Volume 3 Chapter 7 Flower
We moved from the industrial area to the main street of the West District.
It was me, Rose, Cosmos, and Ms. Fran, walking together as a group of 4.
Right now, we were heading to my home in the East District.
After that commotion, Ms. Fran had been kicked out of the workshop and was left without a place to go, which was troubling for her.
Although she hadn't been officially expelled yet, the acting workshop head, Brue, had told her, "You can't use our space until the auction is over," leaving her in a tough spot.
It seemed she usually stayed in the workshop's basement, so without that, she had nowhere to sleep.
So, I suggested to Ms. Fran, "If you don't have anywhere to go, why not come to my place?" At first, she hesitated, but considering her situation, she eventually nodded apologetically.
"Um, is it really okay? To stay at your house..."
As we walked toward my home, Ms. Fran asked me again.
I glanced at the petite blacksmith in an apron walking beside us and nodded in response.
"Yeah, don't worry about it. I heard you usually stay in the workshop's basement, so it's totally fine for you to use my place until you can officially return to the workshop."
"..."
Even as I said that, Ms. Fran looked down, seeming apologetic.
It was likely that she felt bad about using my home, but there was something else on her mind as well.
"But, to have you help with the auction too... that feels like too much trouble..."
We had offered not just a place to stay but also to help her with the auction preparations.
We were willing to assist with anything we could.
It seemed she felt particularly guilty about that.
However, we had our reasons for wanting to help.
"I want you to make weapons for these two. I'd also like to ask for regular maintenance afterward, so I thought it would be best if you could return to that workshop. That's why we want to help with your auction."
To be honest, I think it would be wiser for you not to go back to that workshop with that kind of guy and instead look for a job in another town.
You might not find a workshop that will take you in right now, but eventually, your "talent" will definitely be recognized.
However, we would prefer Ms. Fran to stay in this town's workshop if possible.
We want Ms. Fran to continue maintaining weapons and creating new ones, so it would be more convenient for us if you could return there.
That's why I really want you to win against Brue at the auction.
Plus, I just want to see that arrogant young blacksmith get what's coming to him.
"It seems we won't be able to use the workshop until the auction is over, so we need to find a place to make weapons for the auction. It's not easy to find a workshop that will lend us their facilities for 2 or 3 weeks. Also, Rose and Cosmos will help us with the materials, so we want to get the best ones we can."
"..."
As I lightly discussed our future plans, Ms. Fran looked up at me with her light brown eyes, quietly curious.
"Why are you being so kind to me?"
"Huh?"
"Even though we're complete strangers, you're helping me... And earlier, you went out of your way to say that you wanted to ask me for a favor, right? Why are you being so kind?"
It seems Ms. Fran is puzzled by my earlier declaration in front of Brue that I would be requesting her services.
She probably thought it was just a simple act of kindness.
Indeed, when I said I would ask Ms. Fran for help, Brue retracted his earlier statement about firing her.
With me as the requester, Ms. Fran was able to demonstrate her minimum value as a blacksmith, allowing her to participate in the auction.
It may seem like I helped her, but I didn't lie for that purpose.
"I wanted to help you, but I also genuinely see potential in your sword. My desire to ask you for your services is my true feeling."
"My sword has potential...?"
"I think that's something you haven't realized yourself. So, I'll talk about the details once we get home. But just to mention one thing, you have a talent for blacksmithing that could be called 'the power of a god.'"
"..."
Honestly, at this point, it seems like Ms. Fran is probably the only one who can create 'suitable weapons' for Rose and Cosmos.
That's why I wanted to help Ms. Fran as much as possible to make the best weapons for the two of them.
It seems Ms. Fran hasn't been praised much before.
Receiving such direct compliments, her fair cheeks flushed slightly.
"...Ah, thank you very much."
It seems she still lacks a bit of confidence.
However, I believe she will overcome that soon.
As I genuinely looked forward to Ms. Fran's growth, I suddenly felt a tug on my sleeve.
When I turned around, it was Rose.
"Um, Mr. Roezé...?"
"Hm? What is it?"
"I understand that you want to help Ms. Fran, but isn't it a bit inappropriate to have her stay at your house?"
"...?"
Inappropriate? I tilted my head, not quite grasping the meaning of her words.
Then, for some reason, Rose's face turned as red as her hair, and she seemed flustered, her eyes darting around.
"W-Well, since you're a healthy man, spending time under one roof with a woman like Ms. Fran could lead to... various issues... Ah! I think it would be fine if either I or Ms. Cosmos stayed over with you."
"Ah..."
I understood everything and nodded quietly.
Now that I think about it, I hadn't explained the situation in detail yet.
I noticed that Ms. Fran was trying to say something, her mouth moving but no words coming out.
So, I decided to speak for her.
"Um, about that..."
Just then, as we were passing by the adventurer's guild, 2 men approached us and suddenly called out.
"Hey, that girl over there is cute!"
"Wow, she really is!"
"...?"
The two men, dressed like adventurers, looked excited as they gazed at Ms. Fran.
Upon closer inspection, the two of them had faintly flushed faces.
Given the alcohol wafting around, it seemed they had been drinking quite a bit.
Despite that, they made a surprising proposal to Ms. Fran.
"Hey, hey, how about we go grab a drink now? That girl with the red hair too!"
"Eh?"
"We were just drinking with some other people, but it seems we upset them, and they suddenly left."
"Yeah, we only touched them a little!"
The two male adventurers laughed heartily, their voices echoing.
When Ms. Fran and Rose clearly showed signs of wariness, they quickly shook their heads.
"Ah, don't worry, we won't do anything like that to you two. We just want to chat while eating. I really like your style, so I'd love to talk about various things."
"N-no, I..."
"If you two come, it'll be perfect! Look, 2 guys and 2 girls! I know a really great place to eat."
"I-I said, I..."
"Drinking with just this guy is pointless. A drinking party needs some flair, you know..."
No matter how you looked at it, it was persistent flirting.
Whether it was annoyance at their behavior or anger at their rude misunderstanding, Ms. Fran's face turned bright red as she raised her voice on the main street.
"I-I'm... a guy!"
"...Huh?"
Everyone present, except for me, gaped in shock.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)