Chapter 52 - Report Submission
In the afternoon, right after returning from the big frog hunt, Volf rang the bell of the Green Tower.
Upon his return to the castle, he was immediately called to Grato's office.
Although he had already mentioned that there was no mass-production setup for the five-toed socks or drying insoles, and that they were still in the prototype stage, he was told to just say hello and deliver the report at the very least.
It seemed Grato was eager to begin mass production as soon as possible, even by a single day.
First, he bathed in the bathhouse, quickly changed clothes, and rode the royal carriage to the tower.
"Volf?! Is something wrong?"
The moment she saw his face, Dahlia asked worriedly, and Volf immediately felt guilty.
"I'm sorry for the sudden visit. I came to ask about the five-toed socks and the drying insoles."
"No, as long as you're not injured, Volf, that's all that matters. I thought something might have happened..."
"Thanks for worrying. As you can see, I'm fine. Though I must say, I don’t want to see another group of big frogs flying through the sky for a while."
"A group of flying big frogs..."
Seeing Dahlia's tense smile, Volf couldn't help but laugh along, even though it was something he himself had said.
"Here's the report. Everyone who used the items wrote something."
"Thank you. There are quite a few, huh?"
Her eyes widened as he handed her a stack of about ten sheets of paper and twenty sheets of parchment.
It was a thick bundle, and a quarter of it was written by him.
"They really liked them, but do you think we could start manufacturing the five-toed socks and the drying insoles as soon as possible?"
"Yes, I think we can. Since we already have the specifications, all we need to do is reorder. As for the insoles, as long as the craftsmen cut them, I can enchant the magic on both."
"Well, since the quantity will likely be large, that's something to consider as well. It looks like you're busy working today, so I'll come back tomorrow to discuss it further."
"I'm at a good stopping point for now, so it's fine."
Volf felt a bit flustered by Dahlia's innocent air.
"Dahlia, are you sure you're not pushing yourself to accommodate me while you're busy?"
"I'm not. Right now, I'm waiting for the stabilization of the enchantments, and the workshop is full. So, I've been doing some miscellaneous tasks."
Although her voice was the same as usual, there was something about her face that made her seem a little younger. The soft curve of her eyes, their green color, appeared slightly fragile.
"Um, did something happen?"
"Well... since you're not wearing any makeup, I just assumed you were busy with work."
"Oh, sorry about that. I guess my 'disguise' came off."
She said it casually, looking much the same as when they first met.
Though back then, it had been hard to see her clearly due to the monster's blood, now it felt strangely nostalgic.
"I was cleaning the tower until just now, so I didn't put any makeup on because I was sweating."
"Well, I don’t mind whether you wear makeup or not. Actually, it kind of reminds me of the time when you were just Dahli, and I find that nostalgic too, um..."
"...Volf, it’s hot, so how about we talk inside?"
As he began to get confused by his own words, unsure whether they were really helping, Dahlia invited him into the tower.
In the workshop on the first floor, various colorful fabrics with patterns were lined up. The work table was, of course, covered with sheets, and so was the floor. Fabrics were spread out on top of them.
"There are quite a lot of patterns, huh?"
"They're fabrics for raincoats for women and children. They're only lightly coated on the surface, so they aren't very waterproof, but a fashion designer who makes raincoats and gloves requested them. Isn't this one cute?"
Dahlia pointed to a piece of fabric in pastel green with lily of the valley designs.
For Volf, raincoats had always been associated with black or navy colors, but he could see that many would likely appreciate these colorful, patterned ones.
When they went up to the second floor, Dahlia immediately made iced tea for them.
After quenching their thirst, they spread the report on the table and began to talk.
"How many units of the five-toe socks and drying insoles are you planning to order?"
"If possible, I'd like to order about 80 sets as soon as possible."
The woman blinked rapidly, remaining silent for about ten seconds.
"...Volf. I really appreciate it, but I asked for a report, not for you to handle the sales. How much did you push yourself to get these orders?"
"No, I didn't push myself. In fact, I think you’ll be the one pushing yourself from here on out, probably."
"Huh?"
Thinking that his words were probably not making any sense, Volf pulled out the parchment at the very back of the report.
"This is the request from our captain."
"'Introduction Plan for Five-Fingered Socks and Drying Insoles in the Monster Subjugation Force'... Starting with 80 sets for the squad, followed by a continued purchase request, with plans to purchase over 300 sets within six months... Um, how did this happen?"
"I think you'll understand once you look at the report."
Dahlia took the report, flipping through the pages, tilting her head and smiling at times. But as she continued, her expression gradually became more serious, and a flush started to creep up her cheeks.
"...Volf, I asked for a report on the usability, though?"
"Ah, well, everyone wrote about what they liked and what they hoped for."
"Yes, that's very much appreciated. But, at some point, some of these pages have turned into a thank-you letter."
"Oh, it's probably from the captain and one of my peers. They were struggling with foot fungal infection."
"Also, the praise for my ideas and skills as a magical toolmaker, written on a whole page—this is definitely your handwriting, right?!"
"I wrote it on behalf of everyone, reflecting our unanimous opinion."
"Unanimous opinion?!"
As usual, Dahlia's reaction, when her true feelings slipped out, was so amusing that Volf couldn't help but laugh out loud.
She gave him a sharp look, but it took him a while to stop laughing.
"Anyway, I think the requested price is strange."
"Sorry, was it too low?"
"No, it's the opposite. Even with a larger profit margin, the price written for the five-toed socks are too expensive, and the drying insoles could be made for a third of that price… and green slime powder is cheap. The wind magic stone is more practical for others, you see."
"Could it be that you're underestimating the cost?"
"I don't think so... but I'm not confident. I've just started the company and haven't studied enough. Also, the company isn't at a level where it can do business directly with the royal castle, so we might need to go through the Merchant Guild or another company. There’s also the issue of needing a guarantor..."
"Do you know any places where you could consult?"
"The Merchant Guild, I suppose. Also... there’s this company I do business with, but I don’t feel like consulting them."
As she spoke, Volf noticed a subtle shadow pass across her eyes, which made him uneasy.
"Did you have trouble with them during business dealings?"
"...It’s my former fiancé's family business."
"You absolutely shouldn't. Wouldn’t it be uncomfortable if he tried to reconcile?"
"Volf, that’s definitely not going to happen. He's already married. Besides, the trading company is run by his older brother. We've already made it clear that our relationship is strictly that of business partners."
Dahlia said this flatly, but there was a sense of unease on her face.
Her fingers were interlaced on the table, and Volf felt a slight distance between them.
"I think it would be easier for you if you cut ties with them."
"Yes, it probably would be. But there are materials I can only get from them, and they give me favorable prices and deadlines."
"I’ll ask around for suppliers elsewhere. I can try with Ozwald, my family, or the royal castle’s mages..."
"Volf, I appreciate your intentions, but I’m fine. It's just business."
"Even so, if you can avoid it, I’d prefer that."
"Well... Volf, you cooperate with people you don’t get along with during monster hunts, right? Even if you don’t like someone, or if it’s someone from another Chivalric Order division, you still manage to work with them, right?"
"...Yeah, something like that."
"It’s the same thing."
She explained it so clearly that Volf couldn't argue with her.
He understood in his head, and it wasn't his place to intervene, especially since it wasn't his area of expertise.
He understood, but no matter what, a bitter taste lingered in his mouth.
"I’ll consult with the Merchant Guild tomorrow. I think worrying about it today won’t help."
Perhaps noticing his silence, she seemed to be concerned.
She neatly organized the reports and changed the topic.
"I'm sorry for the sudden request and for causing any trouble."
"No, thank you for the excellent sales effort. By the way, after returning from the expedition, your team usually goes drinking together, right?"
"Oh, I was excused today. I plan to stop by a restaurant on my way back."
"Well then, even though it's a bit early, how about dinner? I still have some ingredients left."
Her casual invitation shook him deeply.
He knew it would be a hassle and would probably trouble her, but he had never once been able to turn down her offer.
Every time, there was a table full of delicious dishes, plates added just when he tried to hold back, and perfectly warmed, excellent wine.
Lost in pleasant conversation, time flew by without him noticing.
If the Green Tower could become a dining hall, he was certain he’d visit there endlessly.
"I'm really sorry for having you do this every time. I think I should fully cover the food costs. I’m being cooked for, and I eat several times more than you."
"I've received the ingredients, and it's not a big deal, but... I know you can't help but worry, even if I tell you not to."
"Yeah. It’s probably the same way you felt with the glass set."
"In that case, how about we go shopping together when we can? And for a gift, just get whatever food you want, but just a little bit, and for the alcohol, just bring what you’ll drink. Does that sound good?"
"You haven’t included the cost for making the meals."
"Well, you’ve been helping with the business, so I think we're even."
Even though she said it was "even," there was no way it could be. He knew for sure he owed her a lot.
He knew this, but he had no idea how to repay her.
"Dahlia, is there anything you want right now?"
"Let me ask you first, Volf. Is there anything you want?"
"A magic sword."
He immediately answered, and Dahlia gave a deep, understanding nod.
"I was naive to ask. Oh, but I suppose I’d like magical tool materials as well."
"Specifically?"
"Well, for example, bicorn horns, gryphon tailfeathers, or sea serpent hide, fire dragon scales... and branches of the World Tree, phoenix feathers—though those are more like a pipe dream."
None of those things seemed remotely attainable. As the list went on, it was clear they were things that were absolutely out of reach.
It didn’t even seem like they would be sold anywhere. Even if he could somehow get them, he couldn’t imagine how much they would cost.
He thought he had decent savings, but would that be enough?
While he was lost in thought, Dahlia kept watching him intently with her green eyes.
"Volf, there's one thing I forgot to mention. I'll get those materials myself once I'm able to process them."
"Huh?"
"Please, do not buy them for me. I’ve said it, and if you do, I won’t let you into the tower."
She repeated it three times with a smile, completely reading him.
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