Chapter 70: Results of the Gem Development Duel!
In this location, you can easily mine a green gem called "GranLemit" just by digging around.
While not extremely valuable, these gems are traded for low prices on the market due to their smaller sizes.
One of us who went to check on them along the way came back with news from the other team's dwarves.
At first, they were forcefully excavating and ended up shattering the gems.
It seems the compassionate dwarves advised them to dig more gently, holding back their strength.
With time, they apparently grasped the technique of excavation, and now they can identify spots where gems are likely to be found.
If Murasaki were to dig a hole seriously, things would definitely be blown around...
They're desperately trying not to lose to me.
They seem to have managed to secure some fairly large gems, definitely larger than ours.
Being able to establish a connection with the dwarves through this incident is advantageous for me.
I anticipate having more requests for the dwarves in the future, and it's quite beneficial as a merchant to handle their products.
I must ensure that this good relationship remains intact.
As the time limit is approaching, we return to the initial spot, where Murasaki and the others are already waiting.
Murasaki seems eager to show her gems, with a smug look on her face.
The dwarves beside her also appear proud, likely because things went well for them.
We also showcase our bigger gems, aiming to make an impression.
At the signal, both sides reveal their gems.
Murasaki's gem is about two centimeters in size and transparent green.
When I produce a gem that's around one centimeter,
"In gem mining, I'm the superior one!" she exclaims, beaming with satisfaction.
We checked with the dwarves, and apparently, Murasaki's gem has a high purity level. In the market, it would be classified as a premium-grade "GranLemit."
On the way back, Murasaki goes on endlessly about her successful gem mining.
Listening to her, knowing about the rigged match, both the dwarves and I start feeling sorry for her.
Since this was a secret mining location, we emphasized the need for discretion multiple times.
Murasaki seems dissatisfied that she can't brag about beating me.
When we return to the village, we are guided to Lattice's place.
After exchanging greetings, the dwarves disappear into the village.
Once everyone is gone, I take out ten bottles of alcohol from my [Item Box].
I knock on Lattice's door, and after thanking her, I hand over the promised alcohol to Murasaki.
Lattice, in a cheerful mood, grants permission for Toble and Zarbo to visit the workshop.
Stey is appointed as their guide.
On the way to Toble's workshop, Murasaki seems interested in the weapons lined up outside.
Particularly, she examines the "greatswords," the primary weapons, checking their grips and asking the dwarves who crafted them various questions.
In this world, mass-produced weapons are prevalent, and custom-made items are rare.
This is due to the significant conflict between the dwarves and merchants.
While merchants are fine with selling even shoddy items as long as they sell, craftsmen-minded dwarves hold the opposite perspective.
Being somewhat of a craftsman myself, I understand the dwarves' sentiment.
Ideally, I'd like to use a favored weapon for a long time, maintaining it through maintenance.
Currently, I can't even wield a weapon properly...
Thanks to Murasaki, we arrive at Toble's workshop much later than intended.
Toble seems to be producing various things, as there are failed pieces scattered around the workshop.
Lately, he has been repeatedly trying different items like the "flexible sword" and the "attack-capable shield," and only when he comes up with a solution does he move on to crafting something else.
Right now, he's working on creating "bows and arrows for long distances," which he claims is relatively easy.
I'm not sure what criteria he's using to define "easy," though.
The bow itself seems to have an extremely bendable technique, but when he attaches the string in a tensed state, it breaks under the tension.
If he had the thread of a creature called the "Cloud Spider," it might withstand it, but apparently, obtaining that is difficult.
Upon mentioning that if there are other materials he desires, I'd like to know so I can check their availability, Toble starts writing on a paper that he retrieves from within.
Taking the paper from Toble, I express my gratitude and head towards Zarbo's workshop.