Chapter 208: Authenticity

After enjoying dinner and breakfast the next morning courtesy of Joel, we returned to the villa.

Thanks to selling out at the free market, we had fewer items than when we arrived, so Ash had a lighter load, allowing us to return earlier than expected.

In front of the villa, everyone greeted us with smiles.

As usual, the biggest contributor, Ash, received a gift of magic stones purchased at the market.

After watching him enjoy them, I headed with Sheila to Rozzo’s place.

Although we had returned safely, the journey wasn’t over yet.

Buying and selling had been fun, and dinner and breakfast were perfect.

So far, the trip was a perfect 100 points—but whether it could reach 120 points depended on whether the Seven Cursed Sword Sheila had purchased was real.

Even if it turned out to be fake, it had already been a 100-point trip—but naturally, I hoped it would hit 120 points.

I believed, given Sheila’s nature, that it might be genuine. And even if it wasn’t, I had no intention of blaming her.

“…I’m kind of nervous. I bought it on impulse back then, and I wasn’t certain if it was real, so every time I think about it, I regret the purchase a little.”

“You don’t need to regret it. Even if it’s fake, this trip has been amazing. Besides, we made five gold coins selling those sweets next to Joel. If it’s real, that’s just a bonus—let’s keep it casual.”

I spoke to a slightly nervous Seira as we arrived at Rosso’s house.

He seemed to be working on something but immediately stopped when he saw us.

“Hey! Sheila and Sato! You’re back from Renovy, huh! How was the market? Did you find any treasures?”

“Yes. It was bigger than expected and had lots of interesting items. Sheila bought something whose authenticity we weren’t sure of, so we came to have you appraise it.”

“Something you’re not sure is real? Sheila, what did you buy?”

“The Seven Cursed Sword. Have you ever seen one, Rozzo?”

“The Seven Cursed Sword? The cursed blade left behind by the master Shigure? I haven’t seen it myself, but I read about it in books! Though I’d never heard it was in the Greylan Kingdom… Is it really genuine?”

Rozzo’s comment made the mood tense.

Sheila seemed to lose confidence and hesitated to hand over the sword.

“I thought it was probably real… but it could be a forgery.”

“Well, we’ll know once we see it! Sheila, show me the sword.”

Rozzo took the sword and began appraising it with various tools.

Usually boisterous, Rozzo was surprisingly quiet while working, creating a tense atmosphere.

“…Rozzo, how is it?”

“This—this is the real deal! Sheila, you found it! At first glance, it just looked like a rusty old sword!”

“Really? The genuine Seven Cursed Sword? …Phew, thank goodness. If it had been fake, I wouldn’t have had the face to look at Sato. I’m truly relieved.”

I hadn’t been that worried—just hoping it was real—but I was glad it truly was.

Sheila really was incredible.

“Still, for such a rare item to appear at a market! I wasn’t interested at all, but now I’m intrigued!”

“Rozzo, you should come next time! It was really lively and fun.”

“If it’s that interesting, maybe I will! When’s the next one?”

“Once a year, for one week—so next year.”

“Next year? I’ll probably forget by then! Anyway, putting the market aside, what do you plan to do with the Seven Cursed Sword?”

Rozzo’s question made Sheila cross her arms and think.

I assumed she bought it for herself, but the sword, as the name implies, was cursed.

It was valuable, but far too dangerous to actually use.

I didn’t want her to use it, and judging by her hesitation, she probably didn’t intend to.

“…I plan to have it repaired and sell it. Rozzo, can you fix this sword?”

“Of course! If you leave it to me, I’ll do it! This might be the only chance I get to touch a Seven Cursed Sword!”

“Then I’ll leave it to you, Rozzo. How about 10% of the sales as payment?”

“That works! But Sheila will have to provide the materials needed for repair!”

“Understood. I’ll let you know what’s necessary as we go.”

It seemed the plan was settled.

I’m curious how much the sword will sell for and what it looks like fully restored.

Judging by the conversation, it’ll take some time, but I’m really looking forward to seeing it.