第５１０堀：想って作って造って創るのです (Part1)
**Chapter 510: Imagining, Making, Crafting, and Creating**
The title of this chapter might make some think the word "imagining" (想って) is read as "omotte," but please read it as "tsukutte" (to make/create).
It’s about the process: imagining, designing, gathering parts, and creating an original—"making, making, making, and creating."
In this way, I’ll casually let these three know about Weed’s military strength.
***
**Side: Firia, Weed Affiliate, Weed School 6th Year, Blacksmith Princess**
*Clang, clink, thud…*
Such pleasant, rhythmic sounds echoed through the air. To Firia, they were like a lullaby.
"My, so this is the forge?"
Only Kagura seemed genuinely interested; the other two were simply stunned.
"T-this massive building is the forge!?"
"No, it was listed as a 'district.' This entire area must be dedicated to blacksmithing… Honestly, the sheer scale is unbelievable."
"Is it?"
Kagura didn't seem to know much about it.
A forge is typically a craftsman’s workspace. In other words, individual work is the standard. That’s why a large, centralized forge like the one in Weed is extremely rare. Usually, you’d have a dedicated craftsman in a castle or individual smiths scattered throughout a town. Because of the "secret techniques passed from father to child" common among artisans, that decentralized style is the norm.
But in Weed, to prevent fires and ensure freedom of occupation, we’ve gathered the forges here, where anyone can rent a space by submitting an application. Of course, Narjia-aneesama and the highly skilled dwarf gentlemen are blacksmiths hired exclusively by Weed. It’s incredibly convenient for developing new weapons or mass-producing items.
Naturally, we make everyday household tools, too. The philosophy of a Weed blacksmith is that we must be useful not just for weapons, but for daily life. Also, by gathering all the craftsmen here, we only need to have materials delivered to one place, which saves us the trouble of hauling heavy steel and other supplies. Even those who want to make things for personal use can easily get the materials they need. Of course, precious materials like Orichalcum require an application and approval before they can be used.
Firia explained all of this simply.
"Whoa, that’s amazing."
"It’s more than amazing. This method is revolutionary. You can manage the craftsmen, and even if a fire breaks out, the damage can be contained."
"You can maintain the quality of the weapons, and production and mass-production are simplified. Aside from emergencies, they make household goods to contribute to general life, while also developing new weapons… Stubborn folks might hate it, but for a nation, this is an incredibly grateful facility."
Everyone is stubborn, you know? But when we all talk about things, interesting ideas come up, so we end up gathering anyway. Narjia-aneesama’s stories and such are very helpful. Well, whether others could imitate this is another matter.
"Wait, hold on. Judging by the way you’re talking, Firia, do you do blacksmithing?"
"I do! I’m a dwarf. It’s a race where many are good at blacksmithing, and I’m good at it too. I make the equipment for Onii-sama and Aneesama."
"With such a small body, you can hold a hammer? Oh, wait, you are quite strong, aren't you?"
"That’s right! …Firia is strong like this!"
*Thud, whoosh!*
I pulled a war hammer from my item box and swung it around with one hand. Though, for Aslin, Labyris, and Shera, this much is effortless. This war hammer is just a prototype, so for Firia, it’s still not enough. I think I need to make it even bigger to suit me.
"…I don’t mean to doubt you, but may I try holding it?"
"Sure!"
Since it didn’t have any special effects, I handed it over to Kagura. I made sure to hand it to her by the handle, of course.
"Thank y—"
As soon as I let go, confirming she had taken it…
*DOZUN!?*
"Fah!?"
As expected, Kagura couldn't hold it and dropped it to the ground immediately.
"Kagura!! It’s rude to drop a weapon entrusted to you by Firia-sama!"
"Ah, yes, I know, but… *ngggghhh*…"
Even though she gripped the handle desperately to try and lift it, the heavy hammerhead wouldn't budge from the ground. A mage-type who hasn't undergone Onii-sama’s special training has no way of lifting it. Actually, if she *could* lift it, I’d have to be on guard.
"Is it really that heavy, Firia-sama? May I try holding it?"
"Sure."
"Then, Kagura-dono, if you please?"
"Whew… Please be careful. It’s truly heavy."
Then, Old Man Jorjin took the handle of the war hammer and slowly hoisted it onto his shoulder. Hmph. Having fought on the battlefield, he can at least hold this much.
"This is truly heavy. It’s not something that could be held by Kagura-dono’s slender arms. Heave-ho…"
As he said that, he swung it around lightly with both hands. Hmm, the center of gravity isn't perfectly stable, but it looks like he could use it normally.
"Oh my? Firia-chan? Everyone, did you come back here?"
Suddenly, I heard that voice and turned around to see Narjia-aneesama.
"N-n-n…"
For some reason, Kagura let out a strange noise in surprise.
"A-a Spirit-sama…"
"Good heavens…"
Though not as much as Kagura, Catherine and Old Man Jorjin were also surprised.
"Spirit-sama? Narjia-oneechan is a Fairy, you know?"
Aslin tilted her head as she introduced Narjia-aneesama.
"Yes! I am Narjia, the chieftain of the Fairy race. You must be the guests from Baide. I also serve as the representative of this forge district. It’s a pleasure to meet you."
"Ah, yes. A pleasure. My name is Kagura."
"I am Catherine. I am the lord of Baide…"
"I am Jorjin."
The three of them were greeting Narjia-aneesama with such tension that I decided to ask about it.
"What is a 'Spirit-sama'?"
"Let’s see… Firia-chan, you call the Spirit Maidens and warriors 'Beastmen,' right?"
"That’s right!"
"Well, this Narjia-sama says she’s a Fairy, but in our continent, they are said to be the ancestors of those Beastmen. They are the literal Spirits that the Spirit Maidens and warriors serve. Well, I’ve never seen one in person, but according to legend, they are small people with immense magical power who float in the air."
I see. It’s true that even on Weed’s continent, the Fairy race is rare. In a continent where Beastmen are extremely scarce, they must be even rarer. But, there are other actual Spirits. Like the Spirits that live in the forest spreading above Weed’s dungeon, or Onii-sama’s world’s Konohanasakuyahime.
Actually, gods just live here normally. Even Firia knows that telling them that would be a bad idea. I don’t think they’d believe me anyway.
"Oh my, if it’s just this much, Firia-chan and the others can do it too, you know?"
" " "Eh!?" " "
At Narjia-aneesama’s words, the three of them looked at us, letting out voices of surprise.
"We can! But flying in the sky just makes you a target. Heave-ho!"
"That’s right. Up!"
Aslin and I floated into the air. It’s still harder to move freely than I thought. At this rate, I’d just be a target for sniping.