What to say, there was something dark red flowing out of the mountain.
"Oh wow, wow…I've never seen that before."
"It looks very hot."
"I've seen it a few times. The Beast Tribe's village is close to here, so I've been here a few times. But that was when I was little."
"How could you build a village in such a place… but the springs here seem like they would be really good!"
"Oh, you'll just have to be patient a little bit longer, bathing extremist."
Looking through the windows of the airship – I could see magma…
Sluggish, boiling magma was pouring down from the mountain that was spewing fire.
That towering mountain must be an active volcano.
And beneath that mountain, a dwarf village existed.
A village, or rather, a regular town, in terms of size.
The best words to describe this village would be…[heat] and [iron].
There were chimneys everywhere and the smoke was rising. You could see that there were tunnels in the immediate vicinity.
Overall, there was an industrial atmosphere, and the town's characteristics as a place where blacksmithing was the main occupation could be clearly noticed.
The town was situated not far away from flowing magma… I wondered if there was some kind of magic protecting it.
"Haha, that's right, good water heats up well. There is also a smell peculiar to volcanoes, but some tourists don't like that smell. However I can assure you that the hot water is great."
The man who spoke so softly was a merchant dwarf named Radha, whom I befriended on the airship.
However, he did not look like a bearded, strong-looking dwarf I had seen during the previous war. He was dressed neatly and clean-cut, which was different from usual.
I heard that he traveled to various countries for business meetings, so he must have been careful about his appearance.
Apparently, he was a relative of Doda, the king of the Dwarves, whom I had met before, and as a result, he was visiting the Rogard Empire and happened to be scheduled to return home on the same flight as us.
"Heh, I'm not as enthusiastic as Nell, but I'm looking forward to it too. After all, hot springs are essential on a trip like this."
"…Hmm. Soaking in hot water is a significant part of our daily routine. Especially after a long day of work, one can relax, feel the end of the day, and go to sleep excited about tomorrow."
"Oh, that's a good point, Enne, and you're right."
"Radha-san, is the jewel mine still the same? I'd like to show it to the husband if possible…"
"Yes, of course, no different. Oh, Mistress Lyuuinne is from the Gyroll clan, isn't she? Have you ever visited this place with your relatives?"
"Yes, my father's work brought us here once, and we did some sightseeing together."
Seeing Lyuu conversing with Radha like this, I asked with a surprised look in my eyes.
"Lyuu, you…you really are a lady, aren't you?"
"Well, I'm embarrassed to be called that, but yes, I am. Generally speaking, I was in a similar position, I guess. Heh, heh, what do you think? Have you changed your opinion of me?"
"I don't mean that my opinion of you has changed, but I simply can't picture you as a young lady."
"What are you trying to say, huh?"
I laughed at Lyuu, who angrily pulled at my cheeks, and Nell clapped her hands.
"Come on, come on, we'll play later, let's go back to the room and get ready to disembark! We need to be ready to disembark immediately!"
"…You've suddenly become very lively, haven't you?"
After giving Nell an unintentional warm look, I regained my composure and spoke to Radha.
"Radha, we want to go soak in a hot spring as soon as we get off the ship…do you know of any good places?"
"Of course, I'll take you to the best hot spring in the village. That would include where you would be lodging, right?"
"Oh, yes, that would be better. I'm grateful for your help. Especially since I decided to come here suddenly without making any arrangements."
"He's always like this, Radha-san." (Lyuu)
"He is a random person. I apologize for the inconvenience." (Nell)
Radha replied to the wives' words with a smile.
"No, no, it was worth spending a fortune for a merchant to be able to meet you like this and promote myself. For us, it is rather an honor to have you rely on us like this. We hope you don't mind."
While we were talking to him, the airship landed at the landing station in the village – and we arrived at the Dwarven village.
***
After that, thanks to Radha's arrangement, we didn't have to wait long and smoothly checked into one of the inns, and went straight to the hot springs that Nell had longed for.
Although he said he was a relative of Doda… Radha must be an important figure among the dwarves.
Really, all he had to do was show up and say a word or two to the receptionist, and we were checked in.
Also, as for my escort soldiers, only two of them stayed here and the rest were going back to the Rogard Empire with the airship.
They were going to transport the stupid guy who got us into a mess, and contact the Rogard Empire.
Apparently, the Dwarves had agreed to escort us from here, and while we were enjoying the hot springs upon our arrival, Radha had arranged for that as well.
He said he was glad to have met us, and we were glad to have met him as well.
Networking was power.
I felt that strongly since I came to this world.
So, I had a good rest.
The next day.
"Welcome Demon Lord! I heard from Radha that the journey had been difficult."
So said the Dwarf King, Doda.
This morning, while I was having breakfast, my guide showed up, and I was the only one visiting the Dwarf King's mansion.
My wives were currently enjoying the sights of the village.
"Well, it was quite a hassle, but the hot springs here really took the fatigue out of me. It was a really good hot spring."
"Oh, I see, I'm glad to hear that. That's what this place is famous for. Enjoy it while you're here."
"Also, thanks to Radha. I really appreciate everything you did for me here."
"Gahhhh, I'm so glad my guys were able to help you out. He is a very attentive guy for a dwarf. He's a businessman by trade, but he's a valuable asset to us."
The Dwarf King smiled broadly.
After exchanging a few words of greeting, I asked him.
"So, Dwarf King. Who are these dwarves?"
There were many other Dwarves in this place besides me and the Dwarf King, and they were quietly listening to our conversation.
However, they were looking at me like I was some kind of jerk, and I was a little, or maybe a lot, uncomfortable.
"Oh, I was told before that you are a top-notch blacksmith, and when I heard that you are coming here today, we all came to meet you, with everyone gathering like this. I'm sorry, but… can we see your blacksmithing skills?" (Dwarf King)
His eyes were shining with the greatest curiosity as he said so… Well, I came here on short notice so I wouldn't mind helping out.
Let's see what I could make.