Chapter 125: First-Class Conditions 

“One day… one day, I suddenly realized something. That pet dog of mine is incredibly clever, able to put on and take off its collar freely, and it even goes for walks on its own,” 

Count Maximilian Zander muttered as he crumpled up the letters he had been reading. Not understanding the topic at hand, Gerhardt nodded silently, awaiting his master’s further words.

“However, it comes back in time for meals. It doesn’t bite anyone or cause any injuries. There’s no trouble even if I leave it be, at least for now. But that doesn’t exactly constitute a healthy relationship.”

“It seems like it’s getting food and attention from other households as well.”

In response to Gerhardt’s answer, Maximilian chuckled softly.

This tasteless metaphor was referring to Lutz and Claudia. They were acting on behalf of Princess Listille and deepening their interactions with Marquis Eldenberger, but none of these actions were instructed by Maximilian. However, there was an eerie feeling about them doing as they pleased, even if it potentially benefited the Count’s household.

Yet, at this moment, he couldn’t reprimand them and halt their activities. Maximilian held Marquis Eldenberger’s approval in his hands. Activating trade might benefit the entire country. There seemed to be no choice but to let them do as they wished.

They had always brought prosperity to the Count’s territory. Lutz’s masterpiece was Maximilian’s sword, and the plan to mass-produce swords for the Count’s main industry was only possible because of Lutz. The involvement with the royal family and the duke had been facilitated by the activities of the three craftsmen representing the Count Zander’s household.

There was no option to let Lutz and the others go. The only issue was that they were not collared.

“Indeed, I can only rely on you. Lutz, Claudia, and Patrick. Make sure you have a firm hold on their reins.”

With that, Maximilian waved his hand, and Gerhardt bowed before leaving the count’s private chamber.

“Trying to keep them under control…”

Walking through the dim hallway, Gerhardt thought about each of the three individuals he had been tasked with. He sighed lightly.

It was impossible…

Each of them seemed to live in their own worlds. The option of staying quietly at home and only coming when called by the Count wouldn’t work with these people.

Gerhardt was from that side as well.

“Lutz, Claudia, are you there?”

Around midday, Ricardo knocked on the door of Lutz’s workshop. He was as idle as ever, coming to mooch off them for lunch.

Well, lunch was just an excuse. Truthfully, he was just lonely. He wasn’t good with socializing, but he hated being alone. As an adventurer, he was told that if he wanted companionship, he should go to the tavern. However, for Ricardo, who was uncomfortable initiating conversations, that place only heightened his sense of loneliness.

Asked whether he found solitude in places where no one was around or in crowds, he’d answer without hesitation that the latter was more difficult. He believed that it was in such crowded places that he was reminded that this wasn’t his place.

The door opened, and Lutz peeked out.

“Yo, Spare time.”

With only those words, Lutz retreated back into his workshop. He was telling Ricardo to come in, get comfortable, and leave on his own terms. It was a casual indifference that Ricardo found comforting.

“Hey, where’s Claudia?”

“She’s out procuring supplies. She’s planning to gather information while doing business at the Allied Nations’ garrison.”

At the front lines, there was always a shortage of supplies, and traveling merchants were welcomed by the soldiers. Claudia had concluded that providing things that would please them as a merchant would make gathering information easier.

Ricardo was also joining this expedition. There was a possibility of being ambushed by bandits within the Allied Nations or getting caught up in their internal conflicts. At such times, his cursed sword “Tsubaki” could be very useful.

“Hey, Lutz…”

What’s up? If you’re looking for food, there’s soup left in the kitchen, so help yourself. I just ate, so it should still be warm.”

“I’ll keep that in mind for later. But for now, there’s something I’d like to ask,” 

Ricardo said with an unusually serious tone.

“What? If you’re talking about money or borrowing my ass, then forget it. Other than that, I’ll hear you out.”

“I want you to forge a sword for me.”

“Sure, but… huh?”

Lutz’s bewildered expression turned toward Ricardo’s waist. Ricardo always had a sword on each side of him, one on his left and one on his right. On the left, Lutz’s forged enchanted sword “Tsubaki,” and on the right, a sword given to him as a reward for defeating monsters by the Count.

He seems to be completely satisfied with acquiring Tsubaki, but he is originally a sword collector. Besides the sword he’s currently using, he should possess several other swords that are referred to as legendary swords.

“Hey, are you saying you’re tired of Tsubaki?”

Lutz’s face took on a pouting expression. “Tsubaki” was one of his masterpieces and held significant sentimental value for Lutz, as well as being the catalyst for his relationship with Claudia. Having it rejected was somewhat unpleasant for him.

“No, no, I don’t want to part with Tsubaki or lock it away. So, let go of that hammer for a moment.”

What’s going on? Lutz had a puzzled and skeptical look on his face, but for now, he seemed willing to listen.

“I usually use this sword and switch to Tsubaki when I’m surrounded by enemies or face a strong opponent.”

Lutz had fought alongside Ricardo before, so he understood his fighting style well. He nodded and encouraged Ricardo to continue.

“So, I thought, since we’re at it, I’d like to swap out my usual sword and have a katana that matches Tsubaki. Maybe even try dual-wielding.”

“…Dual-wielding, huh? That’s quite challenging.”

In response to Ricardo’s optimistic outlook on the future, Lutz replied with a lack of enthusiasm.

“Traditionally, katanas are designed to be used with both hands. Swinging them with one hand requires considerable wrist strength. Also, katanas are quite long, so there might be times when your own arm gets in the way. This technique requires an extraordinary combination of strength and dexterity.”

“Hmm…”

“You don’t seem quite convinced. In that case…”

Lutz stood up and fetched three wooden swords from a storage container.

“Wanna give it a try with a practice match?”

“What are you saying? I’m a professional adventurer, not a blacksmith dabbling in one-handed swordsmanship…”

Ricardo said in exasperation, but Lutz calmly replied.

“I can win.”

“What did you say?”

Ricardo’s tone grew harsher. It was an assertion that couldn’t be ignored, even among friends.

“You have a fatal weakness. By the way, I’ll even let you in on it.”

Ricardo had his own pride as an adventurer who had been fighting for a long time. Lutz’s words were too rude, too provocative, for someone like him. Ricardo strode over to Lutz with a wide gait, snatched two wooden swords, and continued.

“Please teach me, Lutz-sensei. If I lose, I’ll pay you 200 gold coins as compensation for the sword.”

“Following that logic, if I lose, I’d have to make one for you for free, huh?”

“Well, you can’t swallow the spit you’ve spat out.”

With a malicious grin, he left the workshop. Lutz watched Ricardo’s departing back with a complex emotion.

Ricardo was a First-class adventurer. Lutz sincerely respected that about him, and he had no intention of belittling him.

“First-class. But that also means he’s vulnerable.”

Lutz muttered in a somber voice, locked the door, and followed after Ricardo.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter