Chapter 249: Even If There Were Choices

Amidst a rather delicate atmosphere, the ceremony of bestowing the sword to the Captain of the Royal Guard had concluded.

In the servant waiting room prepared for the Count Zander’s household, the court blacksmith, Lutz, and the high-ranking knight, Josel, sat on chairs without backs, engaging in aimless conversation.

“Oh, by the way, what happened to Gerhardt-san?”

“He’s accompanying the Count on his rounds of greetings.”

“Ah… Could it be he’s going to take more orders for swords?”

Lutz said with a grim expression. He had just finished a big job, and he wanted a break if possible. He didn’t want people to think it was just natural for him to produce famous swords one after another. He was still tired, yet he was being dragged around by ceremonies and such.

Knowing the Count, there was a good chance he would take numerous orders just to please the high nobles.

Perhaps reading the thoughts from Lutz’s expression, Josel waved his hand lightly as he spoke.

“Don’t worry, unreasonable tasks will be stopped by our master. That’s also why he’s by the Count’s side.”

“It’s really appreciated to have someone in a high position who understands the circumstances of craftsmen.”

The two nodded deeply in agreement.

Josel had successfully imbued four-character magic into a sword not long ago. It had been a real gamble, and he wasn’t quite sure himself why he succeeded. But if someone were to demand he do it again right away, he’d be furious, as would anyone.

Until now, he hadn’t really felt this. He had thought that as a craftsman, he had to do it. He realized his shallowness now. Without vigor, physical strength, and creative inspiration, art couldn’t be created even if luck was on your side.

He didn’t think the nobles would understand that. Josel was determined to firmly support his master, knowing that if he didn’t, he might be used up or chased away from the Count’s domain.

Lutz had little loyalty towards the Count. None, really. Even now, he only thought of the Count as “Mr. Gerhardt’s boss.” They were almost strangers; they barely conversed. If he felt dissatisfied with how he was treated, it was entirely possible he’d escape to another domain. His circumstances were different from Josel, who was bound by his family and land.

He had thought many times about what would happen if he let this man escape to another domain. The sword-making technique had already been passed on to the city’s blacksmiths. In the not-too-distant future, they might be able to make magic weapons with four-letter spells. However, for now, there was an atmosphere that regarded Lutz’s work as the best. Even the King himself had praised Lutz’s sword highly. Even if another great swordsmith emerged, it would be hard to say theirs was better.

Lutz hadn’t spread the sword-making technique outside of Count Zander’s domain. But what if he fled from the Count’s household and sought protection from other nobles? Naturally, as a gesture of thanks, he would spread the sword-making technique there too. If he fled, there would be no need for him to be loyal to the Count’s household anymore.

“It would be nice to make Count Zander’s household a comfortable place for craftsmen.”

“Yes, please do your best.”

As expected, his tone sounded like it was someone else’s problem. Josel felt a hint of unease, but it wasn’t a problem he could solve immediately.

“Well, even if you’re not given unreasonable orders, it’s best to be prepared for work to gradually increase.”

“Is that what’s going to happen…?”

“At this point, it’s just a rumor, but it seems His Majesty the King demands to see swords every time he meets with nobles. And if they have good weapons, the conversation flows, but if not, he loses interest and leaves.”

“So if you don’t have good weapons, His Majesty the King’s impression of you worsens?”

“That’s how it goes. In order to gain power in this palace, you must first gain His Majesty’s favor, and for that, you need good weapons. Nowadays, Lutz’s swords have a meaning beyond just being weapons or collectibles.”

“I don’t like that… at all.”

Lutz made a face of genuine dislike. A sword is a sword, a weapon is a weapon. He didn’t want people to lose sight of the essence of using them to cut down enemies or protect oneself. It’s still fine to appreciate them as works of art; Lutz himself knew well the beauty of swords. But being used as a political tool was unbearable.

“Give it up. Getting close to power means dealing with things like that. And that’s the path you chose, Lutz.”

“What should I have done to stay away from power?”

“You’re not going to ask me, are you?”

Josel turned his face away awkwardly.

Lutz pondered what Josel meant, and it immediately occurred to him. Creating the cursed sword “Tsubaki” was the beginning of everything and the turning point of fate.

In order to rescue Claudia, who had been captured by delinquent knights, Lutz had let go of Tsubaki. And that led it to end up in Gerhardt’s hands, becoming the opportunity for Lutz to make a name for himself.

In other words, Josel wanted to say, “You should have discarded Tsubaki.” As the nominal superior of the delinquent knights, Josel couldn’t say such a thing. His pride and shame wouldn’t allow it.

“Well, there’s nothing we can do about it then.”

Lutz said calmly, accepting his position.

I think helping Claudia that day was one of the few decent judgments in my reckless life. If this is the result of that, then there’s nothing to do but accept it.

“I’m back~!”

The door swung open forcefully. Claudia came in at a timing that seemed to affirm that Lutz’s judgment wasn’t wrong.

She had changed from her dress into her usual clothes. Claudia dropped the large bag she was carrying and sat down next to Lutz in her usual spot.

“Listen up, Lutz-kun. I got stopped by five perverted old men on the way here from the dressing room, asking if I wanted to be their mistress.”

“I understand how you feel.”

“One of them even said he’d give me two thousand gold coins.”

“He underestimated you.”

Claudia’s face briefly showed surprise at Lutz’s response, then she burst into laughter. He had instantly replied that two thousand gold coins were cheap. How could anyone keep from laughing?

“Compared to a hundred gold coins, it lacks romance, huh?”

Saying that, she happily leaned against Lutz.

“By the way, what’s in that bag?”

“Hehe, rejoice. I managed to negotiate the purchase of the dress.”

“Awesome!”

They high-fived. Josel watched them with a look of disbelief.

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