Where the hell did he come from?
I thought that maybe it could be a character from a camp other than Calderick.
Thein said muttering.
“By the way, there were rumors that the 7th lord who arrived in the city yesterday was also a human male with black hair…”
For a moment, the two shut their mouths and looked at each other.
Shortly thereafter, Scarlett smiled and said.
“Say something that makes sense.”
“Haha, is that so? It was just something that suddenly came to my mind.”
The monarch personally visits the workshop.
Rather, it would have been much more realistic to be royalty in a neutral country.
The flow of thoughts naturally led to the 7th lord.
Scarlett’s expression darkened a little.
Regardless of who the new 7th lord will be, the problem at the top of Vallia was bigger.
She was well aware that the reason why the top side had not been able to do great work until now was the thorough regency of the acting monarch.
But now that too ended with the accession of the new 7th monarch.
It was self-evident that the upper side would gradually expose its teeth to the workshop again.
‘The mediation of the monarchy cannot be expected.’
The possibility that the monarch would take even the slightest interest in the battle between one workshop and the top.
There was no way that would happen.
And if the monarch is indifferent, the side that the castle’s high-ranking officials would take sides was, of course, the upper part of Vallia, who could make their ships bigger.
Scarlett sighed. Just a few years ago, I was reminded of the pain at the top.
As the owner of the workshop and the head of the Atima family, the responsibilities were heavy and heavy.
“It would be great if I could focus on alchemy research without worrying about anything.”
Thein also looked at her with dazed eyes at the words that he spit out as if grumbling.
As a member of the family, he knew that things were not going well.
“Don’t worry too much, sister. You’ll be busy looking at the top right now, so you won’t be able to do anything right.”
That was then.
smart.
“Come on in.”
A vassal entered the room with a dark expression.
“What’s going on?”
“Valia Sangju accompanied Bark to visit the workshop directly.”
“······································································!
“They want to have a formal conversation right now in order to reconcile each other’s opinions.”
Scarlett smirked with a startled expression on her face.
“What is the official conversation after coming without a message…”
“What should I do, my lord?”
“Call all the elders together. We’ll have to listen to what nonsense they’ll say.”
It was practically a threat, so it could not be ignored.
His words were calm, but Scarlett’s face was even deeper.
They were acting much faster than the top had thought.
Alchimas Workshop (3)
Returning to the monarchy, he was busy reviewing his plans for the future.
I heard a report from Ploto, the butler.
“Have you finished cleaning up already?”
That’s what I did this morning, and it’s done quickly.
I glanced over some of the papers he handed over.
It was a rough list of all the bad things that had been done so far, that is, the offenses at the top of Vallia.
Largely, it starts with problems at the upper level, and goes down to the conduct of the upper master or vassals individually.
Still, it seemed that the line was barely ridden, so there was no such thing as too big of a risk to the existence of the top, but this was enough.
In fact, there was no need to investigate in the first place.
In Calderic, the monarch is the law.
Whether or not Vallia broke the law, it was just that if I wanted to, it was possible to take the top off the air right away.
By the way, when Plotto gave me a detailed explanation of the monarchy, it was funny that he only talked about some restrictions, not the powers the monarch had. The great constitution enacted by the overlord, the iron rule of non-interference between the monarchy orders, and the inability to exercise independent military powers to other countries.
As long as it wasn’t a dictatorship that destroyed the basic structure of the monarchy, I could really do everything I wanted.
In any case, the reason for such an investigation was the least of conscience.
I know because I’ve played the game, that Valia is a character close to a villain, but that’s all I know.
Isn’t it a little bit like trampling down the top one at my own pace without any justification?
“The butler.”
“Yes, Seven Lords.”
“Bring the master craftsman Velia and Alkimas’ workshop owner Scarlet to the castle. The workshop owner is polite and respectful.”
“I’ll go to the squad immediately.”
Plotto showed no sign of surprise or doubt. I just left quickly with an answer.
He should have understood what my intentions were with a series of commands.
I turned to the map again. I decided to finish my work and wait for the two of them leisurely.
We said we’d see each other soon, but we’ll see you again soon.
***
A large room at Alkimas Workshop.
In a chilly atmosphere, Sangju Sangju Vallia said calmly, savoring tea.
“After all, it’s a place where potion artisans gather, so the tea tastes great. It makes me want to learn the secret.”
Scarlett, who was sitting opposite him, said with an expressionless face.
“I wish you would do that in moderation, Sang-ju Sang.”
“Huh, you’re naughty. I really hope you don’t misunderstand a sincere compliment like that.”
“Stop getting to the point.
Velia raised the corners of her lips and put down the teacup.
“What’s the story you want me to tell you? I’m just repeating the suggestion I’ve always made, and the craftsman will reject it, as always.”
Scarlett nodded sternly.
“It’s an obvious masterpiece of mass-producing Alkimas Vision Potions with the capital of the upper ranks, using only the technology of the workshop.”
“I’m telling you, but the studio owner seems to be full of negative preconceived notions about the top.”
“Who was it that created that preconceived notion? Blocking the distribution of materials, convincing the customers of the workshop one by one, and mobilizing all kinds of frivolous things to press the workshop until just a few years ago?”
Bark, the man in the eye patch who sat next to Velia, giggled.
“Owner, be careful of what you say. We are not being polite enough either. It would be unfair to frame such a frame without evidence.”
“······under.”
“What do the elders think? For the sake of the future of the workshop, shouldn’t loyal servants break the stubbornness of our lord?”
An old elder standing near Scarlett snorted.
“For the future of the workshop, it is a proposal that should not be accepted.”
“Haha, this really doesn’t make sense. The top provides all the resources and funds necessary for potion production to the workshop. What the hell is wrong with this proposal? You do not receive any revenue settlement, and you do not interfere with the operation of the workshop. You don’t want to?”
“The price is not the workshop and the vision of the owner. There may be workshops operating in the nearby city of Fliqué. In a few years, they will absorb almost our technology and eat up the customers of the workshop under the protection at the top one by one. We will Eventually, it will slowly collapse, or it will become a machine that semi-forces the control of the workshop to the top and prints potions. Or is there a more sophisticated and vicious move than this?”
At the elder’s harsh words, Vallia laughed.
“I envy them for being loyal vassals with one heart, Lord of the Workshop.”
Scarlett frowned.
It was because he already knew that he had several records of trying to convince major vassals. Not a single one passed.
“They are proud people who have dedicated their lives to the safety of the family. As always, I don’t think there will be any compromises.”
“Okay. As always.”
“Is it your turn to come up with threats next?
“The craftsman.”
Vallia smiled almost a sneer.
“You don’t have to pretend to be sober. Don’t you know? Things have changed.”
“············”.
“The new seventh lord arrived in the city just yesterday, and there is no more acting monarch. Do you think the great monarch will take any interest in such a trivial quarrel? Would you like to hear it? Do you have an elixir hidden in the family heirloom? If you donate it, you might be able to support the workshop.”
Bark intervened and said with a sly smile.
“Or you can look forward to the other side because the studio’s beauty is outstanding. There are rumors that the monarch is a human male.”
“········ Say it, cover it up.”
Tane, who had been standing behind Scarlett and keeping her mouth shut, spoke as if chewing.
The expression on the faces of the other elders also changed harshly at the openly insulting remarks.
However, it was Bark who spoke more as if he couldn’t hear him.
“Or just in case, how about making a marriage contract with your brother’s son? It’s not that the master of the workshop is too old to be full of spirit. We should not only live in alchemy in such a dull place, but also know the joy of a woman. They’re good partners. I think.”
“this······!”
Scarlett raised a hand to stop Thein about to explode.
“Is it possible that you came here to do some vulgar provocation?
Vallia smirked and got up from her seat.
“Today will probably be your last warning. For the future of the workshop, please make a wise choice, Master Scarlett.”
“············”.
“Then I’ll just leave. I’m done seeing you off.”
The elders looked at the two men as they walked out of the room with a dark expression on their faces.
He came over and said only what he had to say, but there was nothing wrong with the accusation of the top-notch.
The future situation was too unfavorable for the workshop. Even from tomorrow, I didn’t know what kind of dirty tricks Sangwon would use.
Until a few years ago, all of the elders had gone through such a terrifying experience as to how low-key and frivolous things he had done in the workshop.
“Whoa….”
Scarlett rubbed her forehead as if her head was aching.
“Why don’t we meet again in the evening for a meeting, sir.”
“Yes, I guess so. Then, for now…”
Scarlett and the elders talked about the future.
Tane listened to the conversation with a firm expression on her face, and then quietly walked out of the room.
***
“Treasurer.”
Valia and Bark, who were heading to the entrance through the main hall of the workshop, looked back.
It was none other than Thein who summoned them.
“Anything left?”
Thein looked at the two of them in turn, then stared intently at Bark and continued.
“Bark, I will challenge you to a duel.”
Bark’s eyes widened at that sudden remark, and then he smiled and pointed at himself.
“Did you say duel now? With me?”
Vallia stepped forward and said.
“I don’t know what we’re going to do without a bottom line. Thane Atima, is this the meaning of the workshop?”
“No, it’s my sole action.”
“Why are you suddenly requesting a duel?”
“Because he insulted my sister. I don’t think Bark, the One-Eyed Slayer, will refuse because he’s afraid of a young swordsman like me.”
Bark looked at Tane with eyes that were not so terrifying as if he was looking at a one-day puppy, and on the other hand, as if it was fun.
It is common in this world to resolve minor conflicts through duels.
However, even amongst opponents who are very similar, Bark was a warrior with a reputation for being the most powerful and one-eyed slayer.
‘If you show off your strength by breaking Bark here, even the top will not be able to act recklessly.’
Still, Tane thought it was worth doing, so he did it.
He was also an outstanding warrior for his age, and he had his own confidence because of the recent progress he made. In short, he was young.
Bark glanced at Vallia.
Vallia smiled broadly and shook her head as if telling her to take care of herself.
“Well, that’s fine. If you want, I’ll hang out with you for a while.”
Bark smiled and stepped forward.
The central hall was wide enough for two people to face each other with swords.
“Thein Atima, you’ve got quite a reputation in the capital city lately? You said you made it to the finals in the last swordsmanship competition in Dartmad. A challenge for a young and talented Mujin is always welcome.”
Thein drew his sword first, and Bark slowly drew his sword.
He raised the corner of his mouth and clapped the other hand holding the sword.
“Can I give you a handicap? I’m right-handed, but don’t wield the sword with only your left hand. This should be enough.”
“…do as you please!”
Tane was startled and immediately went out with all his might to get him to use both hands right away. On the blade of the sword, there was a wave of blue black energy.
Kaang!
The sword swung vigorously was stopped without a pulse.
All of a sudden, Bark, with one hand behind his back, was blocking the sword attack. A blue energy was waving from the blade of his sword.
A blow that was blocked so easily.
Tane was a little embarrassed by the sword that didn’t move and didn’t move at all, but then he continued his attack again.
Kaang! Kang! Kakakan!
Blue lines intersecting in the air. A roar that resounds all the time.
Workshops that are hard to follow with the eyes of ordinary people flash and come and go.
Thein’s sword was fast and sophisticated. He was clearly a high-level swordsman for his age.
However, the attacks with all their strength were blocked and destroyed by Bark’s lightly swung sword.
“ね・・・・・・・!”
As time passed, darkness fell on Thane’s face, wielding the sword.
I could not have imagined that the disparity would be this large.
Awesome!!