Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 89: Back to the Underbelly

[Request Confirmed. Goodwill Points: 980 - 200 = 780 Remaining]

[Blueprint for ’Arcane-Powered Runic Imprinting Press’ and associated non-magical components for one prototype press and one master die are now available to the Host. Components will materialize in a secure, designated space upon the Host’s mental command when ready for assembly.]

Riku smiled faintly. "Elder Borin," he said, "I believe I might have a solution to our production bottleneck, specifically for the engraving process. It’s a concept from... a distant land, a more modern approach to imprinting designs onto metal, if you will. "

"However, it would be a bit inconvenient to show it to you here. It involves some rather large components that are best assembled where we have space and your forges nearby. Can we return to the underbelly?"

"Okay. We can go right now if you want." Elder Borin replied.

"Yes. However, Elara, this time, I want you to stay here and look after Lila. Keep a communication stone close, and immediately use it if something happens." Riku said as he looked at Elara.

"Understood, Riku. You take care," Elara nodded.

-----------------

Soon, Riku and the others were back at the Underbelly.

"Brother Riku! You’re here!" Kogrin shouted, his small face lighting up as he ran towards them, Brina and several other Dwarven, human, and even a few Half-Orc children close behind.

"Hello, everyone," Riku greeted with a warm smile, pleased by their enthusiastic reception.

"Did you bring any treats for us like last time, Brother Riku?" Kogrin asked, his eyes wide with anticipation. "The buns were very tasty! Sister Brina has been asking about them ever since you left!"

Brina, looking much healthier than before, elbowed Kogrin lightly. "Humph. Why are you saying it like you didn’t like them too, Korgin?" she chided, but her own hopeful gaze was fixed on Riku.

"Haha, don’t worry, I have the buns," Riku laughed, hefting a sack he had prepared before leaving The Respite. "And this time," he added, his eyes twinkling, "I’ve also got something new, something even better than buns."

He reached into the sack and first pulled out several leaf-wrapped matcha buns, distributing them among the excited children. Then, he produced smaller, individually wrapped dark rectangles.

"What is this, Brother Riku?" a young human girl asked with curiosity, carefully unwrapping a piece of the dark treat. Its rich, unfamiliar aroma filled the air.

"That," Riku said, "is called chocolate. You’ll know it when you eat it."

Brina took a tentative bite. However, the moment the sensation hit her taste buds, her eyes widened.

A soft sigh escaped her lips, and a blissful smile spread across her face. "Mmm! It melts! It’s sweet and... and a little bit like roasted nuts, but not! It’s wonderful!" she exclaimed, her eyes practically sparkling. Soon, hearts seemed to flutter above her head as she took another bite.

The other children, encouraged by Brina’s reaction, quickly bit into their own pieces. A chorus of delighted gasps, happy hums, and "Mmmms!" filled the cavern. For a few precious moments, the hardships of the Underbelly were forgotten, replaced by the simple, pure joy of a new and delicious discovery.

"Here, take this sack. Give it to the others as well. Don’t horde it just for yourself," Riku said as he gave the sack to Kogrin.

"Sure, Master Riku." Kogrin happily accepted the sack and, with a whoop, led the other children away to share the remaining treats. Their excited chatter echoed through the cavern as they left.

Soon, all the kids had left except Brina. She lingered, her earlier joyful expression now tinged with a slight hesitation. She approached Riku slowly.

"Brother Riku?" Brina began, her voice soft. "The... the pain from the marks... it came back a little bit this morning. Just for a while. It wasn’t as bad as before you healed me, but... I could feel it." She looked down, avoiding his gaze. "I didn’t tell Kogrin. He worries so much, and he was so happy when I felt better. I didn’t want to make him sad again."

Riku’s smile faded, replaced by a concerned frown. He gently tilted her chin up, his eyes examining the crimson marks on her cheek. They did seem a fraction darker, the angry red more pronounced than he remembered.

"Brina, you should have told me, or Elder Borin, immediately."

He glanced at Borin, who looked equally concerned. "Elder, did you notice any other relapses among those we treated?" Borin shook his head. "No, Master Riku. This is the first I’m hearing of it. Brina, child, you must always speak up if you feel unwell."

Riku reached into his satchel and pulled out a healing talisman. "This is why we need to make more of these, and quickly," he said, his voice firm.

"Brina, this is a healing talisman. It should provide constant relief. But you need to keep it on you for as long as possible. Okay?"

He carefully placed the cord of the talisman around her neck. The moment it settled, the glow from the engraved runes seemed to intensify, casting a soft healing light.

Brina gasped softly as a visible wave of warmth spread from the talisman. The angry redness of the marks on her cheeks seemed to recede, softening to a duller, less inflamed hue.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. "The ache... it’s gone! Completely! And I feel... warm. Stronger!" She did a little hop, her earlier energy returning in full force.

"Thank you, Brother Riku! Thank you!" She grinned. "Now I have to go find Kogrin before he eats all the chocolate!" With a cheerful wave, she darted off after the other children. fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm

Riku watched her go, a thoughtful expression on his face. The talisman worked, and powerfully. But the relapse, however minor, was a worrying sign. It would probably relapse in the cases of others as well.

He needed to produce more talismans fast.

Riku turned to the two elders. "Now, about that production bottleneck, can we discuss it in your office, Elder Borin?"

"As you say, Master RIku. This way."