The Trash is a Fan of the Little Alchemist

Chapter 16: Meet & Greet

"Ah should I join?" Your hand rested on Cale's as he stood up along with three other nobles. The young master paused for a moment, staring at your hand.

"No. It'll be better if you stay here." Cale responded and left without another word.

You sat in silence for a moment along with Taylor, Cage, and another noble. For some reason that noble kept staring at you.

"Hey. Are you really The Owl from the legend?" That noble asked, his fork pointed towards you.

You hum in response. "I suppose so? I never expected Sol— ahem... The phoenix to recognize me."

Neo Tolz didn't seem to buy it but left it alone. With how the bird acted to you, it made the answer obvious enough. The noble flinched when he felt an intense stare directed towards him. He glanced around to find Venion glaring in their direction with such ferocity. Neo gulped as his mind raced. Should he do something? Maybe if he could get the opportunity to—

"Oh (Y/N), I am thinking of finding a way to mass produce products like the one you made for me. Would you be interested in working with me?" Taylor quickly asked. Your large eyes gleamed as you turned towards the blonde.

"That sounds like a lot of fun. Though you probably need to talk with Cale involving the revenue split. The most I can do is help with schematics and manufacturing." You respond.

"That's more than enough. It'll probably be difficult just trying to replicate your creations." You hum at Taylor's words. That was true. Though you technically had the blueprints to produce mechanical limbs and such from your inventory, getting the materials was another story. This world didn't seem advanced enough to create delicate metal works.

"I guess you're right about that. Though I am interested in magical mechanics used like the time the crown prince—" you ended up in a long rant about the interesting magical devices you saw in the palace. Taylor and Cage didn't seem to mind listening to you. Neo Tolz on the other hand was struggling to find a way to talk with you. It was as if Taylor seamlessly erected a wall he couldn't get through. With Venion's staring, the pressure to speak up was anxiety inducing.

"Actually, I was also interested in developing mechanized transportation. If my research is successful, then even commoners would be able to move across the country without worry."

"Why would commoners need to move across the country? It'll just cause a hassle for us nobles anyway." You and Taylor stopped talking to look at Neo. You had a disappointed look on your face as he said those words.

"For a noble, your way of thinking is too shallow." Neo scoffed at you.

"Oh yeah? Then tell me, what good is transport if commoners can't even afford to live in another territory."

You sign and rub your temple. "Isn't it obvious? It's to systemize trade."

It was as if something clicked in Taylor's head. His eyes were wide with realization as he said: "If we create an ease of transport, this would not only lower the risk of damaged goods but also allow an ease for territories to trade for necessary goods."

You snap your fingers in response. "Bingo!"

"Hah. That's pretty interesting! It's almost like you're planning to unify the kingdom." Cage, who was only listening until now, finally spoke up. She can see now why the god of death was so interested in you. You certainly thought differently from others.

"Unify the kingdom? I have no plans like that. I just think a project like that is fun." You reply with a grin on your face.

Before Neo knew it, the conversation continued again this time with no opportunity for him to butt in. Dammit. This was getting too difficult.