Chapter 153: Pursuing the Unseen Shadow

Unusually, Josel visited Lutz’s workshop.

“It’s been a while, Josel-san. Is it for a sword inspection?”

“Hmm? Oh, can you do it?”

Hesitating to expose his own disgrace, Josel responded in kind.

Josel unsheathed “Night Killer” from his waist and handed it over to Lutz. Lutz adjusted the amount of light coming in through the window and carefully examined the blade.

No rust, no chips, no slack. It was as splendid as when it was delivered.

“There doesn’t seem to be any issues at all. Since you’re here, should we change the blade oil?”

Lutz wiped away the old oil from “Night Killer” and applied new oil meticulously. During this time, Josel nervously glanced around the forge.

“So, did you have something else in mind?”

While exchanging the sword oil, Lutz spoke as if making small talk, causing Josel to show a surprised expression.

“Why do you say that?”

“There’s nothing unusual with the sword, too little in fact. So, it’s probably not because you recently used it recklessly. You didn’t come here for maintenance, but there’s something you find difficult to talk about, right?”

Though he felt somewhat embarrassed for being read like a book, Josel sighed and gave in. he took a deep breath as there was no need to hide it anymore.

“That’s correct. It’s an embarrassing story, but it’s related to the usual Knight Order matters.”

“That’s a relief. If I was wrong, I’d just be a nosy person.”

“Well, listen.”

With a slightly tired expression, Josel recounted the story he had heard recently at the Knight Order’s headquarters.

A man named Donald, who had cut his own face, disappeared and had recently returned. He had argued with the knights who had short swords and then left. A few days later, two of the knights with short swords were murdered in succession.

“Ah, is that so…”

“Do you know something?”

This time, Lutz shared what he had heard in the market. A knight had rushed to sell his short sword.

“Hmm…”

After reconciling the information, Josel crossed his arms and pondered.

“The guys who were killed didn’t have their short swords at the time. So, the murderer didn’t attack after checking whether the victim had a short sword. They attacked because they knew the victim was the owner of the short sword.”

“In other words, the murderer knows them.”

“It seems like it’s Donald after all…”

“But in that case, what’s Donald-san’s motive? That’s the question.”

Josel silently nodded. Although they had an idea of who the culprit might be, the “why” remained entirely elusive. He felt like he was in a fog.

It wasn’t for money, and it didn’t seem to be about revenge. So, what did he want? Josel and Lutz found themselves in a situation where they didn’t know if they were potential targets or not, and they couldn’t simply walk away.

“Josel-san, about the argument that Donald had with the knights when he returned to the headquarters… He said that the short swords didn’t suit them, right?”

“That’s probably how they said it, unless their ears or heads have rotted. Well, they probably won’t lie about something like this.”

“If Donald knows that you have three short swords, will he stop his attacks?”

Josel felt that the calculation made sense, but something about it didn’t feel like the right answer. So, perhaps the initial assumption was incorrect.

“It seems like he’s fixated on more than just these five short swords. Maybe he’s after all of Lutz’s works, or even all the holy swords and famous swords in this world.”

“Unrelated, huh… It looks like I can’t escape it.”

“Well, it’s a bad time to die.”

Saying that, Josel shook his head. He felt guilty about involving Lutz in the turmoil of the knights, but it was too late to claim no involvement now.

“In any case, we must capture him. Whether he continues his crimes or stops, he is a crucial witness in the knight murders. If it’s a motive you’re looking for, we can ask him directly.”

Josel stood up and was about to open the door when he suddenly paused.

“Hey, Lutz. Do you think I’m suitable as the owner of ‘Night Killer’?”

“Have you forgotten how you rampaged against the kidnappers of the princess? If someone says you’re not suitable after witnessing that, they must be out of their minds.”

Josel lightly smiled at Lutz’s obvious answer.

“What’s wrong? Were you feeling unsure?”

“I’m confident. But still, I’d be happy if the creator praised me.”

With a light wave of his hand, Josel left. Lutz watched the door through which his comrade had departed and sighed deeply.

“Whether one’s suitable or not, everyone thinks too deeply about it. A sword is a tool; it’s not the sword that chooses the person, but the person who chooses the sword.”

Who is the master, and who is the servant? If one misjudges this, they will meet their death as a blacksmith. Alone in his forge, Lutz muttered to himself in a low voice.

“Suitable or not suitable…”

After Josel had left the workshop, Lutz made his way to the market. He wanted to warn the owner of a shop that sold equipment for adventurers.

If you possess that short sword, you might become a target. When he suggested hiding it or letting it go, the middle-aged shop owner, missing several teeth, grinned and opened his toothless mouth in a sly smile.

“Well, that’s just fine. It’s interesting. If you can turn the tables and win, that’s good. It’s better to die fighting than to smolder away.”

Lutz couldn’t bring himself to stop him. This man was a warrior, and denying him too easily might wound his pride.

“Was it an unnecessary interference, dear shop owner?”

“No, it’s not about whether you’re prepared or not. Thanks. Did you come all the way here just to say that, brother?”

“I got information about the customer who sold the short sword.”

“You’re a thorough one.”

The shop owner let out a deflating laugh, and Lutz couldn’t help but smile in response.

However, this peaceful moment didn’t last long. Lutz felt a sharp gaze piercing his back. The shop owner’s face lost its smile, and his eyes narrowed sharply.

“You look like someone’s customer, buddy. Oh, and don’t turn around.”

“I wouldn’t be happy even if I were popular among guys. What’s he like?”

“Some guy wearing a hood low over his face. I can’t see his face.”

“That’s enough, thanks.”

“See you later. If you’re still alive, come back.”

The shop owner waved his hand impatiently. After saying their goodbyes, Lutz left the shop. The feeling of being watched, the presence of an enemy, still lingered.

He wouldn’t be targeted in the crowded streets. While keeping his awareness on his rear, Lutz made his way out of the market and headed towards the craftsman’s district.

His destination was the materials storage area, which was of a considerable size. That’s where he intended to settle things.

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