The captain of the Silver Scale Knights, Byron, anticipated that Nero would move up the schedule in search of flaws. Byron had his own connections. Though there was no guarantee they were reliable, Byron’s method was to be thorough.
In other words, the deadline for the delivery of the horse armor was shortened by about ten days, causing the armor makers to be on the brink of collapse.
“So… tired…!”
“Oh, I can’t take it anymore… The path of leatherworking is harsh…”
At the restaurant “Rocinante.”
Garda and Jill sat at a table, their faces looking like their souls had left their bodies.
Both had been working nonstop for about two weeks to make the horse armor.
Matthew observed the two with a mix of amazement and respect in his eyes.
“Good job, Garda, Jill. Somehow, we made it in time. Even the captain was pleased.”
Even Matthew, as he spoke, looked slightly worn out.
Fatigue was written all over his face.
“You’re tougher than you look… You two really are like siblings.”
“Haha, in business, you find yourself in a pinch more than once or twice.”
“You’re the one who looks sloppy despite your big size.”
Maureen jeered, but Garda was too exhausted to even argue back.
However, it was Matthew and Maureen who had arranged everything except the actual work, which was quite a burden.
Jill’s mansion was slightly far from town, but Garda’s workshop was too small, so they rented a vacant house temporarily to create a workspace. They also arranged a place for Jill to stay in town, went to collect the tanned leather for the material, helped with the horse fittings, and delivered the armor on Garda’s behalf, who was too drained after completing the horse armor. Matthew handled all these miscellaneous tasks, with Maureen supporting him.
On the other hand, because Matthew and Maureen took care of all the miscellaneous tasks, Jill and Garda had to devote all their time and energy to making the horse armor. Jill not only branded the leather but also helped with various tasks, including cutting and sewing the tanned leather.
“Thank you, Matthew. You even arranged a place for me to stay. It was tough making multiple trips to town.”
“No, I’m sorry for making you work without much sleep. As for the lodging, you should thank him… Roland.”
Jill had been staying in a room on the second floor of this restaurant.
Since the horse armor production started, she had been taking all her meals here.
“In the summer, we also run an inn. It helps us when unused rooms can be put to good use.”
The owner, Roland, brought out the food.
It was a vegetable soup as an appetizer. Finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots were sautéed as the base flavor, then salted meat and leafy vegetables were simmered together. The seasoning was simple and gentle, and when Jill took a sip, she felt the nourishment seep into her body.
“No, no, really, it was a great help. If I had returned to the forest, I would’ve been completely drained.”
“Jill, it’s nothing. You taught me the recipe, so I’m the one who’s grateful. If you’re ever in trouble, just ask. I’ll do anything. Don’t hesitate.”
“No, no, it’s not that big of a deal…”
“It is a big deal.”
When the production of the horse armor reached a point where Jill had some spare time, she taught Roland the recipe for peperoncino. Moreover, she shared a few of Conrad’s little techniques, which astonished and impressed Roland even more than Garda. Roland was already acting like Jill’s disciple.
“And… there’s something I need to say to you all. Don’t work a young woman to the point of exhaustion like that.”
At those words, Garda, Matthew, and Maureen felt uncomfortable as they took sips of their soup.
“Oh, no, please don’t worry about it. I’ve received my fair share, and Garda has taught me a lot… You could say I’m like a temporary apprentice.”
This time, because the deadline for the horse armor was shortened, the captain of the knights had arranged a special reward.
Garda handed it all over to Jill. Additionally, she was paid separately for the branding work. The amount Jill received was quite substantial for someone who hadn’t even established themselves as a leather craftsman.
“Then, Garda. Isn’t it a master’s duty to protect their apprentice?”
But Roland’s anger hadn’t subsided. Although Jill felt his attempt to support her had backfired, she also thought they had indeed worked too hard. When she glanced at Garda, she saw him looking increasingly uncomfortable.
“Well, it just happened in the flow of things.”
“Geez, take it easy. Anyway, all of you should rest. And no heavy drinking.”
Having said his piece, Roland retreated into the kitchen.
Realizing the scolding was over, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and resumed their meal.
“Well, in any case, Jill.”
“Yes?”
“Following the hat, this horse armor is another piece you can be proud of. Congratulations.”
“What? No, it was Garda’s work. I just helped out.”
Jill looked at Garda as if seeking his agreement.
However, Garda didn’t nod.
“What are you saying? It wouldn’t have been completed without you. Of course, I did my part, but there’s no doubt your spirit is in that horse armor.”
“R-Really?”
“So far, you’ve made a straw hat and horse armor for someone else. You’re a bona fide craftsman.”
“E-Ehehe… Thank you.”
Jill blushed with a happy smile.
Seeing this, Matthew murmured in satisfaction.
“As you continue to work on more projects like this, Jill, you’ll build your own brand. If you keep creating different things…”
“Is the shop opening soon?”
“Opening as a general store isn’t happening anytime soon. There aren’t enough products yet.”
“Oh.”
Jill’s shoulders slumped in disappointment.
But Matthew continued, smiling.
“However, in a way, you’re already operating as a shop, making custom orders and products upon request. You’re doing a fine job already.”
“Oh, that’s true.”
Jill put her hand to her chin and began to think deeply.
She remained silent for a while, with a serious expression on her face.
“What’s on your mind, Jill?”
“Matthew, do you think… it would be alright to put up a signboard?”
“Oh, that’s a great idea. Having a signboard makes a big difference. What will you name the shop?”
“Well, as for the name of the shop…”
At that moment, Jill suddenly stopped.
“…I haven’t thought of a name.”
“Oh, come on!”
“Oh dear, that won’t look good.”
“Well, let’s take our time and think it over.”
The three of them chuckled.
As they continued chatting, Roland began placing the dishes on the table.
It had been years since Jill felt a meal shared with others was so delicious.
◆
A few days after delivering the horse armor, Jill decided to return to her mansion in the forest.
The children of the restaurant… Having lived with Tina, who had previously wandered into the forest, Jill had grown close to her. When Jill mentioned that she was returning to the mansion, Tina cried and begged her to stay. Tina’s mother scolded her, telling her not to be selfish, which only made her cry more.
“Stay with me…”
“I’ll make pudding for you again.”
Reluctantly, Jill convinced Tina, and finally left the restaurant “Rocinante.” Even Karappa seemed more at ease in the forest than in town, walking with a noticeably lighter step.
Moreover, although the animals and magical creatures of the forest didn’t exactly celebrate Jill’s return, the rise in temperature and rain made them more active. It seemed that summer was approaching.
“Well then, let’s start making something summery!”
