Absolutely Do Not Touch ELdmia Egga – Chapter 169

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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After a brief embrace, Esmee rose, fanning her slightly flushed ears.

“Well, in any case. Your situation is… frankly, unprecedented. While I can’t be entirely certain, I can assure you there will be no public spectacle.”

“Did… did I overstep with the hug…?”

“Nonsense. I merely wished to compose myself before proceeding to the royal palace. A disheveled appearance wouldn’t be appropriate. Be prepared for a more enthusiastic embrace, depending on the outcome!”

‘So she’s saying she’ll hug me again if things go well…? She’s embarrassed about being hugged, yet she’s not embarrassed to announce it so boldly?’

I was feeling a bit flustered myself, so I decided to let it slide.

“Anything else I should know?”

“Nothing in particular. I had intended to negotiate certain rewards on your behalf, but you seem utterly disinterested. I suppose this has become a purely self-serving endeavor.”

Esmee took a deep breath, checking her rapidly returning composure in a nearby mirror.

“I’ll send word once matters are settled. Rest easy. Frankly, I’ve been concerned about your reckless behavior ever since our visit to the Empire.”

“It has been a bit much, hasn’t it…?”

“I understand you’re striving towards your goal, but remember, death renders everything meaningless.”

Her final words were devoid of her usual playful tone, leaving me to nod silently in agreement.

With her visit concluded, Esmee descended the stairs, her face once again impassive, leading her Black Knights to the waiting carriage.

The Itsiel nobles trailing behind her wore expressions of intense curiosity, clearly wondering what we had discussed.

However, their curiosity was not my concern.

I simply watched as she departed.

After Esmee’s whirlwind visit, things returned to an unsettling normalcy.

The only evidence of the earlier chaos was the unfamiliarly luxurious furniture, a testament to the staff’s frantic efforts.

The unexpected visit had left me feeling slightly disoriented, but I composed myself.

Since I was already clean from my bath, I decided to spend the remaining time reading the magic textbook the maid had borrowed.

As evening approached, I found myself grinding my teeth in frustration.

“I swear, one day, I’ll throw this book in the author’s face…”

Judging by the title alone, I had assumed it would be helpful, even for someone like me.

I’d persevered, trusting the title, only to realize I’d been deceived.

“How is this a beginner’s book?!”

Even the textbook Lagnis had briefly carried at the Imperial Academy was easier to understand!

Incomprehensible jargon, combined with the era’s convoluted writing style, made for an utterly impenetrable text.

Hours of struggling had yielded nothing.

I’d even reread passages with intense focus, suspecting a sudden onset of dyslexia, but to no avail.

Defeated, I placed the book on the table.

I wanted to throw it, but it was expensive, so I refrained.

“Are all magic textbooks like this…?”

Asirye’s verbal explanations hadn’t been this complicated…

If this was the average level of difficulty, self-study seemed impossible.

“I’ll have to find a way to learn properly once this is all settled.”

My understanding of magic was largely based on fantasy novels and films from my previous life.

However, in this world, where magic replaced science as the driving force of civilization, such superficial knowledge was woefully inadequate.

While I could manage simple tasks like lighting a fire, the more complex magic I’d envisioned – fireballs, protective shields – required specific formulas and theories.

Without those, using “real” magic was impossible for anyone but the most exceptional geniuses.

“…Wait. Asirye mentioned something about the history of magic…”

It was a long time ago, so the details were hazy.

She’d explained how various races learned to refine mana and Aura, leading to the development of magic and the advancement of civilization…

Had she said dragons taught it?

Or that someone who learned from dragons passed it down?

I couldn’t quite recall.

She’d also mentioned, almost in passing, that since magic was based on mana formulas, I might not be able to learn it.

Perhaps studying texts on more primal forms of magic might be more beneficial.

“Could Sir Radnelbandes help me…?”

I hadn’t considered it before.

Using mana like Aura had been more than sufficient.

The fact that both mages and warriors were respected suggested neither mana nor Aura held an overwhelming advantage.

I’d been somewhat complacent, assuming it was fine since most knights here didn’t use magic.

But after encountering that demonic bastard and witnessing Rellie’s magic, my perspective had shifted.

Any magic I didn’t understand was a potential variable, a dangerous unknown.

I’d even seen that singing lunatic in the Empire, whose magic I couldn’t counter even after witnessing it.

For someone living an ordinary life, it might not be a problem, but for me, with my grand plans for revenge, it was a critical weakness.

Even if I couldn’t use magic myself, I needed at least a rudimentary understanding of its applications in combat.

“I’ll have to seek advice and assistance wherever I can.”

Perhaps, like with Shadow Foot, an unexpected opportunity would arise.

The thought of being confined here, unable to pursue this new avenue of knowledge, was frustrating, but there was nothing I could do for now.

I resolved to maintain my routine of early nights and early mornings.

After three days of this monotonous existence, I was finally released.

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“Farewell, then.”

“May you also fare well, Messiela. Thank you for the comfortable stay.”

Messiela, the calm and capable maid who had made my extended stay bearable, reacted to my cheerful farewell with the most significant display of emotion I’d seen from her.

She actually smiled, the corners of her lips curving slightly upwards.

“I’ve never heard such a farewell in all my time working here. I pray we never meet again.”

Despite its comforts, this was still a temporary detention center.

Being released without incident usually meant one had been falsely accused or framed.

Her well wishes were simply a hope that I wouldn’t experience such misfortune again.

It wasn’t that she wanted me gone because I’d been a nuisance or made unwanted advances.

‘…Right? I was really well-behaved.’

After the brief exchange, I left the detention center.

I’d barely taken ten steps when a luxurious carriage pulled up beside me.

Someone descended from the driver’s seat and bowed deeply.

The individual, clad in what was clearly an expensive butler’s uniform, was, surprisingly, a woman.

She bowed respectfully and opened the carriage door, but I could only tilt my head in confusion.

“Who are you?”

It didn’t seem like a kidnapping attempt, but I hadn’t been informed of any arrangements.

I’d planned to walk back, observing the changes in the capital after my week-long confinement.

This was unexpected and disconcerting.

The woman remained silent, maintaining her posture, holding the door open like a proper butler.

The carriage even had curtains, indicating its high status.

Neither Cheryl nor Lagnis would send someone so reticent to retrieve me.

They’d come themselves.

The thought that she might be mute crossed my mind, but that was her problem, not mine.

I had no reason to enter an unknown carriage.

With a look that dared her to try anything funny, I sidestepped the carriage.

“Please, enter. I will escort you to Ogatorf.”

She still didn’t raise her head.

However, she must have noticed my movement, for she finally spoke.

And with those words, my hostility spiked.

“I asked who you were, not where I was going.”

People who answered questions I hadn’t asked usually ended up becoming enemies or revealing ulterior motives.

I made my displeasure clear, but the woman remained motionless, still bowed.

Her silence was almost a challenge.

Perhaps silencing her permanently was an option.

She clearly knew who I was and where I was going.

Perhaps this would serve as a valuable lesson: attempting such a suspicious approach could result in a stabbing.

I drew Gish’s sword from my hip.

The woman flinched, but the voice that spoke came from elsewhere.

“As bold as the rumors suggest.”

The voice from inside the carriage belonged to a young woman.

“I’m unable to speak freely at the moment. Would you spare me a few moments of your time?”

A folded fan emerged from between the carriage curtains.

The crest embedded in its handle belonged to the Itsiel royal family.

“Regarding the recent incidents…”

“No thanks. Not interested.”

I recognized the crest and immediately walked away.

No more politicians in my life!

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The carriage followed me persistently until I reached the Dwarven district and Vulcun’s shop.

Only when the crowds thickened did it finally turn away.

‘Please, wait a moment. That’s not what I meant. I’m not trying to sell you the fan, but the crest…’

Naive.

Clueless.

Perhaps even foolish.

Though, she hadn’t been forceful, so “foolish” might be too harsh.

Unlike her initial attempt to maintain a dignified composure, she’d become flustered when I ignored her, ordering the butler-like woman to drive away.

Whoever she was, she was clearly a member of the royal family.

And given her royal status, “clueless” seemed an apt description.

“I almost got roped into another mess right after getting out.”

As if decapitating and dismantling a group of traitors wasn’t enough, a royal was trying to approach me before I’d even met the King.

It was unsettling.

I had a goal in life.

Why were people constantly trying to latch onto me when I was so busy?

Whether their intentions were gratitude, warning, or something else, avoiding entanglement was the best course of action.

“Vulcun’s shop is busy today.”

The entrance to Vulcun’s shop radiated warmth, a stark contrast to the increasingly chilly weather following the rain.

The interior was bustling with customers.

Had I simply missed this scene before due to my usual visits during off-peak hours?

Assuming Vulcun, as a master craftsman, would be unaffected by the crowd, I attempted to enter the forge as usual, but someone blocked my path.

“Excuse me, sir! This area is restricted! All merchandise is on display. Please make your purchases here!”

This was the first time I’d seen anyone resembling an employee in the shop.

The young woman, clad in a pristine uniform, blocked the entrance to the forge with a cheerful smile.

Today was full of surprises.

A flicker of anxiety crossed my mind.

Had I been presumptuous in my previous visits?

I explained my purpose to the employee.

“I’m here to see Vulcun.”

“Weapon commissions from Vulcun are by appointment only. Do you have an appointment, sir?”

“An… appointment?”

I didn’t need a mirror to know my expression.

I was probably staring at her with utter bewilderment.

Vulcun took appointments?

Had I been abusing a “friend pass” and acting like an entitled brat all this time…?

Perhaps sensing my embarrassment, the employee nodded knowingly and began guiding me away.

“Don’t worry, sir! Many warriors seek an audience with Vulcun, but they’re often unaware of the appointment system. I understand completely! His creations are masterpieces, from decorative pieces coveted by nobles to practical weapons sought after by knights and warriors!”

I wasn’t sure what she understood, but I knew she didn’t understand my situation.

While she attempted to console me and subtly redirect my attention to other merchandise, her efforts were futile.

I’d come here specifically to sell Gish and Envelde’s useless swords and perhaps find some decent daggers.

“I’d like to sell these swords first before browsing.”

“As expected of someone seeking Vulcun! We offer the highest appraisal prices!”

She was certainly enthusiastic about her job.

She led me to a relatively empty counter where a middle-aged man with round glasses sat reading a newspaper.

He looked up at me with a skeptical gaze.

“What’s your price range?”

“I haven’t given it much thought.”

I’d initially had high hopes, considering the swords’ previous owners were a noble and a knight, but after realizing their quality was inferior to my own sword, my expectations had plummeted.

Ignoring his dubious look, I placed Gish and Envelde’s swords on the counter.

Despite his apathetic expression, the man examined them with surprising care.

Perhaps master craftsmen attracted other craftsmen.

They were all dedicated to their craft.

It was admirable.

“These have been used… extensively. And well-maintained. They’re well-crafted. Why not use them as secondary weapons yourself?”

“They don’t fit my hand.”

“Hmm. You must have a good sword.”

His gaze flickered to the sword at my hip.

He paused, seemingly contemplating something, then nodded, as if offering a generous price.

“Two gold coins for both.”

“…Excuse me?”

Two gold coins?

Had he mispoken and meant two silver coins?

My surprise must have shown, for he misinterpreted my expression.

“They’re used, after all. That’s a generous offer. I’m only offering that much because they might be enchantable.”

He thought I was disappointed by the low price.

Well, at least Gish and Envelde hadn’t skimped on their weapons.

I found it hard to believe these two mediocre swords could fetch the same price as Vulcun’s, but I understood why he’d mentioned enchanting.

I decided to pursue that line of inquiry.

“But these are definitely enchantable.”

My confident assertion made his eyes twitch.

“Enchanting” usually referred to a one-time magical imbuement, but in weapon shops, it meant permanently enchanted equipment, like Esmee’s curse-repelling ring or my gauntlets.

And while I didn’t understand the specifics, I knew well-crafted weapons were easier to enchant.

The easier it was, the more securely the enchantment could be embedded, making even used weapons valuable if they could hold a permanent enchantment.

Asirye’s lessons had covered that much, but I hadn’t known how much “valuable” meant.

Since Vulcun’s sword had cost one gold coin, I’d assumed these would be in the silver coin range.

“So you knew what you were talking about.”

The man clicked his tongue, placing four gold coins on the counter.

“This is my final offer. Any higher, and I’m barely breaking even.”

This was insane.

A posthumous gift from the surprisingly benevolent Gish and Envelde!

This explained Lagnis’s confusion about Dwarven pricing when she’d seen my sword!

The thought that someone might appear later, claiming ownership of the swords, briefly crossed my mind, but my hand snatched the coins before I could overthink it.

“Thank you for the excellent deal. While I’m here, could I ask you something?”

“This isn’t an information broker.”

“I know. I’m looking for daggers of similar quality to these swords.”

I drew my sword and placed it on the counter.

The man glanced at it, feigning disinterest, then his face crumpled.

“Damn. You’re one of Vulcun’s customers.”

“Wow, you can tell just by looking at it?”

“I’m an enchanter. I recognize the Dwarven runes embedded in the blade. Wait here. I’ll get Vulcun.”

“But the employee said I needed an appointment…”

“That’s for new commissions. Why would we require appointments from established customers?”

Ah, so it was a deterrent for troublesome clients.

While I nodded in understanding, the man returned from the forge with Vulcun.

“Oh, Eldmia. You’re looking for daggers?”

Vulcun greeted me with a warm smile and a handshake, wiping sweat from his brow with a towel.

He’d clearly been in the middle of working.

“I’d just like to ‘look’ for now. I doubt I can afford them.”

I showed him the gold coins.

He let out his familiar hearty laugh, then glanced around conspiratorially and lowered his voice.

“…You didn’t tell them how much I charged you, did you?”

So he WAS the type to overspend on his hobbies!

“Of course not. My lips are sealed.”

“That’s what I like about Lagnis’s friend. Smart lad.”

He was my benefactor, so I could overlook a little overspending!

It wasn’t my money anyway.

“Anyway, daggers of similar quality… I don’t have any ready-made, but I have leftover materials from your sword. I’ve been wondering what to do with them. If you’re happy with a custom order, I can make some for you.”

A custom order!

This was excellent.

My plans began to shift with Vulcun’s offer.

“I have a specific design in mind…”

Perhaps sword control, or even something like Fin Funnels, might be within reach.

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[Damn all the girls are just chasing after eldmia lmao, also vulcun got a hell of an upgrade to his shop! good for him. man]