Black Iron Magician

Chapter 73 Chinatsu’s Troubles Consultation Office

We, who didn’t hear anything at the guild, gave up on taking the request and decided to go to the armor store. The reason is to find equipment for Gobuo. His equipment was destroyed in the battle with Haru on the expedition. We can’t just let him have nothing, so Haru and I talked about getting him some equipment for self-defense.

If can, I would like to order Gobuo to stay at home, but since he’s a zombie, being away from the master is not good. Besides, the maintenance of the body is my role for now and this also requires frequent inspection. Until Haru learns the higher level of dark magic, Haru and Gobuo, and I’m as an extra, are in a state of being one in body and soul. Well, she’s taking care of me, so it’s nothing if I think of it as having a little servant. Maintenance is like a salary.

「Is it fine that the equipment for Gobuo-kun is like this?」

「Well, the products from Bristly Beard are top in quality. It won’t break easily even though it was prepared hastily.」

It is difficult to choose the right size equipment for a Gobuo’s body. Setting aside the sword, there’s no armor for a goblin. As a substitute, we bought a dwarf-sized helmet and gauntlets for children. Although the gauntlets are for children, the price is of the highest. Both are the pride of Bristly Beard. As for the weapon, we chose a double-edged sword similar to what he used before. Compared to the previous Goblin Sword (temporary), the quality is lower, but the price is the same as the armor.

「Hey, is that goblin so strong that you worry about the durability of my products?」

「Yes! My Gobuo-kun is the strongest goblin!」

「Haa, da strongest, huh? Hey, are ya dat strong?」

「Gobu?」

Anita stares at Gobuo as if measuring him. Even though he’s a goblin, he was a level 6 hero. Before becoming a zombie and had his status dropped, he might have been stronger than the classmate Hero-kun. As a goblin, his strength is extraordinary, of course.

「Ah, that’s right. The thing you asked for the young lady will be completed in 3 or 4 days.」

「Ohh! The rumored main weapon is finally going to make its debut!」

「As expected of Gan-san, that’s a lot faster than I expected. I guess we will get it after we back from Adelheit Magic Academy.」

「What, you are leaving the town again? You just came back yesterday.」

「You are right, but we have things to do. I paid the money in full in advance, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Still, we might be a little late, so can you keep it until we come to take it?」

「No problem. But, be sure to come and take it, okay? There’s no one else who can use that thing after all. Gahaha!」

「Hahaha, that’s not true. Well, I’ll try not to be late.」

Assuming that we leave the town tomorrow… I have no idea what will happen, but for some reason, I have I feeling that there will be trouble with a golem-like monster. I guess I should estimate that it will take a bit more time.

Ah, right. Nell told me to contact her. I guess I will do it today. I should have bought a cake as a souvenir at that store before. She said she would return to the mansion in the morning, so…

「Okay. Haru, we are going to Nell’s mansion.」

「I knew it would come to this, so I bought a souvenir before with my pocket money!」

「You damn capable girl!」

「Gobu!」

「Hey, boss! Haru-chan is the best!」

「………」

Whoops, Gan-san looks a bit annoyed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the headquarters of the Magic Knight Order, Chinatsu is sitting in a room in the barracks. Across her desk, a knight is sitting in front of her. It’s like having a one-on-one interview. The knight man is looking at Chinatsu and shouting his thoughts. On the door of the room, there is a sign that says, 『Chinatsu’s Troubles Consultation Office』.

「You see, about the new training method that was introduced from today… it’s too hard! I feel like I’m going to throw up! Shoot an arrow at the opponent while dashing, immediately switch to a sword, and brush away the approaching arrow. It’s impossible! That’s not something a human can do! Now the arrowhead is crushed, but those eyes of Nell-danchō… she’s definitely going to use the real one someday!」

「N-Now, now, that training is certainly tough. Nell-shishō, it seems that she was somehow annoyed after returning… However, I don’t think her idea of doing that training is to bully everyone. She is often seen as impulsive and short-tempered, but she never lets anyone do anything impossible. That intense training can be said as a sign of her expectations. So please, I hope that you don’t give up and go along with her. I beg you.」

Chinatsu stands up from her chair and bows her head deeply toward the knight. The knight, who didn’t expect to be asked so much, also stands up in a panic.

「N-No, there’s no need for you to bow your head! It’s true that I said such things, but I also respect Nell-danchō! It must not be easy to fulfill difficult tasks with the expectations of the entire country on her shoulders. Danchō is a lot younger than me, but she’s being burdened with us knight order… I might be lacking in talent, but as her subordinate, I must stop whining! Thank you, Chinatsu-dono. By frankly speaking my anxiety, I was able to realize my true feelings. Thank you!」

「Now, I was just listening. But, if I can get rid of everyone’s worries even a little, I couldn’t be happier. If you have any problems, please feel free to come again. This room is soundproof, so you can scream as much as you like. After all, it’s important to organize your feelings.」

Chinatsu takes the knight’s hands with both hands and wraps them with her warm hands. At that moment, the knight, unbecoming to his age, blushed.

(C-Chinatsu-dono, what a capable girl. Even though she’s still the same age as my daughter…! Alright, let’s come again!)

Thus, the knight decided to come again. It seems that Chinatsu’s troubles consultation office is more prosperous than originally expected.

「…… Ah, right, please keep it a secret. This consultation office was made by Nell-shishō’s request. She actually cares about everyone, you know?」

(N-Nell-danchoooo!)

Chinatsu’s support to her master was perfect. When there’s an opening, she will boost everyone’s morale. The effect is extraordinary, even if it’s only for one day.

「Then, the next person may come. Ah, Muno-san.」

「Chinatsu-dono, I was in your care the other day.」

The next counselee is Muno. He’s a comrade who survived the expedition together.

「What is your worries today?」

「Well, you see… I’m ashamed to say it, but I, Muno Surmeni, have been wondering how can I contribute even more to Nell-danchō. I talked about it to my sworn brother, Canon, but he told me incomprehensible things that I have to listen properly to what people say and I have to read the mood. Even though I care about the knights, the country, the citizens, and Nell-danchō this much… To be honest, I don’t know what should I do. Chinatsu-dono, do you understand what I mean?」

「Well, you see――」

―――― BAAAAAM!

A sound of an explosion suddenly reverberated. It was coming from outside the barracks.

「W-What!? What happened!?」

「Ah, I think it was Nell-danchō. The guests of Mage Prime Minister Joseph came and were looking at Nell-danchō with impure gazes. Even though it’s in the castle, this is the sanctuary of the knights. I think that she’s out of patience.」

「M-Muno-san, why are you so calm!?」

「?」

Chinatsu is surprised by the unexpectedly brazen Muno and is worried about the safety of her classmates. Even though she’s able to get rid of other people’s worries, her worries seem to be unending for now.