Chapter 50 The Blacksmith Gets Pushed
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
After getting chewed out by the Acting Head of Family and Hinagiku for a solid chunk of time, Ichige was seriously down in the dumps.
Apparently, the only reason it wasn’t worse was because the Acting Head’s wife didn’t show up. The vibe felt soft, but is she some kind of terrifying type?
Wait, now that I think about it, the first time I saw her, she was smacking the Acting Head from behind. Could Yohira’s attack power come from her mom? That’s a scary thought. But she’s also the one teaching Yohira to dance—and supposedly dances even more beautifully.
Plus, Yohira adores her. So, she’s probably not someone who throws punches for no reason. If Yohira trusts her mom, then I trust Yohira.
”Hey, Acting Head,” I said. “Got a sec?”
”Sorry, I got caught up with family matters,” the Acting Head said. “What’s your question, young blacksmith?”
”No big deal,” I said, “but about setting up a teleportation gate at my place—I don’t have your coordinates. How do I get those?”
”Hm? Hasn’t Hinagiku given them to you?” he asked.
”Uh,” I said.
”Oh,” Hinagiku muttered.
Whoops—looks like Hinagiku dropped the ball. To be fair, she didn’t even know I was Tatara Julon at first.
”Speaking of,” I said, “when I met Hinagiku, she mentioned looking for someone. But she wouldn’t answer my questions, so we got nowhere. Didn’t you give her a wanted sketch or something?”
I fudged the report a bit. That armed clash? Probably best kept quiet for their sake.
Hinagiku and even Ichige looked surprised. You guys care about Yohira, right? Then I’m not throwing you under the bus.
”Hm, wanted sketch…” the Acting Head mumbled. “Wanted sketch, huh?”
”Wait, is this a landmine?” I asked.
”Well, we did get a sketch from the madam…” Hinagiku started.
”Alright, stop there,” I said.
Sounds like the artist’s skills were… artistic, to put it nicely. No wonder they couldn’t find me.
”No, you should see it,” Hinagiku said. “It might clear things up.”
”Hang on,” I said. “I really don’t want to start a diplomatic mess.”
”It’s fine if the person’s not here,” the Acting Head said. “Hinagiku, show him.”
Why’d you just raise a flag, Acting Head? That’s the kind where I am the guy.
”Here,” Hinagiku said, holding it up.
”This is… ukiyo-e?” I asked.
It was straight-up ukiyo-e, the kind of traditional Japanese art that’s practically the ancestor of manga. The madam drew this?
”Honestly, it’s pretty good,” I said. “It captures the vibe.”
Ethelena or Yohira could probably tell who it is. It’s recognizable if you know the person, but maybe not much beyond that.
”My, it’s clearly Tatara,” the City Mayor said, peeking over.
”I’m no art expert,” Calmys added, “but it works as a sketch of Julon.”
The City Mayor and Calmys seemed impressed. Meanwhile, three people couldn’t believe it.
”No way… they identified someone from Okusama’s drawing?” Hinagiku gasped.
”I’m the most shocked here-degozaru…” Ichige muttered.
”Kasumi’s art… understood by others?” the Acting Head said, stunned.
Okay, rude much, all of you? Also, Acting Head—behind you.
”Dear,” a voice said.
”Huh?” the Acting Head replied.
THWACK. A metallic clang echoed through the screen, and he sank to the floor. Yup, seen this before.
”Long time no see, Tatara-san,” Kasumi said. “How’s my daughter?”
”Uh, she’s good,” I said. “She’s been helping with chores lately—having fun, even if it’s just hanging laundry.”
”Oh my, gaining good experience!” Kasumi said, giggling behind her hand.
Next to her, the Acting Head was down, practically smoking. Nope, we cannot let her know about those two’s screw-ups.
She’d dish out a brutal punishment. Hinagiku and Ichige were clinging to each other, trembling—maybe she’s still holding back?
”By the way, Tatara-san,” Kasumi said, “you recognized my art, didn’t you? Most folks here don’t get it.”
”Shouldn’t it be the other way around, given its origins?” I asked.
”Art’s always misunderstood in its time,” Kasumi said. “It’ll probably be appreciated after I’m gone.”
Hundreds of years from now? Nah, it’s good enough to get props sooner.
”Um, Tatara-san,” Kasumi said. “Could you look at these too?”
She showed a few more drawings through the screen. I wished I could hold them in person.
”Let’s see… this one’s Yohira, maybe as a kid,” I said. “This is the Acting Head, at a fireworks festival—nice expression, great vibe. This one’s someone I don’t know… Yohira’s older brother? Same eyes.”
”Blacksmith-san, what are you…” Hinagiku started.
”Oh my, Tatara-san’s got an eye for this!” Kasumi said.
”All correct-degozaru…” Ichige muttered.
These are solid family portraits—shows how much she loves them.
They’re heartwarming to look at. I caught myself smiling, and Kasumi gave me a warm look.
”Sorry,” I said. “Family stuff always makes me feel cozy.”
”No, no, I’m delighted you think so,” Kasumi said.
”They’re bonding-degozaru,” Ichige said.
”Wait, Okusama,” Hinagiku whispered. “Wasn’t that sketch partly your wishful thinking?”
While Kasumi and I hit it off, Ichige and Hinagiku looked lost. It’s not that hard to get, guys.
”So, Tatara-san,” Kasumi said. “Any marriage plans?”
”Oh, Ethelena—the girl you saw before—we’re engaged,” I said. “Planning the wedding after graduation.”
”…I see,” Kasumi said.
Crap, one wrong move, and this could blow up. Hinagiku’s ominous comment earlier—does Kasumi want to pull me into the Torakuma [T/N: Clan name, implies bear-like strength] family?
”Speaking of, how’s Yohira?” Kasumi asked.
”I already gave her update…” I said.
”She may not be as… curvy,” Kasumi said, “but I think she’s a fine woman.”
”Yup, that’s the angle,” I said.
”She’s devoted, you know,” Kasumi said. “A real catch.”
”Sure, Yohira’s a great friend, and I want her to be happy,” I said.
”Then make her happy yourself!” Kasumi said. “Start by treating her as a woman, if you like.”
”Whoa, hold up,” I said. “For her happiness—”
”Even if marriage is off the table, maybe a kid?” Kasumi said.
”That’s a wild leap,” I said.
”But if Yohira had a child before Ethelena, you’d prioritize her, right?” Kasumi pressed.
”No way,” I said. “That’d betray everyone—Yohira, Ethelena. I’m not built to love multiple women.”
”Don’t limit yourself like that,” Kasumi said. “If you’re into curves, take Ichige along too.”
”What are you even saying? Pick up some ethics!” I snapped.
”My chastity’s being tossed around like a bargaining chip-degozaru!” Ichige wailed.
Is this diplomacy now?
Kasumi’s pushing Yohira hard, and even Ichige’s getting dragged in. Sure, she’s got… assets, but I’m not that indiscriminate.
”No chance with Yohira?” Kasumi asked.
”If Ethelena had rejected me and Yohira was there to comfort me, maybe I’d have fallen for her,” I said. “But Ethelena said yes, so that future’s not happening.”
”I see… that’s a shame,” Kasumi said.
Why does her “that’s a shame” feel less like “sorry my daughter’s love didn’t work out” and more like “sorry I couldn’t convince you”? She’s not planning to egg Yohira on to jump me, is she?
Just then, the Acting Head of Family sat up. Maybe he’d bail me out.
”Ow… Kasumi, could you stop smacking me from behind?” he groaned.
”I wouldn’t if you didn’t go overboard,” Kasumi said. “Calm down a bit.”
”Overboard? I—” he started.
”What?” she asked, her tone sharp.
”Nothing,” he mumbled.
”Poor Acting Head, silenced by intimidation,” I said.
”You’re fearless, huh?” Ichige muttered.
Talk about disrespectful—quoting memes here? Bold move.
”Tatara-san,” Kasumi said, “how’s daily life with my daughter?”
”She’s settling in, having fun,” I said. “Ethelena’s teaching her chores. Lately, she’s been trying local clothes and even bought some pants.”
”Oh my, making friends and enjoying herself!” Kasumi said. “But… what about you, Tatara-san? Doing anything for her?”
I felt like she was fishing for something, but what? Lately, all I’ve done for Yohira is make her chopsticks, craft some gear, or… reject her confession.
Ouch, that still stings. Get over it, Tatara Julon.
”Maybe just making chopsticks for meals or crafting gear,” I said. “Oh, she asked for an iron fan, so I made one. Seemed to like it.”
”An iron fan?” Kasumi asked.
”Yeah, local law says the first gear request has to be iron,” I explained. “When I asked what she wanted for a full set, she picked an iron fan. Think she’s happy with it.”
”Fufu, she’s keeping up her training,” Kasumi said.
”Yeah, she showed me her dance,” I said. “It was… beautiful.”
I couldn’t help but think of Yohira’s dance. The word slipped out, but it was beautiful.
She thinks she’s not good enough, but to me, her passion shone through—years of dedication in every move. It was captivating.
”Fufu, she must be thrilled a guy called her dance beautiful,” Kasumi said.
”Really?” I asked. “I told her it was great, but she said, ‘Mother dances even better,’ downplaying herself.”
”Oh, she’s definitely happy,” Kasumi said. “Want to see my dance, too?”
”Nah, I’m good,” I said. “I was captivated by Yohira’s dance, not just the Torakuma [T/N: Clan name, implies bear-like strength] style.”
”…By her, specifically?” Kasumi asked.
”Of course I told her,” I said. “I said her dance stole my heart.”
”Is this guy okay-degozaru?” Ichige whispered.
”He’s gonna get stabbed from behind one day…” Hinagiku muttered.
The two escorts were mumbling rude stuff, but I ignored them.
The Acting Head looked like he didn’t know how to process this, and Kasumi was smirking, hand over her mouth. What’s with this awkward vibe?
”Sorry to interrupt,” the Foreign Affairs Chief said, “but may I have a word?”
Oh yeah, he’s still here. Calmys mentioned he had a bone to pick about Ichige’s mess at the Immigration Bureau.
”It’s about the two you sent to our city,” he said. “They caused trouble at the Immigration Bureau. Can we discuss this?”
Now? With Kasumi here, it’s probably fine, but the timing’s awful. Did he get word that Calmys and I clashed with them? If my cover-up fails, their screw-up could balloon into a massive issue. One sneaked into the city illegally and attacked a citizen with a buddy.
That’s an international incident. The city could demand hefty reparations, and no one could argue. Add me to the mix—next Chief Crafter, a key city figure—and it’s even messier. Attacking a department head, even a future one, is serious. If I’d died, it could’ve sparked a war.
As a figurehead, I’m a city asset. My tech drives progress, and through the City Mayor, it reaches the homeland. My patents are national treasures.
Some are so advanced the homeland doubts they can be replicated. Lose me, and that knowledge could be lost forever. War across the sea wouldn’t be overkill—especially since I got attacked after helping a collapsed stranger. That’s a perfect casus belli.
Hinagiku might offer seppuku to atone, but would this city accept it? Probably not—might even look like dodging responsibility. From what I heard, the Foreign Affairs Chief doesn’t know about our fight. That’s a relief.
Hinagiku and Ichige seem close to Yohira, and I’d rather they stick with her. The question is whether Ichige keeps quiet about our clash. I glanced at her—she zipped her lips, getting the hint. Impressive.
But Hinagiku? She’s trouble. She’s got that honest streak and looks ready to spill.
She doesn’t get that confessing now would tank everything. Just as she opened her mouth, Ichige gently covered it and whispered something. Hinagiku relaxed—crisis averted, maybe?
The Foreign Affairs Chief’s lecture dragged on. Basically, “take responsibility for sneaking into our city,” but he padded it with justifications, making it long-winded. I could feel Kasumi getting bored.
We waited for the Acting Head’s call. Kasumi’s got the muscle, but he handles the political decisions. She might sway him, but he’s got the final say. Looks like the Acting Head’s got the chops to lead, even as a stand-in.
”You’re right, Foreign Affairs Chief,” the Acting Head said. “We messed up sending someone we didn’t plan to. We’ll pay reparations.”
”Then—” the Foreign Affairs Chief started.
”But who was most inconvenienced?” the Acting Head asked. “Which department and person should we apologize to?”
Oof, that’s brutal. The Immigration Bureau falls under the Judicial Department. The Foreign Affairs Chief can’t handle that.
Calling the Head of Judiciary now, verifying staff affected by Ichige over three days—it’s practically impossible. He’s limited to diplomacy, like trade talks or event planning, but taxes or reparations? That’s not his table.
This setup’s like Hizuru [T/N: Possible homeland name]’s politics.
The Foreign Affairs Chief didn’t prep for this and looks clueless. He shouldn’t have brought it up without a plan.
”That falls under the Judicial Department, desuwa [T/N: Polite feminine particle],” the City Mayor said. “The Sixth Division handled it, so a written apology later should suffice.”
There she goes—the City Mayor, the city’s top decision-maker and sharpest worker.
”Hm, and the reparations?” the Acting Head asked.
”Three days of illegal stay, but no injuries or harm,” she said. “At most, it’s under five million.”
”Then the issue is currency value,” the Acting Head of Family said. “How’s the exchange rate?”
”We haven’t finalized that yet,” the City Mayor said. “You can discuss it later with our finance and Judicial Department reps.”
”Uh, can I say something?” I asked.
”What is it, Chief Crafter?” the City Mayor replied.
”If it’s just an apology to one department, how about a written note and some sweets to settle it?” I said. “I know I’m butting in, but we shouldn’t sour relations between our countries. What do you think?”
”Hm, not a bad idea for us,” the Acting Head said, “but doesn’t that put your side at a disadvantage?”
”It does, desuwa [T/N: Polite feminine particle],” the City Mayor said. “But if you sweeten the deal a bit…”
”Like what?” the Acting Head asked.
”Sharing a piece of your technology, or accepting exchange students,” she said.
The moment I spoke up, things took a wild turn.
Sharing tech and culture builds understanding, sure, but sending exchange students feels like trading hostages to secure alliances or resources. Is the City Mayor planning an escape route or extra firepower for that knight school coup?
”That was supposed to be a personal deal with Tatara-dono, wasn’t it?” the Acting Head said.
”Exactly,” the City Mayor said. “I’d like to scale it up city-wide. As Chief Crafter, he can’t easily leave, and you wouldn’t want your prized tech experts abroad either, right?”
The pressure was intense. My stomach churned.
Hinagiku and Ichige sat quietly in the corner, practically in seiza. The Foreign Affairs Chief looked ready to jump in but had no chance in this heavyweight clash. It’s like two bosses duking it out for their side’s gain—terrifying.
”Uh… hold on a sec,” I said.
The City Mayor and Acting Head’s eyes snapped to me, and the weight nearly crushed me. No clue if it’ll help, but I had to try.
I pulled an item from my Inventory, holding it up to the screen. The Acting Head and Kasumi stared, and Kasumi’s eyes widened—she must’ve used Appraisal on instinct. Time to use that habit.
”If you agree to the exchange program and tech sharing,” I said, “I’ll license this item’s patent and slash the usage fees as much as possible.”
”What’s it worth?” the Acting Head asked.
”Ask your wife,” I said. “She’ll know.”
”What?” he said, turning to Kasumi.
Her face was pale, eyes wide—shocked. Even the Acting Head froze, like he’d never seen her so rattled.
”Tatara-san,” Kasumi said, “did you make that yourself?”
”Yup, just an idea and some research,” I said. “You get how useful it is, right?”
”If you can make that, this tech exchange is worth a fortune,” she said.
”Is it that big a deal?” the Acting Head asked.
”Yes,” Kasumi said, straightening up and taking a deep breath. “May I explain, Tatara-san?”
I nodded. She composed herself and pointed to the item.
”It’s called the Alchemist’s Egg [T/N: Philosopher’s Stone analog],” she said. “Its essence is the alchemist’s dream—a Philosopher’s Stone. Right?”
”Spot on,” I said.
”I’ve never heard of it,” the Acting Head said. “Is it that special?”
”It’s legendary, almost a myth,” I said. “Said to create life or bring back the dead.”
Honestly, I don’t think it can do that. But it’s an artificial Soul Core, so fake immortality or resurrection isn’t impossible in theory.
I’m not chasing that path—it’d probably get me banished from the world. Just a gut feeling.
”You’re turning myths into reality,” Kasumi said. “That could get you chased out of the world, desuwa.”
”Yohira said the same thing,” I said. “Like mother, like daughter, huh?”
”Oh my, how flattering,” Kasumi said, beaming.
Family resemblance is a compliment, I guess.
”That’s cheating,” Ichige muttered. “That dazzling smile and loving tone…”
”What? No shame at all,” Hinagiku whispered.
The escorts were mumbling, but reacting felt risky. Still, I wanted to dunk on Ichige’s meme quote—against the rules, buddy.
”I get it’s a big deal,” the Acting Head said. “What does it bring our nation?”
Here’s the pitch—maybe not used in the homeland, but it’s the best I’ve got.
”By my calculations,” I said, “one of these holds enough energy to power 1,200 Whirlwind households’ magic tools. That’s based on the Mana Stone [T/N: Magical energy source] needed, but it could handle at least 1,000 homes.”
”That much?” the Acting Head said.
Mass production’s tough because of the Mana Stone cost—small ones need tons to match.
”Plus,” I said, “it follows the Law of Universal Mana Gravitation [T/N: Mana attraction principle].”
”What’s that?” he asked.
”Think of it as dense mana pulling in more mana,” I said. “This thing can collect and release mana for a long time.”
”So, it could…” he started.
”Power 1,000 homes,” I said. “You’d need infrastructure to transfer the mana, but long-term, it’s a game-changer.”
”For development…” he said. “And you’d license it cheap for tech exchange and students?”
That’s my ace for a whole region.
I’m no negotiator—if this gets shot down, I’m stuck with weaker offers. If it fails, I’ll have to toss it to the City Mayor.
”…Honestly, it’s tempting,” the Acting Head said.
He was deep in thought.
Kasumi sold the tech’s value, but he’s got the final say. Did my card work?
”But it’s still not enough,” he said.
A near-permanent Mana Reactor isn’t enough? Sorry, City Mayor—I tried.
”Then let us propose a condition,” he said.
”Let’s hear it,” I said.
The City Mayor gave me a look like she appreciated the effort. Squeezing my brain only made her worry.
”We want to strengthen the Julon family’s defenses, where our daughter Yohira stays,” he said. “We’ll send materials and personnel.”
That’s… way too good for us.
”You’ll send people and supplies to bolster our defenses?” I asked. “That’s the condition?”
”Yes,” he said. “I know it’s pushy, but we’re worried about her living abroad. Please allow us to reinforce her home.”
”Chief Crafter, does that work for you?” the City Mayor asked.
”I’m totally fine with it,” I said. “But is it okay for us to get such a sweet deal?”
”It’s not entirely in your favor,” Kasumi said. “It implies we doubt your defenses.”
Her words caught me off guard.
”Isn’t it normal for parents to worry about their kid?” I asked.
”…Yes, it’s normal, desuwa,” Kasumi said, her gaze softening.
Even the Acting Head, usually so serious, cracked a wry smile.
”For personnel, we’ll station those two as guards,” the Acting Head said, pointing to Hinagiku and Ichige. “We’ll cover their living costs.”
”I’ll handle the final budget with our finance team,” the City Mayor said. “Chief Crafter, good with that?”
”Negotiations aren’t my thing,” I said. “Please take it from here.”
I bowed my head in agreement.
For some reason, the City Mayor patted my head. Why?
”So, Tatara-dono,” the Acting Head of Family said, “any supplies you need?”
”Honestly, I just beefed up the house’s defenses today,” I said.
”Hm, specifics?” he asked.
”Mithril [T/N: Fantasy metal] pillars for a barrier, Orc Material [T/N: Monster-derived crafting resource] fences coated with Special Ability paint for magic resistance, and a thick Mithril gate at the entrance,” I said. “It’s not getting breached easily.”
”That’s… intense,” the Acting Head said.
The City Mayor, who’d seen the setup, didn’t even bother with a comeback. Her face screamed resignation.
”Oh, wait,” I said.
”Something else?” the Acting Head asked.
”With more people, the house might get cramped,” I said. “Could you send some cypress wood? I’d need a good amount.”
”Cypress?” he asked, puzzled.
Yeah, I get it—sounds like a defense thing. But it’s not.
”I’m the only guy in a house full of women,” I said. “Bath time’s a hassle, so I’m thinking of building a cypress bath.”
”You’re really making yourself at home, huh?” the Acting Head said.
”Oh, and since Yohira misses her homeland’s flavors,” I added, “you said you’d send miso [T/N: Fermented soybean paste], soy sauce, and mirin, right?”
”Bold move!” he exclaimed. “Fine, I’ll send them!”
No parent can resist when it’s for their kid’s well-being—especially a doting one like him.
”And one more thing,” I said.
”There’s more?” he groaned.
”When Yohira comes home, make sure to say ‘welcome back,’ okay?” I said.
”Man, you’re something else,” he said, covering his face with both hands.
Kasumi giggled behind her hand, watching him.
Why do I feel like my position’s in danger? Hinagiku and Ichige, who’d been quiet in the corner, crept closer. They’d heard everything, I bet.
”We’re casually stuck here-degozaru,” Ichige whispered.
”By divine command, we’re in your care, Tatara-dono,” Hinagiku said.
Yup, I’ve been saddled with them.
But knowing how strong they are, this could be tricky. Time to play dumb.
”So, who are these two, anyway?” I asked.
”Right, I didn’t explain,” the Acting Head said. “Hinagiku’s one of our land’s top fighters, serving as a guard for our emperor—your equivalent of an emperor.”
”You sent who?” I said.
I knew she was strong, but five times stronger than I thought? That’s not just doting—that’s insane.
Wait, Calmys said Ichige was even scarier. What’s her deal?
”And this ninja?” I asked.
”Hm, she’s a spy for our land,” the Acting Head said. “Talented enough to be a future leader, but she’s got… issues. Like an outcast, really.”
”Truly regrettable-degozaru,” Ichige said.
”I’m the one regretting being stuck with you,” I shot back.
Notes:
• Hinagiku – Karasu Tengu warrior appearing during Julon’s test battle. Fights him under Acting Head’s orders to gauge his skill. Later assists in arresting Ichige. Serves Torakuma clan. Allies with Julon. Fastest Tengu, proud but fair.
• Ichige – Fox youkai ninja who sneaks into the city illegally. Captured after Hinagiku and Julon subdue her during an immigration clash caused by her infiltration. Serves Torakuma clan but disobeys orders. Calls Julon “Master.” Clumsy and childish.
• Yohira – Torakuma’s first name.
• Calmys – War God’s knight, Mayor’s guard chief, whip-master hiding as a swordswoman; sharp tongue, big-sister vibe to Tatara, grants him and Ethelena church protection.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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