Episode 93

Because the nearby labyrinths are low-ranked, this town is considered recommended for low-rank adventurers.

“But can you really prepare a sturdier sword that quickly?”

“It seems they’re looking for a blacksmith right now. Oh, hey! Should I talk to that S-rank adventurer next time?! It looks like they’re searching nearby for a skilled blacksmith!”

“Nearby? Skilled, huh. Even so, I don’t know if my skill reaches what that adventurer demands, and even if I’m introduced, I might not meet their expectations…”

It would be embarrassing if they went out of their way and it turned out to be for nothing.

It would also shame Ivas, who introduced them.

However, Ivas shook his head and smiled.

“But but, Lord Faik’s swords have an insanely good edge! Oh, and by the way, some new adventurers are scheduled to come to this shop today!”

“New adventurers? I’m glad they’ll come, but how did that come about?”

When I asked, Ivas puffed out his chest with a proud “ahem.”

“The Guild asked me to look after them. They’re people who just became adventurers and don’t know left from right, so I’m guiding them! They asked me to point out a good weapon shop, so I told them about this place.”

“I see. Thanks for that.”

“Yes! They don’t seem to have arrived yet, so I’ll go check!”

“…Didn’t you say you were off earlier?”

“I mean, people other than me!”

Saying that, Ivas dashed out of the shop.

“He’s lively this early in the morning.”

“…I second that.”

Alicia wore a gentle expression, like someone looking at a small child.

Ivas’s energy is exactly like a puppy’s.

While waiting for Ivas to return, Alicia and I sat side by side at the reception.

As I worked on repairing the Enchantment on the sword I had taken from Ivas, Ivas came back into the shop again.

This time he wasn’t alone; there were several people with him.

They must be the new adventurers. There were three of them: one man and two women.

They entered the shop and, looking at the lined-up weapons, their eyes shone like Ivas’s.

…There’s an intimidating feeling as if there were four Ivases.

If all of them talked at that level of excitement, it would really drain your energy.

While thinking that, Ivas looked over at me.

“These are the new adventurers!”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Faik, the blacksmith here. If you’re still new adventurers… I think the swords around here would be good for you.”

I pointed to the barrel containing swords made from Efrea Magic Ore.

Next to it were knives and daggers made from the same Magic Ore.

Judging from the new adventurers’ equipment, anything here should be fine.

The new adventurers nodded and stared intently at the barrel.

“Feel free to pick them up. Try the ones that feel natural in your hand.”

“Y-yes!”

After that energetic reply, the three of them examined the swords.

Ivas and I watched from behind them.

Still, training new adventurers, huh.

“To think the Adventurers’ Guild would make such a request—you’re trusted, huh.”

“Hehe, it seems my seriousness was appreciated! It’s good pocket money!”

Hearing it put that way suddenly made it sound vulgar.

After watching for a while, two of the three took swords, and the other picked up a dagger.

“Wha—Lord Faik! This sword is great!”

“Mine too! It fits so well!”

“This dagger is somehow cute and nice!”

I still don’t really understand what ‘cute’ means to female adventurers.

I thought I had gone for a cool look in all of them.

“Ivas, are you going to take a job with them today?”

“Yes, that’s the plan.”

“If so, why don’t you go on an adventure once with that sword or dagger? If you don’t like it, you can exchange it.”

Using them in the field will make it easier for them to judge.

That’s what I meant, but the new adventurers exclaimed in surprise.

“Is that okay!?”

“Yeah. There’s value in trying them in combat. And we can trust Ivas.”

We wouldn’t offer this to just anyone.

It’s because a familiar face like Ivas will accompany them.

“Fufufu, thank you, Lord Faik!”

“So if anything comes up again, could you bring them to the shop?”

“Understood! Oh, is the Enchantment already finished?”

“Yeah. Don’t use it too recklessly, okay?”

“We got it!”

When I said that, they left payment and departed the shop with Ivas.

Watching their backs as they left, Alicia murmured quietly.

“Was that the right thing to do?”

“Probably. We don’t have that many customers yet, and they might use us again in the future.”

For a single outing, the Enchantment shouldn’t get too messed up.

Besides, if some issues arise, I can repair them, so it’s fine.

As long as the Enchantment breaks but the sword itself isn’t shattered, it can be repaired no matter what.

More important is the first impression.

If these new adventurers like the shop, they might keep using it as they grow.

If that happens, they’ll end up using swords made from higher-quality Magic Ore.

Moreover, they might even request custom orders.

If the labor fee for Enchantments can be exchanged for those opportunities, that’s plenty.

Alicia nodded in apparent agreement and turned her gaze outside.

“New adventurers… somehow they’re so innocent, you want to root for them.”

“Yeah. I just hope they don’t do anything reckless like Ivas.”

I hope Ivas doesn’t give them strange guidance.

I’d be worried if they got hurt because of that.

As I thought about that, Alicia gave a small laugh.

“What is it?”

“You look kind of like a dad watching children.”

“…Children, huh. I wonder if I’ll have kids someday.”

It was just a mutter, but Alicia, sitting next to me, suddenly flushed bright red.