Kays Translations

Chapter 242: Silent Contemplation

“Princess, may I come in now?”

A gentle knock sounded, and Listille bounced up from her lap pillow as if startled, much like a teenage boy who fears being caught searching under his bed.

“P-p-please, come in, it’s open.”

It would be embarrassing for her retainers to see her fawning over Claudia. She panics and tries to regain her dignity, but from Claudia’s point of view, she is simply adorable.

It was Neros who entered after excusing himself. Lutz followed behind.

“Neros, have you finished your discussion?”

As Listille said this, she suddenly realized something. If Neros’ business was concluded, it likely meant that Claudia would also leave.

Sensing Listille’s feelings, Lutz stepped forward and, with a hint of apology in his tone, began his explanation with an apologetic performance.

“Well, you see, I accomplished my goal of solidifying my plans for sword-making after hearing about Leonard-san. But, once I started on the maintenance of the axes and other weapons you all use, it became quite time-consuming…”

“T-that sounds quite troublesome…”

Understanding what kind of conversation would follow, Listille managed to suppress the urge to grin.

“It’s rather unsettling to leave things halfway as a craftsman, and I find it difficult to relax. It’s selfish of me, but please allow me to stay for another two days until we finish up.”

“Well, having the renowned master Lutz examine our weapons would bring joy to everyone. Two days, or even two months or twenty years, we welcome you without hesitation!”

“Well, I’m afraid that won’t meet the deadline…”

After Lutz and Neros left, Listille dove back into her beloved lap pillow, sinking into a sea of comfort.

“This sensation is truly addicting,” she thought to herself, unable to escape its bewitching allure. Gazing up at Claudia’s face, Listille smiled.

“He truly is wonderful.”

“Isn’t that right?”

Claudia answered proudly with a smile.

Meanwhile, Lutz was outside the barracks, diligently sharpening axes. He was completely absorbed in his task.

As he sharpened the axes, he began to worry about the lumberjacks whose village had been destroyed by the flame demon. Defeating the monster was a cause for celebration, as in a fairy tale, but people still had to live on afterward. Living, too, was a battle in itself. Looking at the lumberjacks and the people of this pioneering village, he sincerely felt this.

…All I can do is what I can do.

He would simply continue forging swords single-mindedly, and the money he earned would go to those who could use it well. That was enough.

Encountering someone like Claudia or Listille, whom he could trust and respect simultaneously, was surely a blessing.

While rubbing the axes back and forth on the grindstone, Lutz fell into deep thought once again, this time about the next sword he should forge.

The beautiful sword sought by the commander of the Imperial Guard does not require much thought. The beauty of a sword simply lies in the pursuit of functional beauty. If one can create a sharp and well-cutting sword, beauty will naturally follow.

For this special sword, let’s entrust Patrick, the decorator, to do his best. Enchanting it with magic to improve its sharpness would be good; it’s an effect with no downside.

Alright, with a nod, Lutz wiped the axe with a cloth to remove moisture and began sharpening the next axe, rounded at the tip, which was piled up in a wooden box. It had become a habit for him to think while sharpening blades. This was the state in which he could concentrate the most.

The request from the captain of the Fourth Knight Order had already been mostly decided. It was an image of further enhancing it more than Lutz’s sword, “Kyouka suigetsu,” making it heavier. While it might be difficult for an ordinary person to wield, let alone carry, given the captain’s physique, he could easily manage it.

Meeting the person who would actually use the sword was important after all. Even if he had heard about a big, robust guy through word of mouth, somewhere along the line, psychological barriers such as restraint or common sense might have hindered him from creating anything more than what was suitable. But now, there was no need to worry; he was convinced that that monster could handle anything.

Creating an ultra-powerful sword would require twice or even three times the usual amount of charcoal and tamahagane, but since the production cost was covered by the count’s household, ultimately by the royal family, there was no need to hold back.

The remaining issue is Leonard’s sword for the Thirteenth Knight Order. I’ve grasped the outline of his character from Neros’ explanation. I decided to take reference from the ‘Night Killer,’ the high-ranking knight, Josel’s sword, known for its ease of use and suitability for ambushes. The problem lies in how to apply magic enchantments.

Enhancing cutting ability and durability are good basics, but simply replicating these along with another aspect feels lacking in creativity. Compromising with “this is good enough” because nothing else comes to mind doesn’t sit well either. Ideally, the combination of the sword and magic enchantments should be top-notch.

…How about elemental attributes?

Fire attributes are definitely out of the question. From what I’ve heard, gifting such a thing would only be seen as provoking a fight. It might even turn into a situation where the first to be cut by the sword is myself.

I’m not quite sure about the effects of earth or water attributes. Dismissed.

Wind isn’t bad, it’s on hold. However, when considering Leonard’s image, I couldn’t help but tilt my head. While I’ve decided to take reference from the Night Killer, outright copying it doesn’t sit right with me. I’ve heard that it was also infused with a wind attribute, but I wanted something original made specifically for Leonard.

“I guess I have no choice but to leave it up to them. Please enchant this sword with something that suits it.”

I muttered to myself before shaking my head. That kind of thinking won’t do. Why did I come all the way to the capital, and why did I come to this pioneering village near the border without being satisfied? It’s to forge a perfect sword. What’s the point of compromising here?

Deadlines, ideas, lack of technique. Compromises stemming from these factors. Crafting is always a battle against such things.

It’s impossible, but I have to do it. Despite holding a contradiction, I have to push forward.

…Right, instead of imposing, why not consult?

I didn’t just change my words. I’ll share the information I gathered on this journey with Patrick and Gerhardt, and we’ll think about it together. Sword-making is inherently a collaborative effort.

“Yeah, that’s it, let’s go with that.”

With a sense of clarity, Lutz deeply nodded.

He stopped sharpening the axe and checked the blade. It was of the highest quality.

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