The technique of shape-memory alloy metallurgy was a critical technology for crafting portable gear. It was an elite skill possessed only by the empire on this vast continent. Now, Sefira was going to have it too. And whose credit was that going to be? Keter’s0

It would be delightful if Sefira acknowledged this and praised me, but life isn't that simple. People tend to mistake continued goodwill for entitlement. Who can say that I won’t be tossed aside after that? That’s why I need a safeguard—to prevent Sefira from changing and to block any fundamental betrayal.0

Volkanus was frowning deeply. It was because he had understood why Keter was acting this way.0

Well, I get that he doesn’t like this. To him, it probably looks like I don’t trust Sefira. Wait, I don’t trust them. 0

“Does this upset you? Well, suit yourself. If you don’t like it, then so be it.”0

Keter had nothing to lose. It was true that having Sefira equipped with the technology for portable gear would be great, but there was no rule saying that the technology had to belong to Sefira. 0

Elves and dwarves may be rare, but they weren’t so rare that he couldn’t find one at all. Even if it was a little troublesome, he could always sign a contract with another dwarf to learn shape-memory alloy metallurgy and make them supply bows and arrows to Sefira as a vendor.0

A bit...0