Trials of the Inventor Hero

The day prior to Barin and Barrett's arrival.

Pain erupted behind Sierra's eyes as she stared at the jumbled script on the page in front of her. The instructor wrote the words with an elegant hand, so each letter was connected to the one next to it. Learning to read was much harder than she expected.

"The child walked through the woods to grandmother's house." Her instructor recited with a warm smile.

Sierra tried repeating the phrase, but her tongue twisted in her mouth as she sounded out each letter. Despite being familiar with many of the words, she couldn't form a connection between the written words and how they was spoken.

"Not quite dear." Her teacher chuckled. "You don't pronounce 'the' with a hard Tee, and you are putting too much emphasis on the Dee in grandmother. You pronounced woods perfectly though."

Sierra laid her head on her desk. "Why do I need to learn to read and write?"

"Lady Aniphrae's orders." Her teacher replied, tapping her on her shoulder. "It's important for a woman to better herself, especially if she has her eyes on a noble prospect."

Sierra shrank from the teacher's knowing smirk. "Does everyone know?"

"I'm the only one that knows." The Instructor smiled. "And I have no desire to speak your ambitions. I am merely here to help educate another fine young woman."

Sierra let out a small moan as she covered her face. Her teacher gently pulled her back until she was sitting properly. Thankfully, a knock at the door interrupted the embarrassing moment.

"How is she doing?" Aniphrae asked.

"It's only her second day ma'am. Give her a little more time." The teacher replied, "However, I do believe a break is in order."

Aniphrae smiled widely. "Excellent, then why don't we go shopping!" She said, pulling Sierra from her chair. "The carriage is already waiting for us."

"Are you sure?" Sierra mumbled, "Shouldn't I get changed first?"

Sierra glanced down at her bright yellow dress. White lace decorated the hems and sleeves with a golden ribbon wrapped around her waist. It was too fancy a dress to go shopping in.

"You look lovely." Aniphrae chuckled. "Besides, it's important for a woman to look her best, no matter what she's doing." She effortlessly glided into the carriage with Sierra in tow.

Sierra's face burned. "Where are we going?"

"The Guild House."

Sierra stared in awe at the large crowds. Large, finely crafted signs hung over each of the large shops. A smartly dressed attendant called out to the meandering crowd, trying to get them to step into the tailor shop. Well-crafted dresses and suits sat in the main windows. A smithy sat across the way with a filled weapon rack. The weapons shined in the sunlight, showing off the runes carved into the metal. Aniphrae continued leading her into the bazaar, arm-in-arm.

"This is incredible." Sierra mused.

"Is it?" Aniphrae pouted in thought. "The one in the capital is twice as large, and the quality of the goods is far superior."

Sierra stared at her in awe. The Guild House was already the largest building she had seen. It's large open ceiling let in plenty of light, giving it the feel of a large village square. Not to mention the stores. There was no possible way she, or anyone from the village, could afford anything from these shops.

They approached a large set of stairs leading up to the second floor. Clerks ran around, carrying stacks of papers. Spacious suites lined the second floor. Some filled with large bookcases with scribes hard at work while others were filled with comfortable furniture. Aniphrae led them to a suite filled with attendants and clerks going about their work diligently.

One of the clerk looked up at them, plastering a polite smile on his face. "How may I help you fine, young ladies?"

"I wish to purchase several bars of precious metals." Aniphrae replied happily. She pulled out a thin bronze plaque from the folds of her dress and slid it towards him.

"And what metals do you wish to purchase?" The clerk's tone turned condescending as he looked at the plate. "Mistress…" His face turned pale. "Quarmane."

A proud sneer appeared on Aniphrae's lips. "Adamantium, mithril, and orichalcum."

"I'll have the request processed right away." The clerk quickly rose to his feet. He snapped at passing attendant. "Show Lady Quarmane to a suite immediately!"

The attendant nervously bowed to them before leading them to a nearby suite. Aniphrae confidently sat on the sofa, patting the cushion next to her while smiling at Sierra.

Sierra sank into the soft fabric. "If you want to buy metal bars, then why don't you go to the smithies?" she asked. Her eyes fell to the attendant who was boiling a pot of tea.

Aniphrae leaned close with a devilish smile. "Precious metals are heavily regulated by both the nobility and the Guild." She replied. "Due to its value and limited supply, metals such as gold, silver, and platinum are treated closer to currency than resources. The same is also true for adamantium, mithril, and orichalcum."

"But shouldn't those be turned into gear?" Sierra's face twisted in confusion.

"Only excess materials gets turned into equipment." An elderly man entered the room with a clerk following closely behind. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Mistress Quarmane. I am Guild Master Aerick."

Aniphrae rose from her seat. "A pleasure to make yours as well Guild Master." She said, offering her hand.

"What do you mean by excess?" Sierra asked as she stood.

"Not every bar of gold and silver becomes coin." He chuckled. "Otherwise, it would devalue the coins that already exist. Instead, you turn into jewelry. That way it retains its value without making the currency worthless."

"Exactly." Aniphrae nodded wisely. "Gold coins aren't simply valuable because they're gold, but also because of the small number of coins in circulation."

"So the true value of a coin comes from both the material and the number of coins being made?" Sierra stated slowly.

[Skill leveled: Merchandizing Lv. 5.]

[Class leveled: Consular Lv. 7.]

"Your lady-in-waiting is a quick learner." Aerick said with a smile.

Something about his smile sent a shiver down her spine. It reminded her of the bandits that had kidnapped her. The predatory gaze made her want to flee, but Aniphrae clung tightly to her.

"She is." Aniphrae replied, "But she is also my friend, so please don't upset her."

"My apologies, but we should get back to business." Aerick pulled out a set of spectacles and perched them on his nose. "You desire to acquire bars of adamantium, orichalcum, and mithril correct? To what reason for?"

"They are a dowry of sorts." Aniphrae replied sweetly.

A knowing smirk appeared on Aerick's face. "I've received reports of your rumored betrothal, but what would a Melmarian fishmonger need with such… unique materials?"

Sierra glanced over at Aniphrae in confusion. Worry gnawed at her chest as her friend's mouth tightened in frustration.

"Unfortunately, I can't speak on it without my father's permission."

Aerick's smile grew as he leaned back in his seat. "I see." He said, taking the drink the attendant offered. "Unfortunately, I can't approve of your request at this time." He took a slow sip, watching them from the top of his cup. "We must use this time to prepare for the next campaign, and I have it on good authority that the royal family will commission a new set of armor for the heroes."

"There must be something you want?" Sierra said absently.

She glanced over at the Guild Master. His smile twisted in a frightening way due to his yellowish teeth. Aniphrae gently patted Sierra's hand, a comforting, amused smile on the merchant's lips.

"There is actually." Aerick chuckled. "I would like the Inventor's new armor."

Sierra jumped from her seat. "That's ridiculous!" She was gently pulled down.

"My friend is correct. The Inventor will never part with his armor." Aniphrae pouted. "But that doesn't mean I can't provide you with weapons and armor made by the Inventor."

"Go on." Aerick sat up, setting his cup down.

"We both know that the Kingdom needs this next campaign to be a success." Aniphrae sighed deeply, frowning at Sierra. "Unfortunately, the Inventor had to hand over his dungeon core to the royal family. Isn't that correct Sierra?"

"Yes." Sierra replied slowly. "I saw him hand over the chest to the Prince." Before she could say anything else, Aniphrae squeezed her hand tightly.

"Which means that the Inventor won't be able to provide as much armaments as he used to." Aniphrae continued, "So, why shouldn't we both prosper?"

"And what are you proposing?" Aerick smirked.

Aniphrae leaned closer. "I will give you the five cases of weapons and armor we currently have in exchange for the materials I desire. That is more than enough for your smiths to learn the recipe. Then, when the campaign begins, the Guild can provide weapons to the royal army while the Inventor is working to rebuild his dungeon."

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Aerick's eyes narrowed. "How does that benefit you?" he grumbled.

"Simple, your craftsmen will never produce weapons and armor that can rival the Inventors." Aniphrae snickered. "This will make the Inventor's products more valuable. In the end, the Quarmane Trading Company will receive a greater profit. I am simply giving you the means to catch up."

Aerick released a low growl. "You could easily undermine us by charging lower prices."

"Guild Master, you are thinking way to small." Aniphrae chuckled. "True, the Quarmane Trading Company will control the market on the Inventor's goods, but our reach will only be in the Kingdom of Gilbrant. Taxes and regulations will hinder us from exporting his products to other nations. A hindrance that your organization doesn't have thanks to your contract."

"Wouldn't that give the Guild control for the other countries markets?" Sierra said, her eyes narrowed in concentration.

"It would appear so." Aerick mumbled, "But I can't help but feel that this is a trap."

Aniphrae's sweet smile turned dark. "How you feel is irrelevant." She said, "If my memory is correct, then the War Council should be starting soon."

Sierra leaned towards Aniphrae. "What's the War Council?"

"It's an official meeting between delegates of the five kingdoms." Aniphrae replied loudly. "The kingdoms will negotiate the terms of their role in the coming campaign. However, I suspect the other nations will take a keen interest in the Inventor's return, and father will not hesitate to meet with the delegates."

Aerick leaned forward with his hands clasped together. "You've made your point." He snarled. "I will release to the materials to you, but in exchange, you will convince your father to hold off on meeting with the delegates until the end of the council on top of the five cases you promised earlier."

"Very well, but then I want all of the adamantium, orichalcum, and mithril you own." Aniphrae chuckled at Aerick's horrified expression. "You're asking me to put the Guild before my own family; the least you could do is make it worth my while."

Aerick's jaw tightened. "Agreed." He said, snapping his fingers.

The clerk slid a piece of paper onto the table with shaky hands, along with a quill and ink pot. Aerick fluidly inscribed the parchment with small, tight script before passing it to Aniphrae. The merchant effortless wrote onto the paper with bold, flowery letters. Sierra peaked at the parchment but couldn't make out what was written.

With a victorious smile, Aniphrae handed the contract over. "I'll have the cases brought over tomorrow morning. That should be enough time to get your payment ready." She rose to her feet, pulling Sierra up with her. "Please excuse me, I need to send a message to my father."

The Guild Master grumbled a few words but refused to look at them. Despite the large smile painting her friend's face, concern still settled in Sierra's stomach.

"Was that a good idea?" She whispered, keeping her eyes on the other workers going about their business. "Won't that keep Nathaniel from making money of his creations."

Aniphrae pulled her close. "I received a letter earlier today from Nathaniel." She replied quietly, "He stated he needed rare materials, particularly adamantium, orichalcum, and mithril, and he needs them immediately." Her smile waned slightly. "I am concerned that he may react poorly to this news, but this was the only way I could assist. It's important that I prove myself to him."

"Does this have something to do with that fishmonger?" Pain ran through Sierra's arm as her friend's grip tightened.

Aniphrae glanced away. "Yes." She exhaled. "Please don't mention it to Nathaniel."

"Alright, but will you tell me?"

"Of course, once we're done with this." She smiled softly. "It'll be our secret."

Sierra returned the smile. "How do you plan to get a letter to your father?" She asked, "Won't it take weeks for it to arrive?"

"That's what the mage's branch of the Guild's for." Aniphrae gestured grandly to the shop before them.

The inside was filled with massive shelves that reached the ceiling. Each stacked neatly with thick tomes. Unlike the rest of the building, there were no scones on the wall for lanterns. Instead, set in ornate holders were gems that glowed a soft blue. The air inside the shop made Sierra's skin tingle as if an invisible force was brushing against her.

A gangly looking man in ornate robes waved them forward. "How may I serve you?"

"I need to send a message to the capital." Aniphrae replied, puling out a gold coin from her purse.

The mage clerk slipped the coin into a box. "Follow me."

"This won't take long. Feel free to look around." Aniphrae smiled at her before disappearing behind the counter.

Sierra meandered through the building looking at the books. It amazed her at how many different sizes there were. Some books were thin, consisting of a few dozen pages, while others were nearly the size of a small child. Some had plain leather bindings while others had ornate, golden filigree. There were even books made from metal and wooden plates with locks keeping them closed. The only consistency among them was that she couldn't read the script on the spine.

"I wonder if they have anything that Nathaniel could use." She said to herself, "But what kind of magic would be useful for a crafter?"

"Then I'd recommend a book on runes."

Sierra stumbled in shock as she turned towards the clerk. "Nathaniel already uses runes in his crafting." She panted.

The clerk's eyes lit up. "What kind does he use? Enhancement, arcane, status, maybe control?"

"Is… there a difference?"

The clerk's mouth fell open. "Of course there is a difference!" she replied, dragging Sierra to a particular shelf. "This is all the books we have on runes. Each shelf is dedicated to a branch of Runesmithing." She picked up a thick tome. "Enhancement runes are the most common." She groaned as she set the book onto a pedestal and flipped the book open. "Blacksmiths tend to use these to enhance the base stats of individuals and items. Arcane runes imbue spell-like effects, or even full spells in items. Status runes apply special conditions onto an individual like fire resistance or burning. Lastly is control, but these runes have little use outside of making slave collars."

"He uses the enhancement runes a lot." Sierra said with a gentle smile, "He made me a kitchen knife that boosts my dexterity."

"Then he must fancy you, because no crafter would waste arcane metal on something mundane like a knife." The clerk chuckled. "But since your admirer is a blacksmith, then I'd recommend a book on status runes." She pulled out a book with gold and silver designs. "Take this one for example, it was written on ideas from the Archmage. In her world, they have a special magic that let's someone live a completely different life, and in this life, they can learn magic that let's you heal over time!"

Sierra flipped through the book. "Incredible." She gasped, despite not understanding any of the written words.

"Exactly! Unfortunately, this is only the thesis based on what she told us, but all the greatest mages are coming together to make it come true." The clerk sighed, taking the book back. "But we should find something more suitable for a blacksmith."

Sierra reached for the thin tome. "I think he would like that one, actually."

The clerk scoffed, pulling the book away. "Nonsense! What would a lowly blacksmith need with a book on theoretical magic?"

Sierra kept her eyes on the book. That book would be of great use to Nathaniel, but she couldn't find the right words. Hope, Ralia, and Bella told her about the harsh treatment he suffered while away, and she was certain that the clerk would express similar sentiments should she bring him up. However, she needed to get that book.

"At least tell me how much it's worth." Sierra's voice shook.

"This book is worth two hundred gold coins, maybe even more."

A low whine escaped Sierra's lips. "Thank you for telling me." She said, dropping her head.

"Is everything alright, Sierra?" Aniphrae silently appeared behind her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"I found a book that Nathaniel might like." Sierra whispered, "But it's two hundred coins."

"I see." Aniphrae smiled warmly. "We'll be taking the book, so please wrap it for us."

The clerk gasped. "But, ma'am this book-"

"Is two hundred not enough?" Aniphrae replied sternly, "Then what about three hundred?"

The clerk stammered, "Three hundred is enough. I'll get this ready for you." She ran away on shaky legs.

"You shouldn't have done that." Sierra whispered, "It's too expensive."

"I don't see the problem." Aniphrae replied, pulling her into a hug. "Consider this a wedding present for my friend and future sister."

"So, this is how you make that anesthetic concoction?" Gheldrielle asked, staring intently into the boiling flask.

"Correct. Once you create a broth from the anesthetic paste, you'll throw in a few leaves of whisper wood to induce sleep, a few petals of Sol Flora for restoration, and a few pieces of Bitter Root for enhancements." Nathaniel instructed. "Then continually stir the solution until it becomes thick. After that we'll take it off the heat to cool."

"Truly impressive." Gheldrielle gave him a slight smirk. Her eyes took in the various glass dishes and flasks that adorned the counters. "Is this how your world performs alchemy?"

"We called it chemistry back in my world." Nathaniel chuckled as he looked at the modern lab. "Would you like your own set up?"

"Once I familiarize myself with everything. Yes, I would."

"I'll start building you one, but until then, you're free use this lab anytime you want."

Gheldrielle bowed deeply. "Thank you, my lord."

"I apologize for interrupting." Seneschal called out. "I wanted to inform you that Barin has returned with several wagons."

"He's back earlier than I expected." Nathaniel said with concern. He quickly left the lab moving towards the command center. "Does everything look okay?"

"Yes, in fact, Barin appears to be in high spirits. He's pulling up to the dungeon's entrance sir."

Nathaniel rushed through the corridors. Once outside, he saw Barin, his son, and another man standing next to three wagons ladened with supplies. All three looked tired but had large smiles on their faces.

Nathaniel waved at them. "Welcome back." He said, "How did everything go?"

"Excellent, my lord. Lady Quarmane is a true gem." Barin bellowed in laughter. "She took care of everything and had it already for us by the morning. She's even prepared future shipments to arrive in the following days."

"Really?" Nathaniel chuckled. "I'll need to thank her when she returns."

"I'm certain she'll expect something more than a mere thanks, my lord." Barin said with a knowing smile. "She wanted me to deliver this to you personally."

He handed over a neatly wrapped package with a letter tied in rich lace. A soft, flowery scent emanated from the paper.

"Excellent work you three. Barin, could you see Aniphrae's driver to the inn?"

Barin's smile grew. "Of course, my lord."

Nathaniel watched as the three men disappeared down the road. He headed inside as soon as the robots started swarming the wagons. Carefully, he slipped the note from the lace and peeled away the thick wax seal. The letter was written with an elegant, cursive script.

Darling,

I'm writing to you to inform you that I have successfully gathered the materials you asked of me. In total, I have acquired nine orichalcum bars, fifteen mithril, and twelve adamantium. However, I regret to inform you that I had to procure these materials from the Guild, and the cost involved handing over several cases of the weapons and armor you made. I suspect that by the time winter ends, the Guild will have learned your recipes and will begin producing in mass for the upcoming campaign. I hope that this news isn't too alarming to you.

I should also inform you that I have taken Sierra under my wing. To think you had a Consular as a subject, and that she was wasting her talents as a barmaid is truly unimaginable. Don't worry, I'll see to it that she'll be a true boon to you. In fact, the package is a gift from her. She believes it'll be of use to you. I pray that it is, and we expect to hear from you soon.

Sincerely yours,

Aniphrae Dauve Quarmane & Sierra,

Nathaniel stared at the names. Sierra's name was scratched out in jagged, crooked letters that didn't match, yet it was endearing to see.

He felt his lips curl upwards. "I'm glad their getting along." He said, gently folding the letter.

The paper easily came free, revealing a modest sized book. Theories and Application of Healing Runes was written on the cover with golden letters. Nathaniel gently flipped through book, scanning each page.

[New skill acquired: Healing Magic Lv.1]

The words jumped out at him. The book itself contained the basics of healing magic, and the possibility of using those basics to create runes that applied healing effects. The idea behind this came from Shizuka, and that the idea was a common occurrence in the heroes' home world. Nathaniel couldn't stop himself from releasing a deep chortle as he entered the crystal chamber.

"What has you amused master?" Seneschal asked.

Nathaniel pressed the book into the core. "Take a look for yourself." He said, watching the tome dematerialize.

Images of the pages projected and disappeared rapidly before him. "Interesting. It appears the mages of this world have confused video games as a type of magic. Despite that, their theories on healing runes does appear sound. I recommend you invest time into creating these runes."

"I get started on those right away." Nathaniel replied, still chuckling. "But I'll need you to think of a good thank you present for Sierra and Aniphrae. They really came through today."

"I already have the perfect thing." Seneschal cackled. "These designs should fit your preferences."

Nathaniel found himself surrounded by images. He rubbed his face while taking in a deep breath.

"Why am I not surprised." He mumbled, "Get the sewing machine ready, and send a drone to the girls. Let them know I'll be sleeping here for the next few days."

"As you command." Seneschal's chuckle sent a shiver down Nathaniel's back.