Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World

Chapter 16: The Daily Life of an Eight Year Old - Rhinoceros Sword

A new record.

The three days of struggling were not in vain. Three days of not being able to come home had pushed me up a notch. As I walked through the gate of the mansion with a big smile on my face, my mother, Henriette, jumped on me. How could she have guessed that I would break the record before I announced it? That's my mother.

"Welcome back, Alter! Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"I'm not."

My mother asked a barrage of questions and touched me all over my body. The gatekeeper I had seen at the main gate bowed and walked away. I wondered if he had announced my return.

"It's all right, Mother. I'm not hurt."

I nodded to my mother, who refused to let me go.

If I were to compare it to the world before, it would be like sending an eight-year-old on a trip to a war zone for three nights and four days. I guess it's understandable to be worried. I want them to pay a little more attention to Roland in the back. He's got half of his hair in the front. It won't grow back.

My father and brother, who had heard the commotion, joined us and we went into the house to greet them on their return. I need to nice the detailed report after dinner.

Then, as it was too formal in the office, the whole family and Roland gathered in the living room.

"Hmm. It's bitter or something. ……"

"Yes, it's a bit unique."

"I like it a lot."

When I served the General's tea, everyone except Lakius, had a mixed reaction. Roland refused, saying, "Not for me."

The tea had dried and was less pungent than before. It has a rich aroma and a unique bitterness, similar to green tea, somewhat nostalgic. Of course, even if you don't know anything about green tea, the taste should be soothing enough. So, why should I be so sensitive about it? Well, I guess it's good that my brother likes it so much. He is indeed a man who will lead the next generation. I'm sure the Riedwald family will grow even more. I gave my brother a thumbs up, and for some reason, he smiled back.

"Then let's hear the report, shall we?"

Then my father quietly set the cup down and pushed it away with his fingertips.

It was a very unwanted treatment, I wanted to protest it. But I had to be patient. The General's Tea is not finished. Eventually, he will beg for mercy, even if it's just a drop! I'm sure he'll be begging for it. Until that time, I will endure any unreasonable situation.

I straightened up and began to report on my training and expedition over the past week.

I had scratched the surface of what I had to say on the day trip, but this time it was not a chat between father and his son, but to the lord. While answering questions from father, brother, and sometimes mother, I reported the events from the first day in detail. When I said my report, my father and brother were prepared to hear about the Orc settlement. But they were relieved to learn that we had already destroyed it. My father instructed Roland to send soldiers to inspect the area.

Then the conversation turned to the events of a few hours ago, the Tremble Cube.

It seemed that they couldn't imagine what it looked like, and they all asked me about it again and again. I guess it's hard to imagine a large, square monster. So I drew a Tremble Cube on a piece of parchment and added Roland to it to give an idea of its size. It's a stick figure, of course.

After I drew the Tremble Cube. Then Roland shows me his scars and explains its tactics. Everyone seemed too surprised to speak. By the way, I've kept my mouth shut about the fact that I've been eaten by it. My father is the lord, so I'm not sure how much he will protect me, but as long as my overprotective mother doesn't find out, it won't be a problem.

I finished my report, but my father could not seem to get over the shock of the Tremble Cube.

He said, "I didn't know there was such a thing as a monster ……. Has it inhabited the forests of Leknod before?"

"As far as I know, its range is quite far south, deep in the forest. If it comes here, it will leave a clear trail. So I think there is nothing to worry about. However, contrary to its appearance, it's quite agile. If it is attacked, it will be easy to escape, and it is thought that more people have been killed in encounters with it than reported. It would be premature to assume that it is only in the south. I'm sure the adventurer's guild is concerned about this and is issuing a warning, because even I, who live in the north, knew about it."

"It's possible. There's no need to chase after it even if you find a trail. The soldiers won't be able to outrun them."

"Very well, sir."

After that, we spent some time together as a family, and I went back to my room.

As soon as I opened the door, I felt my mind relax.

Even though I was back in the house, I still felt tense somewhere.

There was still some work to be done. Such as the procedures for selling the materials. But now I'm at peace.

I sat down on the bed and looked around the room.

This is my old mansion. I may be exaggerating because I've been away for three days. But it was such an expedition that it made me think so. I looked at the room again. Suddenly, I noticed something that I had taken for granted. The bed is clean, and there was not a speck of dust on the floor, table, or desk. I knew that Meredy cleaned the room when I was away, but it seemed that she hadn't missed a beat while I was gone. I should thank her later for all her hard work.

I shook off the urge to lie down and stood up.

Now, it was time to rest and relax.

I open the big bag and take out the contents.

I must have collected a little too much.

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A large amount of General Grass covered the entire room. It wouldn't be so bad if I stacked them on top of each other. But without this, the drying process wouldn't go as smoothly. The wilted leaves are still damp, and hand rubbing is even slower. I wonder why I hand-rub them in the first place. I can't wait to taste it and figure out why and what to do with it.

As I was thinking whether I should tie it to a string and hang it up, I heard a knock on the door, and Meredy came out. As soon as she peeked into the room, she exclaimed.

"What's with this pile of weeds?" That was the first thing she said.

"You are a rude person. Who do you think you are?"

"Weeds!"

"That's why the common people can't understand ……. It's a pity you can't understand this nobility."

Graham, the head of the household, walked silently past the open door.

He was in the living room earlier, wasn't he ……?

"No, no, but it's not finished yet! It's no wonder you don't know what it tastes like! Yeah!"

"Is this tea? I don't know what it tastes like, but I'm not drinking it. Why are you shouting? Your face is twitching."

"Don't worry about it! What do you want?"

"I brought you some tea, not that weird stuff you have there."

"I'd like to say a few words, but I'm worried about the future. I would like to thank you for your kind words and I hope you will forgive me for killing you."

I took the tea and sent Meredy back.

This has to be finished in a hurry. I'm not proud of it, but I'm a very good kid who has had little experience of being offended by my parents. To maintain that trust, we must finish the General tea as soon as possible and let them know how wonderful it is.

◇◇◇◇

The next day, while aiming to complete the General's Tea, I took a break to verify "Multiple Chanting".

The "Multiple Chanting" that I had acquired during the battle with the Tremble Cube is a powerful skill comparable to "Fast Movement". When I tried it out, I can activate multiple spells with one hand and with two hands. I can activate even the low-powered beginner-level attack spells simultaneously for a considerable amount of firepower. In addition, since I can also use the magic of different attributes, I can use a single chant for both the short arrow bolt type of attack magic and the ascending type of degenerative magic. This will be my advantage in battle.

I can also activate this simultaneously as long as the magic power allows, but the accuracy will be extremely low. So far, the most I've been able to do is three or four at a time.

On the third day after my return, a man named Deryn from the Groen Armory came to visit me at the mansion.

I tilted my head at the unfamiliar name, but when I met him, it made sense. It was about the equipment that I asked the head of the adventurer's guild, Gerrit, to make equipment from the Eras Rhino. He told me that he had finished processing the horns and was about to prep the skin and that he would like to take measurements soon.

Oh well, swords are one thing, but armor requires measurements.

I wanted to surprise him by giving it to him out of the blue, but if it didn't fit, it would be a complete disaster. I should be honest with him and ask him to measure me. I ran to my father and brother and somehow managed to get a confirmation that I would be available two days later in the morning.

I told Deryn and asked her to leave, but I soon realized that I had been too hasty.

Even though it was a gift, I'm wasting official time with my selfish actions. My brother doesn't have time either. At the very least, I should have the two of them concentrate on the day. It looks like the horned sword is finished, and I should probably visit the Groen Armory. I was also a little concerned about the fact that I didn't know what kind of store it was because I had thrown it to the head of the Gerrit branch. In four days, I will be inviting the "Battle Axe of Destruction" too. Because the sale process should be completed. I'm the one who started both of these, so I should finish them. In addition, the "Battle Axe of Destruction" is a bit quirky, so if you choose the wrong messenger, you could end up in unnecessary trouble.

I went back to my father, told him what had happened, and asked for permission to leave. I think he was pleased with my words of accomplishment, but he readily permitted me.

Then I went to Riedwald for the first time in a long time.

Of course, I'm going there with Roland.

The Groen Armor Shop place is off the main street.

It was a two-story stone structure, but it had a clean appearance, and it didn't look like a store that dealt in armor once the massive sign was out of sight. The exterior walls and the street-facing the store seemed to have been cleaned, not a single pebble, let alone a piece of trash. He is meticulous and likes to keep things clean. I could tell what kind of person Deryn was.

After watching from the back of the carriage. I waited for the guard to open the door and got off the carriage.

I got on the carriage because my father, the lord, was involved in this errand. I think it would have been easier and more disciplined to walk, but my father was being watched through me. I have to be especially careful when I reveal my identity to people who know me.

Just as Roland and I were facing the store, a group of young men in their mid-teens came out. When they saw us, they probably thought it would be too much trouble to get involved, so they moved away. From their appearance and equipment, they seemed to be new adventurers. As proof of this, one of the boys was lovingly stroking the sword at his waist as he left. The hilt and scabbard were clean and polished, but they looked a bit worn. It was probably used.

It seems that this is not just a high-class store, but also a store that can tailor its business to its customers. This is the first time I've ever seen such a thing.

"Welcome."

When we opened the door, Deryn greeted us.

His face was soft and his body thin. As usual, he looked more like the manager of a clothing store.

"Oh, this is the Young Master."

Deryn was surprised but bowed condescendingly but without sarcasm.

"I've just met you, and I'm glad to visit you. I wanted to talk to you about the measurements."

"I heard it was two days later in the morning. Do you want to change it?"

"There is no change in the schedule. It's just that I've forgotten that my father and brother are busy. I don't want to spend their time on anything. So I thought I'd get my things done first."

"So that's how it is. I understand. I will take your measurements right away. This way, please."

Deryn took out a business tool from his pocket and quickly measures my sizes.

He listened carefully and wrote down the clothes I would be wearing, my special fighting skills, and any other details I requested.

When he finished, Deryn called me to the back of the room. From what he said, it seemed that he would have me bring him Eras Rhino's sword. In the meantime, I didn't want to just wait for him. So I look at the items in the store.

Roughly speaking, the right side of the store was the cheapest items, the left side was the most expensive, and the further in you went, the higher the prices seemed to be. In the corner of the right-hand wall were used bargains, and in the middle of the store were Deryn's recommendations. Only a small portion of the magical armor is displayed in the back, and most of it is stored in the warehouse. I'm interested in magic tools, but I don't have anything. It was hard for me to want them, so I tried not to look too hard.

After a while, a young employee came in carrying two swords.

Deryn took them and placed them on the counter.

"This is what you ordered, a sword made from the horn of Eras Rhino. Please check."

Both swords were straight and without warp.

Its scabbard is made of leather with metal reinforcement. The reinforcement and the metal parts of the hilt were carved with elaborate engravings, making it a work of art in itself.

I picked up the smallsword and looked at it.

This thing – it's so light.

When I removed the scabbard, the pure white sword body was white and smooth, attracting my attention. When I held it up to the sunlight streaming in through the window, the shine increased as if it was absorbing the light. I looked at the blade from a different angle, but it was so sharp I could hardly see it.

"…… is more than I imagined. What happens when you process the horns of an Eras Rhino?"

"Most of the time, the sword is just a shaved horn, but when a skilled craftsman works on it, it takes on a unique luster."

Deryn answered somewhat proudly.

The result is far beyond my imagination. He is a craftsman to be proud of.

However, it is still light. I don't feel any strain on my wrist. This is easy to handle, but…

Deryn clouded my smile on my appearance.

"The horns and fangs are inevitably lighter. Some adventurers hate it and don't process it into weapons."

"I see. Oh, I'm sorry. I don't like it. On the contrary. I'm not strong. Lighter weapons help me in long-term battles. I'm just surprised at how different it is from what I know.

I smiled back, but there was a real problem.

You can't expect the weight to increase the weapon power because it doesn't get me tired. The blade is quite sharp and can slice through most opponents by swinging it around, but it won't work on hard demons. I'm a lightweight. I couldn't raise my hands in joy.

While pretending to observe, I activated my "Appraisal".

Name: Rhinoceros Sword (甲犀の剣)

Features: A smallsword carved out of the longhorn of the Eras Rhino. It features a pure white blade that seems to absorb light.

Characteristics: Lightweight, yet strong and tough. The luster will fade if not cared for, and the sword's color will change depending on its use. It is resistant to acid.

After all, its properties have been released.

After learning about medicinal herbs from Danil during the expedition, I did some more research.

As a result, I found out that most armor and items release their properties upon use or contact. However, for the Sacred Axe and Arua Sero, I was given them to hold and even swung them, but their properties remained unknown. The difference is obvious: is it a magic tool or a common tool?

In the first place, how do Markant and Valerie, who do not have the "Appraisal" skill, draw out the power of magic tools? When I asked them about it, it was simple. It seems to me that the ownership of magic tools is set. The tools tell their owners that they have the power to do what they want. However, not all magic tools are straightforward. It seems that magic tools have a thought process that can be called intelligence, and if the intelligence is high, the tool will not easily recognize its owner, and if it is stolen, it will reject the thief. On the other hand, magic tools with low intelligence are recognized as the owner just by holding them, and even if they are stolen, the thief can use them. Usually, the powerful the magic tool is, the more likely it is the former. The reason why Arua Sero and the Sacred Axe didn't tell me anything when I held them is those magical tools have high intelligence. Incidentally, when  Danil gave me his sword to hold, I'm easily accepted by it. It seems to be an excellent magical tool, despite its simple ability to enhance durability and sharpness, but it seems to be a bit silly. He said that magical tools do not resemble their owners.

The sensation of information flowing into my brain was interesting, but I was more interested in the results of the appraisal.

Magic tools have a skill column that ordinary tools do not have. In the case of Danil's sword, "Strengthen Durability 4" and "Strengthen Sharpness 2" are listed. It's also possible that this is a part of its characteristics, as there is no mention of "skill column: unknown" in the Sacred Axe for example.

So, is the Rhinoceros Sword a magic tool?

Of course not. No matter how good it is, no matter how magical its abilities are if a characteristic is released and there is no skill field, it is a common tool, just an effect of the material. Even if a steel sword is stronger than a copper sword. It's still a common tool if it doesn't have the "Strengthen Durability".

Just in case, I also appraised Rhinoceros Stiletto, but the result did not change, only the name was different.

It's a shame that it's not a magic tool, but if you could make a magic tool just by cutting out a horn, you wouldn't have any trouble. It was more than enough for me to have made a sword this good.

I looked at the results of the appraisal again.

Is it resistant to acid? The situation wouldn't have changed much even if I had it with me at the time, but it was ironic. Also, the color change on the blade is probably due to blood seeping into the sword. It's going to look vicious, and it might even job change into a cursed sword. It would be interesting to see if that happens, but I'll have to take good care of it.

"What do you think? Do you feel any discomfort in your grip?"

"No problem, it's a great sword. By the way, does it have a name?

"A name? It's usually called by the name of the material it's made of. In this case, it would be the Sword of Erath Rhino. Of course, I think it would be best if Young Master named it.

"Hmm, naming."

I have to be a little careful. I'm afraid I'll call it by the wrong appraisal result. . It can be a hassle when you encounter a "Basic Appraisal". Well, it seems that it is rare, and it's enough to say that you got a "see".

As I looked at the sharp blade, a doubt suddenly came to my mind.

"What do you think would happen if my sword and Eras Rhino's sword went at it?"

I asked Deryn, holding out the smallsword at my waist.

The sharpness of the blade means that if it is not good, it might cut off the opponent's sword. Naturally, the tip would fly towards us.

After receiving it, Deryn pulled the smallsword from its sheath and looked at it for a while.

"I'm sure …… this sword will cut both ways."

"I'm sure you're right. You have to be careful or you might get hurt."

"They say a good weapon is only as good as its wielder. I wonder if Young Master can master it."

I felt slightly uncomfortable as I hawked my response.

But I quickly dismissed it. For a moment, I thought it was an irresponsible statement, but perhaps not. He has brought in the materials for the Eras Rhino, and I'm sure he's heard about the expedition from Chief Gerrit. My father and " Battle Axe of Destruction" thought that it was too early to enter the forest at the age of eight. If that's the case, then what am I doing it? At the very least, I'm not a mediocre shot. I guess that's where Deryn's comment came from. Maybe he can guess my ability to some extent just by the way I hold my sword. In the course of his profession, he must have seen everyone from beginners to experts. It's possible.

Regardless of the truth of what he said, it is clear that it is an excellent sword, even if it has many quirks. I have no choice but to master it.

"By the way, can I still use the sword? It's been about a week since I bought it, but it's no longer needed. If it's still useful, can you pick it up?"

Deryn held the smallsword up to the light and tapped the blade with his finger a few times.

"The surface shows some fatigue, but the construction is solid. It will be as good as new with a little work. I'll take it back as a sword."

Deryn finished his assessment quickly and presented him with five large copper coins.

I was about to accept it but stopped myself. I wondered how much the production cost would be.

"I hadn't heard that yet. How much will the total production cost be?"

"Since you've provided the materials for both, after deducting what you've already paid, you'll be left with forty gold coins.

I nodded my head and hid my inner turmoil.

That's expensive, that's the price is about a beginner's spellbook. I can buy three books with that money. I'm sure it's for the leather armor. Because the sword doesn't take a week, and the leather armor is enough for three people. I shouldn't have gotten carried away and said, "And for my father and brother too.". Deryn is a businessman who is only ordered by the head of the adventurer's guild. Judging by the quality of the sword, he must have commissioned one of the best craftsmen in the Reedwald. Is that why the technical fee is so high? Well, it's better than being stingy and lowering the quality."

"I'm going to get in the way if I receive the small stuff. Please put it towards the price."

Let's pay a little more to lighten the gloom.

Danil had undertaken to do so, but would the distribution be enough to pay for the production? The stiletto is my favorite one, and it's my first weapon. I don't want to give it away for a few large copper coins. If it's not enough, I'll just have to sneak off to the woods and scrounge up the money.

As I was about to leave, Deryn stopped me.

"Young Master, are you sure about the sword?"

"All right, I haven't paid for anything yet."

"You can bring it with you when you pay for the leather armor."

"But …"

The craftsman was pleased that he had done such a good job. If it is such a good sword, it should be in the hands of its rightful owner.

I'm troubled by Deryn's words.

I'm sure he trusts me simply because I'm the son of his lord. The leather armor was a gift.

But then again, I'm the son of a lord after all. I don't feel like I'm walking on my own.

I hesitated, and then accepted the two swords offered to me.

"I'll take it. And take care of the leather armor."

"Leave it to me."

With Deryn bowing in my back, I left the Groen Armory.