Chapter 59: Research and Development
"Robin, isn't this meat from a Fangworm?"
"Hmm? Oh yeah. It's chewy and delicious. It goes really well with ale."
Such casual remarks were made. Everyone else was eating it normally, and once it was cooked, it didn't look too bad either.
It might be common in their food culture, but there were times when I wanted to decline. It's somewhat like how some people can't stand shrimp.
Fangworms, giant worm-like monsters with fangs. Not exactly appetizing in appearance, and their classification is a bit unclear, which is a bit of a drawback.
Whether it's true or not, people say it tastes similar to shellfish. It might be easier to accept if it turned out to be a land-dwelling shellfish...
"Theo, are you not a fan of worms?"
"Well, it's not that I dislike them, but..."
Even in BFO, people hesitated to cook worms.
...But why not give it a try this time?
With determination, I put a boiled piece of worm meat in my mouth... It's surprisingly tasty, and the texture is good.
I thought it was some kind of insect-based creature because of the name "worm." But based on the taste, it's definitely more like shellfish.
"Hmm, this is unexpectedly good."
"I told you, the ones from this shop are especially delicious."
The restaurant Forest Bird brought us to was quite crowded during lunchtime, showing that it was a thriving place.
"By the way, I heard you took down a Guardian."
"That wasn't me, it was Grace."
When Forest Bird's attention turned to me, Grace blushed slightly with embarrassment.
"I knew Grace was amazing."
"Ashley-sama is diving into the labyrinth as well, right? She'll likely achieve remarkable things too."
"Yeah, you're right. Diving into the labyrinth makes you feel your growth."
"Oh no, I still have a long way to go."
"That's a comparison to you and Grace-san, isn't it?"
Forest Bird's group exchanged glances and chuckled.
"What happened to the Guardian?"
"It'll become equipment... and bacon and jerky, as planned."
While Sheila cleanly removed the fish bones, she explained how the Sword Boar's remains would be used.
Boar meat is nutritious, so they plan to prepare it for long-term storage and use it as emergency rations in the labyrinth.
"Shall I share some with you?"
"I'm curious about the taste, but it's too precious for me to accept."
Fitz chuckled wryly and waved his hand.
"Um, Ilmehilt-san, are you a Lamia?"
"Yes, that's right."
Now that it's been revealed and she has backing, there doesn't seem to be a need to hide it. Ilmehilt smiled as she answered Monica's question, and Forest Bird's excitement increased slightly.
"I'm meeting you for the first time, but I would have never guessed if you hadn't said anything."
"I can eat regular food and it's not completely pointless. Though I can't eat too much."
While cutting up bird meat, Ilmehilt spoke those words.
According to her, occasionally drinking blood is necessary for her to avoid weakening. Presumably, regular food doesn't digest and absorb well for Lamia.
"In the past, if I held back, the human transformation spell would unravel, and it was quite a challenge."
"That's when the Headmaster and I discovered it."
Sheila supplemented Ilmehilt's words.
Oh, so the orphanage's Headmaster already knew Ilmehilt's true identity. Perhaps thanks to the Headmaster and Sheila covering for her, she's able to be here now.
"Hehe, I've known Sheila-chan for a long time."
"Nod."
Sheila nodded with a smile.
The long-awaited lunch with Forest Bird and the others progressed in a friendly atmosphere.
Now then. After this... I plan to visit the workshop, but how about telling Alfred about Forest Bird? Of course, if Forest Bird is okay with it.
While Forest Bird is close to me, and they'll eventually learn about Brightwellt Workshop anyway, I think it makes a difference whether I tell them from the beginning or not.
"Oh, interesting adventurers like that exist?"
With Forest Bird's pleasant agreement secured, even though I didn't mention their names, I explained their personalities to Alfred while mixing potions. As expected, he showed interest.
"Well, in a good way, they're adventurers through and through. So, it'd be interesting to hear their opinions."
"Yeah... That sounds good. I'd appreciate it if you could relay their thoughts to those adventurers."
While it's a matter of whether Forest Bird is okay with it or not, I have already informed them about it. It's certainly a welcome offer to have someone besides me look at the items as potential customers or prototype testers.
With a cheerful smile on his face, Alfred's expression darkened after a while as he spoke.
"Even though you've brought such a good story, I'm sorry to say that I only have bad news to share."
"What's wrong? All of a sudden."
"No, it's about Greg."
Alfred's tone was hesitant.
"Has he done something again?"
"Yeah. It seems Greg's story reached higher-ups because of discussions with Lady Mercedesia and Prince Albert. He apparently defended himself. He thinks adventurers should also receive benefits."
When I blinked, Alfred gave a wry smile.
"According to Greg, adventurers were dissatisfied because they felt the benefits were inadequate."
"So, in summary, it's about solving things with money?"
"Yes, exactly. The kingdom doesn't want to sour relations with the dungeons, guilds, or adventurers that provide profit. They want to maintain a good relationship. You know there are former adventurers among the nobles, right? So, those people also agree. There were surprisingly many voices suggesting setting a budget, including hush money, and properly paying money to adventurers or hiring them to guide locally. That's the direction it's been leaning."
"Well... Isn't the matter of the sealed door still a secret?"
"Technically, yes. The king seems to think that we can't completely hide the existence of the dungeon since we can't close it. So, as long as specific details beyond the door and matters involving the Moonlight Temple and the Demonfolk don't come out, adventurers getting involved there shouldn't be a big problem."
In essence, as long as the specific details beyond the door, as well as the Moonlight Temple and Demonfolk matters, aren't revealed, it's not a significant issue if adventurers get involved there.
"In other words, the proposal to hire adventurers relatively easily has been accepted."
"It would've been different if it weren't for Greg's suggestion."
At first, they were trying to take advantage without payment.
"I suppose adventurers have their pride too. Like Fernando, for example. I think his group might keep their distance."
"I think so too, but Greg might push to have Fernando achieve something great and invest his own money."
...Are things becoming less formal?
If adventurers accept such requests, they should be prepared to be looked down upon by other adventurers. Whether searching or accepting, it seems like it could be quite tough.
"Well... I'm getting tired of their discussions. Let's leave it at this. I'm also preparing for the crafting. If you have any requests, feel free to let me know."
"Um..."
Alfred asked, and after thinking for a while, I answered.
"How about enhancing magic on a Luna Worm dress?"
"If it's a dress... it would involve the form of a women's accessory. Your coat is made of Luna Worm thread too, right?"
"Yeah, I can enchant it myself, so it's fine."
In Grace's case, she needs someone else to cast magic on her. If she can enchant it herself, it's reassuring for her and for me.
"Understood. Then, how about making a brooch? I'm considering various ideas myself... not just traditional items but also trying new things through long-term research. If you ever feel there's something inconvenient during labyrinth exploration, please let me know."
Hmm... that's an innovative approach.
Inconvenient, huh?
"Sure... It would be helpful to be able to communicate with someone far away, especially when you get lost in the labyrinth."
In BFO, there were individual chats and emails from the menu screen... but if those are supported by the system, it means that magic with such effects doesn't exist within the game.
"Yeah... That does sound useful. I'll think about it."
Better-quality magic stones can hold more spells. It's like programming, in a way.
What's important is how to reduce the scale of the spells inscribed on the magic stone. High-quality magic stones are precious, so they can't become too extravagant and lose their market value.
"Right, um... I have a few ideas on how to reduce the scale of the spells."
Saying that, Alfred blinked.