Chapter 57

With this, the blade itself was completed. It would literally be "unmatchable" by any ordinary sword. However, I couldn't just hand it over as it was. It was too simple for a family heirloom.

I borrowed a chisel (the hammer and other tools were also borrowed) and began to engrave the blade. Thanks to my cheat, I could maintain the weight balance and strength while adding elegant patterns that matched the curve of the blade. They looked like leaves and stems. At the tip of the sword, I added a pattern that resembled blooming flowers. These patterns were to be engraved on both sides, which was quite a labor-intensive task. I wondered if this might be more difficult than forging the blade itself... But because of this, it would have the dignity of a family heirloom.

Thanks to my cheat, I worked without hesitation or preliminary sketches. After a considerable amount of time, I finally finished engraving the blade. Next were the tsuba (guard) and the pommel. I engraved the tsuba with patterns that looked like intertwined plants, making them appear three-dimensional. I also added the Aimour family crest to the center of the tsuba. The pommel was engraved to look like a flower bud. I added a small engraving of the "sitting fat cat" in a place that would be hidden by the leather wrapping, a little Easter egg.

I used a file to smooth out the burrs that appeared during the engraving, making the patterns clearer. By the time I finished, it was already quite late. I was extremely sleepy. Continuing the work at this point would be meaningless. Since I got older, I've become quicker at knowing when to stop.

I extinguished the fire in the hearth and lay down wrapped in a blanket in the forge.

"Hey, wake up. Hey, wake up."

I was shaken awake by someone.

"Ugh..."

I slowly opened my eyes. It was Camilo who had been shaking me.

"Really, I thought you were going to be depressed because you couldn't do it yesterday, but here you are, sleeping soundly."

"Well, staying up all night isn't good for your health."

I replied lazily while still lying down. If the sword itself hadn't been completed, I wouldn't have been this relaxed.

"Taking care of your body, huh?"

A familiar voice, different from Camilo's, sounded. I jumped up in a hurry.

"Marius-san!"

There, smiling, was the face of the pretty boy I had seen many times at the city gates. He was wearing fine clothes instead of his usual slightly worn leather armor. The short sword at his waist, which I had forged, made me feel both happy and embarrassed.

"It's been a while, Eizou-san."

Marius greeted me politely. He must have been under a lot of stress lately, as his face showed some signs of weariness. Wait, what?

"Marius-san, did you know my name?"

"I heard it when you were entrusted with this task. It would be rude to deal with confidential matters without knowing your name."

"I see... Marius-san, you don't have to be so formal with me. It's fine to be casual like when we met in the city."

Being treated so formally by Marius made me feel very uncomfortable, and the conversation was awkward.

"No, I can't be rude to someone who has done so much for our family."

Marius has always been considerate, even when he was a guard in the city.

"No, no, there's no need for you to worry. I owe you a favor."

When I said this,

"Then, how about we both stop being so formal since we're in the same position?"

Marius suggested with a smile. If I didn't agree, this would probably continue. I didn't want that.

"Alright... I mean, okay. I'll do that."

And so, a blacksmith who could speak casually with (likely the next) count was born.

"Let me wrap the leather around the hilt, so please wait a moment. Do you have time?"

"Yes, it's still fine."

"Alright."

I wrapped the leather around the sword's hilt. Thanks to my cheat, I was able to do it quickly and neatly.

"Done. Try swinging it."

"Got it."

I handed the sword to Marius. He took it and said,

"What a beautiful sword..."

He was admiring it. After a moment, he started to swing it. The sword movements were beautiful. He must have trained in the same sword technique as Diana, as his movements were similar to hers. However, while Diana's movements emphasized speed, Marius's were more powerful, with more bouncing actions, giving the impression of a power type.

After swinging the sword for a while, Marius stopped, and I asked,

"How is it?"

"This sword is incredible. It's better than any sword I've ever held."

Marius said with genuine admiration.

"Well, it's almost the best I can make. It won't lose to just any sword..."

Oh, I almost forgot.

"By the way, what material is the 'original' family heirloom sword made of?"

I needed to ask this. No matter how good it is, it's still steel. If it were made of magical metals like orichalcum or adamantite, my sword would lose even if it were slightly inferior.

"That 'fake' was given to the Aimour family when they received their count title. It was forged by the best blacksmith in the kingdom at the time. Even if he was the best in the kingdom, he couldn't use divine metals."

"So, it's just steel?"

"That's right."

At least one thing was clear. Ordinary people can't use orichalcum or adamantite. Can I use them?

"One more thing, has the family heirloom ever been shown to anyone?"

"It's only brought out for internal ceremonies. Otherwise, it's never shown to outsiders. Our records only mention that the king granted us the title and the sword."

"So, there won't be any fuss from outsiders about the shape being different from what they expected?"

"That's right."

So, it should be fine. I was worried if it had ever been displayed in a museum-like setting, but it seems it was treated more like a sacred object and never shown to the public.

"If things get out of hand, we can just compare them. If this 'real' one doesn't lose to the 'fake,' it will be clear which one is the 'sword granted by the king.'"

Marius said with a sly smile.