Chapter 219 List of Tools

Suzuka's boots splashed through the rain-soaked streets as she approached Walter's forge. The flickering light from the forge's windows played with the shadows, casting an almost magical glow on a gloomy day. She pushed the heavy door open, the creaking hinges announcing her arrival.

The interior of Walter's forge was a symphony of clanging metal, his skilled hands shaping and crafting with a precision that only a master blacksmith possessed. The air was thick with the scent of burning coal and molten metal. Walter, a tall man with a beard and sharp, observant eyes, looked up from his work as Suzuka entered.

"Hello there, Helen, my favorite customer! What brings you to my humble abode on this stormy day?" Walter's voice, smooth as honey, carried a genuine warmth that masked his cunning nature.

Suzuka greeted him with a smile, "Hi Walter, I need your expertise. I'm planning something big, and it involves some tools. I figured you might help me out with that."

Walter's eyes gleamed with interest and a wide smile adorned his face. 

"Something big, you say? Well, my dear, you've come to the right place. I can forge almost anything you like. From weapons that'll make your enemies weep, and armor so sturdy it'll feel like a second skin, all the way to perfectly shaped nails. Tell me more, and we'll make your vision a reality."

Suzuka returned the smile, knowing that beneath the charm lay a shrewd mind. 

"Walter, you will think I'm crazy but I plan to build a town that unites various races and monster kin. Here's the catch - I need tools, goblin-sized tools. Do you think you can help me with that?"

Walter leaned on his anvil, the flickering firelight casting a play of shadows on his weathered face.

Thinking that Suzuka is just joking, Walter jested, "Goblin-sized tools, eh? Interesting choice, Helen. I reckon we can fashion something sturdy and precise. But, you know, you gotta tell me what kind of tools you're envisioning. Are we talking about tiny hammers, miniature tongs, or maybe even pocket-sized anvils?"

Suzuka chuckled, "Let's go with all of the above. I want to make sure those little hands have everything they need to get the job done. What other Goblin-sized tools you can make, Walter? I need to build shelters for the little guys, and I'm clueless about what kind of tools they'd need. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

Walter got serious, his eyes narrowing in thought.

 "You're not joking, girl? Are you serious? Shelters for goblins? Huh?"

"Nop! I'm serious. I want to build a town and the goblins will be my main building force."

Walter was confused, his tone shaky as he continued, "Well... we'd need lightweight but sturdy tools for digging and carving, maybe some scaled-down saws and hammers. And don't forget about the little cooking pots. Goblins do enjoy eating, you know."

Walter scratched his head, a grin reappearing on his face.

 "Well, you've got me there, Helen. Goblin-sized tools are a first for me, but hey, I love a good challenge. We'll need to consider their stature, strength, and the kind of materials they'll be working with. We're talking about creatures with nimble hands and a knack for craftsmanship. Well, for starters you will want miniature hammers, specialized chisels, and compact saws for those little green thumbs to work with but these are just the start. And let's not forget tiny nails, screws, and the like. It's quite the unique project you've got in mind, Helen. I'll put on my thinking cap and see what I can come up with."

Suzuka chuckled, appreciating Walter's enthusiasm.

 "That's why I came to you, Walter. I knew you'd be up for the challenge. But don't overthink too much, I only want tools. Cheap and practical, nothing fancy."

Walter scratched his chin, his mind already racing with possibilities and potential profits.

 "Nothing fancy, eh? Well, considering their size, we might want collapsible ladders and platforms for them to reach higher places without much hassle. Oh, and don't forget about compact yet efficient shovels for their little hands. Oh! And pick-axes too!"

Walter's hands moved in the air as he painted a vivid picture of the goblin-sized construction scene. 

"And let's not forget the goblin-sized carts! Picture this: a whole brigade of little fellas hauling around their goblin-sized construction materials in mini-carts. These little guys might not be the strongest, but with these carts, they'll zip around like the wind, carrying all your materials faster than you can say 'gold in a dirt sale. It'll be a sight to behold, I tell you!"

He then launched into a detailed explanation of the various tools and materials needed, "Now, Helen, building a town is no small feat, even if the workers are on the smaller side. You'll need bricks, and lumber, and don't get me started on the permits for each structure. Those bureaucrats sure know how to make a coin or two. That alone will be a problem."

Suzuka nodded and reassured, "Don't worry about the permits, bricks, or lumber. I have it covered. I have bought the land, I have a guy who will deal with all the paperwork, and I will soon have a goblin construction force. We will use the lumber from all of the forest that surrounds my town and I have an earth mage who will shape all the bricks, I am talking about magic-enhanced bricks, baby!"

She continued, "And here's the kicker: the goblins aren't just going to be construction workers; they're going to be the farmers too. Imagine rows of goblins, tending to the crops with their miniature tools. That means we'll need more than just hammers and saws. I'll need you to whip up some goblin-sized farming tools too. Tiny pitchforks, itty-bitty hoes - you get the picture."

"Goblins working in farms. Cheap labor, practical, and let's face it, those little guys have a knack for hard work. What do you think, Walter? Can you whip up some goblin-sized hoes, tiny watering cans, and maybe even mini plows?"

Walter burst into laughter at Suzuka's request, his jovial demeanor filling the workshop.

 "Goblin-sized farming tools, eh?" he chuckled, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. 

"Now that's a picture. I can already see those little green fellows out there, armed with tiny hoes and watering cans, turning the fields into a masterpiece."

Walter pulled out a sketch pad, quickly jotting down ideas.

"I'll draw up the designs, source the best materials, and ensure these tools are practical for the goblins to handle. Farming may be hard work, but with the right tools, we can make it a tad bit easier for the little fellas."

Suzuka shifted the conversation with a casual wave of her hand.

 "Alright, Walter, enough about the tools. Let's talk shelters now. We'll need something that won't break the bank but can withstand a bit of roughhousing until we start building actual houses. Do you have any clever ideas for goblin-sized shelters? They're not the pickiest bunch, but we don't want them living in cardboard boxes either. Cheap, practical, and just enough to keep the rain off their heads. What's your take on that, Walter?"

 Absorbing the details Walter continued, his excitement building.

 "For shelters, we can craft specialized kits with pre-sized components, making it easier for the goblins to assemble, but that will be leaning toward big expenses. Or, you could always use good old tents. We are talking about goblins here, they love to pile up into a big stinking pile of bodies, you should go with big tents on this one. Practical, cheap, and easy to assemble, even a goblin could do it."

"Next, you could get them miniature masonry tools for crafting tiny bricks, and pint-sized blueprints so they can follow along without a fuss. The trick is to make everything practical but manageable for their dimwitted minds to follow."

Suzuka shifted the conversation with a directness that characterized her approach.

 "Alright, Walter, let's talk numbers. I need a total estimate. Tools and shelters for about 50 goblins to start. I'm not looking for luxury here, just the essentials, and, you know, the cheapest deal you can conjure up. Those little guys won't mind a bit of roughing it, I'm sure. I'm not running a charity here, and those little guys will have to earn their keep."

Walter took a moment to calculate the costs, his brow furrowed in fake concentration. He put up an act as if he was deeply in thought and considering the possibilities when in fact he had already finished his calculations in the middle of the conversation.

 "Alright, Helen," he began, "here's the rundown. Crafting all the goblin-sized construction and farming tools, along with the shelters, will take some serious effort. For the tools alone, I'd estimate about 40 gold coins, considering the quality and materials. Now, the shelters will require a bit more - let's say another 20 gold coins. Factor in no labor on delivery, and we're looking at a total of 60 gold coins for the whole package."

He met Suzuka's gaze, his expression serious. 

"It's a fair price for top-notch craftsmanship, and you won't find a better deal anywhere else. Remember, quality comes at a cost, but I assure you, these tools and shelters will stand the test of time."

Walter awaited Suzuka's response, confident in the value of his services and the durability of the products he was about to create for her ambitious project.

Suzuka, wearing her negotiation hat, flashed a cunning smile.

 "Walter, you know I appreciate quality, and your craftsmanship is top-notch. However, I've got to keep an eye on the budget. How about we settle at 30 gold coins? I'll throw in a prime spot in the heart of the town for your future shop. Think of the business you'll attract there - a win-win, wouldn't you say?"

She leaned in, her tone sweetening.

 "And let's not forget the potential for future collaborations. I've got big plans, Walter, and I'd love to have you as a permanent member of our little community. What do you say?"

Walter, the seasoned con master, rubbed his chin, faking a conflicted expression.

 "Helen, you drive a hard bargain, but I respect a shrewd negotiator," he mused as if wrestling with the decision.

 "A prime spot and potential future collaborations, you say? Well, I suppose we could meet in the middle. Let's settle at thirty gold coins."

His words carried a tone of reluctant acceptance as if Suzuka had managed to pull off a remarkable feat. Yet, in reality, Walter had predicted this outcome. The initial higher price had allowed room for negotiations, and the prime spot in the town was a tempting proposition.

With a theatrical sigh, Walter continued, "Alright, you've got yourself a deal. Thirty gold coins it is. Just tell me when and we'll get started on this ambitious project of yours."