Magic_Smithing
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Ch: 48
🕑 Added 2020-09-04 01:17:34 +0000 UTC
“What’s the rush?” Master questions me as I pull him through the trees still surrounding our village.
I scan our surroundings for any hidden beasts and try to spot the abnormality I witnessed earlier.
Whatever caused the mana to react the way it did must have already vanished amongst the trees. Usually, I would be sad about missing a possible magic material to work with, but I have bigger things to worry about right now.
“Something happened with your merchant friend, didn’t it?” I look over my shoulder and give master a complicated look.
“I’ll tell you everything when we get to my house. I asked mother to get dad, so the two of them should be waiting for us when we get there.” I lead master through the forest.
We don't emerge from the trees until we're close to my house. I scan our surroundings and sneak Del into our home when no other villagers are nearby. I'm not ashamed of master, but the extra effort will keep even more rumors from spreading around the village.
I see mother and father waiting for us at our dinner table, both clearly wondering why I needed to gather everyone.
I swap out my boots for my slippers. Master follows my example by kicking off his muddy shoes and moves over to where my parents are sitting, pulling out a chair he takes a place at the table.
Nobody says anything as I take my seat.
I lean my elbows on the table and bury my head in my arms.
I hear the table creak as mother leans across and rests her hand on the top of my head. “What happened, sweety?”
I quietly sigh to myself before I sit up and explain everything I heard from Kervin. From the general asking about me to Silver Herd knowing about master and me.
The three of them just sit there silently listening to everything I say. They may not interrupt me with questions, but their looks of concern speak to me loudly.
When I finish telling them everything, a heavy silence crushes all four of us. None of us know where to start.
Mother asks the first question. “You said you're meeting with Kervin tomorrow morning to renegotiate the contract between you two. What are the details of the contract you have now? Depending on his skill level, you won't be able to change too many of the details."
“It’s ok, mom. I’m forcefully canceling our contract tonight. Depending on what we decide tonight, our new contract is to force him to comply. He needs me a lot more than I need him,” I tell her.
"You're able to break his contract skill without his input?" Mom looks at me with her eyes wide open.
"One of my skills helps me break compulsions. It takes time to set up, but I only need a little bit of time tonight to break his skills hold on me."
“You shouldn’t be so quick to throw away your relationship with Kervin. It sounds like he’s the only thing keeping Silver Herd from coming straight to our village to recruit you.” Mother advises me.
“Your mother is right, honey,” Dad speaks up. “You can use him as a shield in the short run.”
Both of them make a good point. I look at master who still hasn’t said a word. “What do you think, master?”
Del looks between the three of us. “This isn’t good, but not completely unexpected.” The three of us are shocked by what Del says.
“What do you mean?” I ask him.
"It happened quicker than I was expecting, but I always knew someone would eventually notice you. The weapons you forge are top class for your skill level. That said, I didn't think you would be noticed this soon and by a general no less. This severely complicates things." Master grumbles out that last part.
I'm afraid to ask, but master always told me what he would do if someone came looking for him. "Are you leaving?" I hesitantly ask. Mother and father are shocked by my question.
Master stares deeply into my worried eyes. "I already told you that I wouldn't leave you until you asked me to; that hasn't changed. Besides, they aren't exactly looking for me, are they?” Master gives me a complicated smile.
I sigh in relief. This would be much scarier if master told us he was running away. “Thank you, Master Del.”
“It’s not like running was truly an option.” Master tries to pretend staying isn’t a big deal for him.
Mother and father nod in agreement. "This is our home, and you haven't done anything wrong. Why would we leave?" Mother exclaims.
“It’s not like they’re marching an army here to capture you,” Father chuckles.
The support from everyone at the table chokes me up. No one comments as I wipe the water from my eyes.
“That doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot to discuss.” Mother gives us a calculating look.
"Agreed," master nods his head to mother and then looks at me. "You need to be careful about how you handle what happens next. If you use that merchant properly, it should be enough to appease Silver Herd for now, knowing you're going to continue to make goods for them."
“That’s right,” Mother agrees with master. “As long as they’re making a profit, and have means to contact you, they should leave you alone.” Mother’s face brightens like she just got an idea. “In fact, this could be good for you. You can use them to get your hands on the rarer materials without putting yourself in any danger.”
“Kervin did offer to get me Eathrosse and Devil’s Poke. But if the general is looking for me, won’t buying those items lead her straight to me?” I ask the table.
Father and Del think about it, but everyone looks to mom for her opinion. "The kingdom only investigates when enchantments start to appear in the wrong places. They can't investigate everyone buying those herbs. It's usually left to the merchant company to report anything suspicious, and I doubt Silver Herd would turn in a budding enchanter."
"You mustn't forget that the general is still tied up at the fort." Master makes a good point. "Almost every able-bodied person is converging on the fort. The general shouldn't be able to spare sending troops to our village for a single blacksmith, no matter how good you are. She may have noticed you, but it could be years before she can leave the fort.”
That means every second I have needs to be spent getting stronger!
“Let me stop you now.” Master interrupts my train of thought. I wasn’t even saying anything! I notice mother and father also giving me a concerned look.
"That look on your face tells me you’re planning on training like crazy before the general comes looking for you." Mother and father agree with Del's assessment. "I know your speed of improvement is inhuman, but not even you could possibly train to reach her level that quickly. Once someone nears level 100, the experience required to level is in the millions. Raising your skill levels will get you close, but eventually, they will reach a level that it takes a lot longer for them to improve. Your crafting will overshadow the experience you gain from your skills increasing."
"What Del is trying to say is that you can't kill yourself for an unachievable goal. You need to live your life, and not spend every minute training. Remember what happened after the goblin extermination?" Mother says, concerned for my wellbeing.
She’s right, I can’t spend my time worrying about what might happen, and my days are already busy enough as is.
"I won't make that mistake again," I promise to myself as much as I am to mother.
"That settles it, doesn't it?" Master asks everyone at the table. "We'll continue as we have, but Aaliyah will use the merchant to keep her distance from Silver Herd. We'll deal with the army together, whenever they come.”
I’m surprised how accepting everyone is of the situation. I was worried we would have to abandon the village.
We discuss how I should deal with Kervin tomorrow, and Master Del stays for dinner.
Later that night, while in my bed, I enter my soul.
Looking around the clearing my body manifests in, I spot Kervin’s skill right where I left it. His contract skill fits in the palm of my hand. I toss the skill back and forth in between my hands like a baseball.
Time holds less meaning here, and since Sense Soul broke through its first test, the feeling of being immersed in my soul has become gentler. I've always been able to spend long periods of time here, but I could never feel comfortable.
I think my soul is rejecting me less.
Well, part of my soul.
After looking at everyone's souls, I think I truly know what this forest is now.
I may be connected to my soul, but this forest isn't a part of my true soul. I leave my clearing and start heading towards the sea.
I'm almost positive this is actually the surface of my soul, and everything around me is made up of the experience I've gained so far. That's why I'm able to single out other people's skills here. Their skills are made out of their experience and are connected to them; that's why they stand out.
I look down at Kervin’s skill again as I pass into the rocky terrain. It’s almost imperceptible because of my warped sense of time here, but the forest has definitely been growing as I gain more experience.
I make my way over to the familiar cliff and stare out at the beautiful calm sea of memories stretching into the distance. I look out at the moons hovering overhead.
They no longer attack me just for getting close to my true soul. I'm positive that's what this is; the sea before me is my soul's core. Every memory, making me who I am today.
I cup Kervin's soul fragment in my hands and let my body fall over the cliff's edge. There's no splash, only my body being dragged to a random memory.
A new world appears around me.
I'm in my mom's Ford Escort's back seat, looking over at a younger version of my past life.
This was back when I was seven and still sitting in a booster seat. Everything is blurry outside the car as my mom drives to work early in the morning before the sun rises.
"Country road, take me home. To the place, I belong. West Virginia. Mountain momma, take me home. Country road." I listen to little me sing along with my mother.
When was the last time I listened to John Denver? We would sing this song every morning before I was dropped off at my grandparent’s house.
It’s just another inconsequential moment buried in my memories. I sit back in my seat and close my eyes, letting the song permeate my being.
The song fades, and I feel the eyes burn through my memory and focus on me. Couldn't they let me hear one more song?
I open my eyes and gaze up at the ceiling of my room. I say a quick prayer for my family I left behind and roll over in my bed. I don't feel the need to enter my soul again.
I quietly hum Country Road until I fall asleep.
**********
Kervin’s Point of view:
"Oh, gods!" I cry out, tossing and turning in my sleeping bag. Ryiba wakes up and looks at me, concerned while Lurte quickly runs over to my side from where he was on lookout.
“What’s wrong?” Lurte helps me sit up while I’m clutching at my chest.
“My contract with Aaliyah was just broken,” I hiss. I’ve had my Contract skill broken before, but never like this.
Whether breaking a contract is consensual or forced, it feels like a rope snapping, and the backlash is divided between those the skill connects. Whatever Aaliyah did to cancel the skill, it forced everything onto me.
Both Lurte and Ryiba frown. "She wasn't lying about her ability, then," Lurte says while patting my back, trying to help me catch my breath.
I doubt she gained whatever skill she used just now in the last month. That's why she accepted my skill so quickly last month. She could break my skill whenever she needed to.
I need to do everything in my power to appease her tomorrow.
“I’m fine now,” I tell my guards. “Sorry for waking you up Ryiba, I hope you can get back to sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a stressful day.”
I roll over and hide my concerned look from my men. I face the prevailing winds and feel the sweat on my face start to freeze in the winter breeze.
The pain in my chest from the backlash is fading slowly. I close my eyes and pretend to be asleep, but I don't think I'll be getting any more sleep tonight.
As soon as the first rays of daylight appear over the horizon, I'm up and preparing for the battle to come.
I look towards the village. "She'll be here soon." I hope my secret weapon works.
**********
Aaliyah’s Point of Views:
I make my way over to Kervin’s campsite the first thing in the morning.
I don't use any of my movement skills and, instead, choose to strut up to Kervin's campsite, with a beast's grace on the hunt.
Kervin and his two guards are moving around their campsite, packing up everything they no longer need. I guess they plan to leave after our meeting.
Kervin's two guards spot me approaching and point me out to him. He pats his sides, dusting off his clothes before looking at me with a merchant's bright smile.
So, he’s prepared too.
Once I'm a few feet from their campsite, he calls out to me. "Good morning, Aalyiah. How was your night?"
"Fine," I give him an uncaring look. I may have already decided to use him, but I have no intention of letting him know that yet.
He doesn’t look perturbed in the slightest at my behavior and maintains his smile. “Why don’t you come over here and join us? I have tea brewing to drive away the morning cold.”
I try to think of the most intimidating thing I can say. “I don’t feel the cold.”
He and his guards cringe, but Kervin catches himself and chuckles. "I should've guessed; I never see you shivering even when the wind is blowing like it is.”
I wonder if any of the villagers have noticed the same thing?
I take the same seat as I did yesterday, and I smell it.
A fragrant smell wafts from Kervin's tea pot next to the fire.
He notices me looking at it. “Allow me.” He pours me a cup of tea but doesn’t hand it to me. He reaches into a small bag sitting next to him on the log and pulls out a small brown cube.
Kervin places the cube in my tea and swills the mixture before handing it to me.
I take the cup and raise it to my nose, and a fruity smell overpowers my senses. I have to carefully adjust Mana Skin to allow the liquid to move through my protective barrier.
As soon as the mixture reaches my lips, I let out a small moan of pleasure. The taste resembles strawberries with hints of other fruits I can't place. The thing that makes my eyes go wide is the distinct flavor of chocolate that perfectly compliments the brew.
My eyes immediately fall on the little bag beside Kervin.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it." I realize my stoic facade is gone. Damn you, Kervin. You found the weakness I left back on Earth.
I try to confirm that it was chocolate he put in my tea. "What was that you put in it?"
"It's called Tarick Paste, and it's usually sold in these small cubes. It's a luxury good I was recently introduced to. I heard women enjoyed it, so naturally, I thought to bring you some. It slipped my mind yesterday; I hope you can forgive me?" He isn't subtle with the double meaning.
“How expensive is it?” I ask as I take another sip of my tea.
"Around 2 silver for the cube, I put in your tea." I almost do a spit take, but my mouth refuses to lose a single drop of the delicious beverage. "Would you care for another?" The devil offers me the bag.
It’s been 15 years since I had a piece of chocolate. I can’t pass up this opportunity.
I take the offered bag and fish out another cube of chocolate. I nibble on the side of the cube, tasting the rich flavor. It's comparable to the darkest chocolate I ever tasted back in my past life. I wonder if there are more sweets in Drey?
I put the rest of the cube in my mouth and savor the flavor as it melts, thinking about the sweets I had back on earth.
"You can eat it straight? That's way too sweet for me." Kervin's words pull me out of my chocolate covered daydreams. "You can have the rest of the bag if you want?"
“You think you can bribe me with, what did you call them again?” I ask.
"Tarick Paste, and it's not a bribe. We've been doing business for almost four years now, what're a few sweets between friends."
I set the bag of Tarick Paste next to me and look at Kervin with a severe expression. "We have known each other for a long time, but our relationship will never come between my family or master."
His confident smile fades away. “What did you decide?”
“I’ll keep using you for now.” He lets out a deep breath in relief. “I’ll need assurances for the future,” I interject before he can thank me.
“Of course, we can form a new contract right now.” He hastily agrees.
I lay out my terms. "From now, I want you to handle everything regarding Silver Herd and the army. I want you to do your best to keep them away from the village and my family. I know your superiors are going to ask you questions; I won't tell you to lie to them, but make sure they know I wish to remain anonymous right now."
“I can do that, anything else?”
“Just one more thing," I stand up and walk over to where he's sitting. I look down at him and stare into his eyes. "I want you to swear to me you will never betray my trust and always keep my interests in your heart." I don't include anything about our business relationship. If I force him to pay me more money for my goods, my merchant skills won't level. I need him to deal with the army's orders and supply me with the materials I need.
Kervin stretches out his hand towards me. I grasp it in a firm handshake, careful to apply the right amount of pressure without breaking his hand. "I, Kervin, agree to your terms. I will serve your interests and show you I deserve your trust."
I feel his Contract skill activate again; only this time, we both exchange wisps of experience. I watch a new skill form around my soul. Focusing on it, I can see that it is my own Contract skill.
“Congratulations on gaining the skill.” He rubs his chest. So, he can feel the difference too. “Our contract will be stronger with us both having the skill.”
I nod in agreement and move back over to my spot. Despite the one-sided terms, Kervin looks happier now that we have a new contract.
While I sip my tea, Kervin goes back into business mode. “Now that that is taken care of, you still need to tell me what you want me to do with your payment.”
Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the money he owes me. “We can continue with our previous arrangement. Use the coin to buy me the materials I need.”
“You want some of those herbs, right?”
“Devil’s Poke and Eathrosse, yes. I want ten bundles of each.”
“Are you aware of how expensive they are?” Kervin asks me.
"My mother warned me how expensive they are. Ten bundles of each should be around 22 gold. The other eight you can use to get me as much mithril as you can, preferably the same purity as last time." Hopefully, that will be enough for me to experiment with. I need to figure out how to combine everything to make engraving ink.
"Your mother knows how much they cost? I knew she had a few merchant skills, but I wasn't aware she was that knowledgeable."
“You shouldn’t underestimate my family.” I give him a cocky grin.
“You would think I know better by now.” He hangs his head and gives himself a pity chuckle before looking back up at me. “I’ll be back with everything as soon as possible.”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
"I told you yesterday; I was given a new assignment. My only two stops now are your village and Teeburn. I'm essentially your own personal merchant, now. First, I'll deliver your goods to the army, and then I just need to get my hands on everything you ordered. Depending on how hard it is to get everything, it might only take me two or three weeks to make it back here." That's good news for me and the village.
“Alright then,” I stand up and grab my chocolate bribe. “I better get back to work if you’ll be back that soon.” I move over to the cart I left here yesterday.
"I'm sure it won't be a problem for you," Kervin remarks as I start to push the cart towards Del's house.
I stop after a few feet and look back at Kervin, who's watching me leave. "This is your last chance, Kervin. Don't mess it up." His cheerful face turns to one of worry in a split second.
I turn back around and start pushing the cart forward again. "You won't regret it," He yells back at me.
It’s hard to keep myself from laughing out loud. Mother suggested that line to me this morning before I left. Maybe I should let mother deal with Kervin if he messes up again?
Pushing the cart back to Del's, I think about what I need to do next. Father is waiting for me back at home to take me logging for more Blacksmithing trees. Then tomorrow, I need to start the next batch of arrows.
Kervin never did ask me about my arrows design, I wonder if he noticed?
Oh well, I’m sure he’ll figure it out. I laugh to myself now that I’m out of sight.
**********
Giovanni Turrini’s Point of view:
I finish going over the documents detailing this month's profits. The deliveries to Teeburn bring in a lot of coin, but our profit margin has only risen by 4%. The war has many people frightened and spending less. If we weren't delivering so many goods to the army, our profit margin would be down nearly 12%.
We’ll see if Kervin’s relationship with the general can help us in the future.
That reminds me. I look at Marshall, “Has there been any change recently?”
My bodyguard looks at his armguard that has seven magic gems embedded in its surface. Four of them are dark, signaling which of our operatives are out of range.
"It looks like he just made it back in range. Do you want to connect with him?" Marshall asks me.
I don't waste time answering him. I activate the ward runes on the side of my desk, sealing off the room. I lean to my side and push a panel that conceals a secret drawer that blocks magic from escaping it when closed.
I pull out the plate covered in intricate runes that lead to its center and a magic gem the size of a pomme. My father bought this communication tool three years before he retired. It can connect to smaller communication magic tools attuned to its signature as long as they're within 200 miles.
Magic tools like this are supposed to be reported to the kingdom, but my father paid to acquire it quietly. It cost him 2,000 gold coins to buy and another 300 for the seven smaller communication tools connected to it.
I adjust the device and send a signal to our operative, who is supposed to be watching the girl. It's only been around 50 hours since I last talked to him. He was supposed to observe her for a week before moving back in range to reporting what he learned.
I watch the crystal flash, confirming the connection has been made. “Report in, Four. The sun is moving backwards.”
"This is Four. The seasons don't match." We confirm each other's codes to make sure our signal wasn’t faked by someone else.
Now that we’re both authenticated, I can ask him what he’s doing. “Why aren’t you watching the village?” I growl into the magic tool.
"Apologies, boss, but I couldn't stay near the village." I can hear the frustration in his voice.
“And why was that!?” I exclaim.
“I was spotted.” I freeze in my seat.
Marshall moves next to me. “Four, explain yourself,” He commands.
We both hear him grumble on the other line. “It’s that monster you wanted me to watch over. Every time I got close to her; she would immediately focus on the area I was hiding.”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Even Marshall looks dumbfounded by Four’s report. “How is that possible?” I ask him through the device.
"I don't know. I checked each of my magic tools, and everything should have been working perfectly. It was like every time she moved a certain distance from me; she noticed me immediately. After the third time, I decided to retreat." I slam my fist down on my desk.
Marshall puts his hand on my shoulder to calm me down before turning back to the communications tool. "Were you able to find anything else out before you retreated?"
"I'm not that incompetent. Luckily, she never inspected the areas I was hiding; I listened in on a few of her conversations before I left. Her name is Aaliyah, and she addresses her master as Del." Four reports to us.
“At least you were able to find out that much.” Every bit of information helps.
“That’s not all,” Four’s tone of voice becomes more serious. “Using my skills, I was able to observe her interaction with Kervin. She found out our interest in her and accused Kervin of betraying her. I don't know what skill she used, but she was able to intimidate all three of them in a matter of seconds. I estimate her level to be in the 60's already."
“And her age?” I hesitantly ask.
“Young, she has a lot of vitality for someone her age, so approximating her age is hard. My instincts tell me she’s not even 20 yet.”
Level 60, and she's not even 20 yet! Not even nobles can spur their child's growth to that degree.
“What do you want me to do?” Four asks.
I lean back in my chair, tilting my head towards Marshall. “What do you think about this?”
“I’m not the one your father left in charge,” He smirks at me.
“Let me rephrase that then, what do you think my father would do?”
Marshall raises his hand to his beard and runs his fingers through his hair. "He'd probably think of her as an investment. Whatever effort you put into her now, the more she'll payout in the future. Plus, it doesn't sound like you'd have to wait long before she turns a profit." I nod along with his assessment.
“You’re right. Four, I want you to go to Drey.”
“Ok, and do what?”
"I'll send you a letter for you to give to Kervin, naming you his third bodyguard. If you can't secretly get close to her, you'll have to do it out in the open. I also want you to protect Kervin; you should be able to handle the hidden threats he might run into."
"Understood, boss, I'll take care of it. Is that all?"
"Yes, you can go now," I tell him.
“Four, moving out.” The connection between our magical tools cuts out.
I carefully place the magical tool back in its hiding place.
I shift a few papers across my desk. “I want to be informed about everything Kervin asks Grey to gather for him.”
“It will be done,” Marshall responds to my left.
“And tell Grey to lower the prices he charges Kervin by 10%. We’ll keep this Aaliyah happy and make it easier for her to improve.”
“Sounds like a smart decision,” Marshall agrees.
"We'll get her to owe us a favor without her realizing it." I smile, leaning back in my chair.
This might just be what I need to compete with the big three.
**********
Author’s Notes:
4,900 words.
A little smaller than usual, but I managed to finish it before it got too late.
Did you like the chapter? Tell me below!?
I hope you enjoyed it and as always, stay safe.
Comments
Jon Blose
I may have caught a typo: "Aaliyah’s Point of Views:" I think that should that be "View". Great story so far!
Alteron
If i am right, what can she make with these? Quiver of flaming arrows? A refrigerator :-)
Alteron
Best guesses about runes: Runes Firebox: Absorb power, Convert power, Fire Water purifier: Absorb power, Convert power, Purify Cold box: Absorb power, Convert power, Cold Kitchen knife: Hold power, Sharpen Box: Absorb power, Convert power, Transfer power Helmet: Absorb power, Convert power, Light
Todd Kloos
For all the talk about how the general finding out about her complicates things, it is actually very good for Aaliyah. If there wasn't a general there buying up all her items, she would be selling them to a much larger group of customers which would immediately make her famous. Having 1 big customer like that is the only way for her to make a lot of money without totally losing her anonymity. She won't be able to remain obscure forever, but having the general there will buy some time.
Todd Kloos
Del sells items to the village, so I don't think that he has a contract preventing him from selling stuff. Giovanni's dad probably isn't alive anymore, so even if they had a contract it probably isn't still in force.
Alteron
One thing that could save it, would be if it was business related only. On the other hand after the first time seeing her parents pain would stop Aaliyah.
Matt S.
OK, not sure if this is an exploit in the system and if it's intentional, buuut giving Aaliyah the Contract skill is a cheat just waiting to be reaped for XP. She can do contracts with her parents "I promise to do be a good daughter" every day and remove the contract with her Soul skill the same day. Only downside is the backlash when she removes it, but given that her parents basically already agreed to helping her with her skills even if it is uncomfortable (especially her mom) this is like par for the course, right? I think the people who regularly practice with her will also develop mental resilience skills in due time.
Kyle
I really enjoyed these alternate POVs. While they can be dangerous I find that if they are centered around outside viewpoints of the main character and move the plot along, they are just as good as a MC POV.
I don't think it works like that. Just need and perseverance to get a skill. The ability to steal skills is a stage already passed in many novels. And this is not needed here. I am very happy with the story of the protagonist with a good work ethic and a tiny little knowledge and outlook from our world. I'm more worried about when will the disassembly skill appears. How many spiders has she already butchered?
Robert Mullins
Please oh please author never do this. I have never once enjoyed this or seen it done well and I have seen it many times. In fact, I'd call it the single worst aspect of the isekai genre. Where they make guns in book 1 they will build spaceships in book 5. Write a fucking fantasy story, not a sci-fi. If I wanted sci-fi I would be reading something else.
Alteron
Did Aaliyah get the contract skill because she dumped Kervin's skill in her soul? Would that give her the opportunity in the future to steal skills from other souls, or at least copy.
ZCochraine!%
Actusly, something everyone should remember, when will Aaliyah build a stem engine, printing press, electric generator/motor and such. I can imagine that the mana collection would work when going at a high enough speed, so use the mana in something the makes electricity to power a motor to keep the runes spinning and possibly go faster.
Alteron
I got to wonder, how many of Kervin’s levels are because of the deals with Aaliyah. The more you gouge, the more experience.
ZCochraine!%
^^^^^^
Bobtur
No offense kosnik4, but I guess you keeping apologizing and admiting you were wrong and admitted rewriting chapters had a bad impact on this story’s comment section. Now every Kevin bitches about « what would’ve been better written » or « mc is mentaly ill ». Duck them, your story’s great, your POV changes make sense, and for once mc suffers some believable drowbacks, which I guess is what is infuriating their overinflated Patreon ego. Keep the good work dude !
Ninetails
One thing I am a bit confused on is whether she was actually told that her base steel weapons were able to be enchanted. If not then that explains a lot about the priceing and so on, since she is just guessing what she could pressure him to based on the expensive message, and not based on an estimate of what her items are actually worth.
Toni Pampliega
Yeah, The boss should say it to Kervin via the manager on the other city and make clear the company is supporting the blacksmith cas you get a deal with the army, etc... Kervin and Aaliyah can accept the offer or not of discounts, but businessman don't offer nothing for free, except if they benefit in the futur or improve relationships, etc.
Toni Pampliega
I'm a bit disappointed by the dialog in the meeting. It really didn't add anything. No discussion about why the weapon were so good, worldbuilding, ... something more. I knew that the conclusion will be continue as now, but... For exemple, It will funny is his father betwwen the conversation says "30 gold pieces" a few time ("How?" and "If the products are better... how much ..." , like startled by the amount of money (or Del). It's like you created a rupture situation and finally it becomes nothing (not really but almost). Furthermore, I see a contradiction between leveling the merchant skills while she is immune to pressure. It shouldn't happen? But I appreciate the few twist I didn't see coming an make the chapter good as the spy being assigned to Kervin or the design of the arrows. Furthermore, How the company of kervin will benefit of the deal between Aaliyah and Kervin? Yes, he will buy supplies for her at them , but they will trade with her products? How? Where is the profit if Kervin buy and sell them without offering nothing to the company? Reputation? And finally, Del is working for free? Aaliyah never has payed him nothing. Just some thoughts. I'm already expecting the new chapter! XD
carebear90
The owing a favor bit is kinda strange? What do they expect? That they walk up to her in the future all like: Hey! remember all the stuff we got you since years ago? That was actually a discounted price we gave to the merchant that supplied you. Yeah, we never told you about that, but you have to see, that you owe us a favor now, right? Öm... I don't think, that is how trading works? But I could be wrong. At least I would not accept that line of argument, if I were in her shoes.
Vyktor
Really good chapter 😆
m2wester
How is Giovani not on the up and up? I mean, he has a trading company, obviously he wants to profit, expecting something else would be ridiculous. To me, it doesn't look at all like he's planning to backstab her, quite the opposite, he's planning to foster her growth and try to benefit from that, which I'd consider to be completely fair and exactly what I'd expect out of a trading company that is on the up and up. The only thing that's a bit shady is the spying, but even that doesn't seem to be particularly ill-intended.
silder
I enjoyed the chapter. Figured I'd chime in on the POVs. I don't mind them at all so long as they're mixed in with the MC. This chapter felt smooth.
Cerber
Plz let our heroine give that merchant boss the middle finger. The idea of her owing others like this is so infuriating. Better let the general become her patron and let her be free from this merchant boss
ActionKermit
The boss' daughter is the village healer Anastasia. It's common knowledge in the village and gets discussed in earlier chapters when Aalyiah is growing up, although I don't think the Silver Herd trading company is mentioned by name at the time.
Docnox
The night pov from kervin was unnecessary, so was some of the deliberations by the family. Was a tad repetitive of earlyer conversations. Honestly the boss pov could have waited a bit to have a larger developments like spelling out who his daughter is, Other than that solid.
Njordt
Just read the two comments from Ranasuilep and you will see why the contract and gold amount is stupid.
Markus
The 10% discount was probably only the start of things he wants to do for her. Otherwise, you would be correct.
Markus
She explicitly stated that her merchant skills would not increase if she would do that. And once she negotiate with someone else, that would be a significant disadvantage.
Tera
Thank you for the chapter :D A bit on the short side ( as you've said it.) ,But good nonetheless - The Giovanni PoV seems a bit forced ( asked if he's back in range, but obviously he shouldn't be) And she forgot to renegotiate her prices with Kervin. It'd be nice so actually see that one 🙂😉😂 And as I see a lot of people have beef, with you managing the story, how you do. I've read a few, and where did this 100g argument come from? It's said nowhere, as far as I remember. I think the 30g are reasonable. The contract is reasonable. I am looking forward to seeing her brother again. And the action the general is taking ( even if that could/should take a while)
Steven Palmer
I'm giddy,. Can't wait to see what happens next!!! Lol. Thank you for this amazing story!!!
Viva01
I liked that there were sprinklings and hints about a lot of things in the world. As readers we know the General is going to seek her out either through a proxy or in person. We don't have a clue of how long though. It would be interesting to see a Royal/Other General's view on the war as a whole. Right now we have the snippet of Treeburn where the General there has just wrecked them. Now the numbers quoted here extremely high but they're not celebrating more digging in, which makes the war sound way bigger than we get any idea of. I'm not saying give something like that soon as it would be good to have an idea of the world you want. You could leave it vague really without having to throw numbers at it. It would be interesting. Giovani's PoV shows that he's not on the up and up and is merely looking for power and profit from her. I think his plan is going to backfire hard tbh, the hinting of 'the big 3' is interesting though as it shows that other people will have an interest in her and not for good intentions. I have been having a problem with her not showing more maturity but I'm not sure how to address this while keeping her character stable.
11037
She had no choice, and no leverage. She can't sell her goods directly, unless she wants to be drafted to work in the army, and even if they could get a different merchant to come to the town they would likely be no better than Kervin. Del makes it clear that all merchants have a bad reputation with smiths, at least from his point of view. Since she had no choice, and had no knowledge of actual prices, she could only do her best and rely on her skills. This is why Kervin is panicking now and trying to secure her business before she gets more choices. As for the contract, one clear benefit is that if Kervin betrays her, the Contract skill will at least inform her it was broken. And if it could actually enforce those vows, I would see it as a rather overbearing thing that I myself would never agree to under any circumstances.
Seth
Liked the chapter, can’t wait for the engraving to start too,
RanaSuilep
I want to point out how mentally incompetent the MC is being. Kervin bought up all her goods for about 5 GP, sold for 35 GP, and is probably worth at least 100 GP. That means she is only making 5% of the total value while fronting the labor and supplies for the final product. Even if we go with her trading skills are under leveled, based on their progression and Kervin's skills, she would only be making at 10 GP at an even trading level and 15 GP if she was over his skills. They clearly don't provide any estimate on the market value of an item either. Making only 30 GP on the arrows and spears she sold, based on the quanity and the quality of before, they are easily worth 100+ GP to the army. She did not question Kervin a single time about the value of her goods. She only had two clauses in her contract. "I want you to handle everything regarding Silver Herd and the army. I want you to do your best to keep them away from the village and my family. I know your superiors are going to ask you questions; I won't tell you to lie to them, but make sure they know I wish to remain anonymous right now." "I want you to swear to me you will never betray my trust and always keep my interests in your heart." Both of these clauses are stupid. The first one about keeping her a secret has already sailed. I mean his guards aren't bound the contract and can easily spill the beans if needed. It is mentally retarded, super levels of retarded, to actually think that her ID is unknown and she clearly knew this from the last chapter. Then there is the next condition to keep her best interests in mind. WTF does that even mean? It could mean he tries to keep her from getting money so she doesn't recklessly spend it, that is keeping her best interests in mind to prevent poor judgement. He could have someone cut off her legs so she can't run off into the forest and get killed, that is just a minor consideration to protect her life, clearly her best interests are protected in that regard. It is all dependent on someone's interpretation. I don't expect lawyer levels of detail in the contract, but it is stupid. So stupid as to be glaringly obvious. This goes beyond the last contract and the blank mana spots. The last contract was spur of the moment and could be accounted for her not talking to her family. The mana spots she was in a rush and did not notice anything when she looked at those locations, but did go back and check. Both of those were urgent situations. This contract, she had time to think about. I don't expect her to close every loophole, but I expect something at least a step up compared to before. I expect someone from a modern setting to have a better understanding of such things. I would expect her mother to warn her about contracts and loopholes she heard about, growing up in a merchant family and in a city there are bound to be stories or tales of caution in regards to such things. Instead we get utter and complete garbage from the MC. She clearly has memories of her before life, as per the soul stuff and her mathematics skill. The only threadbare excuse are levels in trade skills, but that does not pass any kind of reasonableness test. The few levels she would gain are offset by the vast quantity of gold she is losing out on. The MC does not ask about the sale price of her goods, does not set a percentage, and clearly puts conditions that can be interpreted so broadly as to be pointless. This is why she is mentally retarded, or ill, or however you want to call it. If that is the direction you plan to take the story then great, otherwise this entire merchant/contract thing either needs better context or rewritten since it makes absolutely zero sense as is.
ShadeByTheSea
It's a good point, though maybe she's worried buying books would draw attention? I think the more likely answer is because she's been so busy and saving her money for magic ores and enchanting stuff.
ShadeByTheSea
I mean he would, but Kervin shows promise for the future and already is known to her. The boss likely sees it an an opportunity to raise a new good merchant and blacksmith. The only reason Kervin got so outclassed is he didn't know the true value of his goods, the money he got last time would have been great if they were normal spares.
11037
Thanks for the chapter! Giving an employee a 10% discount so their customer will secretly owe them a secret favor...doesn't sound like the best master plan. Kervin really had a better idea with the chocolate gifts. I would have put a free gift of chocolate in every order instead, since that would be much cheaper and probably do more to improve the relationship than a 10% discount she will probably never even notice.
ShadeByTheSea
Yeah it's nice noone we know of is planning on kidnapping her yet.
fuble878
Cool ch. I'm really looking forward to getting back into the crafting and also I want to see Emily get the arrows. (they have a better alloy and magic conductivity that anything else she's made so far and also have a cool design)
RanaSuilep
It was disappointing. The new contract was even more stupid than the last one. Why the heck is she not setting up a deal in percentages??? That is middle school level knowledge. Like she gets 70% of Kevin’s sale price. I get there is a thing with the skills so she can hard number trade on speciality items and do her main trade on percentages. Trading hard numbers is incredibly stupid and she is losing massive amounts of gold. That gold lost is far more valuable than some minor levels in trade skills. Even if she doesn’t use percentages on the goods she sells she should use that for supplies. That 10% has a good chance of not being passed on. As a modern person reincarnated this was incredibly disappointing for a lack of common sense.
ZCochraine!%
Well, I realy hope Giovanni gets put into a situation that gets him bound at least somewhat similarly to Kervin. And I think fours is going to be in a lot of trouble from Aaliyah on she really looks at him. Plus shes totally going to see his magical communicator and other items, and is going to oh so science the shit out of them.
Matt S.
I'm wondering why she hasn't asked for books yet though, it was mentioned that the village doesn't really have much in terms of reading material and she's displayed a lack of curiosity about the larger world which I find a bit weird given that she reincarnated in a fantasy world and showed a huge amount of interest in things like magical races when she first heard about them. I think it was fine while she was growing up and had her own interests to explore but now that the world isn't ignoring her anymore she also shouldn't ignore the world.
D
Yes, i liked the chapter. :) While i like longer chapters, it wasnt necessary in this case. It didnt feel like there was anything missing. I wonder how emily will react to the arrows. Will be interesting to read when she recives them. ^^
Joseph
Seems like they would want a more experienced merchant to sell the weapons to the army given how badly Kervin is outmatched by the army buyer and will get ripped off again
Stephen Pearson
Ever notice how Del despises merchants and never sells anything? I wonder if Aliyah can talk Giovanni into cancelling his father's exclusive trade contract with Del that passed to him (as was explained could be done when the contract skill was > 40 - foreshadowing for the win)?
Evan Burns
I am also not as much of a fan of the extra POVs. I don't feel as strongly negative as Brian P. though. Just could do with less. Love the story overall though!!! I'm always excited when I get a new chapter notification.
Miritar
thanks for the chapter. I really am enjoying this. I am Very happy that your not making everyone a Villain. schemes are fine, and everyone's intentions are at least semi-clear and not nefarious. them seeing Value in the MC and wanting to support and raise the MC up. Quite the change from most and a very very very welcome one at that.
Cobbly
Does kervin have some sort of awful accent?
Cobbly
I need to do everything in my power tamaraw to appease her.
Brian P.
I noticed a lot more alternate point of views lately, enough that I made a quick chart: https://i.imgur.com/iIp5W5g.jpg I've got to say, I'm not a huge fan of this uptick. Most of the previous ones were also proper interludes, with one POV per chapter. Now you're jumping around between different people, different locations, and even different time-frames and I think it really hurts the flow of the story. It's jarring every time we suddenly switch, especially for moments like in this chapter where, as far as I can tell, not much is really gained from swapping perspectives to Kervin. I don't know if you're experimenting or if this is your new style, but I think it hurts what made your story so readable.
Casualcultist
I need to do everything in my power tamaraw to appease her. tamaraw - tomorrow
Scyfe
Thanks for the chapter, I really enjoy how each of the characters is developed and how each's individual viewpoint and goals are explored, makes the story a lot stronger and feels a lot more natural than feeling like the author is forcing situations to happen.
Ungrave
Good thing a favor doesn't really count if the other party is unaware. However, I'm sure things will be fine if she ends up with a proper business relationship with them and they don't try to harm her. There doesn't have to be a conflict in that regard after all. Thanks for the chapter!
Jack Stiles
Good stuff, I really enjoyed these last two chapters
Muspellsheimr
For reasons unknown, I am convinced Marshall's name is pronounced Mars-Hall
Robert Mullins
Agreed. I like what you did with the contract and how you didn't go the typical greedy merchant route.
Andrew
Thank you! I enjoyed it!
Milandaanza
I did enjoy the chapter a lot especially the stance they took. The contract binding Kervin to ‘her best interests’ was absolutely brilliant and I like the silver herds plan to lift her up. It’s smart and I hope they inform Kervin so he can let her know and foster more of a relationship. Also really intrigued to learn more about the arrows myself. Can’t wait for the generals reaction. I get the feeling Aaliyah might get more attention then expected from her
Hannah Anthony
tamaraw > tomorow “Your right. Four, I want you to go to Drey.” > “You're right. Four, I want you to go to Drey.”
Nathan
First
Kosnik4
Corrections
