Chapter 180: A Man’s Farewell

The town was much livelier than when they had last visited. With no worries about the buildings being destroyed again by orcs, there was a strong sense of reconstruction in the air.

Lutz and Donald sat on some rubble, observing the people of the town bustling around. Talking in this manner had become a habit for them, and they found it more comfortable than conversing indoors.

Donald’s right half of his face was covered in burn scars, but he didn’t seem to mind. Lutz didn’t find it ugly; he saw it as an honorable battle wound.

“This is a gift.” 

Lutz held out the sword as if it was nothing. It is a famous sword that has been enchanted with magic, created by the kingdom’s best swordsmith. If you want to buy it with money, it would cost you more than 100 gold coins. You need not only money but also connections.

However, Donald was taken aback by the casual way it was offered, feeling as if he was receiving something as trivial as a keychain.

“What, you don’t want it?”

As Lutz began to withdraw the sword, Donald hurriedly denied it. If he said he didn’t want it, Lutz would take it back without hesitation. 

“No, no! I would be honored to accept it. As, Donald, and as Samurai Mask, it’s my greatest honor to receive your sword!”

Donald accepted the sword from Lutz and cleared his throat. The sword exuded tension just from holding it, and he was sure it was an exceptionally sharp blade. Though Donald couldn’t discern the quality of a sword like a connoisseur, he was confident about this one.

The scabbard was painted black and bore a fierce Hannya mask. This was truly a sword made for him. That thought made him tremble with emotion.

“Really, are you sure I can have this?”

“Because I promised.”

“But wasn’t that just something you said in the heat of the moment, influenced by the situation?”

“If you make a promise, you keep it. That’s a man’s code of honor. Donald, you kept your promise with Dennis, too, didn’t you?”

“Given Dennis’s reaction, he probably thought I had run away.”

They exchanged smiles as they recalled the events.

“I’ve been nothing but a burden to you, Lutz-sama. Moreover, receiving such an amazing gift… I feel like it’s not fair to you.”

“Oh, then it’s fine.”

Lutz waved his hand nonchalantly.

“I got a hundred gold coins from selling the orc’s axe. I split it into twenty-five gold coins for a decorator, twenty-five for an enchanter, and I also received five gold coins apart from the sword price. You can’t make a profit if you just sell for money.”

“I thought it might still not be a fair deal, but I won’t say anything more. Reconsidering the distribution of gold at this point would be rude.”

Apologizing, Lutz continued.

“The remaining twenty-five gold coins will be divided among us. Sorry, I made the decision after the fact. I’ve already given Ricardo and Josel each five gold coins.”

As he spoke, Lutz took a leather bag out of his pocket and handed it to Donald. It jingled when he held it—a bag containing ten gold coins.

“No, but I can’t accept it…”

Lutz looked at Donald, who was fiddling with the gold coin bag, looking annoyed.

“You’re so annoying, are you telling me to reconsider the distribution of money now? If you just shut up and put it in your pocket, everything will be fine.”

“Is that how it is?”

“That’s what it is. If you can’t accept it, why don’t you give it to Dennis as payment for staying with him? The front of the store is also broken down, so they must be struggling.”

“However, I am constantly in your debt, Lutz. Moreover, you’ve given me such wonderful things.”

“Shut up! You’re telling me to reconsider the gold distribution now? If you don’t want to accept it, then give it to Dennis as payment for your stay. The shopfront is ruined, and they must be struggling.”

“Alright, I’ll do that.”

Donald took the bag of gold coins and raised it above his head as if it were a reward from his lord. At least, that was how he viewed it.

“Actually, I have one more gift for you. I hope I’m not being too persistent, but this is really the last one.”

Lutz approached a tethered donkey nearby and reached into the bag tied to its back. What he handed to Donald covered the upper half of his face.

Donald took the Hanya mask and examined it closely. It was much more delicate and impressive than the cheap mask he had previously worn. The texture was smooth, and it offered excellent visibility.

“Seems like you like it. This was crafted by a decorator known as the best in the territory.”

“Is it made by a first-class craftsman? I wonder…”

This is different from junk bought at the market and processed by amateurs. Donald starting to feel embarrassed that he was pretending to be a hero of justice while wearing a cheap mask.

“The decorator’s name is Patrick-san. When I told him the whole story, he was really thrilled. If he’s a protector of little girls, then he’s on my side. So, he made it enthusiastically.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t quite understand.”

“He’s living in his own unique world, so don’t worry about it.”

“I see.”

“That’s how it is.”

Donald put on the Hanya mask he had just received. It fit perfectly and felt as if he had been wearing it for a long time.

“By the way, how is the little girl? Does she have any trauma from the fire?”

“She’s perfectly fine. In fact, she’s running around energetically even today. She’s not afraid of fire at all. She’s even saying things like, ‘You can kill orcs by burning them.'”

“Maybe she’ll become an adventurer in the future. You’ve gained a reliable junior.”

“In that respect, Dennis must be having a headache.”

They continued with their conversation for a while, and then Lutz stood up.

“Well, I’m going.”

“Are you leaving already? To be honest, it’s a bit daunting for me. I’d like you to teach me and guide me in more ways.”

“There’s nothing more I need to tell you. Donald-san… I mean, Samurai Mask, you’re a great hero in this town.”

Saying that, Lutz untied the rope that was tethering the donkey, took a few steps, and then bent down to pick up a piece of lumber.

He turned around and threw the piece of lumber into the air.

…Is he telling me to demonstrate my cutting skills?

Understanding the meaning, Donald drew his sword and simultaneously slashed upward. The lumber was cut cleanly in mid-air with hardly any resistance and made a crisp sound as it fell to the ground.

Donald gazed at the blade with an expression of disbelief. The cutting ability was astounding. So, this is what a genuine masterpiece of a sword is like?

“Lutz-sama, what is the name of this sword?”

“I’ve named it ‘Mumei’.”

“‘Mumei’? Does that mean it has no name?”

“Exactly, that’s what you might think at first. ‘Mumei’ is the name; it’s also engraved on the tang. It’s a message from my wife, telling you to start over from scratch with a fresh perspective.”

With those words, Lutz started walking again. Donald was silently hoping that Lutz would turn around one more time, but Lutz departed without a second glance.

This is how a man’s farewell should be. It felt like he had received Lutz’s final lesson. Donald lowered his head deeply towards the road where his teacher’s figure had disappeared.

“Thank you very much! Really, truly…!”

It was convenient that his crying face was concealed behind the mask.

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