Published: December 14th 2024, 7:46:02 am
[Interlude] These Arms Are for You
My name is Lucina Timmons.
I was once the fifth generation of a prestigious blacksmith family with over a hundred years of tradition, running a workshop in the royal capital and contributing to the prosperity of the nation like my predecessors.
But I was deceived by unscrupulous people, and the workshop was forced to close.
Unable to remain in the royal capital, I ended up in a squalid underground fighting arena, crafting weapons for gladiators locked in fruitless battles.
It was Lake Gallard who showed me a new path, rescuing me from the endless darkness.
"You are not someone who should end up in a place like this. Shine again, like you once did, by my side."
He held my rough, unladylike hands and called them “beautiful.”
At that moment, tears streamed down my face.
It felt as though all the dark emotions buried deep within me were being purged.
I couldn't recall the last time my emotions had been stirred so profoundly.
In that instant, I instinctively knew:
I would dedicate my craft to this man.
I would devote my life to him.
Thus, any who dared to hinder Lake Gallard’s rise would have to be eliminated.
The Timmons family adhered to a creed: a weapon is only complete when its creator wields it with the skill of a master.
From a young age, my father trained me not only in the art and ethics of blacksmithing but also in weapon handling and combat. Little did I know how valuable those skills would become.
Thanks to Lake Gallard’s intervention, I awoke from my despair, and the despicable underground arena was destroyed.
I later learned that the Knights Order and the Magic Corps had marked the arena but hesitated to act, as influential nobles were suspected to be involved.
Lake Gallard is a merchant.
For merchants, nobles are powerful figures who must be treated with the utmost respect.
I, too, had learned that lesson painfully. A single misstep could attract their ire and lead to ruin.
Yet, Lake Gallard did not let such risks deter him from saving me.
Truly, he is no ordinary merchant.
He embodies a noble spirit, willing to uphold his principles even at great personal risk.
Just recalling his actions stirs something deep within me.
Afterward, I became Lake Gallard’s exclusive blacksmith under a lifelong contract.
It was a vow to dedicate my existence to protecting him.
He provided me with a workshop near the Gallard family estate, even grander than my old one in the capital, equipped with state-of-the-art tools. It was a dream come true for any craftsman.
But there were challenges. To accompany Lake Gallard to the academy, I had to learn etiquette, refined speech, and even how to brew delicious tea—tasks entirely foreign to me.
The maids of the Gallard household helped me improve gradually, but wearing the mandatory maid uniform for the academy proved particularly trying. I’d rarely worn anything other than work clothes, so the frilly, dainty attire felt utterly unfitting.
That was, until Lake Gallard said, “It suits you. You look lovely, Lucina.”
With those words, my perspective changed completely.
I could live in a maid uniform forever if it pleased him.
Lake Gallard then entrusted me with a special commission: a new weapon based on his design.
When I first saw the blueprint, I was speechless.
What is this?
That was my honest reaction.
Although he described it as a weapon, its design and functionality were unlike anything I’d seen or heard of, even with my extensive background crafting for knights and magicians.
When I asked if it was inspired by some foreign innovation, he casually replied, “I came up with it.”
Unbelievable.
How could anyone conceive of such an idea?
That was my immediate question.
But I quickly understood.
It was because the mind behind it belonged to Lake Gallard.
His intellect is unparalleled, transcending ordinary comprehension.
He seems destined to rise above all others.
It was astonishing how he incorporated materials not typically used for weapons. At first, I was perplexed, but as I envisioned the effects this design could achieve, it all became clear.
If realized, this weapon would address Lake Gallard’s “only weakness.”
Once resolved, nothing could impede his ascent.
More than that, this innovation would disrupt the world’s power dynamics, heralding a revolution. Those who had long wielded influence would find their strength diminished.
It aligned perfectly with my vision of a peaceful world.
Above all, I was honored to be entrusted with creating such a pivotal weapon.
“You can do it,” he encouraged, igniting my passion as a craftsman.
I was genuinely grateful to have followed him.
It was a conviction that strengthened my resolve.
I would use my arms to fulfill Lake Gallard’s wishes.
That, I believed, was the truest expression of the ideal blacksmith.
However, there was one major obstacle to completing the weapon.
I lacked knowledge of the material it required.
How frustrating.
Despite being rescued from my despair, I couldn’t deliver when it truly mattered.
While I was overcome with self-doubt, Lake Gallard praised my efforts.
He had anticipated the need for specialized expertise and planned to recruit someone with the necessary knowledge from the royal academy.
He had entrusted me with crafting only the external structure, intending to finalize the weapon after securing the right collaborator.
To think he had already accounted for every detail—such foresight was awe-inspiring.
Lake Gallard’s compassion, insight, and boundless talent were unmatched.
I was certain he would become a hero who would lead the world to peace.
----------
The Talent to Make the Impossible Possible
The incident at the underground arena spread rapidly.
Apparently, the Knights Order and Magic Corps were preparing to crack down on it, but it seems some highly influential aristocrats with a penchant for bad hobbies had been watching through the crystal balls, making it difficult to take immediate action.
Then I barged in and headhunted Lucina as my secretary, which triggered a grand uproar.
By the time the nearby knights, who had been monitoring the area, arrived to assist, Lucina had already beaten the fighters into a half-dead state, allowing the authorities to arrest them promptly.
Naturally, we were considered victims of the incident and bore no legal consequences.
Lucina had been forced to work there, and I had come to negotiate directly with Garbel, the manager, to have her released from that situation. It was settled with that explanation.
Moreover, there was an unexpected bonus.
When the Knights investigated Garbel’s office in the underground arena, they discovered documents proving a collusion between him and a trading company to provide false testimony to the kingdom’s parliament.
Indeed, the merchants who had driven Lucina out of the royal capital were in cahoots with Garbel.
Their scheme aimed to monopolize her talents while exploiting her with low wages until her death.
… What foolish people.
They had no grasp of the basics of managing people. That’s why Lucina easily gravitated toward me. If they wanted to suppress her, they should have demonstrated overwhelming power to instill the futility of resistance.
As we delved further into the documents, the names of active knights involved in the case began to emerge.
This discovery infuriated the senior members of the Knights. They promptly disciplined those implicated, who were subsequently driven out of the royal capital.
Thus, her innocence was proven in an unexpected turn of events.
Her criminal record was erased, allowing me to confidently take her to the academy as my secretary.
I had considered fabricating her identity as a last resort, but thankfully, that was unnecessary.
◇◇◇
Once the interrogation at the Knights' headquarters was over, I returned home and immediately introduced Lucina to my father.
“Well, well... To think she’s the young genius blacksmith from the Timmons family…”
A natural reaction.
Since the incident, her whereabouts had been unclear after the closure of her workshop.
However, Father, aware of her skills as a blacksmith and knowledgeable about industry affairs, recognized her qualifications as a secretary.
What’s even more surprising is her combat ability.
As the Timmons family motto states, “A first-rate blacksmith must be a first-rate weapon wielder,” Lucina excelled in handling all sorts of weaponry at a top-tier level.
Yet, she faced a challenge.
Even if her role as my secretary positioned her as a professional partner staying at the academy, she needed to master basic manners and knowledge.
The students at the Royal Academy are predominantly nobles—sons and daughters of high society.
To build connections and secure valuable clients post-graduation, that is my main purpose for attending the academy.
I must avoid any blunder that would tarnish the Gallard family’s name with remarks like, “That family is hopeless.”
Understanding this, Lucina dedicated herself to rigorous training over the month before my enrollment, mastering everything to perfection.
Additionally, I constructed a dedicated workshop near the estate, bringing her a self-drawn blueprint for a weapon I wanted her to craft.
“I’d like your honest opinion as a specialist. Don’t hold back.”
“Y-yes.”
Receiving the blueprint, she scanned it carefully before exclaiming, wide-eyed, “Th-this… I’ve never seen or heard of such an innovative design and functionality…”
Her expression quickly clouded.
“Um… it’s difficult to say, but…”
“Is it about the materials?”
When I asked, she looked surprised.
“I have a plan for that.”
“A plan?”
“I’ll find someone knowledgeable at the academy. In fact, I’ve already identified potential candidates.”
“You’ve thought that far ahead… As expected of you, Master Lake.”
I had thoroughly researched this beforehand. I would entrust Lucina with crafting the main parts of the weapon, while another individual would handle the essential material-based core of the weapon.
Heh.
If this design achieves its intended effect, my one glaring weakness will vanish.
This weakness has placed me at the bottom of the academy’s social hierarchy. Most of the noble sons and daughters probably scoff, thinking, “A connection-based admission?”
That’s precisely why, when they witness the weapon’s power… the entire academy will be astonished. I’m already savoring the thought of their shocked, desperate faces.
Once this project comes to fruition, my dream of a life where talented individuals work for me while I profit comfortably as their employer moves one step closer to reality.
What a joyous prospect!
“There are only two days left until enrollment… However, this isn’t something I’ll need right away. Could it be done in about two weeks?”
“Leave it to me! I’ll complete it even if it costs my life!”
“Impressive. It seems choosing you was the right decision. But I forbid you from dying without my permission.”
“Master Lake… I understand. Even if a dragon tears me apart, I vow to survive!”
Heh, Lucina. She’s become completely devoted to me.
Thanks to that, she’s easy to manage.
… Well, knowing her, she might somehow survive even being torn apart.
Incidentally, if she ever discovers I tread the path of villainy, her sense of justice might flare up, leaving her in the same state as those underground fighters… But that’s fine.
I won’t be exposed.
Because I’m a genius!
—And two days later, the day of the entrance ceremony finally arrived.
----------
Entrance Ceremony
The day of the entrance ceremony had arrived.
The sky was clear, as if blessing the occasion.
It was a day fitting for the second step toward my grand ambitions.
The academy's grounds were far larger than I had imagined.
As expected of a sanctuary for elites, accessible only to the chosen few.
"What a splendid day, Lucina."
"Yes! And today as well, Master Lake is utterly magnificent from head to toe!"
Lucina, now fully adept at wearing her maid uniform, drew attention with her bold proclamation.
The other freshmen around us were in an uproar.
Lucina does have quite a loud voice, after all.
Before long, whispers began spreading from all directions.
"That's the one from the Gallard Company… Forcing his maid to say such things—what poor taste."
"He probably got in with his parents' connections."
"Or maybe they made a massive donation to the academy?"
… Not good.
My already low reputation was plummeting further.
I had heard rumors, but the status of commoners really is pitifully low in this academy.
And now this unwanted attention...
I got carried away and deeply regretted it.
Lucina, for her part, was furious at those whispering behind our backs. "Shall I deal with them? I found a nice secluded spot behind the school building earlier," she said, almost losing her cool.
I had to work hard to calm her down—what a hassle.
From now on, I'll need to exercise the utmost caution in public.
The noble sons and daughters here could become vital sources of income—no, important business partners—in the future.
Should I adopt a more reserved attitude?
—But that would make it harder to achieve the goal I set upon entering the academy.
That goal is… to become the ruler of the academy.
From the start, I anticipated being looked down upon due to my background.
In this world, where family status is of utmost importance, that’s only natural.
Thus, I needed to overturn those evaluations.
To achieve that, the relationships I form here will significantly shape my future.
By demonstrating my superiority, I aim to make them think, "If this man runs the trading company, it’s safe to entrust business to him."
I’ve already taken steps toward this goal.
Using the powerful connections of the Gallard Company, I had gathered information about my fellow freshmen before enrollment.
I've compiled a list of students from influential families I wish to approach.
First, I'll target promising candidates for excellent magic users.
There’s a reason for this strategy.
I had Lucina create a certain weapon during the month leading up to enrollment.
Frankly, I’m amazed she managed to achieve such high quality based on the rough sketch I drew.
But that’s what one can expect from someone considered the finest craftsman in a smithy renowned for five generations in the royal capital.
Once I assign her to oversee product development in one of our trading company branches, she’ll undoubtedly excel.
For now, though, the completion of this weapon will eliminate my weakness.
My only weakness—the fact that my mana capacity is below average.
I discovered this during the mana assessment ritual at the age of three.
I still remember how shocked I was when I first learned this truth.
I managed to master basic magic, but I had to give up pursuing anything beyond that and change my path.
Father, however, was surprisingly nonchalant, saying, "If you don’t have it, so be it," and continued treating me the same as before.
To him, magic is irrelevant.
A merchant’s worth lies in their ability to generate profit.
Besides, he himself can’t use magic, so he probably doesn’t care much about it.
Mother, on the other hand, seemed a little disappointed.
In any case, while I’m not completely devoid of mana, the priests explained that my capacity is insufficient to properly use magic, which relies on drawing from the forces of nature.
Although there are no official statistics on the proportion of people capable of using magic, I’d estimate it’s about 40%.
In other words, being able to use magic is a significant advantage in this world.
As a reincarnator, I had looked forward to mastering flashy magic like fire, water, or wind.
The disappointment was crushing.
However, this realization fueled my determination.
Aspiring to be a top-tier villain, I felt it was nonsensical to give up just because "I can't."
More than anything, I wanted to experience using magic.
That’s why I came up with the idea of developing magic tools that replicate the effects of magic.
Thanks to Lucina, the prototype is nearly complete, with only the mana aspects left to finalize.
I plan to find someone at the academy to handle that part.
Even during the entrance ceremony, I elegantly tuned out the principal’s speech and evaluated my fellow freshmen.
Afterward, a teacher provided a brief explanation of the schedule.
Formal classes would start tomorrow, and a week later, there would be a ball to welcome the new students.
This ball is a major event, crucial for securing dominance in the academy.
It’s an opportunity for students to pair up for a dance, often forming close bonds.
—In fact, that’s usually the main objective.
Most students here come from distinguished families.
Many are probably under orders from their families to invite specific partners.
The most sought-after dance partners will undoubtedly be from the ducal families.
Particularly in this kingdom, the three great families known as the "Big Three" wield immense power.
Most students will likely aim to dance with someone from these families.
However, the girl I’ve set my sights on isn’t part of the Big Three, so competition shouldn’t be too fierce.
Well, it’s not like you can only dance with one person; it’s fine to pair up with multiple partners.
Still, I’ve decided to focus on one target. It comes across as more sincere that way.
That said, I plan to approach at least one potential client for the trading company in the future… but there’s no need to rush.
For now, I’ll focus on building my track record.
After the entrance ceremony, I took Lucina on a tour of the school building.
The place is so vast I wanted to familiarize myself with the layout, and I might even spot the girl I’m looking for.
"What a splendid garden. There’s even a stream running through it."
"They’ve certainly put a lot of effort into this place."
Walking through the academy, its scale was impressive.
One day, I will bring all this under my control.
As a prelude to dominating the world, this is more than sufficient.
While strolling through a quiet garden with no one else around,
"You’re so full of yourself for a commoner!"
The refreshing atmosphere was ruined by a sharp voice.
"Master Lake!"
"… I know."
Honestly, I didn’t want to get involved, but if I left it alone, Lucina’s sense of justice might explode, and she’d pulverize the offender.
If that happened, my plans would be ruined.
Lucina wouldn’t change her response based on whether the other party was from a distinguished family or not.
That’s just who she is, but I wish she’d understand the nuances of these situations.
Reluctantly, I headed toward the voice.
There, a lone girl was surrounded by four male students.
It was a classic bullying scene, but the girl seemed to be a commoner, while the boys were from noble families.
"Hmm?"
For a moment, I wondered if she might be the girl I’d seen at the examination venue, but she didn’t look familiar.
It’s rare for someone to enroll without passing the entrance exam—unless…
Ah, that’s right.
This year, a new system was introduced on a trial basis.
If she entered through that, her absence from the exam venue makes sense.
In that case… I can’t just let this slide.
I’m not planning to be a hero of justice, but I’m starting to feel motivated.