Chapter 54 - Unicorns and Guarantors
"Volf, have you ever seen a 'female unicorn’s horn'?"
While taking a moment to enjoy some wine after dinner, she asked Volf.
He, loosening his collar slightly, returned a puzzled gaze.
"I’ve seen one, but do you need it as a material?"
"No, I already have one. Its effects are detoxification, water purification, and alleviating pain, so I was wondering if your unit uses it during expeditions.”
"For expeditions, members who can use water magic or mages produce the water. We also have water magic stones. As for purification, I think it’s usually done by mages. We do have magic stones, so in an emergency, we use those.”
Thinking about it, that made sense.
Considering the ease of obtaining and cost-effectiveness, magic stones were far superior to a unicorn’s horn.
"Before water magic stones became widespread, I heard they were famous for being carried on expeditions or during wars."
"What about the pain-relieving effect?"
"I’ve never seen a unicorn’s horn being used for its pain-relieving effects. Knights or mages who can use healing magic are always around, so for the pain from injuries, they can usually heal it on the spot. Also, when we're about to fight something that looks like it'll really hurt, we take a strong painkiller beforehand, along with body enhancement."
"Are there really monsters like that?"
What kind of monster would require both body enhancement and strong painkillers to fight? Wouldn’t shields and armor work against them?
"Monsters that spit acid are troublesome. It can slip through the gaps in your armor, dissolve your clothes, and sting. If it's a plant-type monster, like the Nettle Devil, that's another issue. It coils around its prey, sucking their blood until they die, and it looks like black vine plants, so it's really hard to notice. Plus, once its thorns get stuck, they have barbs, so it’s difficult to pull out and it's painfully excruciating."
"That's so awful..."
"At least it's a relief that it doesn't move around on foot."
"Wait, are there plants that move on foot?"
"I’ve heard there are. A famous one is Alraune. It looks like a beautiful lady with a flower for its lower half. It’s a monster that hasn’t been confirmed in our country yet."
"I thought Alraunes were just from stories..."
That was really interesting. It seemed like a monster from a previous life’s story might actually exist in another country.
She decided she’d order an encyclopedia for monsters of another country at the bookstore next time. There might be new discoveries waiting.
"Oh, as for the 'female unicorn’s horn,' I’ve heard it’s quite popular with married noblewomen."
"For health and beauty?"
"They say it helps women have an easier childbirth. I’ve heard that mothers might pass it down to their daughters or buy one for them."
"First I’ve heard of it..."
It occurred to her that perhaps her father had asked Ireneo to give one to her for that reason, but she quickly dismissed the thought. She would never have such plans, so she hoped he would give up on that idea.
Instead, she planned to eventually take on an apprentice and leave the “Rossetti” magical toolmaker name to them.
"I was thinking, isn’t the horn itself a kind of triple enchantment? Do you think it would work as an enchantment material for something like a bracelet?"
"I don’t remember hearing of an enchantment using a unicorn’s horn. I’ve heard that they shape it and use it as part of a pendant or bracelet, though."
"That's true, it probably isn’t used as enchanting material often..."
The price was relatively high, but more importantly, like fairy crystals, it was difficult to stock.
It was the type of material where you either had to make a reservation and wait, or endlessly search for it.
If it ended in failure so easily, it was truly heartbreaking.
Well, when it came to failures in enchantment, she couldn't count how many times she had cried over them.
"Wait... I’ve heard that male unicorns can be caught with beautiful girls. How about female unicorns?"
"If they're interested, they'll approach even boys, so I guess that's how they'd be captured. Well, it would probably only be while they're still pure, though."
"Are you speaking from experience?"
"It was when I was eight. When I went with my mother, my third brother, and the knights to scout the area, we found them at a spring. Both had horns that were a pale gold color, with deep red eyes, and they looked like very beautiful, slender white horses. They even smelled like sweet flowers, and while they only spoke in broken words, they could communicate with mental waves to some extent... Well, now, if they were to become a target for subjugation, I think I could cut them down without hesitation."
"Huh?"
He had described such beautiful unicorns, but then abruptly mentioned killing them—what was that about?
Also, she would appreciate it if he could stop giving her that strangely chilling look.
"I judged it based solely on appearance and ended up approaching to pet it."
"It seems like you’ve started to reopen some emotional wounds. Should we end this conversation?"
"No, let me say it! The two unicorns had apparently agreed on joint ownership of me, intending to take me home as a collectible, but my mother, in a fit of rage, hacked them apart!
"Unicorns are scary!"
The image of unicorns she had held until now crumbled with a resounding crash. Their behavior and way of thinking were rather terrifying.
Of course, Volf’s mother had been protecting her son, so that part made sense, though the fact she went so far as to hack them up was a bit chilling.
"They say unicorns actually have black or dark blue eyes, so the red ones were probably a mutant species. But, I’ve definitely developed a dislike for them now."
The young man sighed as he spoke, looking genuinely pitiful.
It seemed that Volf’s attraction wasn’t limited to human women.
If there had been a shrine from her previous life here, she would’ve had his fortune told to check for signs of woman trouble and had an exorcism done for him.
"To think it extended even to unicorns..."
"Dahlia, it was just that one incident, okay? Nothing like that has happened with other monsters, and now I’m probably incredibly hated by them anyway."
It seemed to her that being liked by monsters while serving in the Monster Subjugation Force would be a problem in its own right.
However, Volf in black armor riding a black sleipnir, standing beside a black bicorn, with a row of black slimes lined up at his feet—assembled as a team of all-black companions—somehow didn’t seem out of place. In fact, it might even look rather striking.
Still, she decided to keep that fantasy to herself.
"Tomorrow, I’ll be heading to the Merchant Guild. What about you, Volf?"
"The captain told me to cooperate fully so that things can proceed quickly. I want to help as much as I can, too. But, I’m completely ignorant when it comes to business... Oh, right, if Dominic-san is available, I’d like to consult with him about contract matters, both for you and the unit."
"I think that would be best. We should wait for Dominic-san’s availability to consult with him. Also, we’ll need to talk to Gabriella, the vice guild master. If she’s busy, we can make an appointment and wait for our turn.”
It seemed like things were about to get a bit hectic.
However, with no experience in business matters, Dahlia's only option was to seek advice from someone else.
For a moment, she wished her father were here to help, but she quickly dismissed the thought. It would be rude to those around her given the fortunate circumstances she had. Also, she might disturb her father’s rest, so she made herself forget about it completely.
"Well then, I’ll come pick you up in the morning."
"That’s a bit out of the way from the castle. I’ll take a stagecoach."
"No, it's an assignment for the unit, so I'll request a castle carriage. After all, we're the ones making the request. Besides, I'll be in my official knight's attire, so the carriage is more appropriate."
"Is the official knight’s attire different from the one you wear for monster subjugations?"
When they first met, he had been wearing a dark gray outfit close to black, a ragged red armor, and black military boots.
"The formal uniform of the Monster Subjugation Force shares the same design as the Chivalric Order's ceremonial attire, differing only in color. It's black with silver trim."
"That sounds stylish, but isn’t it uncomfortable in the summer?"
"It is. It’s fine in winter, but when you’re standing in direct sunlight all day in summer, you just want to shout, 'Whoever made this, come out!'"
"There’s no summer version, is there?"
"Nope, there isn’t. Well, after the task, I’ll just change. Anyway, about tomorrow’s meeting at the Merchant Guild..."
Volf lowered his eyes slightly and hesitated before speaking.
She had gotten used to his habit of lowering his voice when he found something hard to say.
"What is it?"
"Because my name is associated with the company, the chances of obtaining materials will increase, but... on the other hand, it could also bring about some dishonorable rumors about you, Dahlia. I’m sorry I didn’t realize this sooner. At the Merchant Guild, would it be better if I distanced myself and behaved as though I’m only an investor supporting the company for profit?"
His words, full of hesitation, still managed to reach her directly.
"I considered this when I became friends with you, Volf. Whatever people say—whether I’m being played or you're just a patron—I’m fine with it as long as I can produce results through work and make deals with those who recognize me.”
"Dahlia..."
He froze when he said her name.
It was only natural for him to be surprised or even exasperated by what she had already considered that day.
If the deal with the knights became known to those around her, her name would inevitably come up, and rumors driven by curiosity would likely arise. Even someone as unaware as she was could understand that much.
But still, she didn’t want to distance herself from their current relationship, nor did she want to change it. She couldn’t help but feel that way.
The only thing she couldn’t stop was the fact that Volf might want to change the nature of their connection.
It was a bit scary, but she felt it was better to ask and hear it properly.
"If you’re concerned about such rumors, this won’t just be a matter for the Merchant Guild... If the rumors are a problem, would you stop coming to the tower and walking with me?"
"Sorry, I don’t want to change our friendship..."
Volf’s immediate denial brought a deep sense of relief.
"I’ve caused you so much trouble, but how can I protect you?"
"It’s fine. I just need to not worry about the rumors. And honestly, if we reverse the situation, I might start making assumptions myself. You can't really know until you face the person directly."
It had been like that in her previous life.
She had once received an invitation from a married boss, who was famous for being serious and a loving husband, that made her want to hit him at a year-end party.
There was also the time when a senior colleague had been strict with her, and she thought they disliked her, only to later find out that it was actually their way of supporting her.
Even in this life, she’d met similar people.
Someone who was said to be difficult and aloof was desperately trying not to hurt others.
Someone who appeared strong, beautiful, and likely to be loved by many was carrying wounds from others and keeping their distance.
She didn’t want to add to the rumors.
And while she wanted to reduce her assumptions about people, she knew that might be difficult.
"Putting the rumors aside, what do you want to do at the Merchant Guild, Volf?"
"I want to proudly say that I’m your friend and that I’m supporting your magical toolmaking. I don’t want to hide that from anyone."
"Thank you..."
It made her happy, but it was also a bit overwhelming. The wine was probably affecting her too much.
A dull pain started to spread behind her eyes.
"Then, please stay by my side as a friend at the Merchant Guild. I’ll work hard to make sure I live up to that."
She somehow managed to keep her voice steady.
To avoid worrying the young man in front of her, she quickly added in a cheerful tone.
"Volf, you’re already preparing the development reports and pitching to the Chivalric Order. You’re almost like a member of the Rossetti Company."
"At this point, could I be added as a guarantor, in addition to being an investor for the Rossetti Company? It might make the dealings with the Chivalric Order a bit easier. The rumors might increase, but if they become harmful, I’d be able to take action."
Indeed, if rumors were serious enough to cause trouble for him, it might be better for him to step in. That was something Dahlia would struggle with on her own.
"I understand. Then, please, I’ll leave it to you. However, please allow me to redirect the investment funds to serve as the collateral instead. If anything troublesome comes up that I can't handle, I’ll ask for your help."
"Got it. I don’t have any real power, but I carry the banner of the Chivalric Order and the Scalfarotto family, so I’ll do what I can if anything comes up."
At least this way, she might be able to reduce the burden on Volf a little. Dahlia let out a quiet sigh.
Then, at the mention of guarantors, something came to mind.
Volf had already bought a compact magic stove. It would overlap with the thank-you gift she gave to her guarantors.
"I’ve been giving compact magic stoves as thanks to my guarantors, but you’ve already bought one from me... Is it alright if I just double it up, or would you prefer something else?"
"I would be happy if you could allocate it toward the time spent on making the magic sword."
His previously stiff expression melted away, and his golden eyes sparkled with a playful smile.
Even if someone told her that his world revolved around magic swords, she wouldn’t doubt it.
"You really are in love, aren’t you? …With magic swords, I mean."
In the brief silence between her words, Volf held his breath, but that was something Dahlia didn’t notice.
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