After Surviving the Apocalypse, I Built a City in Another World

Before leaving Alterra, the Golds gave them a list of toolmakers who had an allegiance to them. They also listed some who did not, but might interest them regardless.

The prerequisite of approaching them, however, was whether the toolmaker was having trouble in Bleulle and if it was safe enough for them (Veronica and the Alterrans) to approach at all.

The top of the list was Kalfene, one of the best aether letter toolmakers around. Even when he was younger, he could create three quality aether letters when others of the same age and rank could make one at the same time frame.

He also had the inheritance for the aether board. While the latter had limited uses, the fact that he could create at least two tools proficiently was a testament to his talent.

Furthermore, he was a Class C Toolmaker at 40 years old, an impressive feat.

He was described to have bright orange curly hair and large, rounded glasses, appearing to be in his late 20s.

He also had a team with him, but as of a few days ago, it seemed that they had switched sides and were now working for the Lord. According to their investigation, he was being ostracized now, and even the house granted to him was in danger of being expropriated.

The other one was named Sleuth, one of the toolmakers specializing in Voice Blockers. He was a Class D Toolmaker in his 30s.

He lived a block away from Kalfene and was a famously reticent guy. Legend has it that it was the reason why the system blessed him with the Voice Blocker skill. It was so he wouldn't have to hear other people.

The Golds also mentioned, though not with priority, to look into a guy named Menzon. He didn't have much going for him, but he was lucky enough to inherit an unusual tool called the Celeste Mirror.

It was a mirror that could reflect and redirect magic attacks. It could, after a certain level, also be used to show illusions!

Before they could get excited, though, they reiterated that the guy had yet to produce a successful product after several years.

He also had family in Bleuelle and had signed a 5-year contract with the Lord, so there was that, though it seemed to have ended already. The Golds mentioned him because the inheritance was rare, and they might want to get connected somehow.

They put that guy at the back of their minds. He didn't seem particularly amazing.

"Since the wedding has been delayed, let's go visit them earlier," Veronica said. "If we manage to recruit them back to Alterra, how many contribution points can we get!"

Her brother looked at his passionate sister in curiosity. "You're really working hard for that territory…" Was she ever this energetic for their territory?

Veronica was unaware of her brother's complicated emotions. "After this, let's go see it together," she said, grabbing his arm. "You're a future lord yourself, and I think you'll learn a lot from that trip."

Seeing his sister so confident, Vaughn didn't know what to think. How different could two towns truly be? Of course, he didn't express his cynicism and just decided to humor his sister. "Hmn, I'll trust you."

It was here that Sean resolved to burst Veronica's bubble. "But, Miss Veronica, if we pirate important toolmakers, wouldn't it be troublesome for you since you are known?"

"..." Ah.

Indeed. If she was seen in contact with these toolmakers before they left, then it could easily be traced to her and her family.

They were already suffering from the Lord Bleumrick from the previous mission related to the Golds, being in the Lord's radar again could get dangerous for Hubble.

Still, she really wanted those contribution points…

Sean smiled a little. "We will share contribution points. Don't worry, Miss."

Sean was not really that handsome, but he had facial features that were pleasant when put together. He even looked charming when he smiled.

Veronica found herself blushing just a bit. Her brother cleared his throat, saving her from embarrassment.

"A-Ah, yes," she said. "A good share, I hope."

Sean and the other guard had no idea about subtext and just nodded.

The party headed out after ironing out a few details. However, while they entered the streets, Sean suddenly looked around.

"And… I've been wanting to ask this for a while now…" he said, looking at others.

"Has anyone seen Sir Gregory?"

…

Meanwhile, on another side of the city, a certain curly haired man was sitting right outside his house, and he was surrounded by his former assistants.

"Boss… why don't you just sign a contract with the Lord?" one said, patting his shoulder. "The offer isn't bad at all, we just have to work 20 hours a day and still have enough time to eat and rest. The Golds are gone, we have to live too."

Kalfene sighed. "I don't judge you for the choice you have made. It's true, we just need to live our lives. In the same vein, Bleumrick is not the Lord I want to serve."

Kalfene… was now homeless.

Since the Golds were gone, the people sponsoring his house were gone. When he offered to rent it, the house had magically been rented out already.

By who? His old junior Aetat, of course. He shared this with the rest of the toolmakers, but only if they accepted the Lord's contract.

In the same vein, no other openings for accommodation was available. They were all 'conveniently' rented out, but there was no one there, and it was obvious what was happening.

The toolmakers sighed and looked at each other, while one seemed a bit more annoyed than others. When he saw there was no talking to Kalfene he just sneered.

"Well, let's see how that pride of yours can keep you alive," he snapped, leaving them behind.

The other toolmakers could only awkwardly follow, though in their minds…they really did wonder: How would Kalfene get out of this?