Chapter 19: Goliath, the Arms Dealer (1)

　Elliot and Lloyd raced back to the castle. After quickly finishing their report, they immediately set out to visit the arms dealer Bishop Powell had recommended.

　Facing the castle’s west gate stood a large, old-fashioned stone building. At first glance, it resembled a sturdy nobleman’s townhouse, but it housed the headquarters of the arms dealer’s trading company.

　Despite being called an arms dealer, Goliath operated no public storefront. As a purveyor to the royal family, he dealt chiefly with the crown, the knightly orders of noble houses, and nobles’ private armies. His position had made him thoroughly knowledgeable about the history and circumstances of weapons and armor both within the kingdom and abroad.

　Although they arrived without an appointment, they were swiftly shown into a reception room after asking to see him.

　The man who entered was an elderly gentleman so tall they had to look up at him, with gray hair and a gray beard. He was powerfully built and looked as though he had once been a warrior.

　In Elliot’s place, Lloyd stepped forward. Elliot had regained some composure, but he was still far from calm.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Master Goliath.”

“There’s no need for such politeness. I’m of lower rank than either of you. Still, I dislike allowing formalities to impede a conversation, so please forgive my informality on this occasion.”

　Goliath gave a quiet laugh. His gentle manner seemed at odds with both his intimidating appearance and his hoarse, liquor-roughened voice.

“This is a conversation better held in the inner room.”

　He led the two men through another door beyond the reception room.

　The stark little chamber had only two doors, one in front and one behind, and neither windows nor decorations. Its only furnishings were a fine sofa and a table.

“I always conduct important negotiations and consultations in this room. Rest assured: its sole purpose is to protect the safety of both parties.”

　He motioned for them to sit, then laid three sheets of parchment on the table.

“You’ll also need these.”

“What are they…?”

“An agreement that nothing said in this room will be disclosed. If information were somehow to leak, my company would be suspected first. To be frank, this protects me as well.”

　The thoroughness surprised Lloyd, but it also impressed him. Such precautions explained how Goliath had maintained his position and credibility as an arms dealer.

“…Besides, this will make it easier for you to speak freely, will it not?”

　As he added the question, Goliath looked at Elliot’s sword.

　Elliot appeared shaken, but he mastered himself enough to sign the confidentiality agreement. Then, as if gathering his resolve, he placed the sword on the table.

“Let us introduce ourselves once more. Holy Knight Elliot and high-ranking knight Lloyd, I’m Goliath. Bishop Powell’s introduction gave me some idea why you might have come. The holy sword has… lost its power, has it not?”

“You’re very… direct.”

　Lloyd spoke while trying to steady Elliot, whose shoulders trembled and whose face had gone pale. Though Lloyd couldn’t hide his own unease, Goliath merely offered the impassive smile of a merchant.

“It was only a guess. There could be few other reasons for the celebrated Holy Knight to visit me looking as you do. May I examine it?”

　Elliot nodded silently.

　After inspecting the sheath, Goliath gripped the hilt and drew the sword in one smooth motion.

　Lloyd swallowed at the sight of the bare blade while Elliot bowed his head and covered his forehead with one hand.

　Even the ivy relief once engraved on the blade had vanished completely. All that remained was a white sword with a chipped edge.

　Goliath studied the sword from several angles as though appraising it, then sighed in admiration.

“This is… a magnificent sword. I can well believe it was worthy to serve as the holy sword’s vessel.”

　Elliot looked up in surprise.

“What’s the matter? This is the sword that became the holy sword, but it wasn’t always one, was it?”

“No…”

　Goliath had struck the mark without knowing it. Elliot looked away uneasily.

　After one glance at him, Goliath began to explain.

“Most of what’s known about holy swords is merely a collection of legends and folktales passed down through history. But among those who have long worked with weapons, one fact has been preserved with certainty.”

　As he spoke, Goliath regarded the sword in his hand with affection.

“Several conditions must be met for a holy sword to manifest: a vessel, a blessing, and prayers. That much isn’t especially obscure. I’m sure you’ve heard it before.”

　Both men almost nodded, but after a brief pause, Lloyd answered.

“I’ve never heard the vessel included among the conditions.”

“I see… Details of a tradition are easily lost when it passes from one person to another.”

　After the rather melancholy remark, Goliath placed the unsheathed sword before Elliot.

“Do you recognize the sword itself?”

　For the first time since the day’s incident, Elliot looked directly at it.

　The weapon was so badly damaged that he could scarcely bear the sight.

“This sword…”

　 　—The day I gained the holy sword, I thought I had lost this one amid the chaos of battle…

　From the day he joined the Royal Order of Knights until that battle, it had always been at his side. It was a treasured gift commemorating his appointment as a knight.

　It was the sword Flora had given him long ago.

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