Shadow Author

Noznuil frowned; it was clear that whenever any topic was brought up that involved Koggorlig he would get unhappy.

Perhaps that was a bit of jealousy hidden deep within the prideful Dwarf but I couldn't blame the guy.

Koggorlig had seven bands which put him at the top of the pecking chain and someone like Noznuil — who didn't even have one band — was bound to feel even the slightest bit of jealousy.

Hidden behind my expression of concern for Noznuil's discomfort I was overjoyed.

'I can make use of that. Just imagine a dwarf forging countless treasures covered in runes for my own benefit.'

Knowing this knowledge, I grew satisfied at the unannounced pit stop from Miss Smith.

"Koggorlig's work is very… concise to what others are looking for so he does his business elsewhere."

Understanding that the dwarf didn't want to put Koggorlig above himself I understood his wording.

After all, it wouldn't make sense for someone of Koggorlig's standing to be working in a shop in the city making simple weapons.

Most likely this was Noznuil's shop, and Koggorlig was merely using it as a meetup space to chat with Miss Smith.

I figured after the two were done he would be on his way out to use his power on more important things.

Although the war machines were impressive and something I couldn't hope to achieve, all Noznuil was doing was mass-producing them. It was dwarfs like Koggorlig who made the blueprints for them.

Rectifying the situation, I changed the topic.

"I see, it's a shame I can't see Koggorlig's work but I am happy that I got to at least see the work of the better of the two."

Noznuil tilted his head in confusion.

"What do you mean by the better of the two? I know I am the greatest manufacturer in all of the city but-"

I quickly cut him off, although the dwarfs were an extremely prideful species — Noznuil especially so — they also highly respect those who deserve it.

If they didn't, their kingdom would fall due to the sin of pride but they are still logical enough to understand that there are those better than them.

They won't admit it but they also won't slander those who outrank them because it's all for the better of their people.

Those with bands earned them by making grand contributions if they were then put down, who would ever publish their works?

If they didn't do so the dwarfs would become an extremely independent group and strive for their own success rather than for the benefit of everyone.

Plus without working together and setting up networks even if one was the smartest dwarf of all time they would be nothing without materials.

Therefore, they had a set structure for how the dwarfs governed each other.

"Exactly you are the greatest! How many of these machines have you made alone this year?"

Noznuil stopped himself to think about it.

"Over three hundred."

"See if you can make three- wait three hundred? Damn, yeah then, if you can make three hundred now and there is still… what…three months till the new year, you might be able to make four hundred!"

The egotistic dwarf agreed with my calculations and grew prideful once again.

"Of course, I can make four hundred in a single year! Who do you take me for?"

Although Noznuil was exclaiming that he could easily do such a thing I saw a glimmer of pain flash in his eyes and I could have sworn a few more wrinkles appeared on his face.

'Oops, I might have accidentally caused him to work overtime.'

"You're right! Who else could make four hundred in a year?"

Getting hyped up the dwarf responded:

"No one!"

Knowing that I was now getting somewhere I put the final nail in the coffin.

"Then what does that make you?"

"The greatest!"

"Who's the greatest?"

"I am!"

Noznuil shouted his proclamation at the end, and a huge smile covered my face.

I had successfully shifted the conversation in every direction to get what I wanted all the while making Noznuil feel like he was better than he really was.

I got some information on Koggorlig, found out how productive the dwarfs were, and greatly improved the relationship between myself and the monster.

Unfortunately, I knew it was far too soon to make a move in recruiting the dwarf, but I had at least set the foundation if I ever wanted to make use of it.

Although Noznuil was average at best, it actually worked out better for me.

If he was some grand expert, I would never have any chance at getting him on my side.

First I wouldn't be able to give him anything worthwhile and second I doubted that the higher-ups of dwarfen society would allow someone like that to work for a human.

What I wanted was someone of my own, and that meant anything they made wouldn't go towards supporting all the other dwarfs but me and me alone.

That's why I needed someone that wouldn't bring any consequences early on.

Another reason why Noznuil was perfect was that he was easy to manipulate.

He was an extremely prideful dwarf and so long as I boosted his ego as I had just done, then I was sure he would give it his all to produce the best item.

Then because I was sure of this belief, it made the final point all that much more important… myself.

I knew the future. I knew of secrets the founding dwarfs kept hidden, and I even knew of things that didn't exist.

That meant all I needed was a somewhat capable dwarf to make everything for me.

My job was to give them the design and materials and they would do the rest.

I believed Noznuil to be the perfect fit for all the aforementioned reasons and because of his response towards Koggorlig.

I figured that if I gave him the chance to create something no one has ever attempted before he would gladly do it for recognition over any monetary gain.