Chapter 55

"Alright, let's call it a day for now."

"Sure thing!"

After practicing with Kurni for a while, the sun had risen high and was beginning to tilt westward, signaling the end of today's training.

This rhythm of life, or rather, the timing of the training, is the same as when I was teaching swordsmanship in Bidden Village. The headquarters of the knights is open at all times, but I didn't want to disrupt my own pace of life. At my age, it's tough when my sleeping and active times get out of sync.

I wake up in the morning, exercise, and relax in the afternoon. This rhythm is deeply ingrained in me. Of course, if something irregular happens, it's a different story, but I doubt I'll be pulled into any irregular situations anytime soon. The incident with Mui was truly an exception.

"I'll go change!"

"Sure, take your time."

Kurni, who had been energetic throughout the training, was still high-spirited. I thought it might be a bit much to drag her along for my errands, but if she's okay with it, then it's fine. I enjoy having a lively companion more than going alone.

With Kurni heading off to the changing room, I began preparing to leave. Not much to do, really, just wiping off the sweat. Unlike women, men can be so carefree.

"Well..."

Usually, Alusia would appear at this point, but she doesn't seem to be around today. She didn't participate in the morning training, so she's probably busy with discussions with Lucy and the others. It's a bit concerning, but there's no point in me prying. I'll get the information when it's appropriate to share.

So, I just focused on the new sword that should be ready. I'm really looking forward to it.

"Sorry to keep you waiting!"

"No problem, you didn't keep me waiting long."

After waiting for a bit in front of the headquarters, I greeted Kurni, who appeared in her usual comfortable outfit. Since coming to the capital, Baltrain, I've had many more opportunities to go out with women, though most of them are my former students.

I haven't been hit by the old man's push since we've been physically apart for a while. But maybe I should think about that more. It's hard to imagine any woman getting excited over a dried-up old man like me.

Oh well. There are more important things to focus on now. My romantic affairs can be put aside as trivial matters.

So, the blacksmith Valder's shop is in the central district, I think. I only went there once about a week ago, so the route is a bit hazy. Having Kurni with me is helpful; at least I won't get lost.

"What kind of sword do you think it is?"

"Well, it's a longsword, so I don't think it will be too unusual. But the materials are special, so who knows?"

We chatted a bit as we walked. Sarena ordered the sword, but it's just a longsword. I don't expect anything too outlandish, but since the materials are special, I'm a bit excited and a bit anxious.

"It's bound to be super cool!"

"Haha, I hope it's a sword that suits me."

A cool longsword. I don't want something with too much decoration. I think Valder understands that.

"By the way, I need to report on your Zweihänder too."

"Huh? Me?"

"Yeah, about your Zweihänder."

Kurni's weapon changed from a short sword to a Zweihänder after an epiphany at Valder's shop. She's only been using it for about a week, and there are still rough edges, but she seems to be handling it well. It's important to have potential for growth.

"Really! I feel like it fits me well too!"

"That's great to hear."

I recommended the Zweihänder, so I'd be disappointed if it didn't suit her. I haven't given her a farewell sword yet, so I want to train her more until I can. It's a feeling like parental affection, even though I don't have kids.

"We're here!"

As we chatted, we arrived at a familiar building. Yes, this is the place. It's a bit small but has a solid and welcoming atmosphere.

"Let's go in."

"Let's go in!"

We walked into the shop together.

"Oh, it's you, Master and Kurni."

Behind the counter, surrounded by weapons, Valder was examining a sword. Upon seeing us, he grinned and smiled broadly.

"I thought it would be about time for the sword to be ready."

Well, Sarena placed the order, not me. I'm feeling a bit hesitant now. But I know I have to take it if it's ready.

"Yep, it's ready. I'm confident in this one! Just a moment, Master."

"Ah, okay."

Before I could react, Valder disappeared behind the counter, looking a bit flustered. Hmm, his confidence makes me even more excited.

"Maybe I should have mentioned Kurni's Zweihänder first."

"Ahaha, it's fine. I don't mind."

While waiting for Valder, I heard sounds from behind the counter. He said he was putting in effort, but I didn't expect him to be this enthusiastic. After all, it's just my sword.

Feeling a bit guilty for bringing Kurni along, I saw a muscular figure burst out from behind the counter.

"Here you go, Master! Take it!"

Valder thrust a sword in its scabbard at me. This is it. My new sword. I'm getting a bit nervous. It's been a few years since I last got a new sword, so this feels like a big event for me.

"Thank you very much."

I took the sword from Valder and drew it from the scabbard. The blade, which emerged with little resistance, shimmered faintly red in the sunlight that filtered into the shop.

The blade length is about a hundred centimeters, I'd say. In terms of overall size, it's not much different from the longsword I've used for years. However, it's a bit slimmer and seems to handle both slashing and thrusting well. My first impression is that it's sleek.

"The blade is double-edged, with the core made from Zeno Graybull's bone, coated with Elven steel. The fuller is shallow because the material is flexible."

"Wow, Elven steel."

I've only heard the name of this ore. I don't know much about it except that it's valuable. The fuller is the groove on the blade, which is said to increase flexibility and cutting power. I don't really feel it as a user, though.

"Shaving the bone of a specially designated individual was literally a bone-crushing task, but it was fun!"

"R-right. That's good to hear."

Is shaving bone fun? I don't know. But I guess it's different for a blacksmith. I'll take Valder's word for it.

The slight red hue on the blade is probably due to the Elven steel. I usually think of steel as a dull color, so this is quite fresh. It's not bright red, just a subtle tint, which is a high point. The slim blade makes it look quite stylish. It might be a bit too fancy for an old man like me.

"The grip and scabbard are made from Zeno Graybull's hide, which is a bit stiff. The guard is made of Elven steel with a tooth embedded in the center."

"Hmm..."

The grip feels a bit unique, probably because it's made from Zeno Graybull's hide. The texture is unusual but not unpleasant. It has a good grip and should handle well. The grip and scabbard, like the blade, are a symbolic red of the Zeno Graybull. The guard, made of Elven steel, should be very durable. Cheap swords often have poor craftsmanship in these areas, but Valder wouldn't do that.

"---Yeah, I think it's a good sword."

When I swung it lightly, it cut through the air with a whoosh, the tip gliding smoothly. I felt a definite weight but almost no air resistance. In one word, it's a masterpiece. I'm not an expert, but I can tell this is a high-quality weapon.

Good materials and a skilled blacksmith make a good weapon. That's a given, but there's a special feeling when a masterpiece is in your hands.

"This is your sword, Master. Don't hesitate to take it."

"---Yeah, I will."

It's not that Valder's words pushed me, but they helped dispel the hesitation I had.

So, this is my sword. I look forward to working with you.

"Wow, it's a beautiful sword!"

"Haha, it might be a bit too fancy for an old man like me."

Kurni, who had been looking at the blade, commented. The red-tinted blade is indeed unusual. It's a bit dazzling for a dull old man like me.

"About the cost... it's on Sarena, right?"

"Yep, Sarena's covering the full cost."

I confirmed, and he gave a cheerful response. I don't want to think about how much this sword cost. It's probably better not to. I'll just enjoy the result.

As an older person, I hope you understand.

The old man got an amazing sword! (Ping!)