"Oh? Is that the kid who is always asking for discounts… it seems you have brought quite the group and…" John said and then stopped when he saw the black steel. "... What is this?"
"Something we got from a monster," Billy replied. "Those materials are relatively rare, since the monster only appears once per week. Anyway, we want some weapons out of them."
"I heard that a group went to challenge a dungeon from our neighbors, but I didn't think it was you people…" John said and then checked the materials. "I can definitely make some interesting things out of this."
"All right, we will want a pair of short swords, a pair of short spears, a bow and a box of arrowheads, a spear, and then two bracers," Billy said.
"To whom are the bracers?" John asked.
"To me, I want you to make them to adult size, and a bit longer on the fists end," Billy replied.
While everyone knew what bracers were, no one used them. They offered some protection, but they didn't increase the range of anyone. A pair of claws would probably be better, but Billy didn't want that.
"This is going to be fun… everything will be ready in two weeks," John said.
"All right, and about the money?" Billy asked.
"It is fine, there is no need, just tell everyone when they ask who forged those weapons," John replied.
Kate was completely right. They didn't have to pay, even though they had quite the leeway with money now. In any case, the group headed toward Kate's house since she had a lot of space in her backyard.
"I want to improve my stamina, so I will run around the house," Kate said.
"I am going to talk with your father for a bit," Billy said. "I will return soon."
In the end, Billy had to give his report. Even though he failed on his mission, Edward didn't lose anything since Kate was now a member of the group of misfits. As expected, Edward didn't seem that worried when Billy found him. Kate probably told him what happened, and despite that, he wasn't worried that his daughter was becoming a muscle head.
"Hello, Billy," Edward said. "I heard that you and the others did something amazing. I received a letter from Jean and he said that he was pretty impressed."
"I am sure… I can already see him asking for help to clear the dungeon," Billy said.
"That possibility exists… he is already asking when are you going to check their next dungeons," Edward said. "Maybe he is planning to use our people to make the adventurers and the soldiers feel more compelled to work hard in clearing the new dungeon."
"That will have to wait, or you can send the others without me," Billy said. "I am planning to accompany my grandmother with her mission next month."
"Ah, the task of healers… I suppose they really need a escort group, just for the sake appearances, but they also need to be able to defend them in case something happens," Edward said.
"The other guys probably will want to go to the next dungeon soon, but I don't think that they are ready," Billy said. "So, giving them a mission like this where they won't have time to train might cause problems in the future."
"... You have a point, but you think that you don't need training as well?" Edward asked.
"I will manage in one way or the other," Billy said.
"If you are that confident, then it is fine, but sending you alone will trouble me," Edward said. "I suppose asking anyone related to your group isn't good either… I suppose the best person for the job is Sarah."
Billy wasn't so sure of that. While his friends were childish, nosy, and often reckless, they didn't have a grudge against him. Sarah had, and she probably will try to kill him once she finds a way to do so while not causing problems to her tribe. Still, it would be too much to hope that he will succeed on that mission alone…
"I would like to avoid working with her, if possible," Billy said.
"Don't worry, the elementalists got a lot calmer in the last few months, I am sure no one holds a grudge against you anymore," Edward said.
Edward was pretty naive… or maybe Billy was too paranoid since he could imagine a scenario where the elementalists would try to kill him and others and then defect to another state. They didn't have the chance to make contact with them now but in the future…
"Speaking of that, I thought you would give up on working for the town and then would become an adventurer," Edward said.
"Wouldn't it be bad to abandon my post here to do that?" Billy asked.
"Usually, that would be the case, but considering that you will spend most of the money earned here, it will make the commerce livelier," Edward replied. "Besides, it isn't like we need all that many guards to protect the walls and the fields. Someone of your talent should keep striving to improve your combat skills. I am having trouble allocating everyone to do all sorts of tasks since everyone only trained to become warriors. Speaking of that, I heard that you learned how to write and read, it would be great if you could teach that to others. Naturally, you would be paid to do so."
"I am still in the process of learning, and I would say that your daughter is more suited for that," Billy said. "While I like some peace and quiet, I don't intend to work here every single day. Doing some work while travelling around is what I am planning."
Edward nodded after hearing that. While Billy was calm for his age, he still was seeking adventure, so settling down so soon wasn't in his plans.. That was probably why he didn't want to get married any time soon… Edward didn't know he was just waiting for the perfect milf to appear.
