Dwarves and the Workshop (5)
"Hm, an ancient artifact, is it? You said it doesn't work?"
"Yes. From what I heard, it's a mana analyzer made by an ancient mage, but I can't tell if it's broken or if there's a special way to activate it."
The mage examined the mana analyzer indifferently, turning it this way and that. Ancient relics should have been fascinating, but his nonchalant expression suggested they were commonplace to a veteran magic enchanter who'd spent years in the workshop.
"Hmm. Normally, activating a mana analyzer isn't that hard. Where did you get this one?"
"From Tebris's treasure vault."
He kept firing questions at me while deftly dismantling it with sharp clicks and clacks.
"If it came from Tebris's treasure vault, it must be quite valuable. Did you hear anything about the inventor? Ancient items often have repair methods unique to their creators."
"Ah, they said it's an invention attributed to Nasatya, the great sinner from ancient times."
The fallen star of twilight, Nasatya. That name was why I'd chosen this particular treasure out of Tebris's hoard.
However.
"Nasatya... Never heard of that ancient figure. I'll check the ledgers later, but it's new to me."
"That's a shame."
Unfortunately, even this long-time workshop mage found the name unfamiliar. The Tebris soldier had mentioned it was a great sinner erased from records altogether. What on earth had he done to warrant that? Not that I knew.
As I mulled it over, the mage spoke up.
"Well, I'll try repairing it with the repairman I know, but it'll take at least a few days. Honestly, I'm not even sure it can be fixed."
He admitted it might take days and that success wasn't guaranteed. If anything, his lack of overconfidence made him more trustworthy.
"That's fine. I planned to stay a few days anyway."
"Alright, we've got it. It might finish early, so stop by if you want updates."
I gave the mage a quick bow and left the small workshop.
Asha had peeked from behind me the whole time he examined it for emotions, but once we were out, she naturally sidled up and hooked her arm through mine.
"I don't think it was necessary to go that far."
"But he's a mage, unlike the blacksmith. What if he noticed? You could get in trouble, Ain."
"Fair point."
She'd warned that a mage might detect the artifacts hiding her identity—robe, necklace, bracelets. Back then, I'd scurried around to keep her secret; now, she'd grown vigilant while I'd grown numb. Seeing her power firsthand every day had dulled my sense of danger.
Even in this peaceful calm, gray was a target for extermination anywhere. Especially the Brahm Holy Kingdom's holy knights, who led the charge. We'd clashed with those priests and knights in the Versio Ruins—their fanatic nation tied by faith was the worst.
Simply put, they'd rip even an infant gray to shreds. Other nations waited for a crime before purging; Brahm turned feral at the mere existence, slaughtering on sight and proudly gibbeting bodies in public squares.
I'd seen such reports in newspapers tracking the world's state.
So.
In this peace, an ominous thought struck.
Those religious zealots surely reported the gray they'd spotted in Versio Ruins. Back then, I'd been distracted by the ancient mages and reuniting with Asha. Only now, days later, did it hit me—it was almost certainly true.
If they'd reported it, their superiors would be foaming to purge her too. They might've already formed a "holy crusade" pursuit squad for Asha.
So, was leisurely traveling like this a mistake? Even if Asha was strong, could she survive a holy kingdom purge squad?
And if it happened, what should I do? How could I protect her and the others?
"Those priests and holy knights from Versio Ruins... Feels like they might send a pursuit squad."
The anxieties swirled in my head and spilled out as "holy kingdom pursuit squad." I simulated scenarios mentally, my face turning grave.
Fleeing fast would be best. Tangling with their priests and knights would plaster our faces—mine and the party's—on wanted posters like those at adventurer guilds.
Or maybe those lunatics had already branded us criminals.
I'd be fine, but I didn't want fallout for my comrades or those back in the empire. If my parents, Rendo, or Idrin got labeled gray accomplices, that'd be trouble. Might need to send a letter to the empire first.
Asha and I walked the corridor slowly, my mind racing. Then her small voice came, as she gazed at me.
"Ain, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come along."
I hadn't blamed her, but her face fell, unlinking her arm and shrinking back apologetically.
"Should we split up now? Or go back to the empire and hide...?"
She watched my face, forcing a smile like it was nothing, just as she'd done back when gray ash mixed with white snow in grim landscapes, insisting it was okay to travel.
So I.
"Good thing we're at a workshop—I can get a small carriage to ride alone... Ow."
I stared at her intently mid-sentence, then smacked her forehead with a sharp thwack.
"That hurts, Ain... I was being serious."
"Why say something so pointless so seriously?"
"It's not pointless..."
It absolutely was.
"No way I'd let that happen, so it's pointless. I said you could do whatever once the bracelet breaks."
"...But."
At least for me, I'd long steeled myself for a criminal's brand. I'd declared this journey for a gray in this world—no way I hadn't prepared for that.
"It's fine. We'll prepare thoroughly."
"..."
Struggling to grow stronger for years wasn't just for hunting monsters or beasts. Severing black mages' necks with mana-less hands shattering, roaring beast-like as ancient mages tore my limbs—it wasn't mere adventurer work.
"No problem. We'll figure it out if we keep thinking."
"..."
This trip started assuming such risks. Things we should've faced sooner were just starting now. Fall, get up. Survive, and I'd punch through any hole, hands mangled or not.
"So stay by my side. Don't go anywhere."
"...Yeah."
I took her still-shy, blushing hand and hooked her arm through mine first.
In this peace, I'd stirred needless worry, making her mope over hypotheticals.
So.
I flashed an exaggerated smile and tugged her along.
"C'mon. Mana analyzer's dropped off—now we just browse what you want."
"Yeah, Ain."
I'd skimp a bit on party funds to pick something she'd love. Deduct from Horn's shameless pool table tab.
Asha and I wandered the workshop.
"Asha, how about this necklace? It'd suit you."
"The sapphire necklace you gave me before is enough."
We hit the jewelry section near the magic engraving area first. I held up a necklace that'd look great on her, but she stroked the blue gem at her throat and shook her head.
"Don't you ever wanna switch based on mood? Girls usually do."
"I like this sapphire necklace."
"Alright, then other accessories."
I set it down and turned to browse more.
"But how do you know what girls usually do, Ain?"
"...?"
Her tone chilled; I turned to find her glaring sleepily.
"Have you gifted jewels to other girls, Ain?"
"No, it's not... Ah, Asha?"
"Then how do you know?"
Oh shit.This gray dust—what the hell.Why's it dripping like that, fuck.
Relieved the owner had turned away, I rushed to explain.
"Uh... Mom did that a lot. And the, uh, lady customers at the grocery...!"
"...Is that so?"
"O-Of course...?"
I stammered like Aberly, but it calmed her.
Finally, Asha beamed and nodded.
"Sorry for misunderstanding, Ain. Let's look at other stuff besides necklaces."
"...Yeah. Let's."
Her grip softened from iron to gentle. The dripping gray dust mercifully dispersed before the owner turned back.
"Ain, these earrings look like a pair for two people."
"Uh, yeah... Seems so."
That was genuinely scary just now.