Elf Tensei Kara no Cheat Kenkoku-ki

「We can't produce enough Erucy wine and maple syrup to sell every day. Even limiting the quantity we sell at once, that's the maximum. That’s why we plan to shift to stable supplies like fertilizers in the future.」

I didn't say it out loud, but we also plan to sell coke, made from refined coal. It's bound to become a popular item. By the time I return to Erucy, Yukino will have accumulated a significant amount of coke.

「I, personally, would like you to sell crossbows and the hand projectiles that repelled the Empire in Bell Erucy.」

Azul seemed to have obtained information about the hand grenades from Erin's intelligence operatives in Bell Erucy. Those weapons would undoubtedly appeal to any ruler.

The powered-up hand grenade, which had been enlarged and contained more explosives, demonstrated considerable effectiveness for defensive purposes after all.

「It wouldn't be a good idea to sell crossbows and hand grenades here. If anyone can get their hands on them, not just us, but Erin too, would be in danger. The hand grenades are especially dangerous, using them in the city would result in dozens of casualties.」

「Indeed, that's a valid point. I'm not asking you to sell them here.」

It seemed like she accepted my reasons for now, but she’ll probably try to buy them again in the future, this time as a transaction between countries.

「Before I forget, this is the promised item. We’ve just finished unloading it from the cargo, so I'll give it to you here.」

I took a crossbow out of the luggage.

「The agreement was to recognize Erucy as a nation in exchange for this, with this the deal is complete. I hope you have luck with your research.」

「I appreciate that.」

Once known and with enough samples, someone else will eventually reproduce the crossbow. However, that was quite a long way off. While crossbows appeared to have a simple structure at first glance, their firing mechanisms were intricate assemblies of precision components. It would take several years to create a perfect one. During that time, they would need to build a force that wasn't dependent on crossbows. Ultimately, weapon development was always a cat-and-mouse game.

Afterward, I followed Azul to the construction site of the workshop, leaving behind the other members who had come from Erucy.

Since this was a blast furnace powered by coal, it inevitably produced pollution such as smoke and ash. I’d set up mechanisms to minimize pollution as much as possible, but it was impossible to nullify everything. That's why I’d recommended that the workshop be built in the less-populated areas of Erin.

「Now, this is the planned location. Is the space sufficient?」

「This place is more than enough. So, where are the blacksmiths?」

「Follow me.」

Following Azul, we arrived at a hastily constructed wooden building.

「These are provisional barracks. Once construction begins, you'll stay here. It's a waste of time to have you commute from the residential area. Are you ready? I'll open the door.」

Azul opened the door, and about forty muscular men all turned their attention toward us.

「Everyone from the Blacksmiths' Union, this is Cyril-san. He'll be instructing you here for three days. He’s probably the world's best blacksmith. Learn well from him.」

The moment they heard the words "the world's best," their hostility toward me increased.

「Cyril-san, these are the ones we gathered from Erin's various workshops, they’re the second and third best of their respective workshops.」

They were young, skilled, and full of dreams, aiming to have their own shops. In other words, they were at the most competitive stage of their careers. To them, an Elf who had been living in the woods, completely out of touch with the world, being introduced as the world's best blacksmith wasn't the least bit interesting.

If I didn't do something about this, they wouldn't listen to me at all.

「Nice to meet you all. I'm Cyril, I came from Erucy… the country of elves and fire foxes. I was invited by Azul, Erin's mayor, to teach you various techniques over the next three days. However, I'm sure you all have doubts about my abilities.」

Everyone remained silent, but their eyes affirmed my words.

「So, let's introduce ourselves, in a way you can understand who I am.」

I handed over two knives I carried for self-defense, a crossbow, and the blueprints I had prepared for today to the blacksmiths in the front row. There was no need for words with these blacksmiths.

By showing them what I could create, they would understand my abilities. The blacksmiths examined the items I handed them from various angles, touching them and letting out astonished sounds.

The more skilled they were, the better they'd understand the value of these items.

Even after thirty minutes, they still hadn't let go of the items I handed them.

「I'm sorry to disturb your fascination, but this won't end anytime soon. So, what do you think? Are you ready to accept my guidance?」

I asked, and the blacksmiths exchanged glances. Among them, a particularly imposing, large man slowly spoke up.

「Without a doubt, you're the best blacksmith here. It's only three days, but let us call you ‘Master'.」

「I don't mind. Nice to meet you.」

「Thank you very much, Master!」

And thus, my three days of instruction began.

In reality, I had a hidden agenda I hadn't revealed to Azul. It was to recruit blacksmiths. There was no need to resort to anything underhanded, as long as I demonstrated overwhelming ability and showed them the potential benefits of following me, they would join on their own. Azul would try to retain them, but in a free city like this, it was impossible to stop them if they really desired to move.

Erucy was severely lacking in blacksmiths. I had considered teaching them myself, but starting from scratch with amateurs would take too much time. However, if I could bring trained blacksmiths with me, I could leave their education to them. With this ambition hidden in my heart, I began my instruction.