when I hear something interesting.
"Sir, you are the second weirdest man I've met in this place. Even after eating so many things, you wanted to go to another place," said the waiter in one of the cafe I visited. He's very blunt to a stranger.
"You mean there's another one? Who is it?" I asked.
"Did you see the smoke coming from outside of the city?"
The waiter then pointed at a smoke that came from the forest outside of the city.
Everyone can see the smoke. But it's too far. Even my Divine Vision can't reach the source.
"That's not some hunter camping, right? It's still too early for anyone to prepare a camp," I said.
"No, sir. It came from a smithy. For a blacksmith to create a weapon when everyone fight using magic is weird, isn't it. He's the weird guy I just told you. He came to the city once in a while to sell some kitchen knives. His knives are always high quality products that most of the shop in this city must have at least one knife made by him," the waiter said.
A blacksmith! I'd like to meet him!
But this could be a trap because the cult already knows that someone is an Aura user. I need to be careful. Though I can't just ignore it.
I have to see the blacksmith for myself.
803 Good Quality Knife
A blacksmith. It's someone that I always wanted to meet. Someone who crafted weapon and armor.
There are many who claimed to be a blacksmith. But at most, they just crafted knives and cooking utensil. And even if they crafted dismantling knives, the quality is just average. After dismantling a few monsters, those knives won't be usable anymore.
But now, I heard that there's a blacksmith living in the forest nearby. And the waiter I talked with said that the blacksmith is creating weapons.
This is a great information. I have to check the man myself. I need to go there.
Today, we just arrived in this city. It's still afternoon now. We arrived around lunchtime so that we can quickly ask for permission from the lord of this city to perform. Though I think it should be easy to get. After all, we arrived right after the other circus group finished their shows. So the lord will give us permission. Without a doubt.
Especially since we are the circus approved by the king and even have agents from Varadis as the performers. If the lord here is someone that old man Henry can trust, then he should have known that a circus is coming. So getting a permission is easy.
Anyway, it's still bright. And there shouldn't be any show tonight. So I'd like to meet the blacksmith today.
But before that, I want to check something first.
"Excuse me. That seems interesting. Can I check the knife?" I asked the waiter.
.....
"Well... the owner is quite strict with people entering the kitchen. So I don't know about that," he said.
But he doesn't seem sorry at all. He just wants bigger tips. So I gave him some money and I was given permission to enter the kitchen.
"Hey! No one other than the staffs can enter the kitchen!" the chef shouted.
"I allowed him to enter. He wants to see the knife crafted by Master Blacksmith. Let him see it," the waiter said. Though it seems like he's not a waiter at all.
"Well, if the boss says so, I can't refuse it. But we can't just let him touch the new ones we haven't used yet. So here," the chef said.
Seems like the waiter is actually the owner of this restaurant. And I was also given permission to see the knife. Though the one I was given was the knife that the chef had just used. As he grabbed a new one and prepare to cut the next ingredient with it.
But I don't mind it. This one seem to be a great knife already. It's just that the chef doesn't have the right technique. So the blade is already smaller than the knives that hasn't been used that I checked with my Divine Vision.
But I can feel that the quality of this knife, even though its no longer as good as when it was first finished, it's still a high quality knife. That's what I feel when I grabbed the hilt.
"Can I try cutting something with it?" I asked.
"Well—"
"I'll pay you," I said before the owner said anything.
"Sure!"
Then he instructed the chef to give me a big piece of meat. Seems like a monster meat.
And I skillfully cut it into pieces in front of the two people. I don't think that they are from the cult. And all I did was just cutting a piece of meat. So it should be fine.
There's no chip in the blade at all even though I didn't use Aura. But if it's an average chef, it's normal that the blade will get smaller and smaller the more it's used. But I'm different from them.
I don't care about the reaction of the owner and the chef. I was just in awe at the quality of the knife. And it's a used knife as well! What if I use a new one?
I don't think the sharpness and durability will be as good as if I use Aura. But what if I use Aura on such high quality weapon? That will make the weapon even stronger.
"Alright. I want to see the blacksmith so I can buy one for myself. Can I have this? Seems like you won't be use it after a while."
"Ah, sure! I can't believe that I can see a beautiful cutting technique. Who are you?" the owner asked.
"I'm just a clown from a circus. I have a lot of trick, you see. And I play with knives a lot. We just arrive at this city today and will start to perform probably from tomorrow night. If you like, you can watch and see more tricks from me and my friends. Then, I'll take my leave," I said.
I left the restaurant. And right away, I contacted Victoria by using telepathy and ask her if we got the permission to perform.
"We got it. It didn't take long and we're already back at the inn," she said.
"Then leave the inn with the master level mages and meet me at the gate. I found a blacksmith who created a decent quality product. I'm going to meet him right away. I will also call Sonia. Seems like she has a lot of free time nowadays," I said.
Even if I'm an Aura Master, I don't know about the quality of a real weapon that Aura users of the past commonly use. So I want to ask the two former Aura users about their opinion. And I will also bring the master level mages who are interested in fighting close range.
"Really? I'll be there right away. Also, don't forget to tell Henry about it. His grand aunt might be interested. And with him, we might be able to recruit the blacksmith to help us since he's still the king of this country," Victoria said.
She's right. So while I'm texting old man Henry, I called Sonia and told her what I'm going to do.
"That knife looks like it used to be a high quality product. But because an amateur kept using it for a long time, it's already damaged. Though I can still see how good the quality is," Sonia said as she's inspecting the knife I got from the restaurant.
"I know, right? Seems like he's selling the knives to the city whenever he needs money. And most of the time, he's working in his smithy. We're going there after meeting up with Victoria and the others," I said.
Then I got a reply from old man Henry saying that he and his grand aunt will meet us. So I will open a portal once we're close to the smithy.
Victoria soon arrived with the three master level mages. Seems like the fire master level mage has finished enjoying her time.
"This is a great knife. Or at least it used to be. But don't you think that I can transform into something as good as this? Do we need to meet the blacksmith?" Victoria asked.
"Just for precaution. By having a blacksmith that can made many things for us, we can probably do more. I can give Blobbies to everyone for self-defense, but it would be better if they have a normal knife. And maybe some sort of light armor that everyone can wear. That would be great," I said.
"Hmm... you're right. Let's meet the blacksmith. But are you sure that he's still making weapons at this age?" Victoria asked me again.
"That's what the owner of the restaurant said. I can't see his smithy yet. So I'm going there to confirm it. If you want, you can wait at the inn and I will open a portal for you later," I said.
"We'll go with you. Maybe I can find a monster to tame on the way," the tamer said.
"Good for you. I'm still not ready yet to go to Monsters World alone and look for a monster to make a contract with. If I have a good weapon that suits me, that would be great," the summoner said.
The summoner said that he's planning to go to the Monsters World sometime soon to find a monster to make a contract with. But his magic element other than summoning are still to weak. And he was focused more on physical strength for a long time. So having a weapon is always a good choice.
But why didn't he think of having a partner to go with? That would be easier, right? I can never tell what he's thinking.
If other people have Blobbies, they will have too many choice on what weapon to use. Will it be a knife? A sword? A spear? An axe? Or other weapons? They have to think before transforming the Blobbies.
But if they already have a weapon right away, then they won't spend time at all to think of a good weapon to use. Limiting one's choice is a good way as well to improve reaction speed.
"Then let's go. We just need to run to where that smoke is coming from," I said as I pointed at the smoke that should be coming from the smithy.
Three master level mages who are physically trained, and an Aura Master. We reached the place just in five minutes.
And when I got close enough, the man inside the smithy noticed us. He's an expert level mage.
I hope he's not an enemy. An expert level mage who is a blacksmith is a great addition to the alliance.
804 Meeting the Blacksmith
"Stop! Don't get any closer! Who's there!?"
As we got close to the smithy, just about twenty meters from there, the old bearded man inside the smithy noticed us. He's not alone. He has a little girl with him in the house. Probably around the age of eleven or twelve. About the same age as Daniel. She's probably his granddaughter.
"We are guests looking for the blacksmith who crafted this knife. Can we meet you?" I asked politely.
"We're closed right now!" the blacksmith said.
"We just want to ask you some questions," I said.
While I talked to him from afar, I also checked the smithy with my Divine Vision. There are a lot of high quality products. But most of them are shaped weirdly. Like they just came from his imagination. Like the one who made it never seen what a sword or spear is. They look fancy but the quality seems decent.
It's like he's making those things for fun. But I don't mind that.
If it's just weapons, then Victoria can transform into anything she wants. And she can teach him more about weapons.
Looking at the products he created, I can think of one thing that he can help us most. He can help Marie with her invention.
.....
With Marie's intellect and this guy's crafting skill, the products they created will be better than before. Though I want him mostly for his weapon-making skill.
"I refuse to come out!"
Then the old blacksmith goes to grab the girl inside the house and looks like he's trying to protect her. We're not here to fight though.
"Don't worry. We're not here looking for a fight. We're genuinely interested in the weapons you crafted," the tamer I brought here said.
We were looking for monsters as we ran to this place. But there were no monsters at all. I can guess that it was because of that blacksmith who is also an expert level mage. He probably killed the monsters on the way. So the tamer couldn't find any monsters to tame.
Well, even if there are any, if an expert level mage can defeat them, I don't think the tamer will be interested in taming them.
"H-How did you know what I'm doing?!"
Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted.Panzer.Quest strategy game
"It's either because we're at the same level as you are, or that we're stronger," the tamer said.
For someone who lives for so long already, he doesn't have much patience.
I want to talk with the blacksmith peacefully. But he just make the blacksmith hostile toward us. Even the little girl looks like she's about to cry.
"Hey, the girl inside is about to cry. Stop threatening them," I said.
"I'm not threatening them. I just stated the truth. We're all stronger than him. Oh, wait! He's not, right?"
The tamer realized that there could be someone weaker than the blacksmith. It's the summoner.
The summoner is just an advanced level mage in his other elements. And he doesn't even have a familiar to protect him. As for the tamer, he's still has another element he has reached expert level. So he can protect himself at least.
"I can protect myself. I'm still a master level mage. I can sense when he's trying to attack me. And I can dodge before the magic is cast. So don't worry about me," the summoner said calmly.
Right after he said that, the door to the entrance was destroyed by the blacksmith himself. Then he cast a powerful fire magic at his level. But it's much hotter than fire magic that Candy cast. He might be better at fire magic than Candy. At least his magic control to manipulate the temperature of the fire is much better.
The fire is going toward our direction. And the three master level mages are prepared to take that magic. They either prepared to use their magic or to dodge it.
And I just stood there with the knife I got from the restaurant prepared in my hand.
As the huge Fireball getting closer, I quickly moved forward and split the Fireball using the Aura-covered knife. The Fireball was split and none of us were harmed.
"Whoa! He just cut magic so easily. I wish I can be that strong," the tamer said
"It's too late for us to learn it. It's best to for us get stronger our own way," the fire mage said.
"Or we can just make a contract with a monster that can do that. Maybe there's a monster out there that can block magic," the summoner said to the fire mage.
A monster that can block magic, huh? If there are any, I would love to make a contract with one. But until I reach master level, I don't have any opening slot for my familiar. And I don't want to kill any of the ones I have.
Well, I'll look for one when I reach master level. It's not the time yet.
"You! How did you do that?!"
After I split the Fireball in two, the blacksmith came out and excitedly asked me how I could split his magic in two. His granddaughter who was hugging him before was left inside the house as the blacksmith is running toward me.
"That's the knife that I sold in the city before. But it has been used badly for so long. And I don't think it was because of my knife. Then it means that you're using some kind of technique, right? Finally! Someone who can make my dream come true!"
...I guess he's just another freak. From what he said, I guess he created so many weapons hoping that some kind of expert will come and notice his creation and use them. And he found me! Or should I say that I'm the one who find him?
"Then if you don't mind, let's have a chat first. Maybe we can help each other's dream," I said.
He will make me the best weapon and armor, while I can use his creation to destroy the cult. That would be nice.
Though if he, or even her granddaughter, is somehow related to the cult, then there might not be any cooperation at all.
"Ah, wait!"
As soon as he said that, he went back to his house and stand in front of the entrance. With his granddaughter behind him. I guess he's still can't put his trust in me yet.
"Sorry. I won't leave you again," the blacksmith said to the little girl.
Anyway, his magic was great. His fire was hotter than even the fire that Candy created even though they are the same level. That fire might be the reason how his creation has such high quality. He can control the fire while crafting weapons.
But for now, let's think about how we should negotiate with him. I want him to create at least one weapon with me.
The sword for the sword-cane. The hidden sword inside the cane. It's only good to use because I can use Aura to increase its durability. But if I can get a better quality sword, then even when I can't use magic or Aura, I can still at least protect myself with it.
Even if it's not a magic weapon or an Aura weapon, a better sword is still preferable. Though I wonder why he kept making weapons. Maybe someone ordered them.
For what? The only reason I can think of is for show. Like a theater or circus. Though for my circus, I let the performers borrow some Blobbies for their props. We use those Blobbies for knives juggling, knife throwing, axe throwing, and for other props.
Wait. I think I have seen more weapon used for performance than for fighting. Not counting the spears that the angels used or the blood swords that the vampires used.
If he can make more weapons for my monsters, that would be great. The angels can get stronger. And the vampires no longer need to waste their blood for weapons anymore.
"So, who are you? And why do you have monsters with you? Are you a tamer or summoner?" the blacksmith only asked me that.
"Well, I'm a summoner indeed. As for monster, if you're talking about this Black Slime, then it is my familiar. As for that ghost, she's a friend. Don't worry about her since she used to be a human. She won't bite," I said.
"You're talking about me as if I'm some sort of a dog. Though I do feel like my job nowadays is to watch the house. So I feel like being a watchdog," Sonia said.
"I don't believe you... Wait, where are you going?"
Now that I don't think he will harm us anymore, it's time to bring the guy that he has no choice but to believe. The king of this country, old man Henry.
I walked to an open space and opened a portal. He became wary of me but I ignored him. He won't attack me mindlessly like before since he knows now that I'm stronger than him.
The portal opened and old man Henry and his grand aunt, Halley, entered.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Blacksmith. I'm the King of Varadis, Henry. We have a favor to ask you."
805 Recruiting the Blacksmith
"His Majesty?! And how can I believe you? Making him suddenly appear like that, I don't know how you did it, but I just can't trust you," the Blacksmith said. As for the little girl hiding behind her, she was amazed that I can use something that can make people appear all of a sudden.
Is it safe to do that in front of them? Am I sure that they are not related to the cult?
For now, I don't know yet. But having him will be essential for the destruction of the cult.
And not just that. If he can cooperate with Marie and create many more amazing invention, then he will be helpful even when it's no longer a war time against the cult.
"What about the crown? It's not convincing that this old man has a crown on top of his head?" I asked.
"It's not convincing because someone is actually treated a person who could be a king normally. No normal person would treat their king like that," the blacksmith said.
Ah, he's right. It's totally my fault. I just brought old man Henry here and talked to him so casually.
Though I don't think that the Blacksmith will still believe me if I said that I'm not even a citizen of Varadis. And even if I say that, the blacksmith will believe me less.
"I think it would have been better if you brought him to the castle instead. That way, he will believe you," old man Henry said.
.....
"Yeah, I think so too. But I'd rather be here and check all the weapons here. Hey, you! You started acting hostile to us as soon as we get here. Do you have enemies? Maybe we can negotiate then. You know that I alone is already stronger than you, right? Maybe we can help each other a bit," I said.
I'm trying to negotiate with him by saying that I can defeat his enemies.
He's acting hostile as soon as we get close. I don't think any normal people would do that. Or maybe it's because this blacksmith has a lot of experience that he can tell that we're extremely strong. So he needed to kill us right away. Because he thought that we're one of them.
When we're waiting for answer, instead of the blacksmith, it was the little girl behind him who spoke.
"...There were some scary people. They told us that Grandpa has to join them or they will kill us like how they killed my parents. They gave us some time to think and left," she said.
Hmm? Some people killed her parents? And they want this grandpa to join them? Are they from the cult?
You will never turn off your computer again. No Install. Play for free.Panzer.Quest strategy game
"Tina! Enough! Don't say anything anymore! We can't trust them!" the blacksmith shouted.
"But we can't do anything! And these guys are strong! They can protect us!" the little girl, Tina, complained back to her grandfather.
So, they are currently trying to avoid those people. If that's the case, then why are they here?
"If you don't want to join them, then why are you guys still here and working on another weapon? You can just leave, right?" I asked.
"...There were no other places with good equipment for me to craft weapons," the blacksmith said.
Right. He said that he's looking for someone who can use his weapons well. He said that after I split his Fireball in two.
So he chose his dream instead of escaping, huh?
"For now, how about we have a nice and peaceful talk. Other than the king, we will wear the Magic Restricting Collar so you know that we won't be able to use magic. That way, we can talk peacefully," I suggested.
"...That would be useless after seeing you cut a magic in half. You don't need to do that. You can come in and... there's not enough seat for everyone. I'm sorry. How about we do it here?" the blacksmith said.
"Okay. Victoria, a table and seats for eight people," I said.
There are eight people here. Me, old man Henry, the four master level mages including old man Henry's grand aunt, and the blacksmith and her granddaughter.
"This..."
The blacksmith was shocked to see a Black Slime split herself into multiple pieces and turned into table and chairs.
And not just that. I also had some Blobbies and turned it into a sword I used to use. Just to let him see the weapon I used.
"By the way, here. It's a weapon I'm using. They're my familiar that can shapeshift into anything. First, I want to see an expert's reaction seeing my weapon. You will then know why I came here," I said.
I showed him Victosword. He checked it and was amazed by it.
"The sharpness is amazing. And for the durability, I don't think it's good enough. The used knife that you used before is still more durable than this sword. But I can't really tell since this is a living being. At least for sharpness, I think that it's good enough," he said.
He's right. That's also what I get from using his knife. Though for the sharpness, I don't know. But seeing at his other creations, I think he's right.
"For me, sharpness and durability is not important. But a better weapon is still preferable. Especially for this sword-cane. If possible, I want you to make a sword for this. Just the sword. The cane sheath is irreplaceable," I said.
This time, I showed him the sword-cane. The sword is worse than Victosword. And he seems to have a lot of complain about the sword. But he didn't say anything.
"Yeah. I can make a better sword than this one. But I want to know your deal. I don't think it's just because you want me to make you one weapon. Do you want to recruit me just like those other people?" the blacksmith asked as he returned the sword back to me.
"For that, let the King speak. He will tell you everything. And probably, the reason of the girl's parents death is related to his fault," I said.
What I meant was that someone probably killed the girl's parents after almost the entirety of Varadis got controlled by the cult. Back when before I met old man Henry.
And even after that, there's still a time when many of the cities were under control of the cult. Or at least close to that. And it has been taken care of by old man Henry now. But that doesn't mean that everyone in involved in that has been killed.
They might learnt that this old blacksmith is here and aimed for his craftsmanship. So they might still be in hiding and waiting for a chance to recruit him. Forcefully.
While old man Henry is explaining to the blacksmith, I'm checking the surrounding. There might be some traces of the guy who killed the girl's parents.
While I do that, I also contacted Burnes about it. He and a few other circus members have phones. So I can contact them. And ask those who are free to prepare to come here because I might have learned something about the cult.
I opened a portal and the agents then split up to see any traces of people here other than us.
One agent from Varadis will meet old man Henry and ask the blacksmith about something that could be used to track the enemies.
If they are not with the cult, then the agents can handle them peacefully. Probably some broken bones or so.
But I don't think that's the case. Because this blacksmith is an expert level fire mage. And he was extremely cautious when we arrived. So we can tell that the enemy is at least as strong as the blacksmith.
After the agent interrogating him left, the blacksmith just sat there in disbelief.
"I'm sorry for being rude, Your Majesty. I can't believe that all that happened. And if there's a cult like that in this world, then they are probably the one who killed Tina's parents. If you really wish to destroy them, then I will help you," the blacksmith said.
"That's great. With your help, we can do a lot of things. But you will probably live in the capital of Tatrama instead of in Varadis anymore. It's safer in that country since it's his home country," old man Henry pointed at me as he explained it to the blacksmith.
He's just saying that I'm the strongest in the whole alliance and someone that they trust the most.
"As long as Tina is safe, then I don't mind. But for the equipment—"
"I can bring them all there easily. But first, we need a place for you to stay in the capital. Probably in my mansion over there. After all, no one dares to mess with me. If people learned that you're one of my people, they will keep their distance from you. Even if they don't, there are many people who can protect you and your granddaughter there," I said.
"Okay. But first, about the people who threatened me. It will be suspicious if they see that the house is empty," the blacksmith said.
"That won't be a problem at all. In fact, you can leave right away if you want. More importantly, I want to check your weapons. Don't worry, I'll pay for those that interest me. As for the future when you join us, you don't have to worry about payment. I'm rich. And the kings are rich. You will be paid handsomely," I said.
With this, we got a blacksmith with us. Now, everyone can have a weapon to protect themselves in case they can't use magic.
806 He's a Fan of Aura Users
The blacksmith allowed us to see the weapons he created. There are some normal looking weapons, but most of them are just weapons he made not for functionality. They are just for show.
"My father was a blacksmith as well. Though he only made kitchen knife or dismantling knife. He never created something for the purpose of killing another human being. While I was interested in an old children stories about Aura user. So after I took over as a blacksmith, I started creating weapons such as swords and spears," the blacksmith said.
Should I say that he's my biggest fan? Well, that is totally wrong. He's just a fan of Aura user. So even Victoria and Sonia are included since they were Aura users as well.
"Most of them just look good enough. But they are not a weapon. Do you work for some sort of entertainment business," I asked.
"You're right. They are mostly weapons for decoration. They are not durable and not sharp. Because they will be sold to a traveling theater for plays. I made them dull so that they won't hurt anyone just in case. While making them not durable so that my business can continue since they will break easily. I only made some real weapons that I think is good enough. Not a kitchen knife, and not a dismantling knife. Real weapons."
Then he opened a door on the floor which lead to the basement. Why do I keep involved with someone with hidden passage to the basement? I just left those island with a lot of passage to the underground. And now I'm entering a basement.
I already know that there's a basement in this place so I'm not surprised. I also have checked the weapons. Just looking at them. I won't know how good they are unless I tested them myself.
"So, what do you think?"
I asked the two other people here who have experience in handling weapon. The Black Slime and the ghost. Victoria and Sonia.
.....
"The weapons here look nice. If it's in the past, many experts would pay a lot for these weapons. The quality here is great. I can tell because one of my lovers was a blacksmith," Sonia said.
If that's the case, then it's good. Though hearing Sonia said something like one of his lovers, the master level fire mage was interested in that. I think they will be good friends to each other. Talking about their past and how many men enticed by them.
"I can transform to those weapons. So other than the sword for the sword-cane, I don't think you need to buy any," Victoria said.
"Are you jealous to weapons? When I was with other girls, you're fine. But now you're feeling jealous because of weapons?" I asked curiously.
"Because I know that I'm superior in one thing. That you need me. If you buy a weapon for yourself, you will need me less. So of course I'm jealous," Victoria said.
...She's surprisingly honest at this time. Though it's true that I don't really need weapons. Victoria and her clones are more convenience.
But it's always better if I have spare weapons. And other can also have high quality weapon with them. That's why having a blacksmith will be helpful for us.
JR西日本の「異端児」とひも解くデータ活用4人からスタートして40人規模の集団に,社内人材活躍の勘所NEC
"Don't worry. Other than the sword, I don't need much. And it's more for the others than for myself. Especially for the ten master level mages who trained their bodies more than their magic in the past hundred year. Even if their magic is powerful, they can't just forget what they were training for over a hundred years. Just look at them," I said as I'm pointing at the four master level mages here.
The four master level mages look so excited like kids looking at toys. They're touching everything that they can see.
"Hey, can we test some weapons first?" the tamer asked. He can no longer endure it and want to test the sword in his hand.
The blacksmith nodded. And I told him not to worry since we will pay for the ones we picked.
"Take several you want to test outside. Also, for your main weapon, you need something that suits you. It could be a sword, dagger, hammer, axe, or other weapons. Find the one that suits you and choose them. I will pay for now," I said.
The master level mages then grabbed as many weapons as they can and left the basement. They're outside and are testing the weapons with the help of Victoria and Sonia.
Even if the weapons they are using are not swords, Victoria and Sonia both came from the time when many Aura users still exist. And they have watched me fight enough to tell what is good and what is not.
As for old man Henry and I, we just negotiate more in the living room. The girl, Tina, served us some tea.
We talked about our plan from now on. And what things other than weapons that we need his craftsmanship in. Whatever it is that Marie is planning to create.
I also contacted Albert that I got a blacksmith who will stay in my mansion at the capital. And to tell Marie that she can get a great help from him. Even more since he's an expert level fire mage.
Albert and Marie prepared everything for the blacksmith's arrival. They just told their servants and Ian that the blacksmith is coming. And there will be a new building in my backyard.
As for the equipment, I will bring them all from here.
After the negotiation is over, old man Henry and the blacksmith shook their hand. The blacksmith will be officially introduced to the others when he finished creating more weapons for self-defense.
"Can you also make armor?" I asked.
"Yes. I can make some strong chainmail as well. Depend on the material, I can make one that anyone can put under their clothes and doesn't feel heavy at all," the blacksmith said.
"That's good enough to advertise to the kings since they need extra protection. As soon as we finished moving, prepare to make them. If you need the material, you can tell the butler there who will inform other people to get them," I said.
"Ah, we might need more people. The equipment I have are pretty... heavy?"
The blacksmith was shocked to see I could easily lift several items at once which are too heavy for him.
He's someone who work as a blacksmith and also an expert level mage. He's strong. His body is even bigger than those training maniacs in Mellian.
But to see that I could lift something so heavy at once is such a huge shock.
"...Are you perhaps a master level mage?" the blacksmith asked.
"Nope. I'm still expert level. Haven't reached that stage yet," I said.
I guess he knows that the higher a mage's level is, the stronger they became physically. So he thought that I'm a master level mage.
"You're close though. The other four people who are testing your weapons are the master level mages. as for Roy, he's someone you admired. Someone who came out from a children's story. An Aura user," old man Henry said.
"An Aura user! You are real?!"
"I did not came out of a book. I'm a real person. Someone will explain many things to you after we move... wait, someone is coming," I said.
From distance, I can see several people are coming. And one of them is the agent who was supposed to be investigating the surrounding. He's pretending to be captured and following them. Because I can see other agents are watching them. With one of them is flying this way hurriedly.
"I guess something will happen soon. Old man, I'll bring you back to your castle. Mr. Blacksmith, come with me. The little girl as well," I said.
"Tina too? What if it's something dangerous?" the blacksmith asked.
"If it's something dangerous, then I can protect you two right away. Did you forget that those four people are master level mages? And I'm also an Aura user. Whoever is coming, you will be safe," I said.
Then I open a portal for old man Henry to return, and meet the others outside. They are already prepared for those people's arrival. They can sense those people coming.
But they ignored them as they still continue practicing swinging their weapons.
"So, someone is coming. The agents investigating is also watching them with one of them is flying here. Let's hear his explanation, shall we?" I said.
They heard me. But their focus is more in finding a weapon that suit them.
Well, at their level, there's really nothing for them to worry about.
The flying agent arrived and told us about what they found.
"They are the people who are trying to recruit the blacksmith. They saw you guys leaving the city to this direction. So they are probably trying to extort you or threaten you to get the blacksmith," he said.
"What about the captured agent?" I asked.
"Don't worry. He's not injured that badly. If he want to escape, he can. Also, none of those people are master level mage. So there's nothing to worry about," the agent said.
"Alright. Thanks. I'll bring you back to the circus later," I said.
Now, what should we do with them?
807 The Blacksmith's Revenge
"It's them..."
Hearing the report from the agent, the blacksmith look angry. And his granddaughter is holding his hand tightly.
"They're the one who threatened you and killed her parents?" I asked. Though it's already obvious the answer is.
"That's right. Just because there are more of them, they think that they can do whatever they want knowing that I'm just alone protecting my granddaughter. They must be here trying to recruit me again. With force most likely," the blacksmith said.
"Then you don't have to worry. If you want, you can go wild and kill them all by yourself. We will protect your granddaughter. Don't forget that any one of us, can defeat all of them right away," I said.
"Thank you for that. Then, I'll do just that. Please protect my granddaughter while I kill them all. And I will promise you that I will make the best equipment for you all. I will even keep improving my skill so that my products will be better and better," the blacksmith said.
"Do that after you done with your revenge. Also, don't worry about them escaping. They can't. This place is already surrounded," I said.
"...I think you guys are scarier than them," the blacksmith said.
Some agents have returned from investigating. And they're all already hiding behind the trees.
.....
Even if the enemies are expert level mages, these agents have trained their stealth skill. So unless the opponent is a master level mage, they would have difficulty detecting the hiding agents.
Also, we have master level mages and an Aura Master here. There's nothing to worry about.
Escaping? In their dream.
Though for the agents to have returned, I guess they have finished their investigation. I guess there's not much to find here.
"Here they come. Little girl, go hide yourself behind those four people swinging their swords," I said.
Even though we're not that close to the master level mages, they should have listened our conversation. They might act like they don't care. But when I said to the girl to come to them, the four master level mages made a space for girls to hide while being surrounded by them who are still swinging their swords. So those four people are swinging their weapons to the opposite direction of where the girl will hide.
The girl then agreed and hide behind them. And the master level mages still swinging their weapons. They are trying to use spears this time.
Soon after, five people arrived. One of them is an agent who is pretending to be weak though. He's not injured badly from what I can see. Just a bit of healing and he'll recover completely. In fact, he might not need healing magic at all.
"Why are you here again?! I told you that if you don't want want to die, never come here again!" the blacksmith shouted.
"Oh, you have guests? Are they your customers from the theater? Swinging a weapon around, look at how stupid they look like. Can they even protect your granddaughter?"
The thug who said that then casually cast a Fireball toward the girl's direction. But the Fireball hit the master level fire mage and she felt nothing. Though I can see that she cast a Fire Barrier right in front of her so it seems like she was hit directly.
"Oh, she's pretty strong. Are they perhaps people you hired for protection?" the thug asked.
"How dare you targeted Tina! I will kill you right here right now!"
The blacksmith was angry that his granddaughter got targeted right away. And he immediately cast a strong fire magic toward the enemy.
They didn't expect him to attack right away. And the fire mage who aimed at Tina is too weak for the blacksmith. His fire is not as hot as the blacksmith's fire. And the fire engulfed that guy and he died in pain.
Is it safe to show such thing to his granddaughter? Oh, she seems happy that she saw the one who killed her parents died in front of her it seems. But there are still three more people.
"Kill him! Kill everyone here as well!"
Well, that's impossible. Also, the agent who was pretending to be captured has already escaped at the same time that guy died.
Though how did he get captured? He should be acting as a hunter, right? Maybe those idiots think that he can be used as a baggage carrier. And to force him to do that, they need to show him who's the boss. By hitting him again and again until he gave up.
Well, now that agent is being healed by another agent in hiding. As for those thugs there's no need to care about these weaklings.
All of them tried to kill the blacksmith and his granddaughter. Using a wide spell that hit a large area. But they would never realized that the ones they are attacking are master level mages.
As for the magic that came my way, I just dodged them. Jumping high is easy. Especially since there doesn't seem to be any wind mage among them.
After a while, they noticed that the old blacksmith is actually stronger than them despite being at the same level. In fact, among many expert level fire mages, his fire could be the strongest and the hottest. Though in real battle, I think Candy can win easily.
Another man died. And now the other two are trying to escape only to be blocked by the agents. Some of the agents have just arrived. Which mean those who are late might have finished the investigation completely.
I guess they split up. Some were coming back here to report to us, while the some were finishing their investigation.
And now that they are done, they have all returned. Some even bring some gifts.
The thugs tried to breakthrough. But they never expected that those who are surrounding them are expert level mages. So they surrendered.
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But the blacksmith ignored that and killed another one. That's what you get when you killed someone's family.
"If you kill me, then the higher ups will hear about this! Not just you, but everyone here will be killed!" the man shouted. Trying to make the blacksmith to not kill him.
"If it's the group in the city whose real goal is to recruit exceptional individuals for the cult, then there's nothing to worry about. None of them are master level mages, so we have finished cleaning up everything."
One of the agent who had just arrived said that, and then he dropped the proofs that the group in the cult has been cleaned up. The last thug seems to notice what they are and he realized that there's no way out anymore.
"You should have keep that explosion device in your mouth even after you reached expert level. That way, you can kill yourself instead of having someone do it for you. Well, if you're with the cult. If you're not, then I guess you don't understand what I'm saying," I said mockingly. But he looked confused instead. Though it didn't take long since the blacksmith killed him soon after.
"This is for my family!"
The blacksmith killed the last thug. And now the blacksmith and his granddaughter have finished with their revenge. They're hugging each other in tear.
As for me, I walked to the agent who dropped the proofs of that organization.
"So, they are from the cult?" I asked.
"It's weird. Rather than from the cult, it was like they are being paid by the cult to find excellent individuals for the cult to recruit. There's no proof at all that they are with the cult. We just found some letters sent by someone from the cult. And the last time that they made contact with this group was back when you were investigating alone for weeks in the Monsters World. I guess they are already dead. But we will ask some agents we know to stay here and investigate more," the agent said.
"Okay. Good job. Do you want me to return you back to the inn?" I asked.
"No need. It won't take long for us to go back anyway. And we might be able to find something. Well, I'll be back later for dinner. Don't eat everything, okay?"
The agents then left. Leaving us behind.
"So, have you feel any weapon that suits you?" I asked the four master level mages.
"I feel like a sword is good. This one that I can hold with two hands. A two-handed sword is what Sonia said. Since I'm strong, I can lift it with one hand. As long as I learn the right technique, I think this is a good choice," the summoner said.
"This spear. I picked something that I can use while riding on a monster. Though I still don't have any tamed monster yet," the tamer said.
The two picked weapons that can be used while riding something. I guess they're already thinking of what monster they want to make contract with.
As for the two female master level mages, they haven't made their decision yet.
"Don't forget to try a barehanded fight as well. Maybe that's why none of these weapon suit you. Though there are also many other weapons that haven't been tested yet," I said.
I think that's enough of testing the weapons here. We will have more time later since the blacksmith will move to my place.
808 Helping the Blacksmith Moving
Now, we need to help the blacksmith move. We need to get his forging equipment to take with us. Because he said that he's familiar with the tools that he has. And I think it's difficult to find a better one since blacksmith is rare enough as it is.
Since we need him to craft quality products for us, we will take those tools and equipment.
But first, I need to bring the dead people away. I can just leave it here, but there's a theater group who is a loyal customer to the blacksmith. He made the props for the group. And it will be bad if this place is surrounded by monsters because of the smell of the corpses.
I opened a portal to a den of monster in Monsters World and throw the corpses there. There won't be anything remaining from those corpses.
As for the theater group who is loyal customer, the blacksmith left a letter on the door saying that he's moving to Tatrama. So if the theater group is looking for the blacksmith, they can go there.
"That's very convenient magic you have. Is that how you will transport us?" the blacksmith asked.
"Yes. For now, you will live in my mansion in the capital of Tatrama. They will prepare a place for your tools so you can make your weapon there. If you want to get another place, you can ask the king himself later. I bet he's interested in meeting you. Maybe he's already staying in my place waiting for you to arrive," I said.
Knowing Albert, he must be impatient to meet the blacksmith. After all, it's not just for the alliance. But for his wife as well, Marie.
Because if the blacksmith join us, then Marie will have someone that can help her in many ways. But that will be for later.
.....
First, the blacksmith will craft a sword for my sword-cane. I want a better sword for that.
Next, the blacksmith will make chainmail for me and the kings. One that we can wear under our clothes. So that we can protect ourselves.
I think there are too many requests. We need to have more people learning from the blacksmith. But looking for people who will help might be easy. We have so many helpers after all.
I think we can get all the people from the smaller kingdom that joined us who were recently attacked by the cult. They can learn about blacksmithing for them to make money since they are likely to have lost their source of income because of the attack.
Maybe the blacksmith will only be in Tatrama for a while. He can go to any place he wants to go. After all, I can easily transport his weapons and armors with portal.
But for now, bringing him to Tatrama is ideal. There's no need to worry about his life. We can get some people to protect him and his granddaughter. It's much better than being here at least.
If you own a mouse, you have to play this game. No Install. Play for free.Panzer.Quest strategy game
Then I told the master level mages to help the blacksmith move. I opened a portal and brought everyone to my place in Tatrama.
I guess this is also the first time that the master level mages come to my place here. Though they know about my place in Cassau though.
"I'll be returning to the circus after this. For now, you all can stay and see what weapon fits you. I'll also get other master level mages to come here and try out some weapons. Maybe Angela and the others as well. Though for them, a self-defense weapon like a knife is good enough. Ah, right! Mr. Blacksmith, I need you to create rifles!"
I remembered that we can ask the blacksmith to make guns as well. This way, Sara and other air mages can have stronger weapon that can endure stronger air pressure.
I brought the master level mages and Sara here. Then I asked Sara to show him her rifle and maybe ask him to create specialized bullets as well if possible.
"Whoa, this is the first time I've seen something like this. The quality is already decent, but I can make it more powerful if I have the blueprint," the blacksmith said.
"Okay. The owner of the blueprint is coming here along with the king. She's his wife, you see? Which means that she's the queen. She's a genius who invented many amazing things. If you help her, then we can have more amazing things to use in the fight against the cult. They're here now. You can talk to them. I'll be leaving," I said.
I was about to open a portal back to the room at the inn where the circus is staying, but Sara stopped me.
"Then you need to return me back as well. I'm a noble now and I'm extremely busy."
Yup. I forgot that she's a noble now. Next time, I need to notice her before I brought her somewhere all of a sudden.
The three master level mages who joined the circus also asked me to bring them back with me. Seems like they have decided on their weapon.
The summoner asked for a long sword. Even if it's a two-handed sword, he can lift it easily with one hand. So he asked for long sword that he can use while riding his monster. Though he still doesn't have a familiar yet.
Maybe he will get one after I brought him to the horses that Ray is leading. One of them is maybe a monster that he will be interested in.
The tamer asked for two spears that he can use while riding as well. I guess I'll bring the summoner and the tamer to Monsters World after the show is over. I planned to go there anyway after the show at that city is done.
As for the fire mage, she thinks that a dagger is enough. Because back when they first encountered me, she was one of the few who carried a knife. Maybe she's used to it. And she doesn't feel that she will be suited for any of the weapons. So it's best to just use something she's already familiar with.
The rest master level mages are still looking at the weapons with interest. I guess after the show is over and I returned from the Monsters World after checking up on Ray, I'll come back and see their progress. I will also teach them few moves that I can use with the weapon they picked.
I left the sword and the cane to the blacksmith. I brought Sara back to where she came from after she greeted Albert. Then after saying some things to Albert and Marie who came here by riding on Ian's back after he transformed into a huge falcon, I brought the three master level mages back to where the circus is staying.
As for old man Henry's grand aunt though, she's still trying out other weapons.
I guess they will all be staying in that mansion for a few days. I don't mind. Ian is there. If they need anything, they can ask Ian.
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And I have told the blacksmith that if he needs any material, he can just ask. If it's from some rare monsters, I bet Angela and Kron will be more interested in fighting those monsters than getting the material. I just hope that they won't destroy the material when killing those monsters.
Oh, right. I probably have the best material for armor. It's Andro's scale. Just one scale is big enough to cover several people at once. I think the blacksmith will be interested in it. I'll show it to him later. He's already busy as it is.
Though I didn't ask the blacksmith to work right away. He can take a break and walking around the capital with his granddaughter. I gave him some money that they can use.
I returned back to the inn and see that the agents who were investigating were there.
"So, other than those people, the city is already safe from the influence of the cult?" I asked.
"Yes. Even most people in that group didn't join the cult. Only a few of them," one agent said.
Is that why the guy I said to keep his explosive device instead looked confused before he died? Because he didn't understand what I was talking about?
Well, he's dead now. And that organization has been cleaned up completely by the agents.
As for whether they died or imprisoned for interrogation, I don't care. The agents know best what to do with them.
Now, let's prepare for the show.
The next morning, we prepared the tent quickly. We have gotten used to it that we were finished in just a few hours.
Though for the other circus group where Sandra is joined, they were shocked to see that we're done in just a few hours while they need a whole day. Which makes them unable to perform right away at night. So they needed at least two days after given permission so they can perform.
It's finally time to perform. As for the lineup, we were split into two groups as planned. One for today and the third day, the second is for tomorrow and the fourth day. As for me, I will perform every day.
"So, let's give it our best to support Thomas' love life as well! His crush is watching from the front seat. Thomas, don't be too nervous, okay? After all, the one who will be watched closely the most will be me. So you don't need to worry," I said as our pep talk.
That is our second goal for today's performance. To support Thomas' love life.
If we're doing great, then Sandra will be interested to watch again tomorrow. And the time they both can see each other will be longer.
As for the guy who seems to be interested in Sandra from her circus group, seems like he's tired because he was unable to sleep at night.
...It's all thanks to Victoria. That guy is having trouble because he kept seeing and hearing things from the shadow at night. Though that is not shadow. That was Victoria.
The one who is supporting Thomas the most is her. She's doing her best to keep his rival in love away from them.
Anyway, it's time to perform. It's finally the return of the greatest clown in the world, Clarence!
809 Visiting Us After the Show
"That was insane! It was so amazing!"
It's late at night. The show was just finished for the day. We will perform again tomorrow night.
But those are the things that we keep hearing from the audiences who watched our performances. Including from the other circus group. It's full of praise.
"Yeah! The previous circus group was nice. I thought that I don't need to watch another circus soon after the previous one. But this one is already much better!"
"I know, right? I want to come again tomorrow!"
"The previous group was good enough. But this one set the bar too high. I think I can still enjoy the previous group's performance, but it won't be as nice as this one."
"That clown is funny! Mom, I want a red nose as well!"
"Shut up, Kid! You're too noisy at this time in the night! Shut up or I will punch your nose that they will turn red!"
Oh, wait. That's not someone who had just left the circus. He's a thug in this city who is bothered by the noise that the citizens created after they watched our show.
.....
The kid and his mom run away quickly from the thug. Does he need to ruin the mood? What an asshole.
When no one is looking, I knocked the thug out unconscious using sleeping gas, strip him naked, and threw him into a brothel with the ugliest prostitutes there with a note saying 'Do as you wish,' and a small bag of money.
Even if they are ugly, they need to be recognized by the people. One must not look down on them just for being ugly.
Well, sleeping with them is a big no for me though. I have lovers, so I don't need to sleep with prostitutes like I did in my past life. And even then, I have never sleep with an ugly prostitute.
But I still entered some establishment with ugly prostitutes. Because they usually have great sense of humor and a good listener. Even better than the pretty ones who are usually just ignore what we said.
I think that's how a brothel with ugly prostitutes can still work. The prostitutes are professional listeners and not just for sleeping. So many people with a lot of complain and less income would go there for a chat.
Though for that thug who dares to threatened a small kid, he will wake up being surrounded by those prostitutes. This will be the time of his life. Maybe. If he decided to change his type.
"Yeah. They are usually a better listener so many people would go there. And that's where we sometimes get our information. They learned a lot about the situation in the city from the people."
That's what Burnes said when I told him that I took the thug to that brothel. I guess they can be a place to get information as well.
Enough about brothel. We're here after cleaning up the tent and set some stuffs for tomorrow's performance.
Then we decided to go and have some drinks while we let the other performers who will perform tomorrow to clean up the rest. And there's an expected unexpected guest. Sandra.
For us, she's an expected guest. Because we guessed that she would come to visit Thomas. But for Thomas,it was unexpected that she would come to visit.
And so, everyone decided to leave Thomas' table and drink at another table. Leaving a seat for Sandra. But when I was about to leave my seat which is next to Thomas, he grabbed the sleeve of my shirt asking to not leave him alone with her. So I didn't leave.
...But can he not do that? Grabbing my sleeve and ask for help like a little child?
"That was a great show! Sorry, but can I sit here?" Sandra asked.
Thomas is too shy all of a sudden. Didn't he talk with her normally yesterday? Why is he so shy now?
"...Sure, you can. We also like to hear about our performance from others. Especially since you're from the same industry," I said politely.
"Thank you! I know that you're enjoying yourself tonight so I'm terribly sorry for bothering you guys," Sandra said.
"No problem! You are allowed to bother us anytime you want! Isn't that right, Thomas?" I asked Thomas.
"Y-Yeah! You're allowed to come anytime you want."
He's too nervous. Probably because he knows that he has a chance to ask her out now. Especially since she's here, and the rest of us here are the people who promised to support him in his... quest for love.
But it's too soon. She's here because of the circus. So she's going to talk about it and not prepared to be confessed by Thomas.
Even Victoria said that tonight is too early. We need to wait for a while before their relationship can progress.
And as expected, Sandra is only talking about the show. Especially me. Since I did the unthinkable.
"Clarence! How did you do that? To think that someone can swallow a sword. Well, not entirely. But wasn't it painful? The blade should be sharp, right? Is your throat okay?" Sandra asked me.
That's one of the performance that I did. A sword swallowing trick. Something I learned from Victoria.
She said that it's a common trick to use for entertainment and often performed in her world. The professional in her world would swallow the entire blade of the sword until the hilt, then take it out. Just a thin double-edged sword. Not the sword I usually use which is thicker. Just about the size of my sword from the sword-cane.
Victoria said that to do that trick, because of the sharp blade, the performers would need to swallow the sheath first and put the sword inside the sheath inside their mouth to be safe from being cut. But what I did was much safer.
...I just used Victosword, and transformed the blade into nothing. Making it seems like I swallowed an entire sword.
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That's right. I just tricked everyone to think that I swallowed a sword. When in fact, it's all thanks to the prop.
Good thing there are no master level mage in the audience. Or they will know the trick.
"That's a secret. Though it's something that only professional can do," I said.
Though everyone here can do that. Because I told them the trick.
"That was amazing! Is it a trick and the fact is that you didn't swallow the sword at all? I guess having good props is also a skill. In the end, what we need to do is to entertain people. So even if it's a trick that anyone can do once they learn the secret, as long as it's entertaining, then it will be fine," Sandra said. I guess she knows a lot since we're from the same industry.
"That's right. The best thing about it is that even if they know that there's a trick involved, more people will be interested in the trick. And the more they focused on the trick, the easier it is to trick them. I'm sure you know since you're in this industry as well," I said.
"Well, not as much as you. And it's not just you. The other performers are amazing as well. Though a lot of it probably thanks to the props. Can I ask where you get them from?" Sandra asked.
"That's a secret. Though most of them were created by ourselves. Of course that's the case since we're the one using them," I said.
Hey... Isn't it sad that Thomas didn't get to say anything? Sandra is just talking to me. What about Thomas? Why to Clarence?
I thought that I have removed the chance of her getting interested in me. Well, romantically, the chance is gone. But for business-related, her interest in me is extremely high.
"Like that tightrope walker! He just did a back flip on the rope! Then that other clown! Then—"
She's just like a child getting excited.
This can't go on. Especially since now all the other agents are looking at me urging me to change the topic.
"Yeah... Isn't it amazing that Thomas can gather all of us here? He's the best. He might have stopped performing himself, but his status in the circus is the highest. I can even say that even if the king himself is here, I would pay more respect to Thomas than to the king," I said.
Well, this isn't a lie. Because I treat even the kings normally. I work with them. but for Thomas, I work for him. Though I'm good friend with them all.
The agents just smiled because they know what I meant. Though they're happy that the subject changed at least.
"Shh! Don't say that! You don't know who will hear that!" Sandra said.
I just looked at Thomas so that he will be the one to explain it. He needs to talk. Or I will be the one talking with her more.
"Actually, the King of Tatrama watched our performance a few times. He was moving incognito, but we knew who he was in the audience. But Clarence still treated him normally and even asked him for a help in the show. That's what he meant. We were never invited by any king officially. Just a king visited us incognito," Thomas explained.
"Oh! A king showed interest in the circus?!"
Good. With this, Thomas can chat with her. And Sandra herself seems like she's interested in talking with Thomas more since when I talked to her, it was as if I'm boasting. Just like Thomas' rival in love who keeps boasting nonsense and ended up unable to sleep.
With this, my help is done. Let's become a statue that everyone ignores.
810 Sandra Make Friend with Victoria
After talking with me about my performance, Sandra is now talking with Thomas about managing the circus.
That's a topic that Thomas can discuss about very well. So I just turn myself into a statue. A statue that can eat and drink. Wait, that's no longer a statue.
I'd like to leave now, but whenever I tried to leave my seat, Thomas is glaring at me asking for help.
You don't need my help anymore. You can speak normally with her now.
And so, I had no choice but to listen to everything. Though there's a slime that enjoys listening.
Apparently, Sandra is the leader of the other circus group. But she's still performing as well as a juggler. Just juggling things. While Thomas has stopped performing and focus on managing the circus and became the host for the circus. Introducing everyone and tells the audience what they will see. Though that's not really an important part of the circus.
In my past life, I went to a circus a few times. They didn't have a host at all to introduce the performers. Just one show after another with almost no break.
Though maybe we do it now because all the performers are expert level mages at minimum. So they might move too fast for everyone to notice. And if Thomas didn't explain what will be shown, they won't be able to see anything. That's why we need someone to explain.
Anyway, Sandra and Thomas talked more about the circus before they started talking about their private life. Including about Sandra's late husband and how that other guy is annoying her so much for obviously trying to flirt with her.
.....
"If he's not the most talented performers in our group, I would have kicked him out already."
That's what Sandra said about that guy.
And Thomas who heard that she doesn't like someone is flirting with him looked desperate. Because that's what he wants to do.
I guess flirting with her is impossible. Just ask the other agents about how to make more progress. I'm useless in this area.
After saying how annoying it was being flirted, Thomas was silent. He doesn't know how to react and just sipped his drink. I guess I'll start talking again now.
"I know, right? Being flirted by someone who is not your type is annoying. For me, if I'm just being friend with them, that's fine. But if they keep flirting on me, that's just annoying. Well, I don't have any problem with it anymore nowadays with that person set his eyes on another target," I said.
"...He?" Sandra asked.
"Yes. He's a man. I prefer my lovers to be women. But good thing I introduced him to my other friend and he's now setting his eyes on my other friend," I said.
It's from my own experience. I don't hate Hill. Just don't want him to be involved with me romantically.
I heard that he's an expert level mage now. He's an indispensable for the safety of Mellian. He will protect the boys there, is what he said.
As for the guy he's interested in, it's Kron. And he's still didn't notice Hill's advance toward him.
Though I think Kron decided to live his life as a hunter and keep getting stronger. I don't think he will be involved with anyone romantically. He's just too focused on enjoying himself exploring the world with his partner, Breezy.
"Oh, I see. For me, I just want our interaction as business only. I don't think I want him to be my friend. He's too annoying even to other people," Sandra said.
Now we're talking about our love lives. I also told her about my harem members. Though I didn't tell her everything like how we're at war with the cult and the fact that we're the main force.
Since she asked about my harem, I told her only what she can know. Like the smart and independent woman, Kayla. Then I have Angela and Candy whom I said to be excellent hunters. Then the doctor, Sophie. After that, the homely, Lina. Can't say that she's my maid since I'm not a noble. Then there's a the wild girl, Shelia. And lastly at the moment, since they said that I might have more, is the weird writer, Victoria. Though for the nocturnal, Arin, is still questionable. But since she loves my blood the most, I think she's the closest one to be the next. If she wants to.
"Writer, huh? That name rings a bell. Oh, right! One of the performers in the circus is a fan of her novels! Wait, is that novel is based on that guy who flirted with you?" Sandra asked.
"Don't ask me. I don't want to know whatever she's writing about. It's too scary for me," I said.
Victoria sometimes wrote about my experience. And some characters in her story, back when she started writing and I was curious about what she wrote, are similar to me. So I refused to read them ever again.
"I'm not too interested with the relationship between the character. I like the action more," Sandra said.
Oh, she wrote action novels? Maybe an adventure since she's staying with me everywhere I go.
"She's my fan. Should I go out and come back then introduced myself as Victoria?"
Victoria said that to herself. Though I don't think she needs an answer from me.
Also, we want to help Thomas. Not to let her meet a fan... Wait! That might be a good idea.
So I told Victoria via telepathy that if she wants to, she can do that. I don't think Sandra will be here for much longer. But if Victoria, who can easily make friend with a lot of people except Sonia when they were both alive, can get closer to Sandra, then even after we split up with Sandra, Victoria can still talk with her.
Heck. If it's her, having a sleepover with someone she just met is not impossible. Then she can tell Sandra about Thomas' good points.
Victoria agreed to do that. So she left, and return again as Victoria the writer in her human form.
"Hey, Roy! I'm here!"
Victoria pretended that we made a promise to meet her here.
Thomas was confused seeing Victoria in her human form. As for the agents, they sort of expected it after seeing Victoria left the building.
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"Sandra, meet Victoria," I introduced Victoria to Sandra.
"Oh, my! I know some people who wants to meet you!" Sandra said.
"What about you?" Victoria asked.
"Well, I'm not that interested in meeting famous people other than Clarence," Sandra said.
"What about now that you have met him?" Victoria asked.
"Well, during show, he was amazing," Sandra said.
"What about outside the circus?"
This time, Sandra didn't say anything. How should I feel now?
And Victoria easily and quickly get close enough to Sandra to be called her friend. And Victoria occasionally talked to both Sandra and Thomas under the guise of research for her novel. She also talked to me to make it seems that she's not ignoring me.
What a skill! I can't do that. If someone asked me my opinion, I would often times speak the truth and make them avoid me instead. I can act and pretend that I'm interested in many things, but I hate that I need to act. So I keep it to the minimum.
It has been so long since we're here. But the place is not closing at all. When I asked Burnes about it via text messages, he told me that the owner of this place is an agent from Varadis. So we can stay as long as we want.
Though we can't stay too long here. Or people will be suspicious why the place is not closing yet.
Someone come and told us that they're closing while Sandra and Victoria are excited talking about everything. It's hard to keep up with these two.
But is it fine to show Victoria to her right now? Because if we can trust Sandra, then Thomas will probably tell her that Victoria is actually a monster.
Well, if we can trust her that much, then it should be fine. There won't be any problem at all.
We then split up with Sandra. Victoria said that she will take Sandra back to where she's staying before returning to our inn.
"You don't have to," Sandra said.
"Don't worry. I want to talk you more tonight. And how about we meet up again tomorrow? Although I look like this, I'm quite strong, you know. I can protect you," Victoria said.
This late at night, Sandra will be safer if Victoria stays with her. But there might be danger as well.
What if Sandra ended up to be interested with Victoria instead? Then it's a farewell to Thomas' love.
Well, if that happen, then it's all Thomas' fault. He should have make a move on his own instead of asking for help all the time.
Now, what was it again that Victoria said... right! Thomas need to get out of the Friendzone area now. Good luck, Thomas.