Nothing beats a vacation in your family’s vacation house. However, it’s a different story when that vacation house is also running a restaurant. Helping is such a pain!

***

The original plan was to arrive in Berigious before midnight. However, due to the unexpected long line to the main gates of the City, we got stuck in traffic until the noon of the new day. And even though it’s already high noon, we’re still in the middle of the line towards the gate. Since the caravan is moving very slowly, I and the gang can come out of the carriage anytime. We just copied the other groups because we are in the same boat.

The walls of Berigious are quite large. It prevented the outside world from seeing what’s inside it. Moreover, it also contained magic that prevents any break-ins. Sora and I tried slipping in using his magic, only to hit the wall hard. Some patrols from the walls side almost caught us. Good thing Sora and I were wearing white coats that meld with the snow so our get-away was easy by foot.

In the meantime, Cherry, Matt, and I are outside the carriage and walked in the snow. I actually wanted to rest, but since Cherry and Matt are asking me for some time with them, I can’t turn them down all because they’re saying that I’ve been neglecting them for a long time now.

“To think that you would easily leave us like that, are you sure you’re not forgetting that you have fiancées?”

“It’s not like that, Cherry. I’m just busy during our travel. Although I would have liked to spend some time with you both, there’s a limit in flirting in front of the group.”

“Why? Are you embarrassed to show our relationship in public?”

“There’s that too.”

Cherry seemed to be displeased of our current status of our relationship. It actually can’t be helped since the time when I discovered [Gravity Magic]. I’ve been studying it day after day after acquiring it, and for some reason, I can’t use it properly. On the other hand, Matt seems to be slightly mad from my aversion about showing our relationship to the public. I actually don’t mind it, yet I’m still too preoccupied with studying and planning on my next move.

“Anyhow, we have to find the [Immortal Sword of Giants] as fast as possible. You remember the plan right?”

Last night when I called the group, I laid out the temporary plan I made and gave them instructions.

Since the first group of escorts (muscle group) is going to get dismissed when we arrive inside Berigious, only Sanjeet’s group will remain. After that, they will become my personal guards that will protect me and the co. inside the City. I also gave them instructions that their outmost priority is the protection of the girls, especially Marie.

Next is Matt and Cherry’s scouting with the pretext of shopping. This is one of the reasons why I brought lots of money with me. I want Cherry and Matt to select, choose, and buy jewelries the company back home as souvenirs. Though I say that, I’m actually letting Cherry and Matt help me with the search of the clues about the [Immortal Swords of Giants]. I’m expecting a lot from Cherry since she has >, but I didn’t say anything because it might give her unnecessary pressure.

At that time, Sora and I will try to find a suitable business to buy. But since I’m in a city of blacksmiths, I’ll try to make some connections with Excellent Dwarven Blacksmiths. Although I already have Dishi, I’ll try talking to others too.

“Hey! Are you even listening?”

Because I got too absorbed in my thoughts, Cherry pulled my ear to grab my attention.

“Hey, that hurts! What were you talking about?”

“Geez! You really weren’t listening. I was talking about the slave.”

“Lapis? What about her?”

Before talking, Cherry shifted her glance at our carriage. There, at the second carriage, Lapis is looking at me while having her long hair combed by Ghena. Ghena seems to be enjoying it somehow.

“Are you sure she’s just a slave? She’s too beautiful. She also doesn’t look like from someone in this region.”

“Ah yeah… about that, the slave trader told me that her face is someone that came from the northern regions. I really don’t know how they look like, so I can’t say what he said was true.”

“If that’s you say, then I’ll believe it for now.”

Cherry then gave Lapis an untrusting glare. But since Lapis didn’t react, her eyebrow twitched in annoyance. Why is this girl really short in temper like her height?

“I’m just going to--! Let me go!”

“No.”

Because Cherry is going to do something stupid and started walking towards the carriage Lapis is in, I immediately grabbed her shirt and lifted her up. It only takes a little strength to lift her up and prevent her legs from touching the ground.

Hm… It may be my imagination but, I feel like my strength increased these past few days. Although I kept on using > out on a whim, I don’t think it has any side-effects… probably.

“Still, I’m very impressed with your tastes Key. You chose a slave that is quiet and obedient. I think her beauty is just a bonus.”

“…”

-I can’t tell Matt what the real reason. She’ll probably hate me if I did.

“For the meantime, when we arrive in Berigious, I want to go and find a special fabric.”

-There’s something I haven’t heard before.

“What do you mean by special fabric?”

“I don’t know what its actual name, but my grandfather said that it’s a special kind of fabric because you can stitch [Magic Array] on that cloth.”

“… What’s [Magic Array] again?”

“You’ve been relying on your ring so you probably forgot.”

Matt gave me a stare that says ‘slacker’ and let out a small sigh. After that, she gave me an explanation about it.

[Magic Array] is not too different from [Magic Scripts]. It is called a magic language.

While [Magic Scripts] are changeable and has versatile function, it is also a weak magic language because it is easily destroyed by anti-magic.

On the other hand, [Magic Array] are permanent and fixed. Since it’s a very complex magic language, only a limited number of spells can be turned into [Magic Array]. In addition, not only it is strong against anti-magic, it also doesn’t need mana from the user to be used. Although it can’t be used continuously, it’s still a prized thing for non-magic-user adventurers and knights.

“And what magic will you make when you obtain such fabric?”

Since Matt’s explanation was over, I asked her about her intent on the subject.

Before answering, she put her head on my shoulder while we are walking.

“It’s because my clothes easily rots away from my [Drain] ability.”

“Rot away? What do you mean?”

“My [Drain] ability isn’t only about draining mana. It also drains anything that contains [Ether]. My clothes are no exemption.”

“That is troubling.”

-Hmm… everything rots away when it comes into contact with her skin…. It also includes clothes… Wait. Then that means!?

It seems that my thought was spot on. Matt’s ears are turning red that’s near my vision.

“Say it and I’ll drain you empty tonight.”

“Ha-ha.”

Because Matt let out a murderous intent, it made me let out a dry laugh. Maybe I should find a way to upgrade >?

Suddenly, I can feel a slight pinch from my right arm. There, Cherry is looking at me with a flushed face. As a side note, her hair is starting to glow so her sync level must be at max right now.

“What is it?”

“Hmp!”

Just when I ask her, she turned away her head and pouted. However, her hand is holding my right hand. Just what is her problem?

“Yo, Key. Sorry to ruin your sweet time but, our caravan is next. We need you there in the front for verification for entry.”

With a good timing, Sanjeet came while waving his hand to me. I then gently set aside Matt and Cherry and instructed them to get inside the carriage.

“Also, Matt, please let Jane and Ghena in our carriage. I’ll be riding the second carriage later.”

“What about Sora?”

“Don’t mind that guy.”

[I can hear you, you know.]

After giving them my final instructions, they hurried up their pace. I almost saw Jane’s underwear when she almost tripped from going down the carriage. By the way, Sora spoke through telepathy from my shadow.

When our caravan finally had its turn in front of the gate, I went to the dwarven gatekeeper and showed him my [Beyond Border Trader] badge. I clean it every day so it’s quite shiny.

In that instant, the dwarven gate keeper immediately called out for a foot soldier. While he whispers something to his hears, the foot soldier’s eyes grew in surprise.

“Now go and find Miss Mayly! Hurry!”

After yelling at the already running fast foot soldier, he turned back towards me with a welcoming smile.

“My name is Rolgos. Please call me Rolgos or whatever you want. And before anything sir, can I please see your [Proof of Nobility]? Also, can your caravan move to the interior of the gate for now? We’re still conducting our standard checking so it might delay the line.”

“Ah… yes.”

After I called the muscle group to go inside the gate’s interior, I then pulled out a letter out from my chest pocket. This letter is called [Proof of Nobility], it is highly important for us nobles. Without this, we can’t prove that we are nobles from Valeshtyre Kingdom. In other words, it’s an I.D.

Rolgos received the letter and started reading its contents. Moments later, I can see his hands shake while huge sweat drops are coming down from his head. And then suddenly, he bowed to me on one knee.

“H-hey, what’s the mat--”

“Forgive my lack of respect Young Master Chardelier! I didn’t know!”

“What did you not know?”

“That you we’re the grandson of Master Godfre Chardelier.”

-There’s something I haven’t heard in a while. Well for now, how should I react to this, noble-like maybe?

“Be at ease. I appreciate your overflowing respect. However, it’s currently giving me slight discomfort.”

After that, Rolgos stood up while smiling.

“This way of talking, you really are the grandson of that legend. The two of you have the same personality.”

--I’m just pretending! Damn it!

Then, out of a sudden, noises from the gates were heard. It’s the sound of horses running through the crowd that’s screaming. Moreover, it’s coming this way.

After a few moments, 6 dwarven people arrived at our location. And for some reason, Sora came out of my shadow. It surprised the few witnesses so I introduced him to ease them. That also includes the gatekeeper.

One of the dwarven people got down from the horse and walked towards me. Because they’re short, I inadvertently looked down at them. Moreover, this person is a dwarven woman. She then put her right hand unto her chest while lightly bowing her head to show respect.

“My name is Mayly, I am the head of Beyond Border Traders Association of this City. I came here because I have some business that my king would like you to hear about.”

-To think that one of my reasons for coming here would walk in front of me. Plot Luck? I mean, luck.

“I am Chevalier Key Godfre Chardelier, a Beyond Border Trader. I would love to meet the king, but I still have to go to the [Adventurer’s Guild] for some business. Also, I need to find a suitable place to stay for the night for my companions and Fiancées. If the meeting is very urgent, then I’ll be heading there right here and now.”

“Apologies sir, I didn’t mean to impose hastiness with my business with you. And I think you misunderstood something sir. Although the king himself created the appointment, I will be the one who’ll be talking with you in his stead. However, the king will be observing our meeting.”

“Is that so?”

“And sir, your household name is Chardelier correct? You already have a property here, won’t you be staying there?”

“About that, I have just been informed about it about 2 months ago. This is also my first time crossing the border so I did not know of my Grandfather’s Workshop’s location. But it was stated in his will that that place’s ownership will be under my name.”

We had such a very long talk about many things like… there’s too many to mention! I can’t remember most of them. But I do remember asking her my grandfather’s workshop’s location, meeting with the Trading Association, and something about a shortage in the City. But we didn’t discuss about it too much because we are in public.

After the inspection, our caravan then proceeded into Berigious. And in the next moment, the curtains of Berigious were raised.

At the far distance, pillars of stone with various designs like swords, monsters, etc. were lined up for the public to see, houses with steel and tiled roofs can also be seen. The entrance to each sector was visible too which is very majestic.

But the most eye-catching in this place is the giant Iron Statue behind the road towards the fourth sector. The design of the Iron Golem is majestic from its helmet down to the iron boots. Sora said that it is called the ‘Gardaruqa of Strength and Pride’ that said to be a guardian that the Dwarves created to protect this place from demons. It looks like a robot to me.

“The Dwarves really are great engineers. To think that they build something that has half the size of the volcano. It’s really impressive.”

Just like Sora said, the Guardian’s size is huge that it almost impossible to say that it wasn’t made using earth machinery that doesn’t exist here. But if Sora says it like that, it makes me think if it either runs on Magic or a different fuel.

Anyhow, everyone is in awe while watching the spectacle before us. Cherry, Matt, Ghena, and Jane with Marie are looking out the window from the first carriage. Sora’s head is through the wall (this guy…), and Lapis is just staring outside with her emotionless face. I can image her having a cat’s tail because she’s giving off a happy feeling. And I, I’m just looking outside with them.

For some reason, this place seems so familiar. Though this is the first time I came here, I can feel something from it. I can’t explain it properly though.

While I’m in deep thought, suddenly, Lapis tugged my coat to make me look her way. The way she’s tilting her head is like she’s asking me ‘what’s the problem?’

“Don’t worry, there’s just something bugging me. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

While saying that, I also patted her head. She seems pleased about it. Then suddenly,

“Hey! Why are you flirting with the slave!?”

Cherry yelled from the first carriage suddenly. I’m flirting? How scandalous!

Because of that, the public eye turned towards our caravan. I hid inside the carriage so that these people wouldn’t see me. On the other hand…

“Stop laughing, Sora.”

***

When we got to the adventurers guild, the muscle group and us split ways. While I was giving them the rewards, I put in some extra because they made sure our trip was safe until the end. Sanjeet’s group also created a formal contract with me to be my official bodyguards. I’m planning to turn them into knights when I get inaugurated so everyone’s looking forward to it.

After that, we then headed towards the [Farming Section]. Sanjeet’s group didn’t come with me because they want to tour around Berigious. Sora’s also with them so coming home will be easy.

Now, I only have Cherry, Matt, Jane, Marie, Lapis, and Ghena inside the carriage. There are also the coaches outside, but they’re someone I hired so I won’t mention them.

For the meantime, Mayly and her group is escorting our carriage to my Grandpa’s Workshop. I requested it since it would be too much of a hassle looking for it. They didn’t seem to have a problem with it so it’s all good.

Arriving at the told workshop, just like what the dwarves had said to me, it is surrounded by a transparent blue barrier. From where I stood, the other side of the barrier is filled with nothing but snow that is mixed with dirt giving it a gray color. In contrast to that, the whole place actually looks big enough for the whole party to fit in. It can be said that this place looks more like a mansion rather than a workshop.

“We tried all we could, but the barrier rejects anyone from the outside. For some reason, dust and snow can get into the place. I’m really sorry Sir Chardelier. Because of it, the people that are assigned with the cleaning of this place couldn’t get in and gave up.”

“My grandfather probably valued privacy more than anything. I can understand him.”

Mayly is very apologetic, so it’s probably important for them to maintain this place. But since I’ve given her a reply which couldn’t be helped, she became okay about it and started to turn back.

“Ah, Sir. About the meeting that will be arranged tomorrow, I’ll be on an afternoon. You can only bring two people along with you though because there will be lots of people attending that meeting. Should we provide escorts for you?”

“I already have escorts so there is nothing for you to worry about. Although I do need a guide for tomorrow, I don’t know the way to the meeting place so I’d be happy if you can provide one.”

“I’ll send one tomorrow.”

After that, Miss Mayly finally left along with her group of soldiers. And for some reason, Cherry and Matt are peeking out from the carriage window. Cherry is looking at me with an untrusting face for some reason too.

“I heard what the two of you are discussing. Who are you going to bring to that meeting?”

“That depends on me.”

I turned my attention to the barrier that’s protecting the Workshop. While walking towards it, I let my left arm that has my golden bracer out from under my coat. It’s just a theory, if this bracer is able to unlock the villa back at Dalseriev Dukedom, can it do the same thing here?

I slowly reach out my left hand to the barrier. At the same time, the barrier slowly reacts as my hand approaches it like water being touched.

“>”

With a sound of breaking glass, the transparent dome around the workshop cracked. Slowly, it disappears into the thin air while leaving a trace on the snow.

At that moment, the girls’ eyes were full of surprise with the thing I just did especially Cherry. She jumped out of the carriage and ran towards me. I can also see Matt following her.

“That was amazing. My > was telling me that the barrier is an advanced level magic. It should be able to hold out against almost every attack possible. Moreover, the magic was created with such complex magic array that I wasn’t able to read. It can be also said that destroying it from inside out is next to impossible.”

“Well, we’re talking about my grandfather here. Though I haven’t met him before, I can tell that he’s very diligent on that kind of stuff.”

Cherry was talking with a very excited tone that I haven’t heard before. It seems that she’s very curious about the barrier. Maybe I should write down the magic for her to study?

Without waiting for Matt to follow Cherry’s pace, I then proceeded towards the gates of the Workshop. To my surprise, the gates itself opened up like it’s welcoming me. It should’ve felt good, but since the creaking sounds a bit creepy, it killed my mood.

Proceeding to the main door, I then put my hand on the knob and waited for the bracer to react to door. With a clicking sound, the lock on the door became unlocked. Slowly, I opened the door with outmost caution.

As one expects from an old abandoned mansion, I got welcomed by a thick and dusty air from the dusty interior of the mansion.

“Looks like everyone needs to get their hands dirty on this.”