Alger's words did indeed give Alice some inspiration.
She had gathered that the value of Sharpe the "Artisan" lay in crafting Mystical Items, which naturally made her think of Klein's Marionettes.
—As far as she knew, Marionettes could retain Extraordinary Abilities.
But Klein already had two Marionettes. Alice had never asked him how many he could have at most, but Sequence 5 probably could not support too many—certainly not enough for a Circus. Every Marionette should therefore be chosen carefully.
"Artisan" was not a Sequence that could enhance one's own strength. Their advantages lay more in crafting Mystical Items, and Mystical Items could not simply all be counted as positive combat power.
As for selling them for money... although playing the Rich Man had left Klein desperately short of funds, Alice did not think Sharpe the "Artisan" could acquire money faster than pirates could.
And in the long term, Klein did have fixed assets...
Alice Shook Her Head, dismissing the thought, and said to Alger:
"You handle him.
"Once 'The World' becomes a Demigod, I'll ask whether he's interested in making Mystical Items."
In any case, leaving an open slot for a permanent Marionette after becoming a Demigod should not have much impact. And he should become a Demigod soon...
Alice began looking Sharpe over as though he were a piece of miscellaneous clutter.
From the frowns that occasionally creased her brow, Sharpe sensed dissatisfaction. Unlike the anger of being offended earlier, this was more like scrutiny.
The difference was not actually obvious, but as an "Artisan," Sharpe was very familiar with the look in his own eyes when examining Mystical Items—he was certain that this girl was looking at him that way.
Alice's words had actually revealed a small amount of information. Alger and Cattleya Realized that after becoming