kscans

Chapter 200 - Rosewood Rhapsody 1. The Heirloom's Fittings

It began with a conversation with Amdal.

"It seems to be quite a fine blade, but the fittings are rather plain for what it is." "My grandfather said he sold off all the decorative pieces that were on the scabbard for travel money."

Though the explanation did not even graze the truth, it was clear that the "katana" Yuri had produced had fittings plain enough to look unnatural to an observer.

(If it's too plain, maybe it looks strange instead...?)

As a reincarnator, he could not quite grasp the sensibilities of this world. Aware of this, Yuri wondered if he should consult with Adon, Old Man Audel, and perhaps even the members of the Lucky Footsteps.

As he pondered, he remembered the other "katana."

He thought of the Mottled Blade Sword, which had come to be known as a secret treasure passed down through his family.

(...That one's supposed to be an heirloom, so it needs even more proper fittings than the iron sword...)



"Hmm... now that you mention it, that's true..."

"An heirloom with a plain wooden scabbard just won't do, no matter how you look at it..."

Even if he had no intention of showing it to anyone, the dice of fate were unpredictable. It would be better to have fittings that were not extravagant, but at least appropriate for an heirloom.

"But... we can't just carelessly show it to a craftsman, can we?"

"Yes, that's why, for now, I think my only choice is to cobble together something that looks the part myself."

"Hmm..."

To say, "What can a child of ten or so do..." would be to underestimate Yuri, an outlier whom both Adon and Old Man Audel knew all too well. The netsuke he had shown them at Ems's workshop was quite well-crafted, and before that, the dolls given to Saya and Sena were of exquisite workmanship. Those were probably made by this boy as well, so his crafting skills must be solid.

"I can't make anything too elaborate, but I think I can at least paint the scabbard."

It felt like Yuri could easily make something "elaborate" as well, but they had to agree with his point that painting should be the priority.

"You're right about that... Are you planning to ask Ems?"

"Yes. For painting wood, I think it's best to ask a professional."

"Hmm... To be honest, I don't know a thing about fittings for a sword like that. I can't offer any advice. But prioritizing painting over decoration is the right approach."

"Indeed. A woodworker would know about that sort of thing. ...Is this Ems fellow a trustworthy person?"

"Of course. Beyond that, he's not foolish enough to do anything that would displease his Rosewood supplier."

"Then it would be best to keep the details vague and just ask about the paint."

"Perfect. I was planning to go to his workshop tomorrow anyway. Is that alright with you, Yuri-kun?"

"Yes, I don't mind. But going again tomorrow seems quite hectic, doesn't it?"

"Oh, it's just that I need to discuss the matter of the netsuke and business cards you told me about."

Ah, so that was it, Yuri understood. He had seemed quite taken with the idea the other day, and they probably had things to discuss.

"...Hmm. Separately from that, it would probably be a good idea to see the work of an ornament artisan. Adon, you must have connections with a decent craftsman, don't you?"

"That's not a problem, but... if you're going with the fittings from your hometown, Yuri-kun, it won't be much of a reference, will it?"

"That's true, but I thought it would be good for him to know what kind of decorations are not too flashy."

"Ah... I see, you're right..."

And so, it was decided that they would schedule a visit to observe the work of an ornament artisan on another day.