Chapter 70
Dwarves were generally known for their authoritarian and solemn appearance, and this was somewhat true in reality.
Especially, according to Erika's explanation, high-ranking dwarves were often difficult to communicate with properly.
However, I, having experienced numerous events in the game, thought a bit differently.
Although dwarves were exclusive towards other races, I believe this was due to a lack of mutual understanding.
Especially dwarf politicians, before being politicians, were each proud craftsmen.
Instead of emphasizing the emperor's authority, I stimulated their emotions, and,
"Is this seam finished separately for convenience?"
"That's right. It's a technique first introduced by the Lester Workshop, which improves the range of motion compared to general finishing."
This was quite successful.
When I showed active interest in their technology, the craftsmen explained their techniques more passionately than anyone.
This was no exception even for Dominic, whose expression was ambiguous at first,
"It's the first time I've seen dwarves let people into their workshops. Usually, they just hand over items with stern expressions..."
"Isn't it because Her Majesty Louise's prestige has reached this kingdom as well?"
"Haha..."
Our party entered the palace, receiving the clearly softened gazes of the dwarves.
"It's big."
As Anna said, the size of the palace was not much different from human palaces.
The doors inside were also large like in human palaces, but they were also wide to suit the dwarves with their sturdy build of about 140cm, so it wasn't as awkward as one might think.
Instead, differences were seen in the architectural style and interior decorations.
The exterior was practical and neat rather than flashy, and even the weapons and armor placed for decoration were well-forged enough to be used in actual combat without seeming strange.
"There certainly seem to be a lot of armor and weapons."
"Ah, the weapons placed here are made by the most excellent workshop selected each year. They're perfectly fine for actual use."
"We dwarves consider it a great honor to have our works displayed in the royal palace. My workshop also submitted an entry the year before last, but there were so many formidable competitors."
"Haha... I see. Thank you for the explanation."
As the dwarves who came with Dominic could speak the imperial language, Erika responded with an awkward smile to the enthusiastic explanations that came even when she muttered to herself.
Anna occasionally scanned the surroundings and followed silently, while Moritz walked quietly holding a long box containing the gifts.
"The matchlock seems to be sensitive to bad weather, doesn't it? We're trying to improve that aspect a bit."
"Although it's unavoidable as long as gunpowder is used, it would be very useful if we didn't need to constantly manage the fire."
"That's right."
I conversed with Dominic, utilizing what little knowledge I had to the fullest, and,
"Master Craftsman Dominic!"
"Hmm. Tell them the Dragonian Empire's delegation has arrived."
"Understood!"
We were able to arrive at the audience chamber while maintaining a good atmosphere.
"They will enter!"
As the doors opened, the interior of the dwarf palace's audience chamber was revealed.
As this would be the core from now on, I raised my tension a bit.
---
"Master Dominic and the Dragonian Empire's delegation have arrived."
"...Hmm."
At the attendant's report, Steven straightened his body that had been leaning on the throne.
"They're much later than scheduled. Was there a problem?"
Knowing Dominic's nature, Steven asked worriedly if the reason for their delay was because of Dominic, but,
"They were delayed in moving due to visiting various workshops. There were no other issues."
At this unexpected answer, he stroked his long-grown beard.
"Visits? Didn't you say they were from the Dragonian Empire?"
"That's right. It's said they had in-depth conversations with craftsmen at several workshops."
"Hmm. Dominic kept accompanying them, right?"
"Yes."
He tapped the throne thoughtfully.
It's not the first time a delegation from a human country had visited, but it's the first time they've toured workshops long enough to arrive late at the palace.
Moreover, those with workshops in the city center are dwarves with extraordinary skills even among dwarves, and their pride was just as strong.
For such individuals to have deep conversations with a delegation from outside?
Although Prince Dominic accompanied them, these are people who don't easily bend their will even if Dominic asks.
To begin with, Dominic isn't the type of person to make such requests.
This means it's impossible unless the craftsmen viewed the delegation quite favorably.
"I should have a chat with them."
"Shall I bring them in right away?"
"Hmm."
As Steven nodded, those waiting moved to open the doors of the audience chamber, and the party led by Dominic entered.
Since Dominic was not good at hiding his expressions, just by looking at his face, one could roughly guess the atmosphere.
Steven first checked Dominic's expression as he came with the delegation.
As the Anchester Kingdom shares a border with the Dragonian Empire, Steven was burdened by the thought of rejecting the emperor's delegation.
Steven thought it would be fortunate enough if Dominic's expression was just neutral, but,
"...!"
Surprisingly, Dominic entered the audience chamber with a smile on his face.
"Master Craftsman Dominic Smith has arrived with the Dragonian Empire's delegation."
He approached Steven, bringing his hands forward and bowing his head.
This was how dwarves, who found it difficult to kneel, show respect.
"...You've done well."
"I will wait on the side."
"...Hmm."
Unlike usual when he would immediately return to his workshop once work was done, Steven nodded reluctantly at Dominic's request to wait on the side.
"I am Viktor, commander of the Red Dragon Corps."
"Welcome. I am Steven Smith, King of the Anchester Kingdom."
Afterwards, Viktor's party entered and greeted Steven with a similar gesture to what Dominic had done.
Erika stuck close to Viktor's side and began interpreting, and someone with a similar role attached to Steven's side as well.
"First, I'd like to apologize for our late arrival. The masterpieces of the dwarf craftsmen caught my eye, and I couldn't just pass by."
Viktor said, bowing his head after finishing his greeting.
"There's no need to apologize. With a big negotiation ahead, it's natural to first look around workshops directly related to it. Rather, I'm pleased that you highly regarded our craftsmen's skills."
"Thank you for saying so."
Steven replied with a slight smile at the corners of his mouth to Viktor's words directly praising dwarven technology.
He seemed to understand why Dominic had entered smiling.
"Ah. Her Majesty Louise Zainburg personally prepared gifts wishing for harmony and cooperation between the Dragonian Empire and the Anchester Kingdom. Before discussing the negotiation, I'd like to present this first."
"I will gratefully accept."
As Viktor nodded to Moritz, Moritz approached Dominic standing next to the throne with the box and politely handed it over.
Dominic received the box and delivered it to Steven.
"You may open it right away."
"Alright."
Steven carefully opened the box to check its contents.
"...A sword?"
Inside the box was a longsword in a rugged scabbard.
As if someone had used it for a long time, the handle and scabbard were worn in places.
"...A weapon as a gift?"
"Huh..."
The dwarves standing nearby were puzzled that a human would give a weapon as a gift to dwarves, but,
"..."
Steven silently stared at the sword.
Gently caressing the scabbard and handle, Steven's eyes gradually widened, and,
-Shing.
As if entranced by something, he gripped the handle and drew the sword from its scabbard.
Unlike its worn appearance, the blade seemed well-maintained and sharp, and the sword body shone so brightly that one's face could be reflected in it.
After fiddling with the blade for a long time, he,
"...This sword. Could you explain what kind of item it is?"
Asked Viktor in a trembling voice.
"Of course. The name of that sword is Votis. It's the sword used by Fried, a hero appearing in the empire's legends."
As Viktor opened his mouth, the audience chamber that had been quiet,
"It's also known as a masterpiece of the legendary blacksmith, Josh Schmidt."
"...Huh."
"What...!"
Became noisy as soon as the name Josh Schmidt came out of his mouth.
Erika looked at Viktor worriedly at the dwarves' intense reactions, but he nodded calmly as if he had expected such a response.
A moment later.
"...You said Josh Schmidt, but that name is what he used in the empire. We call him Joshua Smith."
"..."
Steven murmured softly.
"He was a great blacksmith enough to remain in legend, and is also an ancestor of mine, Steven Smith, who leads the Anchester Kingdom."
"!"
Erika was astonished at Steven's words and looked at Viktor again with a question of whether he had known this.
Steven picked up the scepter he had leaned beside him.
"Here, this scepter is also his work, so I can tell. The markings engraved inside, the processing form, and the techniques used match this sword. ...Just by touching this blade, it feels like I can sense his touch. It was known to have been lost, how on earth..."
Steven, who had put the sword back in the box, stroked his beard several times with a face full of melancholy.
"Her Majesty said she was only able to find it recently."
"Is that so..."
"According to Fried's legend, the sword was merely borrowed. Although much time has passed, a promise is a promise. Her Majesty said she would like this sword to become a symbol of our cooperation and trust."
"..."
Steven, who continued to ponder even after Viktor's words ended,
"...Since your country's emperor has given such a precious gift, it's only right that we show our sincerity as well."
Spoke with a voice full of determination, and.
"I would like you to state the conditions your country desires."
"...Yes."
Viktor raised the corners of his mouth upon hearing Steven's words.