Chapter 39: The Spirit Family

By the residence gate, the carriage stood ready. But Sean bypassed it, heading toward the street.

"Your Highness, where are you going?" John asked, hurrying after him.

"To the blacksmith's. I need to speak with the dwarf there." Sean had noticed Bach Copperhammer working earlier, and questions burned in his mind.

Inside the forge, Bach pounded red-hot iron with his hammer—a Ordinary armor today, not the usual masterpiece. "Welcome, Baron!" He raised his hammer in the dwarf greeting, then wiped sweat with a towel.

"I'm here to ask about something other than purchases," Sean said. "First, confirm: You're a Bronze Rank Peak warrior, aren't you?"

Bach froze. "How…?"

"Violet family secret method. Now, tell me—does the Dwarven Kingdom still brew strong alcohol? Spicy ale?"

Bach's eyes lit up. "Ah, Fire and Eternity! You've read the Spirit Family's tale!"

Sean nodded, bluffing.

Bach sighed. "Once, our plateau's cold demanded fire in our bellies. The Spirit Family alone mastered distillation,becoming wealthy beyond measure. But a hundred years ago, the Orcs captured our capital. The family perished, their secrets lost."

Sean's heart raced. Distillation is lost! "I'm sorry for bringing up painful memories. To compensate, I'll buy all my territory's weapons and tools from you—start production immediately."

Bach beamed. "Your Highness, you honor me!"

Leaving the forge, Sean suppressed a grin. First profit: distilled alcohol. John whispered to Windsor: "Why's he so happy?"

Windsor shook his head. Only Isekai Protagonist would think to profit from alcohol.