第１３３１堀：鍛冶バカ妖精 (Part2)
When it comes to durability, there are curved blades like the *tanowar*, but those fall under the category of "hacking" weapons—a concept that frankly offends my aesthetic sensibilities.
Just as I was lost in such thoughts, the laboratory door creaked open once more.
"Yo. Looking like you're having fun today, too."
Yuki and his companions stepped inside.
"Er, was there an appointment I’ve forgotten?"
To the best of my memory, there was nothing scheduled for today. That being the case...
"Has something happened to Covil?"
Covil is the current representative of the Fairy tribe, and she is also the wife of Yuki’s younger brother, Kiyu. Lately, she’s been a bit more subdued than the energetic girl she was before her marriage, but...
"No, Covil is busy gathering information within Weed with Kiyu. Though, she does complain that the place smells like ramen."
"Well, the scent of tonkotsu broth does tend to cling to everything. But it’s delicious, isn't it?"
I’d rank it as my third or fourth favorite thing, right after ice cream. Covil and Kiyu have been running a ramen stall, using it as a front to gather intelligence. Though, in truth, it’s likely because Yuki hates the idea of putting a newlywed couple in danger.
"However, if it isn't about Covil, what brings you here? I don't recall any outstanding weapon commissions. Ah, were you looking for Zargis instead?"
It dawned on me then that I wasn't the objective. Unlike me, Zargis specializes in the study of magical power, so he might be handling tasks related to the mana depletion phenomenon. I am involved to some extent, but my focus remains on weaponry and magical tools, and Zargis is the authority on that particular subject.
"No, I don't believe I have any urgent business at the moment. Did something come up?"
"Actually, I’m not here for Zargis. I came to ask you a question, Narjia."
"Me? Is there a defect in your equipment?"
When people come to me, it’s usually for a fitting or maintenance. Proper upkeep is vital for any armament; nothing lasts forever if left to decay. Weapons used roughly to fell enemies are prone to severe wear, and neglecting maintenance invites unforeseen dangers. I’ve drilled this into Yuki and the others, so they come by for tune-ups quite often. Aslin, Shera, Labyris, Vilia, Hiiro, and Dressa are particularly diligent about their adjustments—they are still growing, after all. Firia, of course, handles her own maintenance since we work side-by-side.
"It’s not about that. I want to hear what you know about spirits."
"Spirits? That’s an unexpected topic."
I was taken aback by the request. Spirits are rarely seen, and they aren't exactly the sort of thing one can simply "deal with"...
"Narjia, have you read the notice regarding rare races?"
"Hmm? Oh, the one about documenting the appearances and characteristics of rare species to ensure their protection? Are you including spirits in that?"
"That’s the gist of it. But they don't exactly congregate like we do, and I’ve heard their forms change depending on their elemental affinity. The spirits in this forest, for instance, look like old men at a glance. I was at a loss for how to describe them."
"I see."
It is true; explaining spirits is difficult, as they are as varied as the elements themselves. How should I put this...
As I pondered, Zargis spoke up as if something had just occurred to him.
"Yuki, come to think of it, why come to Narjia for this now? If you wanted information on that, wouldn't there be someone more suitable?"
"Ah, now that you mention it. Who suggested me?"
Very few people know that fairies and spirits are closely related. I may have mentioned it to Yuki when he was prying, but I had assumed it was common knowledge that I only knew the basics.
"Oh, it was Queen Miyabi. She said that since fairies are close to spirits, your information would be far more reliable than anything they could come up with. Also, she wants you to accompany us when we meet the spirit dwelling in the Saintess's Spring."
So that was it. I suppose that makes sense.
I straightened my posture and prepared to begin the explanation. Narjia is always like this, but since she performs her duties well, I suppose it’s acceptable.