""We're back~""
We quickly wrapped up our second round and returned to the Risner Estate with a large haul of squid legs and mantles.
"Oh my, welcome back."
"I thought it would take you longer, but you're back early."
""We worked hard~! You know—""
"Hold it right there! Don't say that."
Waiting to greet us were Cedric-san and Patrick-san. Allen and Elena looked like they were about to say something unnecessary, so I immediately shut their mouths—physically.
It's better not to mention that we defeated the floor 30 boss twice.
""Mmm—!""
"We got what we were after, so we came back."
"Oh my, I suppose it's better not to ask what exactly you did this time?"
"Indeed. Let's not ask."
"..."
I'm grateful they don't push to know more, but a part of me feels a little lonely when they don't ask anything at all… Guess that's just me being selfish~
"We brought back a good amount of brandy."
""And lots of other souvenirs too!""
""… Souvenirs, you say?""
As I mentioned the brandy, Allen and Elena chimed in.
Upon hearing that, Cedric-san and Patrick-san both muttered the same words.
"We'll refrain."
"Yes, we've already received so much from you."
""No waaaay~! We're giving it to you~!""
Despite the Risner brothers' polite refusal, Allen and Elena firmly insisted otherwise.
"First off, we've got some nice Water Bear pelts that would make excellent coats. We have enough for everyone, so please don't hesitate to accept them. That said, it'll still cost something to have them tailored, so consider it a souvenir with a bit of a catch."
"Water Bear pelts… These are quite high quality. Are you sure about this?"
"My kids went all out collecting loot, so by all means!"
Cedric-san's reaction improved once he heard what the gift was.
Items used for one's appearance or attire are often considered necessary to maintain noble dignity. So while rare goods might be declined, nobles are more likely to accept high-quality items they themselves could obtain anyway.
That said… they sometimes insist on paying for them, so there ends up being a back-and-forth just to hand them over as souvenirs.
"Patrick-san, how about matching coats for you and your wife?"
"… Are you truly sure about this?"
"Of course."
Looks like Patrick-san is interested too.
"We also brought ingredients, so I'll be cooking tonight."
We've got slices and legs of the Little Kraken, as well as squid ink. On the way back, I managed to get some pasta—dry spaghetti and something like macaroni. But they looked like pale types that probably didn't use eggs.
If that's the case, maybe it's better to make fresh pasta myself using strong flour, eggs, salt, and olive oil? I also need to make udon, so this is a good chance to give it a shot.
"Cedric-san, do you remember the foam from the Bubble Archelons?"
"You mean those strange, squishy toys you gave the kids? What about them?"
"We have a large quantity now, and I was wondering if they could be used for anything else?"
"… A large quantity, you say?"
"Yes, quite a bit."
I couldn't think of any use for them beyond toys, so I wanted ideas—and also to reduce the stock a bit.
"Takumi-san, what exactly is this Bubble Archellon foam?"
"Ah, I suppose you wouldn't know, Patrick-san… Here—this is it."
I took out a Bubble Archellon bubble of a decent size from my Infinite Storage and handed it to Patrick-san.
"This is… it has quite a nice texture. Doesn't it pop or deflate?"
"Not so far, but we haven't used it for very long, so I can't say for sure it never will."
"With a fabric cover, it might work well as a cushion, don't you think?"
"Now that you mention it, yeah, that could work."
I had only thought of them as unpoppable bubbles or balloon-like toys, so the idea of covering them with fabric hadn't occurred to me. But it makes sense—they could definitely work as cushions.
"In that case, would the deformed ones be better?"
I pulled out another bubble from Infinite Storage, this time one that had flattened.
It seems bubbles retain their shape once stored, so there are round ones like balls and flattened ones like squished mochi. For cushions, the squished kind would probably be easier to use.
"Oh, that shape is nice. Though as expected, a fabric cover is necessary—it's a bit too odd to use as-is."
"Sounds fun. I'll have someone skilled in sewing make some right away."
"Allen wants one too!"
"Me too~!"
"Of course."
"Then I'll set some aside for you."
And thus, the bubble cushions made from Bubble Archellon foam were put into production.
We'll likely be able to use up the flattened ones this way.
"As for the round ones… maybe I could donate them to an orphanage as toys?"
"I'd advise against that."
"Eh!? Why not?"
"Because of their rarity, there's a risk some might try to steal them."
"Ah, good point…"
These bubbles are practically unavailable anywhere right now.
They're probably not worth much in terms of monetary value, but rarity can do strange things.
"Why not market them as toys for noble children? And remember—Isaac did purchase some for research before, didn't he? Maybe check how that's going?"
"You're right. I'll ask about that once I'm back in the capital."
"Yes, please do."
They're not really taking up space in Infinite Storage, so for now, I'll just keep them there.
Still, I'll consider selling a portion of them as toys.
"Thank you for your helpful suggestions."
"Oh, no need to thank me. I'm just glad I could be of use. Honestly, I feel like we've gained more than we've given in our dealings with you, Takumi-san. So feel free to come to us with these sorts of matters anytime. Although, as you can see, I'm mostly stationed out here, so please rely on Patrick and Isaac when you're in the capital."
"I'll be sure to do so if anything comes up."
I do feel like I'm pushing things onto the Risner family for their benefit, but if Cedric-san says they're gaining from it, then I guess it's fine.
"On the other hand, if there's anything the Risner family needs that I can help with, don't hesitate to say so. For example—if you want dragon meat or scales, or a giant mana stone or something like that."
"Just say the word!"
"We'll get tons of it!"
""No no no! We would never ask for anything like that!""
""You synced~!""
The examples were a joke, but Allen and Elena looked fired up, causing Cedric-san and Patrick-san's panicked words match like those of Allen and Elena.