Suolaer nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this:
"So, although each set of tools is produced in a standardized manner, it is also unique?"
"That's right."
"A great idea."
Aoermo, of course, had no idea that this was nothing in another world; he simply felt that he had broadened his horizons that day.
He opened the toolbox and looked at the set of highly hardened ironwood tools inside, but he already felt a lack of interest.
The impact of these excellent tools on him was less than the detailed serial number on the box, which specified the individual, batch, and specific item.
As a candidate who almost won the election for the Grand Foundry Master, he certainly knew what such control represented.
Suppressing his shock, Suolaer closed the toolbox again:
"Speak, what do you want from me?"
This time, it was the [ Shit Appraisal Master ] who spoke:
"Another matter is that I would like to invite you to the dinner party three days from now."
"Oh?"
Suolaer raised an eyebrow:
"Whose invitation is this?"
[ The Shit Appraisal Master ] spoke in a slightly formal tone:
"They are the respected Grand Foundry Master."
Suolaer's hand trembled slightly.
"Really... Did they say why?"
[ The Shit Appraisal Master ] recalled the contents of Gray's letter and said:
"The main focus is on discussing the next steps in the exploration plan for the Floating Corpse Sea."
"Your Excellency, the Grand Foundry Master, tell me that Mr. Rein Hansen's sculpting workshop is almost complete, and General Luke Aoziben has already led his troops to the northern border. Among the candidates, you are the only one who has not yet been assigned a new important post."
" The Grand Foundry Master also said that the monsoon and ocean currents of the past two months have made southward cruises more difficult, so consider it a break for you. However, starting from the beginning of next month, the wind direction and ocean currents will be very suitable, and you should have rested enough. Therefore, the Grand Foundry Master plans to formally appoint you at the banquet three days from now, in front of many Grand Artisan and generals."
In the letter to the duo, the Great Labyrinth City Machine Spirit detailed the official reasons prepared for each participant. As for the unofficial reasons, the invitees would understand without the duo needing to elaborate.
"I see. So, where is it?"
"The newly renovated banquet hall is right next to the Great Library."
Suolaer nodded thoughtfully:
"Thank you both for the invitation. As you can see, I have indeed been somewhat lax lately, but I will definitely give the Grand Foundry Master an explanation in three days!"
"Then we can rest assured."
Having received a response, the two didn't linger and turned to leave Suolaer's house.
As darkness fell, they still had one last Grand Artisan to visit.
The two figures in the carriage disappeared around the street corner, Suolaer, feeling somewhat exhausted, sat back down in his chair.
He reached with his right hand towards the bottles, jugs, and glasses on the ground, picking up several but finding not a single drop of wine. Frustrated, he kicked the pile of trash, making a series of clanging sounds.
As he straightened up, he noticed the problem with his left arm.
After confirming that no one was watching, Suolaer carefully rolled up his left sleeve.
On his left forearm, there were hardly any intact patches of skin left; instead, there were only small clusters of mottled crystals.
The crystal clusters varied in size, color, and shape. Some were cubes containing impurities, with sharp edges pointing directly at one's bones, while others were crystal clear, emerald green hexagonal prisms, through which one could see the blood flowing beneath the skin.
The only thing all these crystal clusters have in common is that they grow slowly and continuously until they completely erode their own flesh and blood.
If you choose to pull it out forcefully, you will only cause your own skin and flesh to peel off along with it, hastening your death.
After staring at the cluster of crystals for a while, Suolaer had to admit that it had grown even larger than it had been a couple of days ago.
Nowadays, the pain-relieving effect of alcohol is negligible, and given that he hasn't done anything worthwhile recently, Grand Artisan Keen hasn't issued any new inhibitors.
However... he had been invited to the banquet three days later, and the Grand Foundry Master would also be attending...
Could it be a trap?
It's possible, but the probability is low.
After losing the election, he deliberately acted as if he was furious and then secluded himself at home, all to reduce suspicion on his behalf.
If you were an inside agent for a certain faction, you would remain calm in this situation and continue working obediently without showing any resentment.
His previous actions clearly indicated that despite risking his life for the Graycast Corridor, he had not been granted the position of Grand Foundry Master, which would only make others think he was petty and perhaps even garner some sympathy.
Moreover, although it's a bit embarrassing to say it like this, Suolaer swears on his soul that he has indeed not done anything for the Skeleton Alliance since his last return.
Yes, I've never accomplished anything.
The election for Grand Foundry Master was unsuccessful. Although it was a narrow defeat, a narrow defeat is still a defeat, and a loss is a loss.
The attempt to secretly gather dirt on Gray failed. Regardless of his abilities, Gray is a decent person, has a harmonious marriage, and is impeccable in both public and private matters.
As for attempting to assassinate Gray, Suolaer couldn't even come up with a proper plan and had to wait for the Skeleton Alliance to send High Tier to help him...
My undercover work... was pretty much a failure...
Suolaer sighed, unable to help but recall his initial descent into depravity.
A few miles away, the two traveling merchants knocked on the door of a tower-shaped building, which was the residence of the Grand Artisan Keen Rizzos.
Ke'en Lisuo si had gray hair and a tall but noticeably hunched back; you could see his forward-bending spine even through his coat.
The late summer evening was still a bit hot, but Keen insisted on keeping himself covered in a large robe.
After explaining their purpose, the Grand Artisan Keen gave the two a friendly smile:
"I think I understand what Grand Foundry Master means. The shipyard's efficiency has indeed been low recently, but it's not entirely the shipyard's own problem. The supply of materials is also very important."
"No, no, no, of course I'm not trying to shirk responsibility. I just want to say that I will naturally take on the responsibilities that are mine to bear... Never mind, there's no point in telling you both. Don't worry, I will personally explain this matter to the Grand Foundry Master at the banquet."
"By the way, if the dinner goes well, I will contact you both afterwards..."
"It's official business, of course. I think increasing the proportion of high-quality timber in shipbuilding materials will make processing much easier and naturally reduce the defect rate. If everything goes smoothly, I'll have to ask you two to handle the procurement..."
The carriage sped along, returning to the importers' guild shop after nightfall, where customers continued to flock.
As if they had completed the simplest of tasks, the two calmly reviewed the day's accounts, then signaled to the half-dragons that they could pack up and rest.
The two went to a small cubicle on the second floor, each extending their palms. In the dim light, faint specks of light could be seen flickering in their palms.