Chapter 13: The Apprentice is a Dwarf

When I gather materials myself, the possibilities for crafting expand.

I tried dyeing wood using nuts and grasses I collected in the Great Forest.

When I made furniture with colorful wood, the impression changed completely. 

Then I started thinking, maybe I could try making it like this or that, and it became even more fun.

While experimenting with various things, I ended up making so much that, in addition to the first Warehouse, I built another large Warehouse at the back of the Workshop, but even that is starting to fill up.

Even though the Margrave’s Sanctuary is spacious, we don’t really need that much new furniture. 

Even if Father and Mother give some as gifts to their noble acquaintances, there’s a limit.

After consulting with Father about what to do, we decided to donate furniture to the Orphanage in our territory first.

The Orphanage Director was very humble at first, saying, “We can’t possibly accept such splendid furniture,” so I told him, “I made too much and have extras, so please take them,” and he accepted.

When I showed the furniture to the children, their eyes sparkled with joy.

If it could even slightly brighten the moods of children who had lost their parents, that would make me happy.

After that, I wondered if it might be unnecessary for the Dwarf Clan, who are skilled craftsmen, but I thought they still might not have enough furniture, so I brought some to the Dwarf village as well.

“Oh, this is wonderful! Are you sure we can really accept such fine pieces?”

I was glad they liked it even more than I expected.

“What beautiful decorations. The colors are lovely, too. I’m sure those who are still feeling down after being driven from our homeland will be delighted.”

If the things I make can be useful to the Dwarves who have suffered, that makes me happy.

As I was about to say my goodbyes and leave, I was suddenly stopped.

“Please wait! Please take me as your apprentice.”

The one asking to become my apprentice was a young Dwarf boy.

“My name is Teodor. I want to learn craftsmanship under you.”

For a Dwarf, Teodor had light brown hair and big, dark brown eyes, and his build was quite slender.

“Um, why do you want to become my apprentice?”

“Well, William-sama, you built houses for us. Even though Dwarves are skilled at crafting, none of us could do anything like that, so I respect you.”

Honestly, being praised for my craftsmanship by a Dwarf is a bit embarrassing.

“And then there’s this furniture. To be able to make something so beautifully decorated with a Production Skill is amazing. Dwarves also make things with intricate designs, but with our Production Skill, we can only shape things roughly; after that, it’s all handwork that takes a lot of time.”

“Thank you for the compliments. But I’ve never heard of a Dwarf, who are so talented at crafting, becoming an apprentice to a human. Wouldn’t it be better to apprentice under a Dwarf master?”

Teodor lowered his eyes and said, “The truth is, even though I’m a Dwarf, I’m not very good at Blacksmithing. I do have a Production Skill, but I don’t really look like a Dwarf, I’m not strong either, so I can’t handle the heavy hammers needed to strike hot metal properly.”

“In Dwarf craftsmanship, you use the Production Skill for the basics, and then finish everything by hand. The essence of Dwarf Blacksmithing is the craftsman’s physical labor, so not being able to swing a heavy hammer is a fatal flaw. That’s why I want to become your apprentice, William-sama, since you can create wonderful things with just your skill.”

I see. 

Indeed, Teo’s arms and legs are slender, and he doesn’t look very strong.

If there’s a reason, I can’t just turn him away.

After that, we talked so I could decide whether it would be alright to take him as an apprentice.

The Dwarves are kind people, and it seems they never bullied Teodor just because he looked different.

Still, he said he always wanted to be useful in some way other than Blacksmithing.

“Even though I’m not strong, I can make reasonably good-quality Metalworking pieces, but Metalworking is just working the metal that’s already been forged by Blacksmiths, so it’s a supporting role. After all, among Dwarves, Blacksmithing—swinging a heavy hammer to forge metal and make swords and such—is the main craft.”

Through our conversation, I learned that Teodor had both a willingness to listen and a quick, clever mind.

I tried showing him how to use the Production Skill to make an ornately decorated chair and a folding chair, explaining what kind of image I had in mind as I made them.

Teodor was able to create both types of chairs right away.

I was surprised that he could immediately understand and put into practice even my rather vague explanations. 

And Teodor’s imagination was exceptional.

As we talked further, I also learned that when they fled from monsters back in their homeland, he got separated from his parents and now lives with his Uncle’s family.

That’s why he wants to become independent and earn his own living as soon as possible.

If that’s the case, then maybe I should let him become my apprentice.

Alright, I’ll talk to Father.

Without delay, as soon as I returned home, I went to speak to Father.

I earnestly explained how Teodor understood my instructions, made chairs using the Production Skill, and how he’s honest and quick to understand.

“Haha, I see. Will, you really seem to have taken a liking to that Dwarf boy.”

“Yes, I’d really like to make things together with him.”

“I see, a Dwarf child with talent in the Production Skill, hmm. He might become your right hand in the future. Very well, let’s hire him into our household.”

I was relieved—Father had agreed to hire Teo.

The next day, when I went to pick him up at the Dwarf settlement, Teodor was overjoyed.

He’d already spoken with his Uncle, so it was decided he’d start living and working at the Margrave’s Sanctuary right away.

“Master, I look forward to learning from you. Please call me Teo from now on—my close friends all do.”

Having Teo here gave my motivation another big boost.

While teaching Teo about craftsmanship, I continued working on new projects as well.

As those fulfilling days continued, I was summoned to Father’s office.

If Father’s calling me to his office, it must be about work.

“What is it, Father?”

“Oh, sorry to call you away. It seems you’re even more enthusiastic about crafting these days. Actually, I have a favor to ask of you, Will.”

“A favor for me?”