Episode 110

“It’s thanks to Lord Faik!”

“Me?”

“Yes! All the swords here are Lord Faik’s swords! The other adventurers look at them with envy! Especially mine and Weather’s! After all, we’re Lord Faik’s custom-made number one and number two!”

…I see. So that’s why they were bragging.

“Is that so. Take care.”

“Yes, of course! Also, we participated in the battle against the Horned Dragon! It was amazing, Lord Faik!”

“…Well, I only went to deliver a weapon.”

“You were attacking the Horned Dragon, weren’t you! I’ve already told everyone about it!”

“So you’re the cause.”

It seems Ivas was the reason they were showing an almost excessive amount of envy.

I glared for a moment, but Ivas didn’t care at all.

“Well then, we know you’re busy, so we’ll be off! Our ranks might go up soon, so we might order another custom sword! Please take care of us then!”

“…Ah, got it. Just so you know, I’m booked for a while, so it might take me longer to respond, sorry about that?”

“I-is that so?! But it’s not immediate, so that’s fine! Well then!”

They waved energetically and Ivas and the others left.

“Everyone’s the same as always.”

“Yeah.”

Even knowing we were nobles.

Even if I was praised as a hero and whatnot.

Ivas treated me normally.

From my perspective, that made me happy. Above all, his innocent smile cheered me up.

A woman walked up as if to replace Ivas and his group.

The woman holding skewers of meat in both hands was Bertie.

“Hey there, Lord Faik, Lady Alicia.”

“Bertie, what’s up?”

Alicia tilted her head, and Bertie brought a skewer to her mouth.

“Feels like a farewell greeting.”

“…I see. Your job’s already finished, huh.”

“Yeah. I’ve already gone around most of the shops, so it’s kind of lonely.”

“That’s not what I meant. I meant the Horned Dragon subjugation.”

“Oh, that’s right. I came here for that contract, didn’t I.”

Bertie stuck out her tongue in a grin, popped a skewer into her mouth, and then took a sword in her right hand.

It was the Eria Ruler I had forged.

“Faik. Thank you for making such an amazing sword. It feels like it’s been in my hands for years.”

“…Then I’m glad. That sword is quite something, so the Enchantment should last a long time.”

“Yeah, looks like it. Also, it seems to self-repair to some extent, it’s really amazing, this one.”

…That’s right. Whether it’s because it’s made of Esrea Magic Ore or because it’s the Eria Ruler, I don’t know, but it seems to be able to self-repair minor damage.

“Where are you headed next, Bertie?”

“Me… let’s see. I’ll return to the capital for a bit and boast about this sword to the other S-rank folks…and bask in the feeling of superiority.”

“That’s not something you can proudly say out loud.”

“Well, another request will come, right? We’ll probably meet again sometime, so don’t forget me, okay?”

“…Yeah.”

“Also, your wedding. Make sure to invite me, okay?”

“…I know.”

Alicia nodded, a little embarrassed.

…Well, I felt much the same way.

Bertie waved briefly and left the shop.

I felt a little lonely, but she has her own life to live.

…I have to do my best too.

“Alright, I should get to work soon.”

“Faik.”

Alicia called my name.

Her hand wrapped around mine. Softness and warmth. And a sense of reassurance.

“Do your best.”

“…Yeah.”

Buoyed most of all by Alicia’s smile, I headed to the workshop and began working.

A few days passed since the Horned Dragon subjugation.

Just as the domain returned to its usual routine, I was summoned by Lord Goral.

I entered his room with a slight nervousness and found Lord Goral wearing his usual serious expression.

Even though the obstacle of the Horned Dragon had been removed, there was no sign of celebration.

That might be the appropriate attitude for a lord.

I walked up to him, stopped, and slowly spoke.

“Over the past few days I’ve had you act according to my convenience… is there any problem?”

“No. It’s fine.”

There were a few changes, but the shop was back to its normal operations.

Relieved of Lord Goral’s worries, he nodded with satisfaction.

“That’s good then…. So, I wanted to discuss something with you.”

Lord Goral isn’t someone who changes his expression much, but I could tell there was a faint hint of apology in his face.

“What is it? If I’m suitable for it, I’ll do anything.”

I smiled warmly, trying to create an atmosphere in which Lord Goral would find it easy to speak.