Chapter 9

"I apologize for being late with my greetings. I am Ikusa, a researcher at a facility that conducts magic research."

The man who appeared before me smiled and said this. He had long blonde hair that reached his shoulders and a well-defined, androgynous face. He wore a high-quality coat and had a shoulder bag. Despite his good looks, which made me want to sigh, he gave off an impression of being someone who was respected by those around him. I could feel this from the gazes of passersby and the Beowulfs.

"Researcher...?"

"Yes, this armband should serve as proof, right?"

He showed me the emblem embroidered on the sleeve of his coat. It was a fierce beast with wings... hmm, what is it? It kind of looks like... that.

"Mako... Oh, this is the emblem of the kingdom... the Kingdom of Grouga. Seriously, he's a staff member of the royal family's direct research institute."

One of the Beowulfs called out from behind. I was just thinking it looked like the national emblem. So, this means... he must be in a very important position.

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite understand."

Thinking I might have been rude, I bowed politely.

"No, no, you don't have to be so formal."

The man—Ikusa—said cheerfully.

"More importantly, what I'm interested in is—"

"Oh, yes, the sword for sale, right?"

"Yes, there was a male adventurer who was loudly boasting about selling an 'unbreakable sword' earlier."

"That's him..."

Meala frowned and grunted. I took the bags off Entia's back and spread out all five swords.

"Hmm... I see."

Ikusa placed his hand on his chin and stared intently at the swords. Then, as if he had an idea, he picked one up and held it out in front of him. At that moment, a faint light began to emanate from the blade in his hand.

"Huh... what is that?"

The light was familiar, and I, along with Mawr, Meala, and the Beowulfs, were surprised. On the other hand, Ikusa glanced at a nearby stone block. It was a large and heavy-looking stone. He turned and swung the sword at the stone—though the distance was such that the blade shouldn't have reached it. However, in an instant, the stone split in two with a loud sound, as if it had been cut by a slash.

"Wh-what...?"

I was surprised by the sudden phenomenon.

"No doubt about it..."

On the other hand, Ikusa was looking at the sword in his hand with a feverish, excited gaze.

"This sword is a magic sword!"

"A magic sword?"

"Yes, it's a type of magical artifact that can't be handled by people without magic power. Conversely, in the hands of those who can use magic—mages or magic users—it can exhibit terrifying power."

Ikusa spoke excitedly and took my hand.

"Amazing! Where did you get such a valuable item? And in such large quantities! I would love to have them as research materials!"

His eyes, which were close to mine, shone with the purity of a child, making me flinch. ...However, I would prefer it if he didn't hold my hand while still holding the sword. It's dangerous, purely speaking. I guess he's so excited that he's forgotten himself.

However, I was surprised—never would I have thought that the swords, which I had assumed were defective due to my casual knowledge, had such a secret. ...But, the "angle brackets" also seemed to have some kind of magical blessing. Perhaps the metal I produce has, to some extent, such effects. While the "angle brackets" exhibited the effect of "strengthening the house" as I intended, the "swords" being "magic swords" was a completely accidental result. I might not be able to control such effects for items other than hardware from a home center.

"How many of these swords do you have?"

"Five."

"Five... I want to buy all of them. How much would that be?"

At that moment, Meala nudged my thigh from the side. It was a signal to inflate the price. However, I don't know the market prices in this world. Moreover, a magic sword? I think it must be quite rare and expensive.

"Hmm..."

I remember that a katana in Japan costs around a million yen. But, how much is 10,000 yen in this world? Maybe one gold coin? Then, maybe 300,000 yen...

"One sword for 30 gold coins, how about that?"

"Thirty coins!?"

Ikusa was surprised. Was it too high?

"Are you sure? That's such a low price."

"Huh? Oh, yes."

"Alright."

Ikusa rummaged through the bag on his shoulder and pulled out a heavy-looking leather pouch.

"I happen to have 150 gold coins here. I'll take all five swords for this."

"What!?"

"Wait, no way!"

The Beowulfs gathered, looking shocked. When the mouth of the leather pouch was opened, a large number of gold coins jingled and appeared.

"Wow! They're real!"

"Wait, are there really 150 coins? We need to count them."

"My hands are shaking, I can't count them properly..."

The three Beowulfs were trembling. Ignoring that, I handed the five swords to Ikusa. He put the load, which he could barely hold with both arms, into the bag on his shoulder. Despite the size, the swords disappeared into the bag as if they were being sucked in.

"Huh?"

"Surprised? This is also a magical artifact."

Mawr and Meala, with wide eyes, and I, who couldn't help but mutter, "A fourth-dimensional pocket?"

"What's that? Oh, do you have other items for sale? I'd love to see more!"

Ikusa approached me with high energy.

"I'd like to become a regular customer. Please let me know if you get any interesting items. Keep it a secret from everyone else, okay?"

Then, Ikusa clapped his hands as if he had an idea.

"Can you come to my research institute? I'd love to hear more from you. I'm sorry, but I want to examine this magical artifact tonight. From tomorrow, I'll make sure you can visit the institute anytime. Come by when you feel like it!"

With that, Ikusa left in a cheerful mood. He was like a storm. Left behind were me, the Beowulfs who were in a state of confusion over the sudden wealth, and the stunned Mawr and Meala, and the yawning Entia.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

"Cheers!"

That night, instead of the cheap inn we had planned to stay at, we changed our destination to a much better-equipped inn. We had enough income left over after paying for the market fees and taxes. We were drinking and feasting in the tavern of the inn.

"Sorry, Mako! Most of the money we got was from the swords you made, but we're all staying at such a nice inn!"

"Well, it's also a thank you for teaching me how to use the market. And, traveling companions are important."

I didn't feel right if they went to a cheap inn while I enjoyed a better one. Besides, it's more fun to share a meal together.

"Wow... I've never had such a feast..."

Mawr, with shining eyes, looked at the lavish dishes being served.

"..."

On the other hand, Meala looked unhappy.

(What's wrong? Meala...)

"But, to be noticed by a researcher from the magic research institute, that's amazing!"

One of the Beowulfs, holding a large mug of beer, said.

"Are you going tomorrow?"

"Yes, just to say hello. Is the institute that famous?"

"Yeah, it's backed by the kingdom itself. The institute was even founded by one of the princes of this country."

"Really?"

"Basically, it means you've caught the eye of the royal family. If something happens, you can use their name, which is a big deal."

"Wow, Mako, you're impressive!"

Mawr, who was eating a bone-in meat, smiled at me. A magic research institute backed by the royal family. Indeed, it sounds like a formidable group.

"..."

"What's wrong? Why aren't you more excited?"

Well, that's important, but... there's something else that's bothering me more right now.

"Actually, there's something I'm curious about..."

I glanced at the three Beowulfs in front of me.

"What? Just say it."

"Um... your names, I know it's late, but... what are they?"

"Really late, you know!"

The Beowulfs shouted in unison.

"I'm Ram! This is Baguz! And that's Uga! Come to think of it, we never introduced ourselves!"

"Right... and to be honest, unlike Mawr and Meala, I can't really tell you apart."

"That's harsh! It's obvious who's the most handsome, this Uga here!"

"Are you kidding? I'm the most handsome!"

"Obviously, it's me!"

The three of them, perhaps due to the alcohol, started arguing and getting excited. Mawr laughed at the scene.

"..."

I glanced at Meala. I thought this might make her smile a little. But, she still had a serious look on her face.