Chapter 48

The next day, since both Rike and I had made standard models yesterday, today I decided to make a high-end model while Rike would make a standard one. The procedures and personnel, including Diana, would remain unchanged. We would divide the work among the four of us. Perhaps because we had done it a few times yesterday, Diana's work was much better than before. When I looked at the short sword she had forged, the inconsistencies had significantly decreased. All that was left was for me to carefully hammer out these inconsistencies.

The tricky part was that if I were to earnestly hammer them out, it would get close to a custom model. Since it would be impossible to sell something that powerful (after all, it would be almost as powerful as something made with full effort), I needed to keep it within the range of a high-end model. I stopped hammering at a moderate point, then proceeded with the quenching, sharpening, and polishing.

"Hmm."

When I checked the finished product, it was a high-end model in every sense. Although the materials of the sword Diana made were much better than yesterday, it was still amateur work. However, with my cheat abilities, I could bring it up to a high-end model. Impressive.

While I was checking the quality of the high-end model, Diana spoke up.

"Oh, what's that?"

"This is different from what we made yesterday; it's a slightly better short sword. It will sell for a higher price than yesterday's."

"Can I see it?"

"Hmm? Sure, go ahead. It's not finished, though."

Diana scrutinized the high-end short sword. It reminded me of when I first showed it to Rike.

"This is... amazing."

"Right? I was surprised the first time I saw it too."

For some reason, Rike was puffing out her chest.

"Yes, there are only a handful of blacksmiths in the capital who can make something like this."

Diana said, impressed. In other words, a few people can make something like this. If it were to enter the market, it would be considered a "well-made weapon." Actually, the one Helen had was close to our high-end model. The one I made might be slightly better... or maybe not. Still, if I were to mass-produce them, it might lead to questions like, "Who made this?" So, I'll keep it moderate.

When we had made about the same number as yesterday, Diana brought up something.

"Mr. Eisou?"

"Hmm?"

"Could I have a sparring session with you?"

"Hmm? With me?"

"Yes."

"With swords?"

"Of course."

Is Diana a warrior too? Well, if it helps her relax, that's fine. Glancing at the window, I saw the sun was starting to set.

"Alright, but just once since it's getting dark."

"Thank you!"

Why is she so happy...?

To prevent any accidents, I used a standard model blade. Even if I were hit with a solid iron rod, it wouldn't be safe, so it's more of a psychological comfort, but the degree of injury would be completely different.

Since doing this in the workshop would cause various problems, we went outside and faced each other. Sermia and Rike also came out to watch.

We touched the tips of our swords, bowed, and then stepped back.

"Whenever you're ready."

I called out casually, but Diana had a serious expression. She held her sword and slowly closed the distance. I held my sword loosely and waited. Suddenly, Diana rushed at me with a speed that seemed to make her disappear, aiming for my neck. I deflected her sword with my loosely held one and, using the momentum, aimed for her shoulder.

"Ugh!"

This time, Diana deflected my sword with the momentum of her own and barely avoided it. I moved with the deflection, widening the distance. Diana pursued me. Her movements were agile and precise. She's not just a dabbler in swordsmanship. I had no choice but to get serious.

"Ah, Eisou is getting a bit serious,"

I heard Sermia say. Just a bit.

"Huff!"

I continued to strike Diana, aiming for her shoulder, torso, head, and legs. At first, Diana could keep up, but gradually her movements started to lag. I feinted an attack to her torso.

"Ah!?"

It was a close call, but she fell for it. I aimed for her neck, but stopped just before impact.

"Shall we call this a win for me?"

"...Yeah."

That ended the one-on-one match in my favor.

"Moving like this really takes it out of you."

Even though I'm 30 years younger, and I usually do a lot of physical work like fetching water and blacksmithing, using almost full strength is still exhausting. I'm moving parts of my body that I don't usually use. During the attack the other day, I was focused on taking them down, so my movements were more efficient and I didn't feel this tired.

"Mr. Eisou, you weren't even fully serious, right?"

Diana looked at me with a resentful expression.

"Hmm? Yeah, I only go all out when it's a matter of life and death."

"Even without going all out, I couldn't keep up at all..."

"But, Diana, you're pretty good."

This was my honest opinion. If she's learned more than just dabbling, she's doing well enough.

"Even with you, the 'Rose of the Sword Arena,' I'm just 'pretty good'..."

Huh? I think there's a gap in our perceptions.

"Sermia."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Am I that strong?"

"What are you talking about? I think you're incredibly strong. I've never won even once in 100 tries."

"Huh?"

Rike chimed in.

"Besides, the fact that you could take a hit from Helen's sword without any issues shows that you're quite skilled."

"Huh, really?"

I thought Helen was holding back. I thought the cheat I received was just the minimum for self-defense... but being able to take down a bear is quite something. Still, I guess that's necessary to survive in this forest.

"Is Helen the 'Lightning Sword' Helen?"

When I was in shock, Diana asked.

"Ah, yeah, I think she said that."

"You faced Helen's sword?"

"We clashed for about 15 minutes..."

"15 minutes!?"

What, Helen is that incredibly strong. I thought she was strong, but...

"The 'Lightning Sword' Helen is known for her incredibly fast sword skills. She's famous as a mercenary and is well-known even among nobles."

Diana explained. I was still in shock.

"To not only take a hit from Helen's sword but to actually clash with her..."

Diana seemed to be in shock too. She was looking down, deep in thought.

"Um, let's head back home, okay?"

I tried to encourage Diana to go home and put my hand on her shoulder, but there was no shoulder there.

Looking down, I saw Diana in a kneeling position, her hands on the ground and her head bowed. I've seen this posture before. It's a dogeza. So, this world does have dogeza...

I focused on avoiding the predictable situation that would follow.