Chapter 15 - A Straight Path to the Guillotine?
After that, we managed to fell a few more trees, securing enough lumber. And, by the way, I didn't make the same mistake twice.
"It seems, Ridil-kun, that a magical talent far beyond what I had imagined lies dormant within you. Even the great sages of legend didn’t possess such abilities."
"Oh? Not bad, kid. How about learning my trade next?"
"Dennis-oyakata’ trade is crafting, right? I’d love to! I want to learn it!"
I raised my hand enthusiastically. There's no way I'd pass up such a chance. Learning directly from a master craftsman like the dwarf himself? How amazing is that!?
As I was getting excited, Alfred-sensei placed a hand on my head.
"Well then, let’s have Dennis teach you how to make a magic bag. He’d be far more suited to that task than I am."
"That's not entirely true. Magic bags need to have magic imbued in them. It'd be more efficient if an elf who's good with magic handled that part."
"In that case, I’d like to learn how to make it from both Alfred-sensei and Dennis-oyakata!"
Hearing my request, Alfred-sensei and Dennis-oyakata smiled warmly.
"Understood. Let’s go with that plan, then."
"Leave it to me. Whether it’s a magic bag or any other magical tool, I’ll teach you all I know."
Alfred-sensei nodded, and Dennis flexed his arm confidently.
Great! Now I can learn crafting from both of them. Since it's such a rare opportunity, I’d like to get Feroll and the townsfolk involved as well.
But before that, I need to learn properly. If even a kid like me can do it, I’m sure everyone else will get motivated, too.
With the materials safely gathered, the next step was construction. But before that, we needed to decide where to build the house. The first candidate would probably be near Johan’s estate.
"Kid, how long are you planning to freeload at Johan’s place? You’re the Guardian of the World Tree, so I think it’s about time you had your own castle."
A my own castle...? That’s just a figure of speech, right? I’ll take that as a joke. Haha, you got me there.
It’s already a big deal that the World Tree gave me the right to establish a new nation. If I built a castle here, people would definitely think I was plotting a coup.
And if that happened, I'd be on a direct path to the guillotine. I could almost hear the blade’s footsteps sneaking up from behind. No way, no way. I finally got to use magic, and now this?
"I don’t think I need a castle."
"Really? That’s too bad. But hey, if you change your mind, just let me know."
"Sure, I’ll keep that in mind."
Though I don’t think that day will ever come. Will it? I mean, the World Tree did give me the right to establish a nation, and now I can’t help but imagine all sorts of weird things.
Is this what they call a flag? I really want to break that flag.
"Ridil-kun, how about having a house of your own, instead of a castle?"
"Why are you saying that, too, Alfred-sensei?"
"I’ve thought for a while now that your current residence lacks proper defenses. But since I don't have the skills to build a house, I couldn't do anything about it. Now, however, we have Dennis."
Alfred-sensei had a much more serious expression than usual. He really seemed to mean it. Am I that important of a person? Could it be that someone’s out to get me?
I tried to suppress the growing unease on my face and looked at Feroll for help.
Ah, this isn’t good. Feroll’s expression was even more serious than Alfred-sensei's. He wasn’t the usual kindly old man anymore.
"Ridil-sama, I agree with Alfred-dono. I believe it’s time you secured a truly safe place to stay."
"Even Feroll… So this isn’t a joke, then."
Feroll nodded. It seemed that what happened to my mother had left a deep scar in his heart. He was even more sensitive to safety than I was. The same went for Alfred-sensei, apparently. Maybe Dennis, too. Perhaps that’s why he made that suggestion earlier.
"Alright, Dennis-oyakata, could you build me a house? I’ve never designed one before, so I probably won’t understand anything even if you show me a floor plan."
"You don’t need a fancy plan to build a house. Leave it to me. I’ll build you a castle no one can breach!"
"No, no, I don’t need a castle. Just an ordinary house, please."
Why was Dennis-oyakata so obsessed with building a castle? Maybe building a castle was some kind of expression of personal pride for him?
If that’s the case, maybe we could make Dennis-oyakata’ own house a castle... No, that would probably cause its own set of problems. I just want a plain, unremarkable house.
"First, we need to decide on the location. Dennis, have you found a suitable spot?"
"Of course I have. Right next to the World Tree."
Dennis-oyakata grinned. He seemed quite serious. Very serious. Like, really serious from the start. Is it okay to do something like that? Won’t the World Tree be mad if things get cramped?
"I see. As expected of Dennis. That’s a splendid idea. I never would have thought of it myself."
Alfred-sensei praised Dennis-oyakata’ suggestion. Looks like it’s already decided. No matter what I say now, it’ll probably be useless.
There’s only one thing I can do: give up.
"Alright, Dennis-oyakata. Just in case, let’s ask the World Tree for permission first. If we get the green light, then we can build the house there."
"I’m sure the World Tree will be thrilled! Despite its appearance, it gets pretty lonely."
Wait, really? The World Tree gets lonely? I had no idea. Now that I think about it, when I said I’d come visit every day, it did seem really happy.
A lonely tree, hahaha xD.
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