kscans

Chapter 5 - The Offer to be the Exclusive Blacksmith

"M, me, an exclusive blacksmith!? For the Grossa Army!?"

"Sensei, please be quiet...! This is still a confidential matter."

"S, sorry."

I hurriedly lowered my voice at Militar's prompting. At this rate, it was hard to tell which of us was the adult. Just then, a waiter brought our tea, placing it on the table with a soft clink before leaving.

"I apologize for the sudden proposal, but I believe there is no one more suitable than you, Sensei."

"But why would you offer such an important role to someone like me?"

"For that... I believe it would be best to explain the circumstances of how I became Legion Commander. Sensei, first, please look at this."

"Huh... what is this?"

Militar gently placed the sword that had been hanging at her waist on the table. Its jet black scabbard was so dark it seemed to absorb even the sunlight, but strangely, I felt no fear or aversion. Instead, I felt an exhilaration, as if I had encountered a noble spirit.

"Please, draw the sword."

"O, okay..."

Overwhelmed by its presence, I slowly drew the blade. The blade itself was the same deep jet black as the scabbard... The gentle curve that dipped toward the center was beautiful. And on its surface were inscribed incomprehensible letters, likely a magical incantation. I knew at a glance that this was a piece worthy of being a national treasure.

【Divine Magic Sword: Shinma】
Rank: S
Attribute: Holy
Ability: Converts magical power into the holy attribute, exterminating foes with a single godspeed strike. Even those with no knowledge of the sword can wield it with the skill of a sword saint.

"R, Rank S (in a small voice)!? This really is national treasure class. ...What do I do, I got my fingerprints on it."

"This is the sword you made for me long ago, Sensei."

"What!?"

I had just been told not to raise my voice, but I couldn't help but shout in surprise. That's just how shocked I was. I quickly denied it, breaking into a cold sweat.

"I, I have no memory of making a sword like this."

"No, you made it, Sensei. ...Or perhaps that's not quite right. The toy sword you made for me evolved."

"A, a sword evolved?"

What in the world was she talking about? I had heard of monsters evolving, but never a sword.

"I'm sure the weapons you create possess the power to evolve, Sensei."

"R, really?"

"At first, it was just a toy, but as I spent time with it, it changed its shape and became what it is today."

That's what Militar said, but to think this incredible sword was that toy... I vaguely recalled fifteen years ago. I think I had made Militar a toy dagger. Well, even though I called it a sword, it couldn't cut at all and the blade was thick. It really was just a child's toy. Yes... I still couldn't believe it. There was no proof now anyway. It's not like I made a habit of carving my name into things.

"A, aren't you mistaken, Militar?"

"No, that is impossible!"

I tried to say it gently, but she shut me down flatly. Militar then continued, her voice filled with excitement.

"Thanks to this sword, I was able to defeat one of the Demon Lord's Four Heavenly Kings, and I was appointed Legion Commander for that achievement. Now, there are even citizens who call me a hero."

"Th, that's amazing. I feel proud for you too."

"However!"

"Whoa!"

Suddenly, Militar grabbed my calloused hands. Her skin was so smooth and supple... no, that's not it! A shabby old man was clutching the hands of a beautiful woman. This was a reportable offense.

"L, let go. This doesn't look good."

"I believe all of my achievements are thanks to the weapon you made for me, Sensei."

"No, no, it must be because of your skill, Militar."

The results of wielding a sword depend entirely on the user. To say one's success is thanks to a tool is the height of arrogance.

"No, that is not true."

"Yes it is."

"No matter how skilled a swordsman, they cannot even cut a dry branch with a rusted, chipped sword."

"Ugh... well, I guess that may be true, but..."

It seemed Militar was determined to say her success was thanks to me. I tried to argue, but I couldn't think of a single good counterexample and was easily refuted.

"I believe you possess a special power when it comes to blacksmithing, Sensei. One great enough to make weapons evolve on their own."

"I wonder..."

Well, even though it was a toy, I did make it quite seriously since it would be bad if she got hurt. But I had never felt any special power in myself.

"And about the exclusive blacksmith position, there are circumstances that force me to rely on you, Sensei. The Grossa Army had an excellent blacksmith, but he retired just the other day due to old age and a chronic illness."

"Oh, so you want me to be his replacement? No way, no way! I don't have the skills for such a heavy responsibility."

"No, a successor blacksmith has already been appointed."

"Oh, I see."

I had jumped the gun again. She was so calm, yet here I was. I need to show a calmer side... As I made that small resolution, Militar murmured.

"This successor blacksmith is... a bit of a troublesome person. On top of being arrogant, his skills are poor, and it is causing problems with the management of the national army's weapons. He has also driven out all the blacksmiths who were subordinates of the previous one."

"A guy like that got appointed? Then you should just fire him..."

"The problem is... he is the only son of the ducal Felground Family, who makes large donations to the national army. He only became a blacksmith because he thought it looked easy, some ridiculous reason like that. Given our position, the soldiers can do nothing but swallow their dissatisfaction."

"Aah..."

That alone told me it was a complicated situation. Things like this probably happened in every world.

"So, Sensei. I want you to show this successor blacksmith the difference in your class and drive him away."

"No, but..."

I repeat, I lacked the skill. In Rieten, there were few adventurers, so most of my work was making daily necessities. It had been five or six years since I had last made a weapon. And I don't think it was even a combat sword...

As I wondered how to refuse, the sweet scent of flowers tickled my nose.

"Please, Sensei. I can't ask anyone but you for this."

Militar pressed closer. My back was against a wall. At some point, she had moved right next to me. She squeezed my hand and looked at me with sincere eyes. I, I could feel such intense passion... Looking into those blue eyes, I gradually started to feel bad about refusing.

"Well... I guess I can at least hear you out."

"Thank you, Sensei! This will save the national army! Let's head to the headquarters at once!"

Militar celebrated like a child. I definitely did not give in to her pressure. I was just going to listen. I am a man of strong will. I felt bad for Militar, but I would just listen to her story and then quietly go home. An old man like me couldn't possibly serve as the national army's exclusive blacksmith. I was led out of the shop by her. I felt a pang of guilt that I couldn't do more than just listen, after having made up my mind. Honestly.