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As I was wondering what she’d ask for, Ciel answered, 「Introduce me to a person who can process magic cores.」 At the same time, my chest felt a bit heavy. I feel happy, but also somewhat jealous. I can’t help but feel slightly disgusted by the fact that I feel this way.

The magic core from the first goblin we defeated with Palra and Belltina. Ciel being able to remember it on her own should be a joyous thing, and I’d be happy if this makes the two of them happy, but still…

「Process magic cores… I’m not sure if he’s capable, but I can introduce you to a skilled craftsman, at least. Will that be alright?」
「That’s fine.」

While I was engrossed in my own thoughts, Friere acknowledged Ciel’s response and began writing with a pen and paper she procured from her magic pouch.
As she finished writing, she handed it over to Ciel.

「This is the craftsman’s address and a letter of introduction. He mainly works as a blacksmith, but I believe he handles sorceric tools as well, so he should have connections with people who can process magic cores.」

With Friere’s urging, Ciel looks at the letter of introduction, revealing the name ‘Bajo Sentro,’ which sounded somewhat familiar for some reason.

『He’s that short person, right? Is he a dwarf?』
『I recall now. Certainly, that person shouldn’t treat us badly either.』
『Is there anyone in Central who would dare treat us badly?』

Ciel’s giggle echoed in my mind. Well, that’s true; no one would at this point. Still, I believe it’s best to be on guard regardless.
That aside, Friere’s letter of introduction might not actually have much value. I suspect that even if we went to this dwarf without prior warning, he probably wouldn’t turn us away immediately.

Still, knowing his address is a good thing.

「I’ll gladly make use of this.」

Saying so, Ciel hid the letter of introduction and quickly left the area.

◇

Bajo’s shop is located somewhat far from the area where the manor is. From a place with mostly humans, we’re gradually seeing the average height of the residents decreasing.
It seems like Central also has places where each race has their exclusive living area. Well, I guess it’s only natural, since different races likely have different living needs.

And so we’re approaching what seems to be Central’s dwarf settlement.

Compared to the more luscious green area of Central, there’s distinctly less greenery here. From what I can see, there appears to be a mine here, so I guess that’s just how it is.
While Ciel is walking around in search of Bajo’s shop, the surrounding dwarves appear to be distracted by Ciel’s presence. Is it because humans are rare here? Is it because they know we’re Mother Fii’s adopted daughter? Or is it because Ciel is cheerfully looking at the spirits here and there?

Ever since we entered this settlement, the number of spirits has increased, so Ciel is actually in very high spirits. While there aren’t as many as there are in the manor, there’s more here compared to other places. From what I can see, fire and earth spirits gather here.
Considering that this is a dwarf settlement, that checks out.

『This is a great place! Such a great place!』
『The spirits seem to be enjoying themselves, too.』
『I want to play with them, but that wouldn’t be good, would it?』
『I think it’s fine once we’re done with our errand. We’ll have to find a good location, though.』

Now, since this is a place where fire is strong, I checked on our ever-present forest spirit Lysil to if she’s doing alright.
Noticing my gaze, she blinked twice before waving at me without looking any worse than usual. Yup, she seems alright.
Maybe it’s due to her being a named high-ranking spirit. Or perhaps since the earth is also strong here, that makes it fine for her since she’s a forest spirit?

As my eyes were on the beautiful Lysil, her gaze suddenly started wandering to the air. Wondering what she’s looking at, I saw a brown-haired beauty drifting in the air while observing us.

Her hair was deep brown like the earth, and her yellow eyes shone like gemstones of slightly different hues. Her dress was fluffy, yet adorned with various different minerals.
And above her right eye was a sapphire-colored horn. She looked puzzled, so it’s a bit hard to identify, but she has a similar aura as Lysil.

She’s also around Lysil’s size.

She’s probably a high-rank spirit like Lysil. Perhaps she’s an earth spirit? It seems like Ciel hasn’t noticed her presence yet. Right now, she’s having fun looking at a mole-like spirit and a red bird-like spirit playing with each other.
While I was adoring her cuteness, the spirit left somewhere.

A few minutes after the spirit left, I sensed a small reaction approaching us at around running speed.
And what entered my vision was a familiar-looking dwarf.

「To think you’d come here.」
「This is part of my garden, no?」
「Not wrong there, but don’t expect any of that refined reception here.」
「I don’t really mind. Are you Bajo?」
「Well, we’ve only met once; I guess it’s understandable if you don’t properly remember me.」

Bajo said with a somber look before properly introducing himself, 「I’m Bajo Tua Sentro.」

「Cielmer.」
「Heard much about you. So, what brought you to our village?」
「I came to meet you.」
「I hear you. Let’s head to my workshop first; can’t have a proper conversation here.」

Saying so, Bajo started walking and Ciel followed after.