Looking at it, having arrived at a lumber dealer in Voltonーwhich was our goalー is great, but for some reason, Papeck-san was beside us and Thomas-san was slightly behind us.
「(Hey, about Papeck-san, I have a feeling he’s sniffed something out.)」
「(Is it not likely that he had vaguely realized the purpose of the Oak Wood?)」
「Now then, Takumi-sama, this store is one that I am acquainted with, as such, I will guide you.」
As Sophia and I were whispering, Papeck-san took the lead to show us around the store.
「My my, for the president of the Papeck Company to come himself, what business do you have with us today?」
「Ah, shopkeeper. Takumi-sama here wishes for Oak Wood, therefore I’ve come to show him.」
「Oh my, then I shall guide you.」
The shopkeeper of the lumber dealer was overly courteous towards us, who had been guided personally by the president of the Papeck Company which had grown into a large, well established company.
There, I was shown the three types of Oak Wood that I heard from Papeck-san, but I couldn’t decide which one would be good.
「Which do you think is good?」
「My apologies. Despite being an elf, I am not well informed on the varieties of trees…………」
I had assumed that forest dwellers known as Elves would know more about it than I would, but when I asked Sophia, she said that since she had spent all her time training with a sword and bow, her knowledge on trees and vegetation were only to the level of knowing their names.
「It can’t be helped. Let’s just buy all three types of Oak Wood. We can only try them out.」
「Indeed. It might be better to have an acquaintance of mine in Yggurle Kingdom provide techniques once as well.」
Sophia’s acquaintance is apparently an Elf with experience in wine making. With the graces from the World Tree and the Spirits, Yggurle Kingdom was abound with crops and fruit trees, so naturally they produced wine from grapes. Yggurle Kingdom’s wine is famed as a high class item in the continent.
「Still, for now let’s buy the three kinds and return home. Excuse meee!」
In the end, I purchased a good amount of the three kinds of Oak Wood.
「Takumi-sama, would you like to have some tea? Please, if you have the time, do come by the company.」
「Eh, well, then, we will be intruding.」
When I thought to go home after having finished our shopping, Papeck-san who had observed our purchase had invited me for tea. It probably wouldn’t be just about tea, but I am indebted to Papeck-san so it’s hard to refuse.
Once we were shown into the parlor room, rested and drinking tea, Papeck-san had asked about the Oak Wood.
「Takumi-sama, does the fact that you have procured large quantities of Oak Wood mean that you making an attempt in wine making?」
「……………………」
I could feel how frightening the human known as the President of a successful company was through Papeck-san’s excessively accurate deduction.
「……Well, I don’t intend to start a business with it, but it’s true that I want cask materials for wine making.」
「Ooh, so you also experienced in wine making. By all means, we would like for you to discuss it with the Papeck Company.」
When I talked about wine making, Papeck-san had come offering a business deal with a face full of smiles.
「No, Papeck-san. I am an amateur in alcohol brewing. Furthermore, the amount we’re making is minute as well, so I think it’s an amount impossible to wholesale to a large firm like the Papeck Company’s.」
「Not at all, I would be overjoyed if there were many, however, even a small amount can still be traded. Above all, Takumi-sama, you have been the driving force in the great advances of the Papeck Company through your numerous inventions and potions. I don’t think it would be normal wine.」
Actually, what Papeck-san was saying is about half right. I wasn’t aware because I didn’t know the taste of the alcohol, but the wine I made in a rushed method that could even be said to be cutting corners was actually in the level of first class goods in this world. I think that’s to be expected of the natural yeast and grapes grown in the Sanctuary though. Wines produced and aged by the specialists might become the pride of the heavens.
And I think Papeck-san is vaguely convinced that I am connected to the Sanctuary.
A merchant’s intuition is fearsome.
「…………haa, even if I hand some over, it would only be a small amount.」
「Yes, I would not mind even if it is but single cask. Wine making likely takes time, so even if only a small quantity, please sell some to us once the final product is complete.」
「…… please wait without expectations.」
I had no choice but to say so. Ya see, Papeck-san looked really desperate. When I thought about later, alcohol brewing in Japan and even in Europe during the olden days was a hidden craft. It’s hidden even in this world, so wine is inevitably a luxury item. Nevertheless, since ale, with its uncomplicated method, is made in various places, the masses are able to get a hold of it cheaply.
On our way back from the Papeck Company, I thought to go to church.
「Oh right, let’s try asking Norn-sama if there’s anything we can do about maturation magic.」
「Eh! Norn-sama?!」
Sophia looked at me incredulously. Of course she would. It would be blasphemous if the God of Creation is asked something like that. But if it’s Norn-sama, then I think it would be fine.
We immediately dropped by the church in Volton.
Entering the church, we mixed in with other people praying.
「(Norn-sama, please tell me. Is there a way to mature wine with magic? Even a hint is fine so I could make the wine that the Spirits have asked me to make, so please teach me.)」
【Really, Takumi-kun, just when I thought it’s been a while, it’s not something you ask the Creation God. Good grief.】
Immediately after I started praying, I hear Norn-sama’s voice inside my head.
【Wine maturing, you say. Sheesh, what do you think of gods? Well, fine, I’ll tell you if you offer me delicious wine.】
「(I will! By all means, please let me offer it to you.)」
【In the first place, Takumi-kun, you have the Time-Space Attribute, don’t you? You also have the Subspace for the familiars. Make a Subspace for maturing wine, then accelerate the flow of time. It uses more magic power, so it’s a method that I don’t think anyone but you can do though, Takumi-kun.】
「(Thank you very much, Norn-sama!)」
【Then I look forward to the wine you’ll offer.】
Norn-sama’s voice faded away.
I rose from my praying stance.
「Fuu.」
「Were you able to receive the oracle of Norn-sama?」
「No, Norn-sama will get mad if we call stuff like this an oracle, you know. Well, she did tell me the solution. I want to try it out right away so shall we return to the Sanctuary?」
「Yes.」
Unfamiliar with the taste of delicious wine, I could only pray I make something decent. I’d likely be scolded by Norn-sama if the wine I offer is unpleasant.
***