"I've come to collect the outstanding payment."
"...Oh."
Two weeks had already passed since the battle with Evilus came to an end.
By now, the restoration of Orario was well underway, and valis had once again begun to circulate as the primary currency.
Slowly but surely, the city was regaining its former glory.
"...I sold a lot more than I expected."
And I,
had made a substantial profit from selling magic swords.
Since the magic swords were essentially disposable tools that would shatter after a few uses, I had produced and handed over several of them, but still...
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"This is enough to live off for the rest of my life, isn't it?"
Roughly 200 million valis.
That was the amount I had amassed during those seven days of death.
"..."
Given the desperate circumstances, I had slashed the prices by more than 80 percent, yet it still came to this much.
Even with the Astraea Familia delaying their payments for peacekeeping duties, I still had 200 million.
"...Maybe I should go look for some high-quality iron."
Now that I'd acquired a new Mystery ability, I had to put it to the test.
After sourcing some excellent iron and enjoying a long-overdue shopping spree, I returned to the workshop assigned to me by the Familia.
Some of the items were quite pricey, but since money was no object, I bought everything I wanted and upgraded my tools to the finest available.
Money is meant to be spent, after all.
Besides, I felt like if I didn't upgrade them now, I might never get another chance.
"Aiz?"
Waiting for me in front of the workshop was Aiz.
"I waited."
"Did something happen?"
"No."
"Then what is it?"
"I heard you reached LV.3."
"Did you come here to ask for a sparring match?"
"No. Bellf."
With a look of firm determination on her face, Aiz spoke.
"Be my exclusive blacksmith."
"Huh?"
It was a startling request.
"I mean, there are plenty of artisans more skilled than I am, right?"
"It has to be Bellf."
"What is that supposed to mean..."
Someone overhearing this would definitely get the wrong idea.
"You brought the contract, right?"
"! Yes."
"I'll do it."
Signing one exclusive contract wouldn't hinder my ultimate goal, so I figured it was fine.
"But why the sudden request for an exclusive contract?"
"Riveria told me to contract with a blacksmith of at least LV.3. She said that's the only way I could truly trust them with my equipment."
"...You've been waiting for me this whole time?"
"Yes."
"..."