Chapter 74: The Use of Mithril - Part 2
After that, we spent about an hour testing the power of the bracelet with magical creatures and then returned to the castle.
Upon returning home, I took a shower to wash off the dirt and sweat before heading to the princess's room, as I didn't want to visit her while dirty.
"You seemed to have gone somewhere early in the morning. Was it for the preparations you mentioned yesterday?"
"Yes, exactly. The preparations are done, and I just got back."
"Princess, this is really amazing! Even more impressive than the last time!"
Chloe exclaimed excitedly to the princess about the power of the bracelet.
The princess seemed a bit puzzled by Chloe's unusual behavior...
"Well, I'll show you the item right away."
Saying so, I took out the mithril bracelet I had made from the "alternate space box."
For a moment, the princess looked at the bracelet with a puzzled expression, as if wondering why I had brought her a bracelet. Gradually, she realized the material of the bracelet and exclaimed in confusion.
"W-Wait, could this be... but you can't find mithril around here. Jin-san, is the material of this bracelet..."
"Yes, mithril is used for the material of that bracelet."
The princess, upon hearing my words, looked at the bracelet three times and shouted, "Is this some kind of joke?!"
It was a very lovely triple take she did.
"Is this real mithril?"
"I didn't bring a fake. This bracelet is made with genuine mithril ore. If you want, I can demonstrate it by channeling a bit of magic into it."
Saying that, I handed the bracelet to the princess. She channeled a small amount of magic into it and realized that the bracelet indeed contained genuine mithril ore.
With an astonished expression, the princess asked, "How did you acquire this?"
"You came back early yesterday, right? Well, I was actually spending a long time focused on mining mithril ore in the dungeon. Since I couldn't explore during that time, I decided to return home."
"I thought something was off. If it were normal, you should have come back today. You didn't have any injuries, yet you returned early."
"Mining mithril ore is incredibly difficult. Since you can't let your guard down even for a moment, I focused for an hour, and afterward, I couldn't even walk for a while. It became clear that it was dangerous to continue in that state, so I decided to return."
After returning from the dungeon, I explained that we had obtained mithril and were heading to Lisa's place to have it processed.
"Wait, this bracelet is also an item from Gafka's workshop? Jin-san, did you really like it that much?"
"Well, we've built up a decent relationship. I asked for these bracelets to be made for us as well. If Lisa is willing, I also asked if she could make them for you and potential future companions."
Lisa was supposed to only create items for people she was interested in or for someone who stood in front of her. Knowing this, I left it up to Lisa to decide whether she wanted to make the additional bracelets.
As a result, Lisa made three extra bracelets, which was the limit based on the amount of mithril ore available.
"Wait, hold on. Did you just say you were giving me the bracelets?"
"Yes, these bracelets are intended as a present for you. You accommodated my request and provided a safe haven. At first, I was suspicious, but thanks to you, the rumors about me outside have subsided considerably, and I can continue my adventures. Also, during this time, both Chloe and I were able to reevaluate ourselves and become stronger. This present is a token of appreciation for all of that."
"Even so, this is too much to accept. No matter what, it's unthinkable to receive something made of mithril as a thank-you gift. Even nobles wouldn't send such extravagant gifts, right?"
In response to the princess's refusal, Chloe and I maintained a consistent attitude and insisted, "Please accept it."
After a dilemma lasting about ten minutes, the princess finally said, "Fine, I'll accept it," and took the bracelet.
...Alright, the princess's strengthening is complete! Now, even if something were to happen, she would be able to handle certain situations with her own strength.
It seemed like the saint's powers were already quite developed in this era, and with the mithril bracelet, the princess's abilities wouldn't be that different from how she performed in the game.
Thinking this, I mentally cheered while looking at the princess who was examining the bracelet.