Chapter 84

The next day, I made my way to the forge of *Yaten no Gin Usagi*.

"Mr. Alan, good morning."

"Huh? Oh, Oren! Good morning. You're here to pick up your swords, right? Just give me a moment."

As Mr. Alan noticed my presence, he moved to the back of the forge and brought out two swords of different lengths, both sheathed.

"Check them out. The shape, weight, and balance of the longer one are the same as the black sword I made for you before."

I took the swords from Mr. Alan and examined each one.

The longsword has a lead-gray blade, but otherwise, it's almost identical to the *Schwarzhaase*. I was impressed by Mr. Alan's skill, as he managed to create something so similar despite using different materials.

The shorter sword is about half the length of the longsword, but it fits me perfectly, with no sense of discomfort.

These swords were made specifically for the martial arts tournament. While the use of weapons is allowed in the tournament, there's a rule that bladed weapons must be dulled. These two swords comply with that regulation.

After checking the feel of each sword, I sheathed them.

(Sheathing a sword is something I haven't done in a long time. Since I got a storage magic tool, I haven't had much opportunity to use one...)

In the old days, it was common to sheath a sword, but nowadays, there are hardly any opportunities to do so. This is due to the advent of storage magic tools. The reasons for sheathing a sword include preventing damage to others while carrying it and maintaining the sharpness of the blade. Both of these issues can be resolved by storing the sword in a magic tool, which is also more compact. Therefore, very few people use sheaths.

However, since the use of magic tools is prohibited in the martial arts tournament, I had a sheath made.

"Still, it's surprising how well they fit... No sense of discomfort at all."

"That's because I have all the data from when you ordered your equipment. I refer to this data when updating your gear. Of course, if the data is too old, I often have to take new measurements."

I see. In that case,

"Is there data for the new members of the Tenth Squad?"

I asked Mr. Alan if he had their data.

"Yeah, I do. I think I took their data just before the training expedition."

"If the data is from two months ago, it should be fine. Then, I'd like to order weapons for the three members of the Tenth Squad. Is it possible to have them made?"

"I can make them, but will the costs be deducted from the Tenth Squad's activity funds? To be honest, if that's the case, I can't use the best materials."

"No, I'll cover the costs and materials myself. I've already gotten permission from the Exploration Management Department, and the materials I have from before joining the clan, like the black dragon scales and deep-layer materials, are mine. I'd like to request the best weapons using those materials."

I know that doing this might make other members think I'm favoring them, but I don't care what they say. They've experienced such a defeat and still haven't given up, striving to become even stronger. Seeing their determination makes me want to help them, and as their mentor, I have a duty to protect them.

"If the Exploration Management Department has given permission, it should be fine. Got it. Leave the materials here. I'm free during the Harvest Festival, so it's a good time for me to work on this. I think they'll be ready by the end of the festival. I'll let you know when they're done."

Since exploration is prohibited during the Harvest Festival, it's a good time for me to wait.

"Understood. Thank you."

"Sure thing. By the way, if you're going to sheathe these swords, you'll need a sword belt, right?"

A sword belt is a belt used to hang a sword at the waist. I think leather is the most common material, but since I'll only use it for this tournament, a cloth one might be fine.

"You're right. I don't have one since I haven't needed it before. I'm thinking of asking the Clothing Department."

"That's a good idea. I can arrange it for you, but if you have the time, it's better to order it yourself. The reputation of the clan is on the line in this tournament, so it's best to get the best quality. Besides, the Clothing Department is probably free during this period, so they'll start working on it right away."

The Clothing Department is not in this town but in the neighboring town of Farila.

Farila is a town known for its clothing industry, located a few hours by carriage from Tsutail. Since carriages run regularly, it's not difficult to get there.

I don't have any urgent business, so I'll finish my paperwork today and go there tomorrow.

"Thank you for the advice. I'll visit the Clothing Department tomorrow."

◇

"Hey, Oren. What are you doing here?"

The next day, while waiting for the carriage at the waiting area in Farila, Will appeared.

"Will? ...Oh, right, you said you'd be away from the city for a few days."

I was surprised to see Will, but since I knew his plans, I quickly understood why he was there.

"Yeah. There's no dungeon exploration, so I thought I'd go back home for a while."

Home, huh...

"Hey, the carriage is here. Let's get on."

The carriage arrived just in time. After paying the driver, we got on.

"Where are you going, Oren?"

Will asked as the carriage started moving.

"To Farila. I'm thinking of ordering a sword belt and squad uniforms from the Clothing Department."

"Squad uniforms? Are you changing the design?"

Well, I think it's usually for oneself.

"No, not for me, but for the Tenth Squad. They'll graduate from being new members after clearing the 30th floor, so I thought I'd prepare something as a celebration."

"Hmm, you're a good mentor..."

"It's not that big of a deal. It's more for my own satisfaction. Besides, I haven't decided on the design yet, so it might just end up being a consultation."

That's right. I decided to give them squad uniforms, but I haven't decided on the design. I don't have a fashion sense, and I can't come up with anything.

"Design, huh... How about using your squad uniform as a motif?"

"Mine?"

"Yeah. I have a younger brother who always tries to copy me. He was really happy when I gave him my old squad uniform with the emblem removed. The Tenth Squad members are fond of you, so they might be happy with a uniform similar to yours."

Using my squad uniform as a motif... It's a bit embarrassing to say, but I do have a sense that the Tenth Squad members are fond of me. Since I haven't found a good alternative, I might consider this option.

"Thanks, Will. I have a better idea now."

"You're welcome."

◇

After some casual conversation with Will, we arrived in Farila. It was a town with a completely different atmosphere from Tsutail, full of nature and a relaxed vibe.

"I've never been here before, but it seems like a nice place to stay."

"I'm glad you think so. It's perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city."

Will, who got off the carriage with me, proudly explained. It seems his home is in Farila, and he offered to guide me to the Clothing Department building.

"Here we are."

The building Will led me to was much larger than the others in town. It's fitting for a major clan's building.

"Thanks for the trouble, even though you're back home."

"Don't worry about it. Are you going back today? If you want, you can stay at my place. My family would be happy to have you."

"Thanks, but I have some things to take care of when I get back, so I'll just appreciate the offer."

I don't think it's a good idea to intrude on a family gathering. Besides, I don't think I'd have a good feeling seeing a family gathering.

"...I see. Well, if you change your mind, just come over. You'd be more than welcome."

"Thanks."

Will then walked in the direction of his home.

"Hello."

After Will left, I entered the building. A young girl, who looked to be around ten, was sewing at the counter. She seemed to be very skilled, though I don't know much about sewing. She was so focused that she didn't notice me entering.

"Huh? Oh, sorry! I was so focused that I didn't notice you! Did you have to wait long!?"

The girl, who noticed me, changed from her focused state to a more age-appropriate one.

"It's okay, I just arrived. Nice to meet you, I'm Oren. I heard I made an appointment, did you receive the notification?"

"Um, nice to meet you, I'm Masha! Yes, you're Oren, right? Please wait a moment!"

She seemed flustered but was handling the situation well. Masha disappeared into the back.

"Mom! Oren is here!"

A loud voice came from the back. Hmm... It would have been better if she had kept her voice down. I don't mind, but some customers might be uncomfortable being addressed so casually. She might have been assigned to the reception because they knew I was coming today.

While thinking about these trivial matters, another woman appeared from where Masha had gone.

"You must be Oren. Nice to meet you, I'm Grinda Burnett, the head of the Clothing Department. I received the notification from the main office. Shall we start with the measurements?"

"Sure, thank you."

I followed Grinda into the back of the building.

◇

"Here, the measurements are done."

In a certain room, I received the measurements, which Grinda completed quickly.

"Thank you."

"Not at all. First, we need to make the sword belt, right?"

"Yes, I want to hang the longsword on my left hip and the short sword horizontally on my back. Oh, and I want the handle of the short sword to be on the left side."

While explaining my preferences to Grinda, I summoned the two swords I received from Alan yesterday.

"Wow, using two swords, huh? You're quite skilled."

Grinda sounded impressed.

"The short sword is just a precaution. I plan to fight mainly with the longsword."

"I see. I understand your preferences. Can I keep these two swords for now? I'll send them back with the sword belt when it's done. It should take about two to three days."

"Three days? That's fast."

"Hehe, we're professionals. Besides, there's not much work during this period, and the main office has instructed us to prioritize Oren's sword belt. Please check the fit when it's sent. If there's any discomfort, let me know, and I'll make adjustments."

"Understood. I'll let you know if there are any issues. By the way, you mentioned there's not much work right now. Is it possible to take on a personal job from me?"

"It depends on the job, but generally, it's not a problem. What kind of job?"

"Actually, I'd like to order three squad uniforms."

"Squad uniforms? Do you need spares?"

Will asked something similar. I explained the same to Grinda as I did to Will.

"I see. What a nice idea! I'd love to make them!"

Grinda's eyes sparkled as she accepted my request. ...I've been thinking, but she seems to have a childlike reaction at times. She's in her thirties, I think, but she looks young, and I wouldn't have known without prior information.

"Thank you. However, I haven't decided on the design yet..."

"Oh, you haven't? Do you have any ideas?"

"Well, I was thinking of using my coat as a motif."

"Since it's a gift from a mentor to disciples, I think using Oren's coat as a motif is a good idea. Can I design it for you?"

"Sure. I don't have much confidence in my fashion sense, so it would be great to leave it to a professional."

"Got it. Can I ask about the personalities and preferences of the three people?"

With that, Grinda started bombarding me with questions. I answered as best I could, thinking of Sophie, Carol, and Log.

"Okay, I have a better idea. I'll start working on the sword belt and then move on to the uniforms."

"Thank you. I'll leave it to you."

"By the way, are your disciples a party of three?"

"Yes, they are. I plan to add more members soon, but it's been hard to find good candidates..."

"Really? It seems like you have someone in mind."

...She's perceptive.

I don't think I was that obvious.

"Yes, there is someone who could fill the gap left by the current three. However, she's already part of another party, so it's difficult to recruit her. She has her own reasons, and her skills are not on par with the current three."

"Hmm... Is it... her?"

She guessed the person I was thinking of, even without any hints.

"...How did you know?"

"Women's intuition. I'll make a uniform for her too. Since she's not your disciple, I'll change the design a bit."

Grinda started to go overboard...

"No, she won't join... It would be a waste."

"I'm free now, and I won't charge you. Let me make it."

"...If you really want to make it, I won't stop you. But I'll pay the proper amount, so please charge me the regular price."

"Wow, you're generous."

"Since you're using clan resources, it's only right to pay."

"True, you're a responsible clan officer. Got it. I'll charge you properly."

"Thanks. I'll leave now. Thank you for the sword belt and uniforms."

"Leave it to me. Oh, wait a moment."

Just as I was about to leave, Grinda stopped me.

"What is it?"

"It might be none of my business, but you should get enough sleep."

"..."

She really has a keen eye... No one has ever guessed that I'm sleep-deprived.

I've been sleep-deprived recently, but it's not due to insomnia. I just stay up late working on various tasks.

"I'm fine. I can manage my health, and I won't collapse."

"I've heard good things about you, Oren. Still, as a human, you have limits. Besides, you have the martial arts tournament coming up. For the sake of the clan, I want you to be in top condition."

"...That hurts. I understand. I'll get enough sleep before the tournament and be in top condition."

"Good. If you understand, that's great. I guess I was being nosy."

"No, not at all. I appreciate your concern. I'll leave now."

...I'll probably continue this lifestyle for a while. But this is something I can't compromise on. I don't want to go through that again.

After about two weeks of preparing for the Harvest Festival, the time passed quickly.

Thank you for reading to the end.

I hope you'll read the next chapter as well.

Additionally, I posted an article about the book publication of my work in the activity report. If you're interested, please take a look!