"Hey, it's been a while.

　Marius came into the room and said that as if nothing had happened. No, no, no.

You're the client?
"Yes.

　Marius nodded his head at my question.

You think it has something to do with the fact that this place is so busy?
Yes.

　Marius nodded again. I can't see anything that connects the two.
　When we were confused, Marius continued.

We should have told you about this earlier, I think.

　Marius cut off his speech. A moment of silence fills the room. You can almost hear the sound of Deanna's heartbeat.

"I'm getting married soon, you know.
What?

　Normally, my first words would have been "congratulations," but time stood still as neither I, Deanna, nor anyone else knew how to react.
　Marius was unconcerned and continued to speak.

We've been talking about it for a while, but we didn't say anything about it because it seemed like it would be a while before we could do anything about it, but it suddenly started happening here. We've been talking about it for a while, but it was going to be a while before we could say anything. I actually came here today to check on the items that Sabo ...... was going to procure. And then Eizo just came to deliver the goods, so I thought it would be convenient.
"Oh, yeah.

　Normally, I'd be tweaking this, but that's all I can do right now.

And what I want to ask Eizo is for him to make me a ring.

　There is a custom of wearing rings in this world. So is the custom of wearing wedding rings. These are things I know from installation.
　You want me to make that ring for you. I have a lot of questions, but that's the heart of the matter.

　A ring. I wonder if the blacksmithing cheat applies to it. Well, at least the production part does. And then there's that whole "come alone to the workshop in the forest" thing.
　But that's just because "I can't just give you a weapon of unbelievable quality", even if the other party is the emperor of the empire.
　Making ornaments of ridiculous quality, such as something that wouldn't break even if you smashed it with a battle axe, wouldn't bother anyone, and it wouldn't change anything in the world.

　Besides, in this case, the client is the client. If I could do something to celebrate my friend's wedding, I would do it if I could.

"Well, I'll waive that condition because it's not a weapon. What kind of ring do you want?

　It can't be made of steel. It's some kind of precious metal, but it's up to you to make it work.

The family on the other end of the line is very enthusiastic. ....... They gave me a small amount of megistyme, enough for two rings.

　Megistyme. It is one of the metals that exist in this world, a metal that is usually soft enough to be kneaded with the fingers, but can be made incomparably hard if well processed. It is golden in color.
　It is a metal that is usually soft enough to be kneaded by the fingers, but if it is worked well, it can achieve unparalleled hardness. This "if it is worked well" is a tricky thing, and many smiths have tried in the past, but few have succeeded even in making a single ring.
　Even so, it is quite expensive, partly because of its scarcity, partly because of the rarity of its production, and partly because of the rarity of the characteristic of "gold that can change its shape freely. Looking at the price alone, there is no better gift than this.
　But then... I said my question directly.

"Did the relative give you the megistium knowing it was unsuitable for a wedding ring?

　Yes. If it's that difficult to work with, it's usually left soft. And it's not suitable for a ring. Especially a wedding ring. Normally, you wouldn't even think about it.

But you know what?

　Marius heard my words and looked up. There was only the ceiling, which I was familiar with, but Marius seemed to see someone's face in it.
　Marius sighs heavily.

"The relative is the Marquis you know, right?

　Now it's my turn to sigh. Well, maybe I'm being self-conscious, but you've already figured out that I'm here.

So that's why you decided to marry me, when I thought you were going to be lazy for a while.
Well, it's a big part of it.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea. He has no reason to refuse, even considering the future.

So when are you going to be here? You're not going to say next week, are you?
I've told Eizo to do a lot of crazy things, but that's not going to happen.

　Marius shrugged his shoulders. The previous delivery was uneventful, so the decision was made within the last two weeks.
　It was still an incredibly short notice, but they didn't ask him to finish all the preparations in a week, or three weeks or so in total.

"The ceremony will be held at the end of next month.
"In the meantime, you mean?

　Marius nodded. But they still want you to be ready in about two months. Perhaps the Marquis had some reason to hurry.


　I think that's the inner workings of the royal court, so I'm not going to actively try to learn about it.
　I sigh heavily again.

"It's no use. I'll do it.
"Sorry, thanks.

　I grasped my friend's hand firmly.