kscans

Chapter 88 - The Gem Artisan

Even a rotten artisan is still an artisan—no, that's probably too rude of me.

In any case, seeing Nia's demeanor change the moment she saw the [Crimson Rabbit Brooch], I reconsidered my opinion, thinking that perhaps Kagura-san's endorsement of her as a skilled artisan wasn't a joke after all.

“May I take a look?”

“Go ahead.”

Asked in a calm, surprisingly clear voice, I nodded and pushed the crimson jewel towards her.

“Excuse me.”

After asking, she picked up the rabbit brooch from the table and tapped its surface with her fingertip. Staring at the detailed window that opened, the indigo-haired artisan stood perfectly still.

Her narrowed eyes were the picture of seriousness, with no trace of the playful attitude from moments before. For a dozen or so seconds, Nia continued her staring contest with the [Crimson Rabbit Brooch]—

“This thing is incredible.”

When she looked up again, her face had returned to the friendly smile from before. Seeing her expression crumble into a goofy grin, I, who had been slightly taken in by the atmosphere, was left dumbfounded by her quick change.

“The special effect is ridiculous, of course, but its potential as a gemstone is top-class… no, it’s beyond that. Honestly, I’m not even sure I can handle it.”

“If you can’t handle it, then no one else can either.”

As Nia placed the jewel back on the table as if it were too heavy a burden, Kagura-san responded in my stead, as I was still dazed.

For her to state it so confidently… it seems this troublemaker’s skills are the real deal. Perhaps I should stop thinking about whether I like her or not and just try to get along with her.

I’m not particularly good with her type, the one who messes with you one-sidedly, but it’s not like I dislike her either.

“I’m happy to be held in high regard, but…”

When she glanced my way, I was surprised to see a hint of hesitation and anxiety in her eyes. Taking her reaction at face value, she was likely worried about the possibility of causing me a loss.

So she is serious about this stuff… yeah, well, I guess—I don’t dislike her.

“If you’re willing to take it on, I’d like to entrust it to you.”

Perhaps surprised by my sudden sincerity, Nia's eyes widened at my words, then narrowed suspiciously.

“Ehh…? I know I’m the one saying it, but are you sure you want to leave it with someone like me? Are you okay?”

“You’ve got a point, saying that about yourself.”

“Don’t be so mean!”

When I laughed at her rapidly changing mood, she puffed out her cheeks as if to hide her embarrassment. If I get used to her, maybe the day will come when keeping up with Nia’s energy won’t be so difficult.

…Will it, though?

“...Ahem. Well then, I will formally accept your request—”

“Are you surprisingly shy?”

“I am. Isn’t it cute?”

“Oh, just—be quiet, be quiet! It’s a request! What are the details of your request!!”

And so, it was officially decided that I would commission the processing of the [Crimson Rabbit Brooch]… but even when asked what I wanted, I, who knew absolutely nothing about gem processing or accessories in Arcadia, had no answer.

“As Kagura-san explained, I’m embarrassingly ignorant. So I’d rather you tell me what I should do.”

“Ah, right, I see. Hmm, let’s see.”

After considering my counter-question for a moment, Nia casually operated her inventory and took out several items.

Lined up on the table were several types of gemstones. And a number of accessories that seemed to be from different categories, such as rings and necklaces.

“First off, in Arcadia, even if we’re all just called ‘magitech artisans,’ we each have our own specialized fields, you know?”

“Yeah, like Kagura-san is good with ‘metals,’ right?”

To be precise, her specialty, in addition to ‘metals,’ is all materials obtained from enemies. In fact, since rare enemy materials are essential for high-level equipment, there are no magitech artisans who can't handle them, she said.

“Exactly, exactly. I’m a magitech artisan who specializes in ‘gemstones,’ and since I mainly handle fine items like accessories, I’m called an artisan. A gem artisan, that is.”

“I see.”

I remember Kagura-san telling me before that there's no job system in Arcadia. So this is probably a name that players have popularized to make communication smoother.

“And now, for what that gem crafting entails—please take a look at this!”

Nia then pointed to the gemstone materials, which were probably pre-processing.

“These are the rough stones before processing. And, next up is this!”

Next, she pointed to the accessories, like rings, that had been processed.

“And this is the processed accessory. It goes without saying that this is my job, but the important process can be divided into three parts.”

As she spoke, Nia raised one hand and held up her index finger.

“First, the cut! We cut from the rough stone and shape it to match the desired finish.”

Next, her hand formed a peace sign.

“Second, the polish! We polish the cut gemstone and transform it into a sparkling piece of jewelry.”

And finally, her ring finger was raised.

“And third, the setting! We combine it with decorations like a ring or a base to enhance the gemstone and complete it as an accessory!!”

She started getting excited on her own. It's not important, but her gestures are so exaggerated that it's visually distracting.

“And! These three processes interact in a complex way to determine the final special effects and status boosts of the accessory! In other words, if you have a request for an accessory with these specific effects, the type and shape are naturally decided—but!!”

“Nia-chan.”

“Yes!?”

“You’re loud.”

“I’m sorry.”

Kagura-san is laughing next to me. Even if she says we get along, I’m just making simple retorts here.

“Ahem… A-Anyway, there are limitations, but we can skillfully manipulate the category with our techniques. And of course, even if it looks like the exact same thing was made, depending on the artisan, the processing method can be completely different, resulting in a world of difference in the effects.”

“So that’s where your ‘skill’ comes into play.”

“Corre—! …Ah, I’m sorry.”

No, I’m not going to glare at you just for being a little loud—anyway, I have a slightly better grasp of what an artisan does now.

“And so, I, who have been introduced to you, am an artisan with a certain level of ‘skill’… What will you do? Customer.”

In other words, she’s telling me to just state my request without overthinking it.

If that’s the case…

“If the effects change depending on the processing method, does that mean there’s a form that brings out the gemstone’s full potential?”

“Ah, yeah. Of course there is.”

“Then, I’ll have that. I’m not saying I’m not interested, but I don’t have any particular taste when it comes to accessories for fashion… so basically, I’d like to leave it up to you.”

It feels a bit like I’m just dumping it on her, but in the end, that’s all I’m looking for. Judging by her overall attire, Nia seems to have good taste, so leaving it to her probably won’t result in a bad design—

“Hmm, let’s see—Kagura-san, I’m borrowing him for a bit, okay?”

“Hm?”

“What all of a sudden—hey, wait, what?”

After pondering my words for a moment, Nia suddenly stood up, took my arm, and pulled me to my feet.

Thinking it was another one of her sudden moves, I reflexively tried to shake off her arm—

“This is an important and serious conversation. Just come with me, okay?”

A clear voice whispered in my ear.

Stopped by the same resonance I had heard earlier, I peered at the artisan’s face, which was unusually close.

With my body between us, out of Kagura-san’s line of sight.

She playfully brought her index finger to her lips, and then Nia pulled me towards an opening at the back of the room—probably the entrance to her workshop.