The Meeker Trading Company was, as always, an unusually large building for a tool shop. It was undoubtedly one of the biggest trading houses in Erische.

I myself, after gaining some disposable income, have secretly (well, not that secretly) visited a few times to browse knives and tools. The owner was usually out, and a young man who seemed to be his apprentice usually minded the shop, so I hadn’t actually spoken to the owner since our first encounter.

The same owner who bought the knife I made for a huge sum of 10 gold coins—I wonder if his research has progressed enough to get a return on that investment?

I doubt there's anyone who knows about Loveless-style knives in this world, so of course, a knife made using the Stock Removal method would be beyond their imagination. On top of that, the knife incorporated several modern blade-making techniques.

Even the materials were things that simply didn't exist in this world. At the time, I’d sold it without thinking too deeply, but it might have been a bit careless of me.

I asked the apprentice-like young man to pass along my request.

Luckily—or perhaps unsurprisingly—the shop owner happened to be working in the back and came out almost immediately. We exchanged greetings and I explained my business. He remembered me clearly.

Well, I was the person he’d handed ten gold coins to; he wouldn't forget that so easily.

"...And so, I was hoping you could introduce me to a skilled craftsman in Lucraella."

I stated my business bluntly.

"To a business rival? You’re a merchant, aren't you?"

“Oof. I hadn’t considered that angle,” I replied. “But I don’t deal in weapons. I may be a merchant, but I’m just a humble cloth merchant.”

"I've heard a bit of the rumors. Have your memories returned?"

Ah right. I have that amnesia backstory.

"Uh... just a little bit. Well, in the end, I used the money from that knife to start over in Erische."

“I see... In that case...”

The shop owner stroked his beard, paused for a moment, then continued.

“That knife you sold me—we couldn’t make sense of it here, so I sent it to a craftsman in Lucraella to have it examined.”

I see. So they hit a wall, huh.

The steel used in that knife was stainless steel.

Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy containing chromium and nickel—a relatively modern material. Blade-grade stainless steel is especially recent in historical terms.

The specific steel used in the knife I sold back then was ATS-34, a high-grade Japanese blade material. It’s a high-tech steel made by expertly adding materials like iron, carbon, chromium, molybdenum, silicon, manganese, and copper.

No matter how high a dwarf’s abilities might be, the cultural and technological level is just different. It won’t be easily reproduced. Though, they might just be able to figure out Micarta, the handle material.

"Is that so? Actually, I've remembered a few things myself, so if you could introduce me to the craftsman, I could share that information. It might not be core information, though."

That said, the specifics would depend on how much the dwarf has already gleaned from that knife.

The shop owner mulled it over for a while, then accepted the proposal with a casual ‘why not’. However, he made one condition clear: this would be a personal introduction, not a business arrangement.

Then, he wrote me a letter of introduction.

"Show this letter to the master smith, and he shouldn't treat you poorly. But the swords from that workshop are expensive, you know?"

"I want something good, even if it’s expensive."

"You're an odd one. And you're not even a warrior."

"Well, it’s for a hobby. This much is normal."

"It is certainly not normal. You're like a doting noble with a plaything."

“Maybe so.”

Just as the owner said, there probably aren't many people in this world who ask a craftsman to forge a sword just for their personal enjoyment.

Well, in reality, I’m thinking of having matching one-handed straight swords forged for the Knight Order, so it’s not entirely a hobby...

...Actually, the Knight Order's swords are at least 80% hobby.

Yeah.

I was totally just indulging myself!

* * *

"Goshujin-sama, I received word from Priestess nodesu. She says she’s learned something about 'Clans'."

We were on our way back to my shop after leaving the Meeker Trading Company. Apparently, Priestess-chan had used that spirit-based communication spell to contact Diana.

Man, communication magic really is convenient.

“For real? Then let’s stop by the temple first.”

“Yes.”

The temple is located in a prime area near the center of Erische. Since the Meeker Trading Company was also located in a prime area, it was close by—perfect timing.

When we arrived, Priestess-chan was in the middle of cleaning.

As a priestess of Le Baraka, she’s supposed to be quite a high-ranking individual, but between her small stature and cheerful personality, she didn’t give off that impression at all.

Then again, maybe that’s exactly what high-ranking virtue looks like. Still, I can't help but think she could just leave the cleaning to someone else.

"Sarudinera, Jirou-san. I’m sorry for making you come all this way."

Priestess-chan bowed her head politely.

It’s strange... I’ve thought this for a while, but why is she so formal with me?

She talks to Shello-san and Rebecca-san quite casually without honorifics... Was it because I'm the master of a High Elf?

Well... whatever.

"No, I happened to be nearby... So um, did you find out about the 'Clan' thing?"

I got straight to the point.

The 『Try Registering a Clan』 guidance had appeared out of nowhere, so I’d asked her to investigate it.

“Yes. We searched both oral traditions and written records at the Grand Temple, and we were able to trace it back into the past—specifically, all the way to the era of Spirit Civilization.”

Spirit Civilization era... wasn’t that like a thousand years ago?

From a Japanese perspective, that isn’t just "long ago"—it’s ancient history. That’s the Heian period. That’s the era when The Tale of Genji was completed.

Then again, in Elf terms, that might only be around "great-grandma’s time", so maybe it doesn't feel that ancient to them.

"A 'Clan' was originally a vow sworn between warriors, mediated by elves—a method of becoming comrades beyond bloodlines, forming a group akin to a clan. However..."

Priestess-chan seemed hesitant about something.

"However?"

"The sacred incantation still exists, and I should be able to use it without issue, but... apparently, no one has successfully activated this magic since the Spirit Civilization era. The High Priestess believes the reason it doesn't succeed is likely that the blessing of the spirits has weakened compared to back then."

Is that so?

But then again, I literally have a "Guidance" telling me to do it... Does that mean if Priestess-chan tries and fails, there's another way?

Either way, might as well try.

"But 'comrades', huh? In that case, maybe it’s better if everyone is here? Etowa, Elepipi... I'd like to include Aurica too, but I'll have her join later."

* * *

And so, I decided to go to the shop first to work, then visit the temple again with everyone in the evening.

The members are: me, Diana, Marina, Rebecca-san, Etowa, and Elepipi—six people. Shello-san is at home. Aurica is also at the mansion doing housework.

I didn't know how many people could be registered as comrades in a clan, but we just had to try. Well, apparently you can add or remove members later, so let's take it easy. It's a long shot anyway.

“We’re here.”

Priestess-chan warmly welcomed us.

“Yes. I’ve been waiting.”

The Guidance was issued to me, so apparently, the magic for clan registration had to be cast on me.

I stepped up to the altar to prepare. "Preparation" basically just meant holding hands with Priestess-chan. This was the same procedure as the Spirit Contract and the Blessing.

Elf contract-type magic seems to involve a lot of hand-holding, which makes my heart race every time... Her hands are so small and warm!

"Now then... Jirou-san. Let's try it right away. This is making my heart race... Even at the Grand Temple, they said there's no record of a Guidance saying 'Try Registering a Clan'. It seems Jirou-san is truly loved by the Great Spirit Le Baraka... I'm sure it will succeed."

Priestess-chan brought her face close to my ear and whispered.

My heart is the one racing here, though!

She finished the incantation, and—Flash!—a burst of light like a camera flash.

I reflexively closed my eyes... Ack!! My eyesssss!!!

When my dazzled vision recovered, I saw Priestess-chan looking a bit excited. Her cheeks were flushed, and her hands were moving restlessly... Calm down.

“Waaa! A white ring! Just like the legends said! Amazing! It worked, Jirou-san!”

"O-Oh..."

This elf sure is incredibly hyped.

However, I didn't feel any physical change... Was it the same pattern as the Blessing?

I decided to open my Vocation Board to check—

“Jirou-san! The ring! Look, the ring!”

“Huh?”

What ring?

Looking down, I saw a bulky, unfamiliar white ring on the middle finger of my right hand. The design looked like a college ring.

"That ring is apparently the proof of a Clan Master. Now, please focus on the ring and think the word 'Clan, Clan, Clan.'"

Clan Master, huh?

While half-listening to this vague explanation, I focused on the ring.

"Clan clan clan clan!"

Poof!

As usual, a small fairy appeared.

This world’s system-like weirdness really does seem to involve these little fellows a lot.

“Hello. Congratulations. New clan registration, correct?”

The small fairy spoke with a practiced business smile.

"Uh, yes."

I didn't quite get it, but it seemed to be a registration system.

"Then, please tell me the members you wish to register. Aside from the Master, a Clan registration requires five members."

"Five? Uh, then everyone standing over there. Diana, Marina, Rebecca-san, Elepipi, and Etowa. Oh, that’s exactly five people."

"Ara? You’re the only player? How lonely."

“...Player?”

I’d heard that word before.

Also... did she just low-key diss me?

“Who will be the Sub-Master? Though, among these members, only Diana—an SGF—is eligible.”

“SGF?”

"What is your choice?"

"Don't just say 'What is your choice~?' Answer my questions. You’re using way too many words I’ve never heard of, like 'Player' and 'SGF'."

What kind of "player" am I supposed to be anyway?

"...A 'Player' is a player. I have no other vocabulary built-in to explain it. SGF stands for 'Special Guide Fairy'. You must have gone through considerable trouble to obtain her, yes? There’s no way you shouldn't know..."

"Special Guide Fairy?"

A special guide fairy? What an incredibly lazy naming...

Well, since Diana is an Elf, she is sort of like a fairy, I guess? And since she’s a High Elf instead of a normal one, she is certainly special. But I don't recall her ever "guiding" me.

“Well, whatever. Make Diana the sub-master.”

I’d intended that from the start anyway.

Rebecca-san would’ve been fine as Sub-Master too, but I didn’t know what authority sub-masters had—or even what benefits clans provided.

“Understood. Registering Diana as sub-master. Registering the others as clan members.”

The small fairy flicked her staff.

Poof!

A similar ring appeared on Diana’s finger—simpler than mine. The others received simple white bands.

"What will the Clan Name be?"

Clan name, huh... Like a team name? Or a party name in a game?

Shello-san and Rebecca-san’s mercenary group had been called 『Scarlet Edge』, right? Cool, but a bit chuuni... I’ll just use the Knight Order’s name.

"Knights of Artemis... no, just 'Artemis'."

Adding "Knights" sounds too pompous.

“Understood. Registering clan name ‘Artemis’. Clan Master: Jirou Ayase. Sub-Master: Diana Luna’Abella. Members: Marina, Rebecca, Etowa, Elepipi. Is this correct?”

“That’s fine.”

“Understood. Registration complete. Would you like to receive an explanation about clans? ...But before that, it seems receiving your Guidance reward takes priority.”

As she said that, the Vocation Board appeared—and another familiar tiny fairy popped out.

Whoa, it's the first time two spirits have appeared simultaneously. It's pretty surreal. And they look pretty different too!

“Yo yo! Didn’t think you’d actually register a clan with that lineup. You efficiency-obsessed bastard! It’s fine to contribute to the spirits, but try harder to make some actual friends too, okay!?”

Poof!

...Did I just get dissed again?

What is it with these guys and their condescending attitudes?

The Spirit Stone reward was a beautiful red-and-white striped stone—banded agate. Also called sardonyx.

Spirit Stones are always useful, but honestly, I’m starting to get used to them. I’d just gained ten from exchanging Pucelle Spirit Coins, after all.

“Now then, once more, shall we proceed with the clan explanation?”

The small fairy was as businesslike as ever.

"Please go ahead. Are there actual benefits?"

If the only benefit was “matching rings are cool!” I’d be disappointed.

Though Marina, Elepipi, and Etowa seem pretty happy about it.

"Of course there are benefits. First, you can use the Clan 'Inventory'. The initial capacity for the White rank is 10 slots. If it's the same item, you can store up to the stack limit in one slot. The stack limit number varies depending on the item..."

"Wait, wait a second."

"? What is it?"

"...What's an 'Inventory'?"

A fundamental question. These guys tend to use uncommon loanwords as if they're common knowledge, which is troublesome.

"It refers to item storage slots. Is 'Item Box' easier to understand?"

"Like a warehouse?"

"Yes. I believe you will understand if you actually try using it... Only the Master and Sub-Master can open the Clan Inventory. The keyword can be set individually, but the initial keyword is 'Clan Inventory Open'. This keyword is long, so I recommend changing it to something shorter."

"Clan Inventory Open?"

Responding to the keyword, my Vocation Board appeared.

It wasn't the usual board listing my Vocations; indeed, it now displayed the contents of a Clan Inventory.

【Artemis】 Clan Inventory

It is currently empty.

"...So, how do I use this?"

"Perfect timing. If you try taking that spirit stone in and out, you'll understand."

"No, I mean, even if you say 'put it in'..."

"If you press the item you want to store against the tab, it will be sucked in."

I tried doing exactly as I was told. The Vocation Board is essentially a semi-transparent pane. It’s perfectly fine for reading text, but as for pressing an item against it...

With a satisfying 'shwoop', the Spirit Stone was sucked in. Whoa.

【Artemis】 Clan Inventory

Spirit Stone [Agate] ×1

"Whoa, it went in! It even shows the type of stone..."

"Next, try taking it out. Just tap the corresponding item to specify it."

"Alright..."

When I tapped the part that said "Spirit Stone" with my index finger, the stone slowly slid out of the board with a 'squish' sound. It stayed stuck to the surface of the board, and I reached out to take it.

Yep. It was definitely the same stone from before.

"That concludes the usage of the Clan Inventory. Is that clear?"

"Y-Yeah. Thanks."

The visual was wild, but isn't this incredibly convenient? You can store items in an alternate dimension. It’s like a 4D pocket. This isn't just a "benefit"—it’s a revolution.

I was thinking and selecting what luggage to bring on the trip, but I might reconsider. With this, I can easily carry even heavy stuff!

Is this the start of my "Traveling Merchant Arc"?

"Umm. Excuse me?"

"...Ah, yes. Was there something else?"

"It's about the benefits of clan registration. There's one more: a magic that allows all clan members to teleport to the home base once per day. However, only the Master and Sub-Master can use this."

"!?"

"However, this cannot be used by a Clan that does not have a 'Home Base,' so you must first obtain and register a base. Registering a Home Base will advance you to 'Blue Rank,' so please do your best."

"Home base? Blue? Rank?"

She’s starting to say things I don't understand again.

"A Clan can be registered if you have five comrades, but ranking up from there is difficult. Obtaining a Home Base, increasing your membership, defeating Named Monsters, contribution in wars... You must increase your Fame Value through such activities. Naturally, you gain greater benefits with every rank up."

"...I see."

There are way too many things to remember...

For now, it seems [Teleport] can't be used without this "Home Base" thing. Apparently, Teleport is also triggered by a keyword, just like the Clan Inventory.

Having finished her explanation, the small fairy returned (or rather, disappeared).

Afterward, I explained the outcome to the Priestess-chan, who was listening with great interest (she couldn't see the fairy, and naturally couldn't hear what it was saying).

I’d prefer if she didn't report this to the High Temple or headquarters or whatever, but she’d already mentioned it had been 1,000 years since anyone registered a Clan, so in her position, she probably doesn't have a choice.

Well, it’s not like they’re going to kidnap me for human experimentation, so it should be fine. If things get hairy, I’ll use Diana-power to wiggle out of it.

Everyone involved with the temple should be an Elf, so I’ll just have them deal with Princess Diana-sama’s authority.

Still, this world is really starting to feel like a game...