Kays Translations

Chapter 117: Burning Passion

　Three craftsmen gather at Patrick's workshop. Looking at Lutz's new work, Gerhard and Patrick groaned softly, though they didn't exaggerate as usual.

"It's wonderful. I don't know how to describe this feeling. I feel like a little boy seeing a naked woman for the first time."

　As usual, it was Patrick who expressed himself in a way that I did not want to agree with but could not help but understand.

“I'm sorry, but I can't praise it with a lot of beautiful words and phrases. But I can tell you that this is a work of swordsmithing that was made in earnest, head-on.”

　Gerhard also seems to be at a loss as to how to express his emotions.

"It's a matter of discussion, but could you sell me this katana? Why don't you give the Marquis another katana?"

"I'm sorry, but this is a request from the Marquis of Eldenberger, and it is a personal obsession..."

　That being said, he can't argue with that. Gerhard has heard about the relationship between the Marquis and Lutz's father.

"I don't think he really expected you to give it away. He just meant it as a compliment in Gerhard-san’s way."

"Hmm, I don't know about that. ......"

　Lutz understood that the act of wanting and showing was the highest evaluation of a katana.

　Gerhard did not deny it. However, he did not deny that there was at least a 10% chance.

“I know, I know. Come to think of it, Lutz has been like that since we first met.”

　He is the kind of man who would have given priority to sharpening the woodcutter's axe just because he took the job first, even though the Count's family's attached spellcaster had offered him a job. Is he a righteous man, a clumsy man, or a stubborn man? Probably all of them.

　I wonder what would have happened to their relationship if Lutz had prioritised the work of those in power at that time. Perhaps it would have been a little more distant.

　Patrick asked without taking his eyes off the blade.

“Lutz-san, do you have any requests for how to dress this child up?”

"For the decoration..."

　Lutz could not respond quickly enough.

　In the sense of a blade handed over to a noble, it should be a kinky with a lot of decorations. However, if it means that he will inherit his father's work, it would be fine if there were no decorations at all.

　My father was not a man who was concerned with the decoration of katanas. He would not have been interested in it.

　Then should I do the same? No, this is a question of how I should sublimate my father's work in my own way. It is not artistic to say, "My father would have done it this way, so I should stop thinking about it and try to imitate him.

"Please engrave the scabbard and then paint the entire surface black."

“Then the carving will not stand out, and from a distance it will only look like a black scabbard, but is that okay?”

"That's exactly what I'm looking for. It looks rugged, but if you look closer, it's full of playfulness. I'd like a scabbard like that."

"Mmm-hmm. It's not only flashy but stylish. It might not be bad to be chic in secret. Okay, what is the design of the engraving?”

"It's a brave one suitable for the waist of a marquis. I'll leave the rest to you."

"I got it. Then go home."

"... Hmm?"

　I'm going to start work, so go home. I know what you mean, but I'm not used to this quick switching. Lutz and Gerhard were no longer in Patrick's mind's eye.

　Lutz and Gerhard nodded to each other, saying that since the craftsman was motivated, let's respect it. They decided to obediently leave the room, despite their unwillingness to do so.

"Now, if you'll excuse me."

　I call out for the time being,

"Nngh."

　There was only an incomprehensible answer.

　No more, he lost his humanity by being immersed in the swamp of art.

　On the way home, a young man and an old man were walking side by side under the setting sun.

　The market is closing up, and people are moving forward at a brisk pace as if hurried by the setting sun. The town has a somewhat lonely atmosphere.

"He's totally helpless."

　Gerhard said with a wry smile. I knew immediately who he was talking about, although the subject was missing.

"Isn't it reliable to be able to immediately enter your own world like that?"

　When Lutz answered, Gerhardt looked a little puzzled.

“I’ve always thought that, but Lutz has a high opinion of Patrick.”

"You see it that way. Maybe I do. I certainly trust Mr. Patrick's skill, but the other thing I admire is his passion."

"Ho, a fever...? 　If anything, isn't that a perverse disposition?"

"Whatever you want to describe it. To put it simply, He’s very quick to get motivated. I've been struggling with the theme of katanas, and I've been rolling around with my head in my hands for weeks without motivation. Because of that, I honestly think Patrick-san’s start dash is amazing. Honestly, I envy him.”

　Indeed, Gerhard nodded. I've never seen that man troubled when he creates. There is no such thing as an artist who is not troubled, so he must be suffering in some way that I am unaware of, but the fact that he has never missed a deadline is still a feat and should be called exceptional.

　It's doubtful if that leads to respect.

“I don’t want to see Lutz saying things like ‘Cute Katana-chan or licking’…”

“Ah, yes. That's as far as it goes…."

　There is a line that should not be crossed. The two knew this.

In the centre of the city, we came to a large crossroad. Here we would separate into the castle and the artisan district.

"So here we are."

　Gerhard stopped Lutz as he bowed and turned to leave.

"Let me ask you this while we're at it. What kind of magic enchantment would you like?"

"Improve its sharpness. I'd like to have the serviceability to split a full-plate-clad knight in half, without being so stingy about it being a helmet-splitting katana."

"You can't just go around tinkering with your father's business like that."

"I will do anything to become strong. That is what I have learned from my experiences."

　He fought the kidnappers with Gerhard and the others, and even went undercover in the labyrinth. This was the answer Lutz got from those experiences. If you intend to put your skills to the test, you should not hesitate here.

"Fu, fu... It's a shame, after all, to give that katana to the marquis."

"I agree. But it can't be helped, we're craftsmen."

　The contract cannot be broken. Gerhard watched Lutz's back as he walked away, his eyes dazzled for a moment.

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