In the end, Count Kuzuma departed after placing an order for two large refrigerators and ten water warmers.
"It’s like a dream," Beena murmured, her face flushed. "Until you showed up, Jin, I was in such a bind because I couldn't sell a single magic tool I made."
"Focus on the present. We have to start on the orders we took yesterday."
"R-Right."
They set to work on the five water warmers. Since it was a simple matter of duplicating the previous design, they were finished in short order. However, they soon realized they were hitting a limit.
"Ah, we’re out of both copper and wood."
"Should we go out for supplies after the shop closes?"
"Yes, but it’s a long walk, so we’ll have to leave early."
"Right, you did mention that."
"Money shouldn't be an issue. I have the fifty thousand Toll from yesterday," Beena said. That was her share of the profit from the refrigerator sale.
Then, she realized another problem. They didn't have a popcorn maker.
"This is bad..."
They were out of materials, so they couldn't even make a new one now.
"We’ll just have to apologize to the customers today."
"I suppose that’s all we can do..."
They had just enough materials left to make lighters, so they produced thirty of them.
"Well, it’s a little early, but let’s have lunch."
Beena brought out some bread. It wasn't perfectly white, but it looked like quite expensive bread.
"Oh, that’s some good bread."
Beena smiled brightly. "Isn't it? Count Kuzuma brought it for us."
"I see."
They finished their meal, leaving most of it for Nana and Raldo. Beena went to take the food to the children, and that was when Reiko arrived.
"Ah, Reiko. You’re back early."
"Yes, Father. Everything is proceeding smoothly on the island. By the way, have you spoken with Beena yet?"
Reminded by the question, Jin realized it had completely slipped his mind.
"Ah, I forgot."
"Father..." Reiko gave him an exasperated look.
"I'll find the right moment to tell her."
"Please see that you do," she pressed.
Just then, Beena returned. "Oh, Reiko, you’re here."
"Yes."
For some reason, Reiko still hadn't quite warmed up to Beena.
"Well then, shall we go set up the stall?"
The three of them headed to their usual spot, each carrying a share of the water warmers.
"What do you mean?! I was looking forward to it!"
"You didn't say anything about this yesterday!"
"Don't mess with me! Even the kids were excited!"
"I’m sorry, truly..."
As expected, the customers who had come for popcorn were vocal with their complaints. Beena and Jin bowed their heads repeatedly in apology.
Watching Jin like this, Reiko glared at the complaining crowd. A dangerous amount of mana began to leak from her. Noticing the shift, Jin grabbed Reiko’s arm and pulled her aside.
Before he could even start to calm her down, Reiko spoke, her voice cold and radical.
"...Father has done nothing wrong. What is the matter with these humans? May I purge them?"
Jin sighed. "Reiko, please. Don't do anything, okay?"
"But, Father..."
"Do not do anything."
Hearing the firm repetition, Reiko gave a small, reluctant nod. "Yes..."
When they returned to the stall, the hecklers had already left.
"The 'water warmer' I ordered... is it ready?"
"Yes, of course."
She handed over one of the units.
"Good. It was two hundred Toll, right? Here you go."
"Thank you very much."
In that fashion, all five reserved units were sold. The lighters, as always, were gone in an instant.
"Well, we’re out of stock."
"Yeah. It’s early, but that works out for the best."
They decided to head to the material shop. It was located at the foot of a mountain about an hour’s walk from the outskirts of Blue Land—a region with a mine and plenty of timber.
On the way, Jin was preoccupied, trying to figure out the best timing to talk to Beena. Unaware of his internal conflict, she pointed ahead.
"Look, there it is."
The shop was situated in a corner where large warehouses stood.
"Welcome," a man minding the shop greeted them.
"Um, two kilograms of bronze ingots and ten kilograms of copper ingots. Also, some wood."
Beena placed her order briskly.
"That’ll be thirty-one thousand Toll... but I’ll make it an even thirty thousand for you."
"Thanks. Can you deliver it to my house?"
As Beena paid, the man shrugged. "I can't say no to that."
He agreed to handle the transport. This meant they wouldn't have to haul the heavy ingots back themselves. Jin had considered asking Reiko to carry them, but this was easier.
They returned to Beena’s house alongside the man, who led a cart pulled by a small, donkey-like horse. When they arrived, they saw a carriage parked out front.
The crest on the carriage belonged to Count Guarana. Surrounding it were about ten men who looked like private soldiers.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Jin muttered.
"I want no part of this trouble!" the Material Seller shouted. He dumped the ingots and wood right there on the ground, then turned his cart around and fled as fast as his donkey could carry him.
Jin stepped forward to shield Beena, while Reiko moved to stand right by his side.