The Iron Ring

I pondered Seize's words for a moment.

Bandit raids and mass production.

Finding the connection between those two would undoubtedly shape my next moves.

"It is something I made, but…"

I trailed off, putting on a regretful expression.

It had to feel real.

"Mass production seems difficult. Even for me, the success rate on items like this isn't high."

That was just the right amount.

Claiming out of nowhere that I could mass-produce something like the Sunogi would be too risky.

But completely denying it could raise suspicions too.

So, keeping a moderate distance was best.

"True enough. If you could mass-produce something like that, you wouldn't be wandering as a mercenary."

"Haha, well, if I keep building my skills, who knows?"

"Exactly! Watching you face those enemies, your resolve was no joke."

"You're too kind."

Seize seemed impressed by the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠scene of me fighting the mage.

"No, really, it was impressive. Even with a quality weapon, stepping up like that isn't easy… I'm looking forward to more!"

Seize looked thrilled with me, the talent he'd recruited.

His gaze right now was already a bit much.

An old guy's got no chill…

Being expected of wasn't bad, but more watchful eyes? Pass.

Especially not in a situation like this.

I'd been reading the magic tome on the move, and the moment I finished, the messages popped up.

Gaining proficiency just from learning a new spell was a nice bonus.

Then I should test it out on something…

Curtain of Defense was exactly what it sounded like—a barrier around the body to block enemy attacks.

Similar to that bandit mage's triple defense whatever.

Of course, this one would be lower level.

Wait… what if I use it as an enchant?

Casting spells one by one in combat was tricky.

Enchanting it for automatic activation seemed better.

For a test run… maybe a ring?

The decision was quick.

As a former hunter, rings were a staple I used often, so crafting was fast.

Plus, as a slave trader mage, ring-making was my specialty.

Though slave rings were a bit different.

For now, it was just a test, so nothing fancy.

And with my materials, options were limited anyway.

Nothing special about the iron ring.

But I'd use the best materials I had.

Time to use a bit of that sword from the Aura-using bandit.

The sword from an Aura User was solid.

High-quality iron, perfect for accessories.

The familiar messages appeared, and soon I held a crude iron ring.

Without hesitation, I moved to the next step.

The Defense Iron Ring was complete in seconds.

I'd modeled it after hunter gear from my old days, and it hit the mark.

Though functionally, it was worlds apart from back then.

Inspecting the ring brought up its details.

A smile crept onto my face.

Simple, but effective.

I made it just in case, but damn, it's a hit! Crafting something like this here…

Honestly, better than expected.

The auto-activation was the killer feature.

With that, just wearing it was like having a spare life.

Is it because of my hunter skills? The effects are exceeding expectations.

I liked it.

Especially since it didn't take extra effort.

Making a ring this good was encouraging.

This ability… better keep it under wraps for now.

I'd crafted it on the move, and no plans to reveal it yet.

Not before meeting Baron Sellevan.

Gauge the people first, then show my hand. Flaunt too soon and…

I might end up a forced slave for real.

Always play it safe.

In this world, I'm the only one who values my life that much.

"Lena?"

"Yes, Theo-nim."

Suddenly, I thought of Lena beside me.

She responded instantly to my call.

Seemed like she'd been watching me the whole time.

"Uh… want this?"

I held out the Defense Iron Ring.

Truth was, I'd made a second one right after success.

For her.

"For… me? This ring?"

"Yeah, it's enchanted with defense magic. It'll block once or twice. Haven't fully tested it yet, but…"

"The ring… Th-thank you! M-Master, no, Th-Theo-nim!"

Lena was even stammering.

And slipping back to "Master" ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠after so long—it must really please her.

Her blushing face said it all.

Well, when's she ever gotten a magic item?

Truth was, she'd been with me longest, so she was on my mind.

Plus, as a slave, she couldn't mingle, just stuck to me.

So until I could sort her status in a safe place, I'd look out for her.

"Like it?"

Lena was already wearing the ring, admiring it from every angle.

She barely heard me.

Seeing that, I slipped mine on too.

I let out a shallow sigh at the message.

Two enchanted rings is the limit, huh.

With the slave ring already on, this made two.

Later, I'd craft rings more carefully, expand functions.

"Oh, we're finally here!"

As I chatted with Lena about the rings, Seize approached.

He pointed ahead to a grand fortress.

The sight shifted the group's mood.

Tension from the bandit ambush easing away.

"Baron Sellevan's castle."

Lena whispered in my ear.

Her gaze on it was odd.

Like recalling old memories.

Noble upbringing, huh…

I remembered her special trait from the info window.

But now wasn't the time to ask.

And no real urge to pry.

"You—once we're in the castle, you'll meet the baron right away."

Seize came over, explaining procedures like a proper administrator.

"Mages are used to this, but… first time?"

I nodded.

As a slave caravan mage, I'd never audience with a lord.

"No need to tense up. The baron… let's say he's flexible. He'll welcome a talent like you for sure."

I smiled back at Seize.

But inwardly:

A flexible lord? Do those exist?

From my memories in this world, lords weren't great.

Maybe just from my slave caravan days.

"Bit awkward to ask, but…"

Seize spoke again.

"That woman…?"

He pointed at Lena.

"My minion."

Short and simple.

No need for more.

But Seize was sharp-eyed.

"Minion, huh… The slave ring says slave, but her poise and demeanor? No ordinary slave."

Sharp administrator indeed.

I just shrugged.

"Just a minion."

No further explanation.

Seize didn't press.

Just a knowing smile.

As we neared, the fortress's majesty grew overwhelming.

Patrol soldiers on the walls came into view.

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

"That's our territory's pride—the magic cannon."

Seize pointed to the massive barrel atop the wall.

Reminded me of hunter-era artillery or mortars.

Magic cannon…

I knew this world had cannons, but first time seeing one.

If I could make those…

Hunter memories flashed by.

Thinking of old weapons made the magic cannon intriguing.

A grin spread across my face.

A big one.

As expected.

Inventor's Insight reacted to anything new, reliably.

But now wasn't the time.

To plan ahead, grasp the situation here first.

And Lena's situation too…

Glancing back, she was still fiddling with her ring.

Somehow, it tugged at me.

Passing the gates, soldiers saluted in unison.

Honor for Seize and Frail.

Tight discipline—security seemed solid.

We dismounted and entered the fortress.

"Wait here a sec."

Seize went ahead to report to the baron.

Meanwhile, Frail busied himself with the bandit raid report.

The bandit attack might've helped unexpectedly?

Gave me a chance to show my combat skills.

But the thought passed—Seize returned.

"The baron wants you ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠now. Follow me."

I brought Lena to the baron's office.

The door opened to reveal a middle-aged man.

Baron Sellevan.