Episode 510
Duke Hollin and Kyla immediately recognized Pim as one of the beastfolk, but acknowledging that fact and keeping their composure were two very different matters.
A mole, dressed like a human and speaking like one? Duke Hollin turned his head away with a hint of disgust, while Kyla studied Pim with a curious gaze. The peculiar sound of Pim’s footsteps—soft but distinct—seemed unusually loud in the quiet room.
“The office is quite grand, too.”
“Please, have a seat here.”
“I’d like to, but is that really alright? The elder seems… uneasy.”
He does look uncomfortable.
When Pim wrinkled his nose and spoke, Ian glanced at Duke Hollin. Usually, he would be skilled at masking his expressions, but his face was a storm of negative emotions—either deeply embarrassed or harboring a strong prejudice against beastfolk. Probably both.
“Duke?”
“Ah, yes. He’s a blacksmith.”
“This is the person who will be in charge of our work from now on. His skills are exceptional, and I can confidently say everything he produces is of the highest quality. If you hand over the rights, we will proceed with weapon development centered around Pim.”
“Is that… really going to work?”
No matter how skilled he might be, a mole is still a mole. Will the apprentices even listen to him?
As the duke clicked his tongue in doubt, Kyla quickly added, “He’s worried if Pim can handle it alone.”
“Pim has many family members. They are all master craftsmen, difficult to rank in skill. There will be no problem.”
“That’s a relief. Nice to meet you, Pim. I’m Kyla Hollin. The Minister of Magic spoke so highly of you, I’m curious just how good you really are.”
“…Yes, I’m Pim.”
Pim just nodded and continued pacing the office, clearly showing he didn’t want to sit with them. Kyla forced a polite smile and looked back at her father.
“Father, since we have a guest, shall we take our leave? The sale is not something we can decide immediately. It would be best for all family members to gather and discuss.”
“Y-yes, that’s right. Sir Ian, I will review the proposal and give you an answer as soon as possible.”
“Understood, Duke. We look forward to a positive response.”
“Then, ahem.”
Without even glancing at Pim, the duke stood and left. Kyla only nodded slightly and followed her father. Pim didn’t sit down until the door was fully closed, then slumped onto the sofa.
“Sorry about that, Pim.”
“No need to apologize. They seem educated. That was a pretty mild reaction.”
“Would you like some tea?”
“Something cold, please.”
Such is the sorrow of the beastfolk.
Ian suddenly thought of Prince Noah. As a member of the royal family of Clifford, Noah had to desperately hide his true form, so he could only transform intermittently.
But the Dera tribe had secluded themselves in the Raja Mountains for so long that they avoided all contact with outsiders. As a result, they retained their wild animal forms year-round.
Realizing how survival strategies varied depending on their environment, Ian poured tea for Pim.
“The dripper will arrive soon. Please wait a moment.”
“Alright. But are you sure this is okay?”
“About what?”
“You saw the old man’s reaction earlier. Is it really alright to officially entrust the Dera tribe with this work? It might put the palace in a difficult position.”
Pim took a long sip of the cold tea and asked. It was an unfortunate truth—the duke’s concerns weren’t entirely unfounded.
Even if all the Dera tribe gathered, they couldn’t produce enough weapons in a short time to support the empire’s war effort. They would inevitably need outside help, and working alongside humans and troops would surely cause various problems.
“Victory is the palace’s goal and the means to protect our soldiers’ lives. So, I don’t care who makes the weapons. I only want better quality than before. For now, the weapons made by the Dera tribe meet that standard, Pim. But if another option arises someday, I won’t hesitate to choose it.”
“Well, you’re sharp as a blade even before we start.”
“I’m responsible for giving the Dera tribe this work, so I’ll make sure the process goes smoothly. You just need to create masterpieces.”
Masterpieces, huh. Pim liked that expression. A little boy who kept calling their inventions ‘works of art.’ Pim puckered his lips, barely holding back a smile.
“The palace won’t let us go! What alternative? No one’s hammered better than us, not before and not now.”
“Pim, remember this: before you’re a Dera beastfolk, you are a citizen of Bariel. Be proud.”
Pim said nothing, but the tip of his nose twitched in pleasure.
Just then, a knock came from outside.
Knock, knock.
“Come in. Did the duke leave safely?”
“Yeah, he hopped into his carriage and was gone in a flash.”
What happened? Romandro looked at Ian and Pim with a puzzled expression, but neither answered. Shrugging, Romandro brought in a box.
“This is what you asked me to bring.”
“It’s the dripper. Pim, take a look.”
“And someone from the Department of Technological Advancement came by.”
“The Department of Technological Advancement?”
Pim got off the sofa and rummaged through the box. Narrowing his button-like eyes, he carefully examined the machine from every angle.
Ian watched him and asked Romandro, “What’s going on?”
“They must have heard about the Dera tribe entering the palace. The Ministry of Magic is curious about what they’re making. They came to see if there’s any way their department can help.”
Ian thought for a moment and nodded. The Hollin family would surely resist handing over the business rights and might even oppose the Ministry of Magic’s weapon production.
In that case, they needed to prepare adequate countermeasures. It was necessary to gather opinions from related palace departments. The Imperial Defense and the Palace Guard would likely side with the Ministry of Magic…
‘It would be good to bring in the Department of Technological Advancement as well.’
“Yes. Please bring them in. Mutual assistance benefits everyone.”
“Understood. One moment.”
Romandro opened the door to welcome the visitor. A very familiar face appeared.
“Ah, h-hello. I’m Rashida from the Department of Technological Advancement.”
The official who had grilled Ian sharply at the conference. Rashida smiled awkwardly and greeted them. Ian gestured for her to sit. Regardless of the guests, Pim had already settled on the floor, dismantling the dripper piece by piece.
“This is Pim of the Dera tribe. I suppose you came to see him?”
“Ah, no, not exactly. We just wanted to see if there’s anything our department can assist with. Hello, Pim. I’m Rashida. What are you holding there?”
“A dripper. Hmm.”
“Is something wrong with it?”
“No, it’s perfect. Perfect, but still hard to improve. See this tiny protrusion here? If I don’t carve it out, the left part won’t turn. The error is about one twenty-thousandth, but if I carve it out, I can’t proceed to the next step. I want to add a long support beam right here.”
Pim muttered his explanation, but Ian and Romandro struggled to follow. They just leaned in, listening attentively.
Then Rashida quietly slipped between them. Romandro nearly stumbled back in surprise, but Rashida didn’t care and pointed at a spot on the dripper with trembling fingers.
“Wh-what if you rotate the groove this way?”
“Huh? What? That would change the whole structure.”
“No, if you move the joint here, it creates space above. Then this part can do this, and that part can do that…”
“Hmm? Try again!”
At Pim’s request, Rashida wriggled forward and fiddled with the dripper, explaining further. Ian and Romandro still couldn’t grasp the details, but—
“Romandro, please prepare for the rest of the Dera tribe to migrate to Raja Mountain.”
“Ah, yes, yes. What about them?”
He looked completely absorbed and a bit overwhelmed.
Ian just waved him off and sat back at his desk. Romandro tiptoed past them, glanced at the strange gathering, and closed the door.
“He’s lost it. That Minister of Magic—he said he went to the Abyss or something, and now he’s gone mad.”
Duke Baolrek Hollin shook his head in disbelief.
Supplying weapons during wartime is the greatest of all undertakings. Yet here they were, being forced to give up the Hollin family’s well-running business rights and appointing a mole as the head of weapon development. It was enough to choke him with frustration.
“Isn’t that right, Kyla?!”
“…Where in the world is there a talking mole? What does appearance matter? By that logic, my second brother is a poison toad.”
“Kyla!”
Kyla rested her chin on her hand, frowning. The Ministry of Magic’s stance suggested the Crown Prince’s intentions were behind it.
If the Hollin family’s power wasn’t curtailed, it would create a hostile impression toward the Crown Prince. Unless their fame and influence were surpassed, the throne of the Empress was surely out of reach.
So, what was to be done?
“Miss, your schedule ended earlier than expected. It looks like you’ll be able to attend the tea party you mentioned. What would you like to do?”
At that moment, a servant sitting beside the coachman spoke up. Although she had initially sent word that she wouldn’t attend because she was entering the palace, she realized now wasn’t the time to skip it. Strengthening ties among the nobility would be crucial in resisting the Ministry of Magic’s proposal.
“I’ll attend. Just drop me off on the way. Father, please send a separate carriage for the evening.”
“Yes, Miss. We’ll arrive shortly.”
“And let’s all gather tonight to discuss. I’ll bring good news.”
Squeee!
Kaila planted a kiss on her father’s cheek before stepping down from the carriage. The tea party was being held in the courtyard of Countess Charlotte’s mansion. Quite a few carriages were already parked—just the right amount.
Kaila rang the bell, and soon the butler came out to greet her personally.
“Squeak.”
“Oh, if it isn’t Miss Kaila Hollin.”
“Your schedule ended earlier than I expected.”
“Please, come this way. Fortunately, the second round of tea has just been served.”
For a moment, Kaila’s eyes were drawn to the beautifully decorated garden, but then she spotted a flash of red hair among the guests.
‘Chloe Davion.’
With a bored expression, Chloe nibbled at the edge of her cake. When she noticed Kaila, she raised an eyebrow.
“Miss Hollin.”
“…Miss Davion. What a surprise to see you here.”
“Indeed. I thought you wouldn’t come to these events anymore, always so busy with official duties.”
“Miss Davion never misses a party, so no matter how hard I try to keep up, I just can’t. What can you do? We all have our own circumstances.”
The other young ladies covered their mouths with fans, their eyes darting around. Here were the two leading candidates for the next empress, meeting in the same place.
“Please, have a seat here, Miss Kaila.”
“I heard you had business at the palace. Finished early, I see.”
“Yes, I was invited by the Ministry of Magic for a brief visit. It was nothing serious.”
At the mention of the Ministry, Chloe’s gaze dropped slightly. The Davion family had tried to get answers but to no avail. And now Kaila had seen the Hollin family before them? How was she supposed to interpret that?
“The Ministry? Doesn’t sound like nothing to me.”
“That’s right. Please, tell us what happened.”
The young ladies giggled and pressed Kaila for details. Being summoned to the palace outside of official events usually meant bad news. They masked their lowbrow curiosity behind bright smiles.
“My father had a private meeting. I don’t know much.”
If only Chloe weren’t here, Kaila would have shared the information and taken action. The young lady to her left supplied iron to the Hollin family, and the one on the right rented land from their territory. But with those sharp yellow eyes glaring, how could she possibly reveal her neck? Kaila lifted her teacup, signaling nothing was wrong.
“Is that so? Then the palace wasn’t calling for you, Miss Kaila.”
Chloe fanned her red hair lightly and added,
“You’re quite fortunate, Duke Hollin. Wherever you go, the great Miss Kaila follows. Such a kind heart you have.”
In other words, stop running around and behave yourself.
The other young ladies seemed to share the same interpretation. Their laughter faded as they began watching the two with keen interest.
‘Look at that.’
A crack appeared in Kaila’s violet eyes.
Episode 510-1. Free Side Story. Side Effects of the Magic Potion
The first day of the fourth month.
The Ministry of Magic was finally enjoying a proper weekend after a long time.
A gentle spring breeze softly brushed through the main building. The lobby was empty and quiet, the duty wizard napping on the sofa, a cat wandering through the garden, and even Beric’s nose twitching as he snored.
“Ssshh, what’s this?”
Beric woke up, wiping drool from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. Ian was nowhere to be seen. He seemed to have been working earlier, so where had he gone? Beric checked the small room inside but found it empty.
He stretched vigorously and glanced at the cluttered desk. A pile of paperwork and a single potion sat there. The blue glow suggested it was a mana recovery potion.
Sliding a note out from under the bottle, he read:
Ah, that’s from Akorella. Even if she’s a bit crazy, she’s quick when it comes to making things like this. But why the warning not to share? Is she playing favorites?
Pop!
When Beric opened the cap, a sweet scent wafted up. It looked surprisingly tasty. He was thirsty after waking up anyway.
‘Ian took this last time and slept for a whole week, didn’t he?’
Perfect. They’re starting special training for the war next week, but it’d be better to just sleep through it. He might get a bit hungry, but the cafeteria would be empty anyway. He could just eat everything there later.
Just as Beric nodded and was about to drink the potion—
“Beric, have you seen Ian?”
“Huh? Romandro, sir. Didn’t he go home?”
“Go home? No, Ian’s still here.”
“Unbelievable. What’s he planning to do with all that money? Save it for hospital bills?”
“Of course not. He’s going to buy delicious things for Big Vivi and Little Vivi.”
“Big Vivi? Ugh.”
Beric made a gagging face, and Romandro waved a brown envelope, then flopped onto the sofa, looking resigned. Wizards could leave once their tasks were done, but Romandro was Ian’s assistant. He couldn’t rest until Ian left.
“So, have you seen Ian or not?”
“I just woke up. He’s not here.”
“Strange. He should be waiting for approval on some documents.”
“Who knows? Maybe he went out for some fresh air.”
“Hmm. Well, a little break wouldn’t hurt. I’ll lie down too. Oof! Ugh!”
Romandro fell backward onto the sofa, and Beric glanced between the potion in his hand and him. Then a sly smile spread across his face.
“Heh heh heh.”
“What’s that sound?”
“It’s the cheer of someone who just got a week of paid leave.”
“Huh? You?”
Has he finally lost it? The guy who breaks water jars almost daily got paid leave? Romandro looked at Beric in disbelief, then his eyes landed on the potion.
“Akorella’s potion? You’re going to drink that?”
“War training doesn’t suit me. I’d rather fight barehanded than line up and march around like some fool. I’ll just sleep for a week and see you then.”
“Wait, Beric!”
Romandro jumped up in surprise, and Beric instinctively stepped back. They locked eyes in silence for a moment. What’s going on? Why is he acting like that? Romandro broke the silence with a serious tone.
“…Let me have just one sip.”
“Ah, no way. I don’t share my drinks.”
“Just one sip. And then just one day off. Please?”
“You don’t even have any mana.”
“Hey! I saw in the report that Akorella used regular people for experiments before. No problem.”
“…Hmm.”
Beric narrowed his eyes, and Romandro bared his teeth in a playful growl.
“You’re so stingy. I’m never sharing with you again.”
“Huh? Why bring that up now?”
“No, from now on, don’t drink a drop at home either! I’m telling the chef every time you go down to the cafeteria. Just wait! You know? That guy’s sharpening his knives. He’s ready to take you on.”
Literally sharpening kitchen knives. Determined to protect the palace’s food supplies like a warrior.
Beric scratched his head a few times and nodded in agreement.
“Okay, just a little. Just a tiny bit.”
“I really love you, Romandro. It’s hard to leave any behind when I’m drinking.”
“Cut the cheesy talk. Hurry up.”
“Coming.”
Beric gulped down most of the potion, leaving just a sip. Romandro didn’t hesitate and swallowed his share in one go.
The sweet taste spread instantly across their tongues. Both wiped their mouths and tilted their heads. It just tasted like sugar water.
“When will it start working?”
“Shouldn’t take long. Ian drank it before the meeting, and things got crazy afterward.”
Romandro rubbed his belly, puzzled. It felt warm, but it wasn’t hunger or sleepiness.
“Haah. Maybe I’ll just take another nap.”
Then—
As Beric stretched out his arm—
Pop.
“Be-Beric?”
“Huh?”
A fluffy tail sprouted from his backside. Covered in soft red fur, it was unmistakably animal.
Beric and Romandro froze in shock, blinking in disbelief.
“I-It’s a t-tail.”
“Ahhh!”
Berrick jumped in surprise, patting his own backside, then spun around wildly on the spot. But no matter how frantic he was, those two ears kept shooting straight up, completely unbothered.
Romandro muttered to himself, as if he’d just figured something out.
“…They’re dogs.”
“What the hell is this! Aaah!”
“…Dogs.”
Then what does that make me?
Romandro dashed over to a mirror to check his own reflection. There, attached to his back, was something round and about the size of a fist. And on top of that, long, flat ears. A moment later, staring at his now noticeably longer front teeth, Romandro paled.
“…A rabbit.”
“Damn it! Akorella!”
“Akorella!”
“You’re dead meat, you crazy idiot. Why the hell would you make something like this?”
“Akore! I’m sorry! I’ll work harder! I won’t slack off anymore!”
Bang!
Pitter-patter!
Without waiting for who would move first, the two of them bolted out of the chamber. Watching from the garden across the way was someone else.
Nyaao—
A cat with golden fur and emerald eyes.
The cat purred softly in the sunlight, then settled down comfortably, as if deciding to take it easy for the day.