The Exiled Knight Takes Up Life as an Adventurer — A Former Captain's Secret Power and His Carefree Days in a Distant Land - Chapter 20

“I’m so sorry!”

Leashe apologized loudly, her voice full of guilt.

I could already guess why.

“With a device like this, I’m guessing you went over budget, didn’t you?”
“W-Well… I was planning to cover the extra cost myself…”
“How much over are we talking?”
“Um… five gold coins… I’m really sorry! I’ll pay for it, of course!”

“Come on, there’s no way a kid like you can afford that. Don’t worry—I’ll cover it.”
“B-But—!”
“Don’t sweat it. With this Thread Spool Raphil, I’ll make that money back in no time. Hahaha!”

While we talked, Grant, who had been listening nearby, placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Mardin, if you ever decide to mass-produce and sell this thing, you’d make a fortune. Easily thousands of gold coins. You’d be filthy rich. So, what’s your plan?”
“I don’t need that kind of money. Sorry, but let’s keep this a one-of-a-kind.”
“Got it. But sooner or later, someone else will develop something similar. At the very least, you should apply for an international patent. Even if you don’t use it now, it could come in handy someday.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“I’ll handle the application on this end—for a small fee, of course. I’ll file it under both your name and Leashe’s.”
“Fine by me. I’ll leave it all to you.”

In the end, I paid fifteen gold coins for the development.

On top of that, the patent application cost three more.

That brought the total to eighteen gold coins—well over budget, but I didn’t mind.

This was a tool to protect my life.

Besides, I’d already had all my assets confiscated once. I wasn’t attached to money anymore.

More than anything, I was happy to invest in something that helped nurture Leashe’s talent.

“Alright then, since we’re here, how about we grab something to eat? My treat, Leashe—to celebrate the completion!”
“Really? Are you sure?”
“Of course! Let’s eat something good!”
“Yay!”

Leashe jumped up, throwing her hands in the air with joy.

Even though she was called a genius, she was still just eighteen.

The way she celebrated was pure and childlike.

“Grant, mind if I take Leashe out for a bit?”
“Go ahead. You’re both done for the day.”

We headed out to the shopping district in Irevs.

Walking beside me was a petite young girl.

Despite her age, Leashe had just developed a device worthy of a patent, all on her own.

I couldn’t help but become a little curious about her.

“So, Leashe, how long have you been working at SIG-NINE?”
“Since this spring! I joined right after I graduated from the academy. My aunt offered me the position.”
“Your aunt… would that be the director of SIG-NINE?”
“That’s right!”
“Did she teach you how to invent things?”
“Not exactly. My aunt’s actually a blacksmith. But when I was little, I used to play around her workshop a lot.”
“I see. So even if she didn’t teach you directly, her influence probably rubbed off on you.”
“Definitely! I really look up to her!”

It didn’t seem like she got the job just because of family ties.

Leashe’s creative and flexible thinking was perfect for a developer.

“Alright, we’re almost at the shopping district. Got any food you’re craving?”
“Meat!”
“Haha, figures. Young folks love their meat. Alright, eat as much as you want!”
“Thank you!”

As we walked through the district, we spotted a restaurant with a stuffed Blackwood Boar Bakusha displayed at the entrance.

Probably a place with plenty of meat dishes.

“This place looks good.”
“Welcome! Table for two?”

We were guided by a server and took a seat by the window.

“Order whatever you like.”
“Okay!”

Leashe called the server over and pointed excitedly at the menu on the wall.

“Let’s see… the Blackwood Boar Bakusha spare ribs, oven-roasted Beef-Chicken Kurts, herb-roasted Southsea Duck Utka, stewed Spiral-Horned Goat Kafkus… Oh, and I’ll grill the Char-Boar Goulier myself!”

“…You’re really not holding back, huh? Hahaha, I like it. Eat all you want!”

Leashe dug into the food with unmatched enthusiasm as dish after dish was brought to our table.

“You’re like a Tyrakynox—the Glutton King Dragon.”

The Tyrakynox—an A-rank monster said to be at the top of the food chain, capable of devouring anything.

Leashe might be small, but her appetite was on par with that beast.

While watching her eat with such joy, I sipped my wine and picked at the Char-Boar Goulier meat roasting in front of us.

“Mardin-san! Not yet!”
“Huh?”

As I reached for the meat, Leashe blocked my chopsticks with both hands.

“What’s the big deal? It all ends up in your stomach anyway.”
“No, it doesn’t!”

Apparently, Leashe was very particular about how the meat was cooked.

Maybe that perfectionism came with being a developer.

“It’s almost at the perfect doneness!”
“Uh-huh…”
“Not yet!”
“Haha—too late. I’m eating it!”

Even as I snuck bites, I kept getting scolded by Leashe while we shared our meal.