Chapter 6: The Wandering Sword

“What the hell are you guys doing ……”

　At the knights’ office, Jocel was utterly dumbfounded. All the knights slumped their shoulders and waited for the high knight’s wrath to pass.

　It’s good to get rid of the bandits and take away the wealth they’ve been hoarding.

　There was a problem with the merchants who said they were paying tolls to the bandits and demanding a ransom, but this time Jocel didn’t want to blame them for that.

　Soldiers cost money just to be there. If the government were to criticize the means of fundraising and ask for an increase in the operating expenses of the knightly order from the count’s family, they would not be able to respond to the request. It is a good thing that they did not touch the influential wealthy merchants.

　From what I heard, the newly acquired sword was received in exchange for a ransom, but it didn’t make sense that he had cut himself deeply in the face by rubbing his cheek against it. The injured man was taken to the infirmary. Fortunately, he doesn’t seem to be in a life-threatening condition.

“Give me that sword for now.”

　As for Jocel, he did not mean to be unreasonable. It was only natural that he should confiscate the cause of the blows in the knight’s chambers. However, the older knight replied in a terribly dissatisfied tone.

“That’s what we got…”

“It wouldn’t be the proper course of action. Or should I leave this matter in the hands of the Count or the Church?”

　All the knights shook their heads violently as if they were about to be torn off. If such a thing is done, everyone will not escape punishment, and their family homes would be damaged.

　One of the knights hunched over and trudged into the back, bringing a single sword. It was a strangely made sword that I had never seen before.

　Jocel was about to pull it out right then and there, but decided against it. Maybe there is some kind of curse on it. He decided that he should consult Gerhard about this.

“I’ll take care of this one. And don’t push the merchants too hard. They are stronger than you think.”

　With these words, Jocel left the room.

　A sense of relief and loss spreads to those left behind. It is good that the troublesome boss is gone, but something important that should not be lost has been lost instead.

　I will never be able to hold that sword in my hand again.

　A rare visitor showed up at the station in the late afternoon. It was the captured merchant, the woman who had been released in exchange for the sword.

“Hi there!”

　She spoke to me cheerfully, as if she had forgotten that she had been locked up in the dungeon for several days. I don’t know what she was doing here, but the smell of trouble was strongly in the air.

“What can I do for you…..?”

　One of the knights was mortified.

“That splendid sword, it’s called a katana. After seeing such a beautiful thing, I thought it might be a good time to get one by the same artist!”

　That woman, Claudia, noticed a strange odor, and bluntly surveyed the surroundings while pricking her nose.

“I smell blood. Did they kill each other over sword, by any chance?”

“How can that be? The fool just rubbed his cheek on it!”

　After shouting, the man regretted saying something unnecessary and clicked his tongue.

　If it was suicide, only one person was responsible, but if they had cut each other down, it would have been everyone’s fault. He was so panicked cause he didn’t want such a story to spread, even if it was a misunderstanding, and so frustrated that Jocel had taken his sword that his words slipped out.

　Oh, how infuriating this woman’s grin is!

　I wanted to throw her in jail again, but Jocel just told me to restrain myself and I have no excuse to catch her.

“I hope that sword wasn’t cursed…..”

“No, no, no. That sword was purely beautiful. You couldn’t even feel magic, right?”

　The knights had no knowledge of magic, and had no idea what magic was. However, they had no choice but to nod vaguely because they were too prestigious to answer if they didn’t know.

　Incidentally, Claudia had no idea about magic either.

“So, how do you like it? I can make anything according to your budget. It would be difficult to buy a new long sword, so for example, a dagger for 80 silver coins.”

　The knights groaned at Claudia’s suggestion. The fever for a good weapon is growing, but the money at their disposal is limited.

　Although they took money from the bandits and merchants, most of it disappeared to pay for the running of the Order, to pay off the upper management, and to send money to their parents’ house, who were in debt. The remaining money, if divided among everyone, would be a pittance.

　Before long, a young knight raised his hand as if he had made up his mind.

“I want to order one, please.”

“Yes, sir! May I ask your name? And if you have any requests, such as grip thickness, blade length, and so on, please tell me…”

　Claudia skillfully advances the conversation. Looking at the situation, applicants appeared one by one.

　Finally, after finalizing the business deal for the five daggers, Claudia said with a big smile on her face.

“Since this is the first transaction, we do not ask for an advance payment. We ask for a lump-sum exchange of the dagger for the price. Good bye!”

　Claudia appeared abruptly and left abruptly. Both those who ordered and those who missed the opportunity were twisting their heads, wondering if the exchange was real.

　There must have been so many questions they wanted to ask her, such as who the blacksmith man was and where he lived, but they forgot to ask.

　Having no choice, they returned to their normal duties. That is to say, they just take a nap or play chess in the stockade. This is not to say that some of them do not practice swordsmanship, but it is just a way to pass the time.

　At this time, a dozen or so fistfights were taking place in the marketplace, but no one was willing to ask the Knights to intercede.

　Time is finite and precious to everyone.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter