Chapter 70: Two Craftsmen

When Lutz visited Patrick’s workshop and congratulated him on his appointment to the Count’s family, as expected, Patrick had a curious look on his face, as if he had no idea what he was talking about.

“……Ah, now that I think of it, I think my disciples were making some kind of noise.”

Indifference is a big deal if you come this far. It’s not like he’s pretending to be a recluse or rebelling against authority, but it’s like he’s really slipped out of his head.

“No, please wait, Lutz-san, it’s not true. I have only heard that he is going to be in charge of me. But I didn’t visit the Count, I didn’t move out of my workshop, I didn’t get more work, nothing has changed. I’d like to ask you, “Did he really become your boss?”

After being told that, Lutz couldn’t say anything.

Lutz and Claudia were given a new workshop, and because of the troublesome work that had come in, they became aware that they were now in the Count’s family, or that their environment had changed. If they had remained living on the banks of the river outside the city walls, they might have reacted the same way as Patrick.

“By the way, Lutz-san, do you have any new decoration jobs for me? My golden fingertips are crying at night, I want to rub Katana-chan.”

“It’s not a job, but I brought a present for Patrick-san.”

“What?”

Patrick rolls his eyes at the unexpected story. Lutz took out a dagger made of white wood from his leather bag and placed it on the table.

“I know it’s trivial, but ……”

“No, no, no, no, no, no! Is it okay if I take this?”

“Yes”

“Wouldn’t you be offended if I licked the blade?”

“Please use common sense and do not cut your tongue.”

Lutz wondered, as he said so himself, whether it was common sense to lick the blade with one’s tongue, but then he realized that it was pointless to talk about common sense in front of Patrick and dismissed the thought.

Patrick pulled out the scabbard and stared at the blade.

“Heh… you’re so cute…”

As usual, it’s a unique expression that is still incomprehensible, but he seemed to like it.

Patrick stood up and shook his head lightly. He made a face as if he had realized something. He swings harder, then pokes.

If I leave it alone, it doesn’t seem to stop forever,

“How do you like it?”

I called out to him.

“It’s nice, really good. It’s not like I fell in love at first sight, but it’s overflowing with the feeling of a partner that I can easily get along with.”

“The result is a dagger that is easy to use.”

“By the way, what is the name of this sword?”

“I named it ‘Yugumo'”

“Ah……”

Patrick thought briefly, then nodded.

“Do you mean a running brat?”

“……so you understand.”

I wanted to keep silent about the meaning of Claudia’s name,  but when he said it so clearly, I couldn’t fool myself.

Why is it so easy to read intentions?

Previously, when Gerhard saw Claudia’s beloved sword “Love Letter”, he said that he felt a faint affection.

Is there a world that can only be seen by experienced craftsmen?

Patrick replied with a laugh.

“The Excalibur project would be the combination of a stick that is fun to swing and an evening.”

…… I guess so. Maybe. Maybe so, but I doubt it enough to say for sure.

In terms of the ability to read something from the work, Lutz is not as good as them. It’s just a fact. I felt a sense of frustration and respect for Patrick and Gerhard.

I still have a lot to learn. I don’t think I have time to be conceited.

“I’m sorry, even though it’s a special gift, it’s a white wooden scabbard that doesn’t look sexy.”

“Fu, fu… What are you talking about? That’s good, that’s it!”

Patrick grabbed the dagger and began stroking the scabbard with his fingertips. Even though I was just tracing the scabbard, for some reason it looked like a dirty touch.

“To be able to decorate such a splendid dagger by myself, this is the joy of being a decorator. I’ll make it beautiful for you, Youn-chan. ……”

Slowly pulling it out of its scabbard and repeat the process of putting it back in.

“Ah, I feel like I’m doing something wrong, like pulling down a boy’s pants in front of me…”

“Please don’t mention my name when you’re arrested.”

“I won’t touch flesh and blood, I’m not interested.”

Patrick said it with a straight face, his cheeks slackening as he toyed with the dagger.

“I’ve seen many swords, but I love them even more when I think of them as mine. What kind of clothes do you want to wear, Yugumo-chan…?”

Patrick was completely absorbed in his own world. Lutz decided that this was a territory that should not be touched carelessly, so he sat up and decided it was time to go home.

Then Patrick raised his face as if he remembered and called Lutz to stop him.

“I should also thank you in some way. It’s the same for you, Lutz.”

“I don’t want to engage in any foolish rivalry like gift diplomacy. Just a small gesture will be fine.”

“Feelings. Like my smile?”

“Please dispose of it properly.”

“That’s terrible. … That’s right, how about earrings?”

Patrick started to sound like a decorator.

“I wonder if it’ll suit me…”

“I’m not interested in that kind of blabber. For Claudia-san. Lutz-san, have you ever given a loved one an accessory?”

“I’m ashamed to say that the only gift I can think of is a self-made dagger.”

“I think that’s one-of-a-kind, though.”

“Um, then, can I ask for something?”

When Lutz modestly asked, Patrick smiled broadly.

“It’s fine, fine. Leave it to me. Just imagining the place where my favorite gives you earrings as a gift, I feel like I can live without eating anything for about a week.”

“It’s just your imagination, so please eat properly.”

Lutz left the workshop with a hint of uneasiness.

When I got home, Claudia greeted me.

“Hey Lutz-kun, is Patrick-san happy?”

“He was as suspicious as ever.”

“Yes, yes, in other words, he was pleased.”

She said and laughed. Patrick’s evaluation was in this tone from everyone.

A few days later, Lutz received the earrings at Patrick’s workshop.

It was a mysterious gemstone that looked red, blue, or peachy depending on the angle of view. The secret lies in the way it is cut, which is said to be Patrick’s unique technique. He even boldly said that if he sold this technique, he could live happily for the rest of his life.

Sometimes cool, sometimes passionate, sometimes sexy. Patrick said the earrings were inspired by the image of a woman with such a variety of faces.

Even Lutz, who was not very interested in decorations, was fascinated by the beautiful decorations for a while.

“Patrick-san, you are an amazing person.”

When Lutz said this, Patrick nodded in satisfaction. Being recognized by a first-rate man was a kind of pleasure for a craftsman.

I had a brief conversation with Patrick’s apprentice who gave me a tour on my way out,

“My master is in a good mood every day, and teaches his apprentices various techniques. That’s all well and good, but ……”

“I’m sure it’s all for the best. What’s wrong?”

“He’s been bragging about his dagger for a while and is a bit….Lutz-san, is there anything you can do to calm him down?”

“Sorry, I can’t.”

Lutz ruthlessly said so, leaving the hardened apprentice behind and quickly returning home.

I wanted to give Claudia the earring as soon as possible, make her happy, talk to her, caress her soft hair and hold her.

I don’t have enough free time to take on unattainable missions.

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