The dwarves begin to clean up their work areas while singing merrily.
　No way. .......

　No way, no way.
　With that no way, the workplace was cleared and the drinking began. I couldn't resist if there was alcohol!　Is that what it is?
　You're going to have to be patient.

"You have a drink with me.

　I was handed a cup by the grand master.
　It seems that he is authorized to drink a lot of sake.
　Or rather, it's obvious from the fact that there are usually glasses at work.
　Etoi and Elepippi are still underage, but what should we do?
　No, there's no law against drinking in this world: .......

　The drinking spree is going on, and as expected of the dwarves. The number of drinks is decreasing rapidly.
　Hmmm. We had plenty of whisky with us, though.
　We drank more and more of the 40% alcohol content liquor straight down the throat while crunching down on the dried meat that had been prepared before we knew it.

　We made eye contact with each other and drank a glass of wine, trying not to lick it while we were at work.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry," he said, "but we dwarves can't help it when we're happy. It's just that we can't help but feel like having a good time. And after all, we've been given such good wine and iron. Now, this is the time!　And danna drink more!

　The red-faced grand master offers me more.
　He holds a bottle of sake in his thick, knotty hands and recommends it.
　Hmm .......
　I can't drink that much beer, but I can't drink that much whiskey .......

　If you have something to dilute it at least .......
　...... Ah. By the way, I brought water with me.
　Considering the possibility of water contamination, I had prepared mineral water.

　That's good.
　Let's use this as a water for drinking water.
　If we dilute it, we can drink more.

　Before I knew it, the dwarves had brought out not only the liquor I had brought, but also another barrel of liquor and started drinking it.
　Is this, in essence, just a drinker ......?
　I guess it's a pattern that drinkers are good at, using any excuse to drink: .......

　Well, even if that's the case, I'm glad you're happy. I'm sure it's a good idea.
　I'm sure you'll be able to make something good out of this.
　...... I don't feel like talking about work at all, though!

'So ...... what kind of sword do you want me to strike?'

　But then he waved me off to talk about work.
　It's not like he was too drunk to talk about work with me.
　Rather, he is the kind of person who starts communicating with me when he gets drunk.
　It's drinking-nication, isn't it?

　Well, it's not like I have anything else to do today.
　Ordering armor is a big purchase, and it would be good to communicate and pick up the pieces slowly.
　In Japan, shopping is generally speedy.
　However, I heard that in Middle East, for example, it is not unusual to take half a day to negotiate for shopping.
　Besides, it is said that if you go with the locals, you should follow the locals, right?
　...... If you keep up with the booze at a dwarf pace, you'll never have enough bodies.

'Well, what I'd like to ask for is, simply put, a portable one-handed sword. We're thinking of starting a very small knighthood. And we'd like to get a matching sword for the troops. And some armor.

　I'll tell them about the knights.
　Matching swords.
　I'd like matching armor if possible.

"Guardians?　Privately?

'Yes. No, I haven't even started yet. ...... So, I thought I'd order the weapons and armor together. The weapon is a matching one-handed sword - well, this is positioned as a portable sub-weapon. I'm not going to be able to get it right. The shape should be ...... single-edged, capable of peaked strikes.

　Double edged is good, but it's better to be able to hit the peaks.
　I don't mean to be concerned about the Katana-like thing, but simply for practical purposes.
　It's also because the magic sword is double-bladed.

...... Who are the members of the Knight Squad?

It's them.

　I tell them so, and introduce the women in the back who are drinking in the company of the little ones.
　The big master looks at me with a scowl.

'Knight, you're a female knight!'

　Oh, I'm surprised.

'Yes. The Female Knights. Okay.

　When I replied that, not particularly caring, the grand master broke face without hesitation.

'Huh-ha-ha-ha!　Knight!　Knights!　Gathering knightly women!

　Mmm. I wonder if it's worth laughing at.
　I'm not sure if the dwarf-friendliness is too much of a poison to the macho ideology, or if he thinks knights (and warriors in general) should be men after all.

　...... Well, I don't care what the ideology is, as long as you can do the job.
　As expected, if you say you can't strike a sword for a woman, or something like that, it's an idea.

Is that crazy?

　But I think it might have come out a little too loudly.
　I don't know. I have to be more mature.
　Because if I start the female knights in earnest, the world's prejudice probably won't be at this level.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. It's not a bad thing. It's just that ...... is a pain in the ass. There's an all-female mercenary corps, so there's nothing wrong with a woman being a knight. But I just didn't think anyone would really do it.

　He didn't mean any harm.
　I forgive him!

'Half of it was just a coincidence. I happen to have a deep connection with a woman in the knighthood.

'I think it's good. There's hardly any difference between men and women in the real world of work. That's my experience. And it's only in this country that a woman can't be a knight. I'm not sure if it's efficiency or customary, but this isn't a country with much history. It's the kind of country where bureaucratic work is done without consulting a blacksmith for iron decisions. I understand that iron is needed in large quantities in war, but trying to win the war by quantity rather than quality...

　Wow, it's going to be about iron before you know it.
　You've got a lot of resentment against the country.
　Maybe you're already drunk.
　I mean, I think it's basic to fight with quantity over quality or something, but let's not get into that.

　After spewing out a round of complaints about the ways of the country, the grand master muttered as he glanced at my waist.

'So, what's that sword of yours Danna?　The sword of the Knights will strike for your husband, won't it?　Do you have that sword or both?

　Oops, I found the magic sword.
　It's not that I was hiding it, but coming to get a sword struck and then saying, "The main one is over here, please take a sub," was a real intention I wanted to keep hidden for a bit.

'Yeah. But this is a bit of a special specification. It's not the kind of sword that can be used casually. Much less against a human being.

'Hmmm. ...... certainly has a vibe to it. Which one, can I have a look at?　What, I'm just curious.

　Well, that's how it's going to turn out.

It's heavy. I'll be careful.

　I hand the magic sword to the grand master.
　This sword is said to be strangely heavy when held by someone other than me, the owner.

It's really heavy. What is this?

''Hmm. It's a magic sword that chooses its owner: ......

　I'm trying to be cool, but I only got it by accident!

'A magic sword!　Did you say magic sword!　This guy?　...... No, it shouldn't be: ......

　It's kind of a strange bite. I wonder if you have an idea.

''Do you know about the magic sword?''

Oh. There's an old dwarf legend. The Seven Bloody Swords. The Seven Bloody Swords, burying the Seven Tribes, drenched in the blood of the Seven. It is said that its owner will be cursed for generations to come.

　Curse .......
　Is it a curse to be attacked by a strange bear?
　I'd like to think it's nothing else.

Then let's see inside.

　The grand master pulls the sword out of its scabbard in a single breath.

　The black blade appears.
It's a wet and wet black color, as they call it.
　By the way, here's the information on the demon sword seen in the mirror of truth.

　 ---------------------- ...
　[Type]
　proximity weapons

　[Name]
　Nuregarau's Magic Sword Heart of Blood

　[Commentary]
　The magical sword that sucks the blood of a thousand monsters and turns red.

　Swords that can be equipped by close combatants
　The magical color "wet crow" adds a spell to increase evasion rate.
　Adds the curse of "Absorption" to the target of the sword's unique skill
　Increases the criticality rate for hexenbiests

　[Magical characteristics]
　Evasion Rate Increase B
　Absorption C
　Anti-Monster A

　[Spiritual blessing]
　None

　[Owner]
　Jiro Ayase
　Non-transferable
　 ---------------------- ...


　The grand master glued his eyes to the demon sword and gulped with a gulp.

''What the hell is this guy ......?''

It's so black.

"No, the ...... colors are definitely awesome, but.... This is something that can be typed by hand ......?　That knife was built to the nth degree, but this one is nothing compared to that. ...... I don't even know what the material is, I don't even know what it is ....... And this contained magic wave is ......

　With a trembling voice, the grand master spits out.
　It's as if he's possessed by a demon sword.
　I said to the grand master with a smug look on my face, "The black one seems to be an afterthought.

The blackness seems to be an afterthought. It looks like the blade was originally red too. Oh, by the way, it's a real demon sword.

　The grand master looks up.

'Are you the real ......?　...... I'm sure you're right. The inherent magic is still denser than ever before. It's not an exaggeration to say that the magic power itself has become a sword. I'm sure this is ...... a very satisfying way to go. I'm sure it's an unusual customer, but I didn't expect that Danna was the kind of swordsman that would be recognized by a demon sword. It doesn't look strong at all, but people are not always what they seem. ......

　A big master who is convinced by himself. You don't look strong enough.
　With a sigh of relief, I put the magic sword back in its scabbard.

It's a good show. It's true that this one can't be used casually. I can't hit a sword as good as this one, but I'll give you a good one for everyday use. ...... No, I want to strike it. It's the highest honor for a blacksmith to be able to strike a sword with a swordsman who is recognized by a demon sword.

　It was kind of a sudden recognition.
　Just because I'm the owner of a magic sword, I'm treated as if I'm a brave man.
　Seriously, I just found it by accident.
　Well, it's something that doesn't need to be said.




　◇◆◆◆◇




　After that, he made the order form in earnest.

　The big master, who may not get drunk from that level of drinking, took simple measurements with a hand scale and wrote down the order on a thick sheet of paper.
　He seems to be able to make the equipment I requested.
　Weapons and armor. The grand master himself.
　He seems to have studied the price quite a bit.
　I don't know if it's the magic sword effect, the steel effect, or the whiskey effect, but he seems to have learned a lot about prices.
　I don't know if it was the magic sword effect, the steel effect, or the whiskey effect, but he was treated very well.
　I'd call it lucky.

　Rebecca took my measurements first.

　Well, he just measured me with a hand scale, and then he just looked at my hand.
　Apparently, you can tell a person's strength by looking at his or her hand.

Hm?　Was this ring made by Linden Loeb?

　The grand master, who had seen Rebecca's hand and groaned, "Mmmm, not as powerful as it looks ......," spotted the ring I had given him.

'Linden robes?'

He's an elixir worker. He's an elixir worker. We give him jobs from time to time. He's a good worker, but he's a stubborn man. I'm sure he hasn't worked in jewelry for a long time. ......

　Come to think of it, Linden Loeb was your last name, Mr. Bill.
　Bill Linden Loeb, the Elishe craftsman.
　He's the husband of the mayor of Elishe, Mr. Milk Pearl.

　I met him by chance, and through that connection, he made me a ring for Rebecca to give to her. I brought in the gemstone (garnet) that was fitted in it.

　It's amazing that you can tell who made the ring just by looking at it. Is that what craftsmen are all about?
　I wonder if I'll have Bill work on the sword I'm making this time.

　In response to Rebecca's order that "I prefer a slightly heavier sword," we decided to have her shoot a massive, double-bladed straight sword. Well, Rebecca-san has been a mercenary for a long time, and I'm sure she has a clear preference.

　Next, Marina will have her take a look at it.

　Marina's armor is still usable except for the body part, so that's the only part that will be reclaimed.
　Next, I have Halberd take a look at it before deciding on the shape of the sword.

''Oh, it's another axe spear with an unusual color.

The Lord has given it to me!

　Marina's halberd is a "messhi" color.
It would be more accurate to say "keshi-murasaki", but in short, it's a dark purple.

　It's a good idea to have a special color for the items in this world, just like my sword is black, to give them some kind of special effect.
　The effect on Marina's halberd is 'Ruin'.
　I haven't been able to verify what kind of effect it is, but it's .......
　In that sense, Marina's axe spear may also be a weapon that is difficult to use comfortably.

''Hmm. This seems to be a pretty good product too. It's not as good as the magic sword I saw earlier, but it also has magic power inherent in it. It looks like you guys are really rich.

　Apparently, weapons with these attributes given to them are usually traded at a pretty high price.
　I got it at a thrift store for a normal low price, but I guess it was a bargain.
　Since I'm not sure about swords, I decided to have them strike in the same direction as mine.

　Next up was Deanna.

'You're an elf-sama!

　He didn't seem to notice because he was wearing a hood.
　When it comes to dwarves, there is an image of a race that doesn't get along with elves, but that's not the case at all, and they seem to respect them normally.

　We've settled on the idea of making an elaborately decorated fine sword.
　Speaking of elves, it's a fine sword.
　I'm a man who keeps that kind of promise! (Or that he simply didn't want to give the badass-looking Deanna a heavy sword. And she's a magician.)
　The protective gear is also going to be over-decorated and over-decorated. Oyakata is a man who knows what he's talking about.
　He understands too much about hobby equipment.

　Elepippi.

'...... please.'

　He's still downer and pecking away at his head.
　There must be some alcohol in his system, but I don't see much change. Maybe it's more of a whimper than I thought.
　Come to think of it, Rebecca-san and Marina were both strong.
　Maybe there's something to be said about a knight vocationistas being strong in alcohol: .......

''Oh, this girl's will be a one-handed sword as her main weapon, so I want her to focus on practicality.

　Only Elepippi is the main armament, not the portable one-handed sword.
　It is a heroic style of one-handed sword and shield.

　For some reason, he's the only shield carrier in our group, which is mostly attack-specialized.
　I hope that Elepippi will be a stable asset.
　After all, she's a man's child. I can't just let him get hurt.

　That's why I'm telling you this.
　Considering the possibility of fighting monsters and demonic beasts, we settled on hitting something a bit rugged.
　Well, Elepippi has only just begun.
　It should be in the form of training to match the sword.

　They will also prepare a light and strong shield.
　They're going to make it with a good combination of mithril, demonic beast leather, steel and wood.

　Etowah.

''Can you make one for me?''

　That's because you're part of the Guardians. You won't be left out.

''I'm thinking that this boy's should be in the form of two daggers. What do you think?

That's true. The Canaanites aren't very strong. A little hand-to-hand combat sounds like a good idea.

　I'll see you around.

　Finally, me.

"...... Mmm. I don't think you're much of a user, looking at your hands.

'Te ...... genius type, so ....... Oh, it doesn't have a lot of power, and it's not very practical, but it should be a light, single-edged one that looks cool.

Yes, sir.

　-- so I had them all looked at and ordered the armor as well.
　Now I'm waiting for an estimate.
　Well, it won't be that much money, since the grand master will be hitting half of them as a hobby.

　I was going to ask him to shoot the swords for my team members, but I decided not to because they seemed to be made for him.

　Well, for the time being, I was able to accomplish my original goal.
　I can't wait to see how it turns out.
　I feel like I've forgotten something, but--

'Oh, yes. Now I remember.

　I took the Rusty Vine -2 out of my inventory.
　When I had it looked at in the blacksmith's shop in Elishe, he had refused to let me have it so rusted, but I brought it to him, thinking that a dwarf would.

　I handed the severely rusted sword to the grand master, who could not possibly repair it.
　It's beyond rusty and looks like a lump of rusted iron.
It's like "I found it in a backwoods".

　I have the ability to appraise the "mirror of truth".
　That's why I know it's possible to restore a sword that is so rusty and helpless, but it's at the level of "throw this stuff away" if you think about it normally.
　Well, if you can't, even if you can't, it's not a problem at all since you got it for free.
　By the way, it is described like this in the Mirror of Truth.

---------------------- ...
　[Type]
　proximity weapons

　[Name]
　Rusty swords -2

　[Commentary]
　A fierce, rusty sword.
　The truth is, it's either a great sword or a crappy sword.

　[Magical characteristics]
　?

　[Spiritual blessing]
　?

　[Owner]
　Jiro Ayase
　 ---------------------- ...

　It's blatantly suspicious.

　The grand master took the rusty sword, flipped it over, looked at the bends and gave it a quick check, then turned to me.

"...... This is a little out of my league," he said.

　Oh, I knew it was impossible.
　No matter how good you are, there's a limit to what you can do.

...... No, don't get me wrong. It's not an ordinary piece of rust, but this is no ordinary piece of rust. It's just that the demon has seeped into it. It's definitely not a blacksmith's domain.

Are you infiltrated with demons? ......

　I don't know how the dwarves see it, but they say it's not normal rust. So it's a "-2" as expected. It's not a simple matter.

"You mean it's not possible?

　If you can't, I don't care if you can't.
　Once the rust is off, it'll be an awesome sword!　I'd be lying if I said I wasn't expecting the fantasy promise of .......

'No. ....... Don't let the devil get to you ....... You can't manage it, but ......, it's going to cost you a little money. We need the demon crystals.

The Demon Crystal?

　You've got plenty of money to spare, so I'm sure you'll be fine, but you didn't bring the magic crystal with you.
　I have a small one and a large one back in the mansion.

I think I know someone who can help me fix it. But what are we going to do?　I'll have to buy the Demon Crystal, so it's going to cost a lot of money.

　How much does the Demon Crystal cost?　It should vary by size: .......
　But oh well. Romanticism comes first.

I'd like to fix it if I could. I thought you knew a blacksmith?　What do you use the Demon Crystal for?

　I'm in no mood to ask a grinder for help.
　I can fix it by machining the Demon Crystal into a grinding stone and sharpening it!　That doesn't seem to be the case .......

It's not so much a secret, but I know a demon tribe. The magic of the demon tribe might be able to revive this sword. It's a monopoly of some race to enclose and exorcise demons.

　Demon race!　Come to think of it, I've heard of such things before.
　Does it have green skin, and does it lay eggs from the mouth? That's scary.
　It is true that they serve clothes and swords, and they might be a tea party to make a rusty sword decent.

　Anyway, being a demon race, you must be able to use magic.
　Oh, will my vocation as a magician finally see the light of day?　Can you teach me witchcraft?

What kind of person are you?　I'd like to meet you once, if you'd like.

"By demons?　That's weird.

　I wonder if it's strange.
　Is the demon race a little bit of a scary race?

'No. ....... It's not like I'm introducing you to ....... It's a bit of a long story. Is your husband a devout follower of the Great Spirit?　No. You're a slave to the elves, you son of a b*tc*.

　Rochdale or ....... You're absolutely right.

'It's rocodenashi. And the spirits are always prickly and abusive to me.

Okay. Well, you can go to ....... But only the man himself. I'll take you to him if you still want.

Hmm. So I have to have a problem?

............

　Well, it doesn't matter much whether it's wacky or not.
　It's a good idea to meet each other.
　It's a good thing to meet people in your travels, you know.

　That's why we decided to go to the demon tribe to show them our rusty swords.

　The demon tribe seems to live about half an hour's walk from this workshop.
　It's surprisingly close.