83. Travel Is Fun, But There’s No Place Like Home, Isn’t It?

“Ohhhh! That’s it! The legendary! Orichalcum!”

I got so excited I shouted, but it seemed I wasn’t the only one getting pumped up.

“What!? Really, Leafan?”

“My master had a magic tool with a small piece of Orichalcum embedded, and he said even that was a national treasure… I can’t imagine the value of such an ingot.”

“Come to think of it, ‘Orichalcum’ is a pretty assertive name.”

Raidoc was as excited as I was, while Eva turned pale, understanding its value.

Someone misremembered the name, but I ignored it.

“Leafan, is this Orichalcum really that rare?”

“Yes, it’s an extremely precious metal. So far, it’s only been found in ancient magic tools… artifacts and ornaments. This might be the first time it’s been found as an ingot.”

“That’s amazing!”

“That’s why it’s amazing!”

“Enough comedy, let me appraise it too!”

“Sure, go ahead!”

I received the Orichalcum ingot from Leafan. It felt quite heavy, like iron.

“Alright… [Appraisal]”

As soon as I activated the appraisal magic, knowledge flowed from the Alchemist’s crest.

As expected, new knowledge flooded my brain. This is called the ‘Whisper of the Crest’. Too much knowledge at once can immobilize you.

This time, it wasn’t overwhelming, but it was a familiar feeling.

“Craft-kun?”

“…It’s nothing.”

I quickly exchanged glances with Leafan. She probably realized I received information about Orichalcum through the crest.

But she didn’t ask for details. We silently agreed not to share the knowledge.

It didn’t seem like something to be shared lightly.

Of course not.

Revealing that the legendary Orichalcum is an alloy of Mithril and Adamantite is not something to announce easily.

Moreover, Orichalcum’s special abilities might be state secrets.

This needs to be discussed with Kyle.

Leafan likely gained knowledge on processing Orichalcum too but remained silent, probably thinking the same.

“Raidoc, let’s confirm. The metals we found on this journey for Kyle are to be handed over to him, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Everyone, please keep the Orichalcum discovery a secret.”

“I’ll inform the Lizardman chief.”

“Thanks, Raidoc.”

Fortunately, we were the only ones in the hidden room.

Oh, wait, there was one more.

I turned to find Shururu right behind me.

“Sorry, Shururu, I’ll tell the chief, so please don’t tell the other Lizardmen…”

“Okay! It’s a secret between us!”

It’s not just between us, but I didn’t bother correcting her, given the hearts flying off her.

Why does she like me so much?

I don’t mind, but her forwardness is tough for a romance novice like me!

Ahhhh!

Don’t cling to my back!

It’s touching! It’s touching!

I hastily escaped to Jitaro.

“Jitaro! Did you find anything else?”

Jitaro gave me a cold look.

(Craft, why are you running? Don’t you like boobs?)

(Of course, I do! But isn’t she too aggressive?)

(Get used to it…)

Sorry, Raidoc. I used to envy you, but now I don’t know how to handle this!

Raidoc, stuck between Eva and Solar, shot me a “see, serves you right” look.

Damn it. Now it’ll be harder to tease him!

“Alright, we’re done exploring the room. We got the treasure, let’s head back to the village!”

At Raidoc’s command, we returned to the Lizardman village.

Looking at the results, we saved the Lizardmen and found treasure, so it was a big success.

“Raidoc-sama…”

“Craft-sama…”

Yeah, it was a big success, right?

“Both of you, step in dog poop or something!”

Jitaro’s grumbling continued for a while, but he was soon talking to Camille, showing his resilience or lack of restraint.

◆

Back in the village, the Lizardmen gave us a grand welcome.

The warriors we met in the dungeon were shocked by the village’s state but relieved at the sight of the massive frog carcasses being dealt with.

One warrior patted my shoulder.

“We heard you defended the village while we were gone, but we didn’t expect this. Thank you.”

Seeing him thank all my comrades, I felt glad we helped.

Shururu arranged a meeting with the chief, providing a separate room.

The chief Sharle, his son Jurara, and Shururu were there.

Raidoc and I reported the Orichalcum discovery.

“Hmm… a rare metal, indeed. We can barely work with iron. If taking it helps, that’s fine. I’ll tell the others we gave you valuable metal.”

Jurara, not the chief, responded. The chief only nodded beside him.

I didn’t understand their political system, but it seemed Jurara held most of the authority.

“That helps. So, what will you do now? Stay here? If you want to come to Golden Dawn, I’ll guide and welcome you.”

This time, the chief answered.

“Yes, after confirming with the returning warriors tonight, we’ll likely move. We’ll rely on you for various things.”

“Great!”

“Shururu! Mind your manners! And in front of guests!”

“S-sorry, brother.”

“My apologies. We’ll be in your care. We’ll leave as soon as we’re ready. Guide us.”

“Understood. We’ll prepare for the journey. It’s a long trip, so be ready.”

“We’re prepared.”

“Craft, make some stamina potions.”

“Got it.”

The chief and Jurara’s stern expressions contrasted with Shururu’s bright smile.

Leaving the room, Shururu immediately jumped on me.

“Craft-sama! We’ll be together forever now!”

“Y-yeah. But you’ll likely live far from us.”

“I’ll live with you!”

“O-oh.”

So, she plans to live in Golden Dawn.

There’s no swamp, but it’s by a river, so maybe it’ll work.

We might need experimental housing for Lizardmen. Another thing to discuss with Kyle.

“We’ll talk details later, but you’re welcome.”

“Yay!”

Ahhh! Don’t cling to my neck! It’s… it’s touching my cheek!

Actually, it’s covering my whole face!

“…Craft-kun”

“Leafan! Help me with the potions!”

“I’m setting up the tents.”

Leafan turned away, seeming upset.

Is she mad?

The rabbit doll on my waist (scary) caught my eye.

I felt it was best not to let Myrna see me with Shururu.

I’ll be careful when we return.

Having surveyed only about 60-70% of the planned area, we led the Lizardmen back to Golden Dawn.

Concerned about the elderly and children, the warriors, energized by stamina potions, carried them on makeshift platforms, shortening our journey significantly.

Upon arrival, the Lizardmen gaped at the sight.

Vast plains with towering walls resembling mountains. No wonder they were shocked.

Some high-rise buildings even peeked over the walls.

Construction seemed to be progressing well, further developing.

“What’s with that huge stone fortress?”

“Aren’t we in a dangerous place?”

Don’t worry. Kyle is a kind guy!