Kays Translations

Chapter 158: Like Cherry Blossoms Dancing in the Wind

"Alright, let's do this."

Lutz casually cut up some scrap materials lying around and tossed them in Ricardo's direction.

This was the familiar material storage area he had used recently. Lutz had informed the client that the sword was ready and invited him here.

Five pieces of wood fell from above onto Ricardo, who had the sword at the ready. Lutz thought maybe he had thrown a few too many, but it soon became clear that there was no need to worry.

A shining flash of the blade, and the wooden pieces scattered at his feet. Ricardo's stance remained just as steady as before he threw the wood. There was no element of luck involved; if he were to throw the pieces again, the same result would occur.

"How's it feel, using it?"

Lutz asked with a smile, and Ricardo finally relaxed and answered with excitement.

"Yeah, this is incredible... This is what it means to freely control a sword."

Ricardo released his grip from the hilt and opened and closed his hand several times. Then he looked at the wooden pieces scattered at his feet, still in disbelief that he had done this himself.

"In an instant, you swung it five times, and all of them were perfect cuts. It's not just about precision; it's because there are no wasted movements."

"No, it was four times."

"Huh?"

Lutz responded with a puzzled look, and Ricardo sheathed the sword in its plain wooden scabbard before bending down to pick up the wooden pieces at his feet. The cut edges were indeed exquisite.

"I cut two of them simultaneously the first time. So, it was four times."

"H-Heh..."

Lutz furrowed his brow and let out a surprised exclamation. To be honest, he hadn't noticed that detail. Even with the sword's enhancements, it seemed that he was shown a difference in ability which made him feel frustrated.

"I forgot; you used to be a hero, right?"

"It's an embarrassing title, but I've come to take pride in it recently."

Ricardo's attitude was one of complete confidence.

"What's wrong, Lutz? You have that look on your face. Something bothering you?"

"I don’t like it. Well... I guess I have to let go of that sword."

"Feels like giving away your daughter in marriage, huh?"

"It's more like polygamy, don't you think?"

Lutz smiled wryly, and Ricardo laughed along with him.

Originally, Lutz had forged the sword for Ricardo and had called him here to deliver it. Hesitating now would only show his attachment.

"I made 'Sakura' as a counterpart to 'Tsubaki.' Probably, they should work well together."

"Probably? You're not very reassuring."

"Well, I can't help it. I didn't give birth to it, you know."

Lutz also bent down to pick up some wooden pieces. It seemed that Ricardo was proving himself worthy of owning Sakura through the quality of his cuts. After shrugging his shoulders, Lutz threw the wooden pieces to the edge of the material storage area.

"Of course, we'll add decorations and enchantments, right?"

"That's the plan, but..."

Ricardo drew the sword from the plain wooden scabbard and presented it to Lutz.

"Could you ask Gerhardt-san and Patrick-san for me? I'm not sure how to specify the details, being an amateur."

Requesting modifications required knowledge and experience. Amateurs often had trouble conveying their wishes effectively, which could lead to unsatisfactory results for both the client and the craftsman.

"That's fine, but can I decide on the scabbard design and the enchantments myself? Also, I don't know how much it will cost, so we can settle the payment later."

"Sure, it's business as usual, then."

"Who knows what Gerhardt-san will come up with. Don't blame me if an outrageous cursed sword is created."

"I'm used to being cursed by swords."

With that, Ricardo left for the inn in the adventurers' district, still leaving the sword in Lutz's care.

As Lutz was about to return to his workshop, he sensed someone's presence and turned around. He spotted a figure among the materials.

"Go home already." 

Lutz waved his hand to shoo the intruder away.

"This is so sexy!"

These were Patrick's first words when he saw Sakura. Lutz had come to appreciate Patrick's eccentric behavior more than be surprised by it. These words could only come out when someone accurately sensed the emotions and essence embedded in the sword.

In the backyard of the decoration workshop, Patrick was swinging Sakura with enthusiasm. His posture was that of an unskilled amateur, but his swings were surprisingly sharp. It was proof that he could handle it skillfully.

"I made it as the counterpart to Tsubaki, a little sister." 

"I see, I see. It definitely has sex appeal. However, it doesn't seem like the obedient little sister. The power emanating from within seems like it's challenging the wielder to use it wisely. In other words, it's a troublesome young lady!"

Middle-aged Patrick shouted with sparkling eyes. Lutz felt more impressed than bewildered.

"By the way, Lutz-san, I have something to discuss..."

"Nope."

"I haven't even said anything yet."

"Probably, I'll have to go through the same thing with Gerhardt-san. Spare me, please."

"Oh, well, I suppose you're right..."

Patrick reluctantly backed down. Lutz himself probably didn't want to part with Sakura, so he couldn't make any unreasonable demands.

"Alright then, Patrick-san, please take care of creating the scabbard, guard, and decorations. Since Ricardo will be handling the payment anyway, feel free to do as you please."

"Leave it to me. By the way, what kind of flower is 'sakura'? They don't bloom around here, do they?"

"The petals are a pale pink color, and their beautiful, fluttering appearance heals and delights people's hearts in spring."

Lutz picked up a twig and drew five petals on the ground. This was a story he had heard from his father a long time ago. It was a bit surprising even to Lutz himself that he hadn't forgotten it.

"I see, the most beautiful part is when they fall..."

Patrick smiled knowingly. It seemed like he was starting to visualize the finished product.

One week later, Lutz came to collect the sword. Patrick had tired eyes with dark circles underneath, but his eyes themselves were filled with excitement.

The scabbard he presented was black lacquered with cherry blossom petals falling. It had such a dynamic feeling that it seemed as if the wind was blowing inside the scabbard.

"It's splendid, truly splendid decoration. Although, it might be a bit flashy to hang on a man's waist."

Lutz couldn't help but say that out of jealousy towards Ricardo. He had no intention of taking it for himself, but he still couldn't help feeling bitter.

"Dressing up like that is what makes a stylish man."

"Stylish? Can Ricardo really become a stylish man?"

"Hmm...?"

Patrick just gave a wry smile.

Sometimes, not delving too deeply into matters is the compassionate thing for a man to do. Neither Lutz nor Patrick were the kind of men who could boast about themselves to others.

Lutz took out a bag of coins and placed it on the table. It made a heavy sound when it hit the table. However, Patrick, with his eyes half-closed, said without attempting to open the bag.

"I'll check it later..."

Lutz understood he shouldn't disturb him and stood up, leaving the room.

Snoring could be heard from behind the closed door. Lutz bowed towards the door and then left the workshop with his familiar steps.

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