Chapter 162
Chapter 162. The Genius on the Edge
“—I see! You want a magical saddle that doesn’t take up space and can be used immediately when you want to fly! That’s certainly a rather difficult request!”
After reiterating my request, Kusemon nodded enthusiastically.
“—But, I can do it!!”
With a proud huff and puff, she declared, despite being shorter than me and not seeming imposing at all.
“That’s a relief. If I place an order, what would be the payment?”
Dwarf artisans won’t create their works for others without receiving fair compensation; it’s a sort of magic.
“There are two conditions.”
Kusemon pointed two fingers at me, firmly.
“First, my nephew has lost his little toe, so please fix that!”
Just one toe? That’s a piece of cake.
“And the second is—please don’t complain about anything I make! While this is more about prior consent than actual compensation!”
Huh?
I was taken aback. It was my first time hearing such a thing from a dwarf. The surrounding craftsmen also wore sour expressions.
Only top-tier artisans recognized by their peers can take on jobs in the Dwarf community.
In other words, they are first-rate craftsmen to other races. If you pay fair compensation, not only will they flawlessly reflect the client’s wishes, but they’ll also produce results that exceed expectations. The Holy Sword Adamas and the scaled armor Sindikaios are both wonderful masterpieces that leave no room for complaints.
That’s why Kusemon’s “no complaints” condition was unexpected. Simply put, she was declaring that she would produce something I might have reasons to complain about.
When I glanced at Fisero with a look of confusion, the veteran blacksmith, who was also the workshop chief, showed a look of embarrassment as if a family disgrace was being brought to light.
“This one indeed has skill… However, when it comes to fashion, she possesses a unique sense and stubbornly refuses to compromise on her designs.”
…Her tastes, huh?
“I just want to create something that brings out the maximum charm of the person!”
Waving her short arms, Kusemon cried out with irritation.
“But those stubborn folks can’t keep up with my innovativeness and refuse to accept it!! Yes, it’s true that as a professional artisan, it’s not right to indulge in personal tastes while disregarding the client’s preferences!! However, I am both an artisan and an artist! I continually produce works for no one else but myself…!!”
Kusemon fervently waved her short limbs, but then suddenly returned to her senses, winking an eye and sticking out her tongue with a playful “teehee☆”.
“So, that’s why I accept jobs partly for self-satisfaction, which is why the payment will be on the cheaper side!”
I see… I thought the magical item was unusually ‘cheap’ for its complex functionality, but this was the reason.
“…By the way, what kind of thing are you planning to make…?”
It seems the design is primarily the issue, but don’t you have any examples of your work…?
“That won’t be known until I start! I mean, I don’t even know what will be finished! My hands just move on their own!!”
Is this really going to be okay with her? When I looked back at Fisero, he sighed and acknowledged, “Her skills are indeed solid.”
“When it comes to leatherwork and enchantments, you could say they’re divine. The only one in this workshop capable of fulfilling all of your Highness’s requests is her. Unless we bring in a Holy Artisan from the Dwarven Alliance…”
A Holy Artisan—only a handful of renowned masters among Dwarves hold that title. They create what would be considered the best ‘true masterpieces’ once in a lifetime and can whip them up casually.
And it seems Kusemon is on the level that she can be compared to a Holy Artisan in leatherwork. My interest was definitely piqued…
“Okay, I’ll accept those conditions.”
If I can get such a high-level magical item just for growing back a toe, it’s a steal. In the worst-case scenario, if I don’t like the design, I can just not use it; it’s unfortunate for Kusemon, though.
…So, I quickly completed the treatment for the compensation and Kusemon got to work on the creation.
“Whoohoo♡ So slim at the waist! Those legs are sooo long!”
While touching Leila’s body, Kusemon gazed at her with a lecherous sparkle.
“This will definitely ‘look good’ for sure! Oh yes, I’m getting pumped up!”
Her dark eyes glittered intensely, and she even looked like she might drool. Is she really okay…?
“…She does have solid skills.”
Hey, Fisero, don’t think you can justify everything just because of that!
“Fufufu… Now then, let’s take your measurements, young lady…! Don’t be afraid, come here…!”
“Y-yes…”
Leila glanced nervously at me as she was pulled toward a private room.
“How old do you think Kusemon is?”
“Are you actually curious about that!?”
Fisero recoiled in shock. No, that’s not it!
“I just want to know if she’s a proper adult! I’m feeling a bit anxious about leaving Leila with her.”
“Ah, um… yes… Well, as long as we follow the Demon Lord’s wishes, we have his assurance of non-interference.”
“That’s not the point. I’m not about to hit on her; I already have more than enough on my plate.”
I can accept being called a womanizer, but being compared to that sex-crazed man would be a problem. I petted Liliana’s head in outrage.
By the way, asking about Kusemon’s age was purely out of curiosity. She looked like a little girl to me, but Dwarves are long-lived. They can easily live 200 to 300 years, and their aging is slow, making it hard to guess their age at first glance.
Male Dwarves tend to look older because of their beardy, muscular appearances, but upon closer inspection, their skin can actually be quite smooth. Dwarven females without facial hair especially tend to look really young.
“I think Kusemon is over 100 years old, but I’m not sure about the exact number.”
How old was she, again? Wasn’t it around 110? The surrounding Dwarves chimed in with similar estimates.
So, she’s definitely over 100. And with that appearance… she looks just like a chubby little Human…
Maybe Dwarven men look surprisingly young when they shave their beards. While pondering this, I looked at Fisero, who was making a disgusted face as he edged away.
And after waiting for several more minutes…
Bored, I decided to perform a sword spear dance to inspire the creative spirits of the Dwarves.
Suddenly, a powerful surge of magical energy swirled from the room where Leila and the others had retreated.
“What the?!”
“Wauw!?”
Ignoring my surprise along with Liliana’s, the Dwarven blacksmiths murmured a sound that was somewhere between exasperation and admiration.
The door opened, and Kusemon peeked her head out.
“It’s done!!!”
………….
“Huh!? Already!?”
Wasn’t this supposed to just be measurements?!
“I got a sudden urge and made it right away!”
“Wait, but how did you take measurements for a dragon form…?”
“Don’t worry! The size adjustment magic is already in place!”
With a confident fist pump, Kusemon wore a beaming expression.
“Come on, Your Highness! Please take a look!! Your lady friend is waiting!”
With a mischievous grin, Kusemon beckoned. What in the world has she made? Hesitantly, I went to see, and a curious bunch of Dwarf craftsmen tried to follow, but—
“Ah, no men allowed!!”
Kusemon crossed her arms and stopped them.
…What!? Is it something I can’t show other guys!?
“Leila, how does it look…?”
When I peered into the room—
“Ah… um… this is more embarrassing than being naked…!!”
Leila was bent over, using her hands to hide her chest. She was almost naked!
The contrast of Leila’s fair skin and the glossy black leather was striking. A leather vest—or should I call it a corset? It was nothing like any clothing I knew, hard to put into words.
…And it’s not covering the important parts at all! This isn’t clothing; it’s a collection of belts! Her chest was pinned in place by string-like belts from top and bottom, as if being squeezed out… what the heck is this!!
What the heck is this?!
“Oh my—this is indecent!”
Antedeixis shouted excitedly inside me.
“Fufufu! This is my masterpiece!!!”
And what the heck are you wiping your sweat from your forehead for, looking all refreshed after making this?!
“Look at this! It’s magnificent! The belted leather digs into that delicate body, squeezing out the flesh, with shame exposed from within!! I can’t get enough of it!!”
Kusemon shouted, spitting saliva with half-crazed eyes.
—Don’t complain about what I made.
I was painfully aware of what that meant now.
“Now then, let me introduce the functions as well!”
…But, you know, even if it looks like that…
I could definitely feel an incredible amount of magical power infused…
I sensed that it would surely have great functions, so I resignedly decided to listen to Kusemon’s explanations.
(Note: Essentially, it’s bondage.)
