Chapter 108 Worrying Too Much
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Since the incident with Princess Laura’s tour of the industrial district, Ayumu had been diligently focusing on his work.
”Alright, that’s the final document on oil refining completed…” Ayumu muttered to himself as he stretched and placed the thick manuscript—a document that could rival legal encyclopedias like the Tao pages or Roppō Zensho—on a drying rack. The content consisted of detailed notes and illustrations about oil storage tanks, refining facilities, and cross-sectional diagrams.
[T/N: Tao (道) refers to the classic texts of Chinese philosophy, particularly associated with Taoism. Roppō Zensho (六法全書) is a comprehensive collection of Japanese legal codes, considered a key reference for legal professionals.]
Normally, Ayumu would have wrapped up his work before heading home, but everything changed when a letter from Yugan arrived. To summarize, it went something like this:
“Mr. Sanai, I have heard that you’ve brought a human woman into Valend. Are you doing your job properly? The Empress is… quite worried…”
Ayumu gasped in distress, his mind racing. Oh no! I’m really sorry! I’m not playing around! I’m working from dawn till dusk! I don’t need an executioner here!!
It was likely referring to Sashima, who had accompanied him.
(I need to make sure they believe I’m working! My life is at stake, not just my head!)
With that in mind, Ayumu began preparing the package to send the letter back.
＊＊＊
Meanwhile, in the Valend Cave Kingdom, King Torygg sat on his throne, his hand resting on his forehead as he reviewed the documents Ayumu had sent.
”What is this… the accuracy of this cross-section… it’s as though he really cut through the whole thing and saw it himself,” the king muttered in disbelief.
This, of course, was all the fault of Ayumu, the so-called Skill Training Intern from Yugan. Just a few days ago, Torygg had warned his subordinates about letting any trainees near the kingdom’s critical facilities. Yet, against his orders, his own daughter—Princess Laura—had personally guided Ayumu to the Energy Supply Section, the heart of Valend’s infrastructure. When Torygg heard the news, he nearly fell off his throne in shock.
Nervously, he opened the package containing Ayumu’s letters, fearing what it might contain. As he read, his worry only deepened:
“The situation is even worse than we feared, Your Majesty! If things continue this way, our kingdom’s energy supply secrets could be compromised…”
The letter continued with various suggestions, including “What if we just take the young man out of the equation entirely?”
Torygg’s advisors began to argue.
”Don’t be foolish! Even though Yugan’s influence is waning, their economy is thriving! If we dispose of the Emperor’s envoy, it will mean war! Do you want to fight a well-funded army?”
Torygg’s advisors were clearly divided, but the idea of just getting rid of Ayumu didn’t sit well with him. It was clear he would have to take a different route.
One of his advisors then tentatively suggested, “Your Highness, your daughter is of marriageable age, isn’t she? Could we… perhaps consider arranging something with this young man?”
Torygg’s face flushed at the suggestion. “What are you talking about? My daughter, Laura, with that human?!”
Despite his reaction, the advisors nodded in agreement, suggesting that, perhaps, Laura’s interest in Ayumu might be the solution.
”Laura has already taken a liking to him, but… no, no, I won’t let my precious daughter be married to a human!” Torygg thought inwardly, his frustration growing.
His inner thoughts were a mix of jealousy and paternal concern. He disliked the idea of any other women in his court, especially his wife or daughters, fawning over a weak human man.
”Could it be that this young man is truly worthy of being recruited? Is he capable of replicating the dwarven technology with human craftsmanship? It seems unlikely…” Torygg mused, his doubts growing.
”I’ll let the situation play out for now,” the king finally decided. “Keep the letter as it is. We’ll wait and see.”
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A few days later, Ayumu received a response from the dwarves, which read:
“I have no idea what you’re talking about! We’ll just have to wait and try different things until you return. Good luck!”
Ayumu sighed, shaking his head. Well, I guess that’s something…
Notes:
• Sashima – Family name of Hiyori. A quiet, caring girl from the library committee, empathetic toward Sanai. She followed as a Barrier Technique Adept.
• Valend Cave Kingdom – Dwarven realm mentioned in the map.
• Torygg – King of the Valend Kingdom, known as the Cave King.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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