Chapter 34

I managed to secure two custom short swords, but since I don’t want to start making them today, I decided to prioritize the production of the swords I will supply to Camilo. Of course, I will have Sermia help me with this.

The number of swords I can deliver will be slightly reduced, but since I have already supplied a considerable number, it shouldn’t be a problem... I hope. Besides, it was Camilo who sent Helen, so he shouldn’t complain. If I concentrate and work as much as I can today, I can ensure the minimum.

With that decided, I quickly got to work, creating the molds and pouring the metal, then removing the burrs, and finally, Rike and I would do the finishing touches. Meanwhile, I had Sermia work on the mold creation and burr removal to save time. Everyone worked silently. Sermia has become quite accustomed to the work, and at this rate, it might not be impossible to let her handle a hammer properly soon.

By the end of the day, we managed to produce a considerable number of short swords and long swords. Starting tomorrow, I will begin working on Helen’s short swords.

The next morning, after finishing our morning routine and breakfast, Rike and I moved to the workshop. I asked Sermia to collect herbs and fruits, as there’s not much she can help with today...

I started by stacking the sheet metal I had prepared for one short sword and heating it in the forge. Rike and I then hammered it to extend it. Once it had extended to a certain degree, I used a chisel to create a line down the middle, folded it in half, heated it again, and hammered it out. When it reached the desired length, it became my job. Using a combination of cheats and installation, I hammered the metal to ensure it was homogeneous, hard after quenching, and wouldn’t break easily in combat. I also kept in mind how Helen wielded her sword.

Once the shape was complete, I waited for it to cool, then hammered it again to increase its durability and used tools like files and planes to smooth the surface. Next, I heated and hammered the iron rod that would become the handle to ensure the joint was not brittle. After that, I heated the blade again in the forge and quenched it in water to temper it.

I decided to conduct a durability test. I took one of the standard short swords I made yesterday and swung it at the custom-made one. A clear "KIN!" sound rang out, and the standard short sword stopped, but the custom one was completely unscathed. I swung it a few more times, but it didn’t show any signs of damage, so the test was a success.

"This short sword can’t be supplied," I said, looking at the one I was holding. Upon closer inspection, the blade was chipped. Since this is a standard model, it’s expected to chip relatively quickly.

"Wouldn’t it be sufficient to sharpen or rework it for supply?" Rike asked, stopping his work on the knife.

I shook my head. "While the quality is fine, selling something that has been used for testing goes against my principles. I’ll rework it and use it here."

If the situation were more dire, I might not have a choice, but fortunately, my finances are not in dire straits. Therefore, I don’t want to do anything that goes against my principles.

Rike chuckled. "Of course, the master is a truly stubborn craftsman."

"Indeed," I replied with a grin. I feel I’m getting closer to what I wanted to do, and that’s a happy feeling.

With the test complete, I moved on to the finishing touches. After polishing the blade and sharpening the edge, the blade work was complete. I then attached the tsuba (guard) I had heated and processed, wrapped the handle with deer leather (which Sermia had processed from a deer she caught), and carved a fat cat sitting on the pommel using a chisel. With that, the first custom short sword was complete.

"Alright, the first one is done," I said, raising the completed short sword. The blade glinted, reflecting the forge’s flames.

I swung it lightly, recalling how Helen wielded it. It felt much lighter than it looked, but the balance was good. Rike, who had been watching, seemed eager and asked, "May I see it?"

"Sure," I said, handing it to Rike.

Rike examined the short sword in detail, as if trying to miss no element, changing angles and swinging it lightly.

"How is it?" I asked.

"This is not something an ordinary... no, even a somewhat talented person can achieve. I apologize for mentioning it, but the loss of the master is a significant one for the North."

"Is it that serious?"

"Yes, undoubtedly," Rike replied with a completely serious face. Well, I didn’t think it was ordinary either. This sword was made using all the techniques I have for cutting through logs, so it’s not supposed to be normal. This time, I focused entirely on durability, so if I were to cut a large rock with it, it would cut in a bit (which is already abnormal), but it wouldn’t split it in two.

However, after making this one using cheats and installation, I realized that if I really put my mind to it, I can make something like this. But with ordinary steel, I need to prioritize either durability or sharpness. Even with cheats, the steel can’t withstand both. So, I think it’s fine to make custom swords with steel.

On the other hand, if I were to get a material that could achieve both—like mithril or orichalcum—I would need to think very carefully about making the best possible item. While one sword won’t change the world, it could be a significant threat in a small region. The burden of having a single product act like a strategic weapon is something I’m not ready to bear.

"Is something wrong? Did I upset you?"

Rike looked at me with concern.

"No, nothing’s wrong. I was just thinking. I’m not upset or anything," I said, laughing and ruffling Rike’s hair, pulling myself back from the slightly scary thoughts I was having.