The Unaware Harem Adventure Tale of the Strongest Enchanter ~~I Don’t Know My Companions’ Faces or Identities, but I’m Pretty Sure They’re All Guys~~ - 44. The Splendid Bounty That Sways Up and Down

44. 44. 44. 44. 44. 44. 44. 44. The Splendid Bounty That Sways Up and Down

Not far from Master’s house, by a lakeside. There stood a small home.

Living in this quiet, secluded spot was a well-known staff craftsman.

He didn’t just make short staves, but also long staves for mages. He even made staffs for general everyday use.

Many traveled long distances just to obtain one of his works.

“Hm.”

The dragonnewt stared closely at the broken staff.

He looked like a humanoid version of a Dragon. His race boasted long lifespans and high physical abilities.

It was hard to judge his age due to racial differences. But the wrinkles around his eyes hinted he was fairly advanced in years.

His workshop held a wide variety of woods. He handled not only woodcraft but also leather and metalworking—everything done by himself.

Apparently, he had once trained under a dwarf. It allows him to make metal staffs as well. Though such orders were rare.

The staff craftsman placed the broken staff on the table and took off his glasses.

“Wood from the Kas Tree doesn’t break that easily. What were you fighting?”

“A demon. I couldn’t block its attack and it snapped clean through.”

“I told you from the beginning—short staves are tools for enchanting. Unlike long staves, they’re not guaranteed for durability. You can’t use them like a sword.”

Oof.

That was a clean body blow of hard truth—almost coughed up bl00d.

“If it’s possible to fix, please do.”

“Not likely. You might end up facing demons again, right? Better to make a new one with a stronger material.”

“Stronger than Kas wood?”

“There are countless materials stronger in sheer toughness. But when it comes to short staves for enchanters, the options are few. The best of them is the spine of an Ancient Dragon. It excels at magic conductivity and allows for delicate handling. It even feels better in the grip than anything else.”

“The bones of an Ancient Dragon, huh…”

“As if I’d have something so rare.”

…Then why did you bring it up!?

Don’t get my hopes up for nothing, you old staff geezer!

He got up, disappeared into the back, and returned with a small box.

Setting it before me, he opened the lid.

“This is a part of a young Dragon’s spine. Not quite ancient. But it’s close to top-tier quality. I happened to get it from a friend, but hadn’t found anyone worthy of it. You, Hilda’s disciple and now an S-rank adventurer—should be able to handle it.”

“Generous of you to offer it for free.”

“When did I say it was free?”

As I reached for the box, he pulled it back.

Of course. I knew it.

Impressively business-savvy, this old man.

I let out a sigh and slumped my shoulders—but I had already decided to buy it.

Dragon spine is the toughest of Dragon-based materials.

It’s more flexible and resilient than fangs or scales. And it’s far superior in magic conductivity.

A staff made from it could probably hold its own even against steel or mithril weapons.

Naturally, that meant it would be absurdly expensive.

Felice and the others had given me the okay to count it as an expense. But once they saw the price tag, I might get grabbed by the collar.

Still—I’ll work like my life depends on it. So just this once, please forgive me.

“How much?”

“This much.”

The old man raised a few fingers.

Cheaper than expected.

Well, still stupidly expensive. But for Dragon spine, it was a steal.

“I’ll take it. When will it be ready?”

“At the earliest, half a month. Just an estimate—it might take a month, maybe even a year.”

“Any reason why?”

“It depends on my motivation. Us long-living country folk take our time, you know.”

“Ah yes, classic countryside dragonnewts.”

I had forgotten how different long-lived rural races were with time.

Dragonnewts are a free-spirited bunch who don’t like being bound by schedules.

No need to explain the kind of laid-back lifestyle they live in the countryside.

But I only had about a month to spare.

Guess I’ll have to visit every day and keep him motivated.

“You like alcohol, right, old man? I’ll bring you drinks every day after your work if you speed it up.”

“Hm. Not a bad deal. That might get me going.”

“Let’s try to keep the motivation steady, yeah?”

I had that magic item that produces infinite alcohol.

Originally meant for Grannaughts. But it worked out well here.

With that, the deal was done. I then left the old man’s house.

◇

Here, meals and lodging are provided in exchange for labor—splitting wood, watering crops, that kind of thing.

They won’t take money.

Master says that out here, money isn’t much use anyway.

(As for why the staff guy wanted money—he needs to buy materials and booze in town. So fair enough.)

I plucked a small vegetable and dropped it into a basket.

The field was large for just two people. It already had vegetables ripe for harvest this season.

Nonon picked a bright red fruit and grimaced.

“Ugh, I don’t like veggies.”

“These taste different. Try a bite.”

“Hmm, fine, since you insist… Mm!?”

“Sweet, right?”

“This is insanely good! What is this!? Demon-level delicious!”

Her eyes widened at the sweetness and slight acidity.

The land here was blessed. The crops grown in it were rich in flavor and had no strong aftertaste.

Even high-end restaurants sent suppliers here to buy them.

One of the village’s few sources of income.

“I’m fired up now! Let’s harvest a ton, Raku-cchi!”

“Don’t overdo it. It’s wasteful if we can’t eat it all.”

Nonon happily swung her twin tails as she picked more.

Usually cooped up in her room or armored suit, this was probably refreshing for her.

Every time she bent over, her tight-fitting spats stretched. And her healthy figure from hips to thighs filled my view.

“Back already? How’d the staff thing go?”

Suddenly, a voice came from behind—Kusaya.

I was used to it. But Nonon jumped with a startled “Hyah!?”

“You still haven’t kicked the habit of sneaking up on people, huh?”

“That’s like asking a fish not to swim.”

Kusaya smiled mischievously. He was showing no remorse.

He’s a top-tier thief. He’s apparently ranked among the best even in neighboring countries.

His habit of hiding his presence and suddenly speaking was notorious in the village—for giving people heart attacks.

“They’re making me a new staff. Got scolded for being rough with the last one.”

“Fair. But at least you didn’t come back empty-handed. If you’re staying for a while, Hilda will be pleased.”

“I’ll be in your care again.”

“No need to be so formal. Hilda and I are both glad you’re back.”

The fox-faced man gave a sly grin.

It made him look suspicious. It was like he was plotting something evil.

He was probably just smiling normally. But that face always made him seem shady.

To be fair, he *was* sometimes scheming. So it was impossible to tell.

“Oh right, when I told Kuroa you were back, she ran off. I guess you haven’t met yet?”

“Luuuux~!”

“Speak of the devil.”

Running toward us was a girl with cat ears.

She looked about 15 or 16.

Two large masses bounced up and down.

She leapt onto me. She headbutted me affectionately.

“Long time no see. You’ve grown.”

“Yup!”

“Mind getting off? You’re heavy.”

“Insensitive much? Yep, it’s the same old Lux.”

I stood up and brushed off the dirt.

Kuroa beamed at me, waiting.

She was Kuroa—a cat beastkin.

One of the kids I used to look after back when I lived in the village.

Kuroa had brown braided hair, big round eyes, and a little fang peeking out.

Her short-sleeved shirt was now snug from her developed chest. And her shorts showed off her firm thighs.

Perched atop her head were cute cat ears. From her lower back swayed a long, catlike tail.

You’ve grown up, Kuroa.

I’m proud of you.

I glanced at her large chest.