Chapter 19

Elliot and Lloyd hurried back to the castle, and after giving a brief report, they immediately headed to the weapon merchant they had heard about from Priest Powell.

At the west gate of the castle, there stands a large, old stone building. At first glance, it looks like a sturdy and robust old nobleman's townhouse, but this is where the merchant they were looking for operates his trading house. Despite being called a weapon merchant, he does not have a shop. His clients are mainly the royal family and the noble knights and private armies, and because of his position, he is well-versed in the history and circumstances of weapons and armor both domestically and internationally.

They arrived unannounced, but when they requested an audience, they were smoothly led to the reception room.

The person who appeared was a tall old gentleman with white hair and a white beard. His build was thick, and he looked like someone who could have been a warrior in the past.

Although Elliot had somewhat regained his composure, he was still not entirely calm, so Lloyd stepped forward.

"Lord Goliath, thank you for granting us an audience."

"No need to be so formal. In fact, in terms of status, I am the lower one. However, I don't like it when formalities hinder the progress of a conversation, so I hope you will forgive me in this matter."

Goliath smiled gently, a far cry from the imposing figure and the hoarse voice that sounded like it had been burned by alcohol.

"Also, let's have our conversation in a more private room."

They were led to a room further back in the reception area. The room had only two doors, one at the front and one at the back, with no windows or decorations. It was a bleak, small room with only high-quality sofas and a table.

"Important negotiations and consultations are always held in this room. Please rest assured; it is for the protection of both parties."

Goliath gestured for them to sit on the sofas and then placed three sheets of parchment on the table.

"And this as well."

"What is this...?"

"This is a non-disclosure agreement, stating that we will not reveal anything discussed in this room. If any information leaks, we will be the first to be suspected. To be honest, this is also a means of self-protection for me."

Lloyd was surprised by the thoroughness but also impressed by how Goliath had maintained his position and credibility as a weapon merchant.

"Besides, wouldn't it be easier for you to talk this way?"

Goliath added, glancing at the sword Elliot was holding. Elliot, though visibly shaken, tried to steady his breathing and signed the non-disclosure agreement. Then, with a determined look, he placed the sword he was holding on the table.

"Let me reiterate, you are Sir Elliot, the Holy Knight, and Sir Lloyd, the Senior Knight. I am Goliath. I have heard from Priest Powell, so I have a good idea of your purpose. It's about the Holy Sword, isn't it?—That it has lost its power?"

"Rather... that's quite quick, isn't it?"

Lloyd tried to hide his own unease as he calmed the visibly shaken Elliot, who had lost his color. Goliath gave a business-like, emotionless smile.

"I'm just making an educated guess. There are only a few reasons why a Holy Knight would come to see me looking so troubled. ...May I take a look?"

Elliot nodded silently. After examining the sword in its sheath, Goliath took the hilt and drew the sword in one swift motion.

Seeing the drawn sword, Lloyd gasped, and Elliot covered his face with his hand, as if in despair.

The intricate ivy relief that had once been etched on the blade was now completely gone, leaving only a damaged, white blade.

Goliath examined the sword from different angles, almost as if appraising it, and let out a breath of admiration.

"This is... a magnificent sword. It's no wonder it was chosen as a Holy Sword."

Elliot looked up, surprised by Goliath's words.

"What's wrong? Do you think that if it's not a Holy Sword, it's not a sword at all?"

"No..."

Elliot felt as if he had been hit where it hurt, and he uncomfortably averted his eyes. Goliath glanced at him and began to speak.

"Much of what we know about Holy Swords is a collection of legends and folktales passed down through history. However, among those who deal with weapons, there is a long-held belief."

As he spoke, Goliath cast a tender gaze at the sword in his hand.

"For a Holy Sword to manifest, several conditions must be met: the vessel, the blessing, and the prayer. This is not a particularly rare concept. You must have heard of it before, haven't you?"

Both of them started to nod but paused, and Lloyd responded.

"I only heard about the condition of the vessel for the first time in this matter."

"I see... Legends tend to lose details as they are passed down through generations."

After saying this with a somewhat melancholic tone, Goliath placed the drawn sword in front of Elliot.

"Do you recognize this sword?"

Asked this, Elliot looked at the sword for the first time since the strange events of the day began. He had been so preoccupied with the fact that the Holy Sword had been damaged that he couldn't bring himself to look at it directly.

"This sword..."

—The day he obtained the Holy Sword. He thought he had lost it in the midst of a battle...

From the day he joined the knight's order until that day, it had always been with him, never leaving his side. A distant memory of a gift given to him to celebrate becoming a knight.

It was the sword that Flora had given him.