Chapter 385 – An Elevator.

“It’s coming along nicely.”

“That it is,” Bernir agreed.

“Feeling a bit weak in the knees, boss?”

Roland hesitated for a moment before admitting

“I… yeah.”

“No need to hide it,”

Bernir laughed while looking at Roland. Both of them shared a laugh as they stood outside the house, gazing at the new construction site. The foundation for the new dormitory was making good progress. It wouldn’t be long before the structure was completed, and within a month or even a few weeks, the children from the orphanage would likely be running around the premises.

This also meant that Elodia and all the children would soon be moving in. Roland wasn’t certain if Elodia would choose to stay in the dormitory initially, but that didn’t matter. Being within walking distance would suffice for a start, and they could consider sharing their living quarters when the time felt right. It was an unusual arrangement, but he wasn’t doing it solely for her, it brought him peace of mind to have her behind well protected walls.

Fortunately, financial concerns were no longer an issue. After reconciling with the Dwarven Union, he was earning multiple times more money than before. Arthur had been quite generous, and sales at his runic store were on the rise. He had also secured a lucrative contract with the union for runic batteries that only he could modify.

Roland realized that Brylvia couldn’t simply replicate the runic structures without understanding how they worked. The Dwarven craftsmen heavily relied on ancient schematics, more so than he had initially thought. Even if she could examine the runic structures, she lacked the ability to decipher the underlying principles of the runic operating system. It seemed that his class possessed certain Rune Mage-like elements that regular Runesmiths did not.

Roland’s method of learning how to construct runic structures had been evidently unconventional. After delving into all the scriptures and knowledge Brylvia had to offer, he was confident that he had surpassed the average Runesmith in this regard. However, his expertise was limited to runic structures and not the art of craftsmanship itself. When it came to building physical components, the other smiths were superior to him. It was evident that they had received years of traditional training and apprenticeship in the production of physical items.

“Soon you will be a married man, better enjoy your freedom until it’s too late!”

“Too late? Too late for what?”

“Many things! I can’t even leave the house without her complaining! I haven’t been able to drink in the house in weeks!”

“Isn’t that a good thing? I don’t think you should be getting drunk with a newborn around?”

“What is life without drinking? This is torture…”

Bernir let out an irritated murmur, and Roland raised an eyebrow in response. Reflecting on it, Roland realized that his assistant had been spending more time in the workshop than usual. Before, Bernir would take his breaks and swiftly leave when possible. But now, he sometimes lingered, even opting to stay for a drink. It appeared that he wasn’t particularly eager to return to his own place where he couldn’t maintain his previous habits.

“Don’t be like that, you need to make some sacrifices for your family, that is a given.”

“I know…”

While Roland was making an effort to behave like a responsible adult, he also recognized that it might not be as straightforward as he had initially thought. Maintaining his relationship would likely require some compromises, especially if they weren’t planning to have children of their own while the orphans were still young. This was a matter he would have to address in the future, but for now, there were a few matters around his compound that needed his attention.

“Master Bernir…”

“Jorg? What is it?”

As the two were talking, Jorg the stonemason slowly walked up to them. The boy usually remained quiet and was the assistant to his assistant.

“Well it’s…”

“Common, speak up!”

“It’s about Master Rastix…”

“Rastix? What did that bas… I mean what did he do now?”

While the boy struggled to explain himself, stuttering slightly, Roland shifted his gaze into the distance. Rastix Zelbebanin was his latest recruit, a decision that didn’t typically happen without careful consideration. Rastix was a Master Alchemist with whom he had signed a contract. One of the stipulations of their agreement was that Rastix was supposed to have his own laboratory constructed. This process was currently underway and seemed to be the current problem.

“I’ll tend to it, watch over the dorm construction.”

“You sure boss? I could just go there and talk some sense into him?”

“You’ll just start fighting again, It’s better if I’ll do it.”

“Aye, have it your way then. Good luck.”

One of the challenges with Rastix’s character was his treatment of people. He considered Roland to be an equal due to Roland having a class similar to that of a Master Runesmith. When interacting with Roland, Rastix would treat him with respect. However, when encountering someone like Bernir, who was just a regular blacksmith, he would not show the same level of respect. Instead, he would attempt to boss around Roland’s assistant and treat him as a lesser member of the group. This behavior, of course, did not sit well with Roland.

“I told you to be careful with that, if you break it you’re paying for it!

Upon arriving at the construction site, Roland discovered the small gnome in the midst of shouting at the workers. He appeared to be reprimanding some of them who were in the process of carrying his belongings into a sizable building that resembled a large stable. The structure was primarily constructed from glass and served as a greenhouse, intended to house a variety of plants and herbs essential for alchemy. Its design, featuring a wooden frame, made it relatively simple to assemble, and it was the only completed structure on the site.

Roland approached Rastix with caution, mentally bracing himself for whatever might transpire. As he drew nearer, he couldn’t help but overhear Rastix’s harsh words directed at the workers. They were ferrying various items, including seeds and potted plants, some of which Roland didn’t recognize. While his understanding of alchemy was still limited, he understood that a structure like this greenhouse was a necessity if they wanted to conduct research in a more discreet manner. Otherwise, they would be forced to rely continually on merchants and individuals from the Alchemist Guild, an organization that had previously deemed Rastix unsuitable for membership.

“Careful, you buffoons! That flask contains a rare solvent worth more than your miserable lives!”

‘He doesn’t play around…’

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

The workers, clearly unaccustomed to this level of scrutiny, appeared flustered and anxious. It was only natural, considering they were surrounded by peculiar-looking golemic creations and within the territory of the city’s Knight Commander. In their minds, their very lives could be at risk if they somehow offended a member of the staff. Roland cleared his throat to capture Rastix’s attention. The gnome turned around abruptly, his bushy eyebrows furrowed.

“Ah, Master Wayland! You’re just in time to witness the incompetence of these oafs! Can you believe they almost dropped my precious supplies?”

Roland took a moment to regain his composure. He knew he had to be diplomatic. While he didn’t like that Rasitx was using those words, he also needed to present himself as a proper Knight.

“Rastix, remember that these workers were supplied to us by the City Lord. They are more used to handling heavy equipment instead of delicate plants, I’m sure they’re doing their best.”

The gnome Alchemist crossed his arms, wearing an unimpressed expression. It was a stark departure from the meek behavior he had exhibited inside the deep dungeon. It seemed that this individual adapted his personality to suit his surroundings. With an authority figure by his side, he transformed into something of a snob. As long as he performed his job effectively, Roland didn’t mind his eccentric behavior all that much. However, if he ever harmed other individuals in any way, he would be held accountable and face consequences.

“Best, you say? I expect nothing but perfection, especially in the construction of my laboratory. Alchemy requires precision, and I won’t tolerate any mistakes.”