Let's start with the current situation. But how did you come up with that, Relius-san?

　........I can't explain in detail about the ability.
　However, I had already prepared an answer about it.

''For example--like Linial-san, there are some people in this world who will never be able to recognize their profession and their divine weapons, right?
'Yes. I have something similar in mind.
...and the bishop, too?
'Yes. I had this divine instrument with cleansing skills, so it was decided that I would work in the church without choosing to do so myself. So this is what God has ordained, right?
....

　Indeed, it's quite common for divine instruments and professions to determine one's future path.

''The same is true for you, Linial.
'Well, half of it. But I haven't abandoned the adventurer's path yet.
Yeah, I guess so.

　Huh, the bishop chuckled lightly.
　Then the bishop nodded.

'A blacksmith who can make weapons for such a person is not inferior. Is that what you're saying?'
'Yes. Of course, church officials may take offense at what they see as a disrespectful act to God.
Well that may be true for the dedicated church people but not for those who have been forced to serve by their profession and divine instruments.

'I also believe that blacksmithing is not an unfair profession. So why have blacksmiths been treated so poorly - it has a lot to do with history.


'I don't think very many of us already know this history. I had only heard about it from the Pope myself.

...What is that history?

Once - a crisis struck this world. It is said that a vortex suddenly appeared in the world and a brave man protected the world from it.
...That's something you hear from your parents in fairy tales and stuff, right?
'Yes. These are real events. But there's more to this story.

All the brave men were killed by a man.
...What?

　As I said, as if surprised, Mr. Linial also looked at the bishop.

''Well according to the Pope, the man had the profession of a blacksmith. The people of those days killed the man as a traitor, he said.
....

　I didn't know that history.

'The existence of the blacksmith has gradually faded throughout history. Few people know what happened back then anymore.''
'But there were a lot of people who didn't like the blacksmith, and that's all that remained after the time had passed.......?
'Yes, that's right. ........And also, the Pope has distorted history, I guess.
...by the Pope?
'Not because the blacksmith killed a brave man. I switched the part about the blacksmiths being able to make weapons.

　........Oh, I see.
　That's why everyone was emphasizing the part about the blacksmiths having a divine weapon, though.

'By the Pope, I've heard it all before. ...I had the same thought as you.

Then the Pope spoke to me and told me that if anything happened to the blacksmith, he would protect him.

"...the Pope is an Ancient Elf, if I recall.
If you want to hear the details, you'll have to talk to the Pope in the Holy State.
We'll have to cross the ocean.

　Crossing the sea is not an easy task.
　The demons in the sea are powerful, so you need to have enough strength and sturdy ships to defeat them.

''Is this all I can tell you? I've only heard it from the Pope myself.''
'No, it was very valuable to hear your story. Thank you.
I'm glad to hear it.

　The bishop loosened his mouth.

'Blacksmiths are not unfairly treated because they are never a weak profession, and this is probably right.
I think so, too.

　The bishop finished his story.

'Well may I ask you one last question?'
Excuse me?
If I told the Church I was an arms dealer, would it still look bad in the eyes of the Church?
''Well yes. Perhaps they might deny it.

　I guess, I guess.
　Because from the church's point of view, it's nothing but the enemy.

'But many of the people who have changed the world so far have still been in denial. They may be in denial at first, but some of them will thank you for it.

　I glanced at Mr. Linial.

　Mr. Linial nodded his head.

''I want my own weapon. It would be nice to have a weapon that is easy to use.
'That's what I mean. That's all I have to say, but is there anything else you want to ask?
No, thank you.
No, if I find out anything else, I'll let you know through Mr. Linial.

　The bishop smiled and looked away from us.


　p.


I think I've heard some things I shouldn't have.
I'm sorry Mr. Linial, I'm sorry.
No. It's not that I don't like it. I'm just having fun.

　You've heard some valuable things from the bishop, haven't you?
　I left the bishop's room, satisfied.
　I held out the sword I was holding to Mr. Linial.

'Is this my weapon?'

　Mr. Linial grabbed the sword he had received from me.

''Yes. It was made to fit Linial-san's physique and so on. Please let me know if you're not feeling well again.''

　She drew her sword from its scabbard and then lightly swung it on the spot.
　It was a brilliant sword-handling move. I'm sure she has practiced with a similar sword before.

''........Wow. It's as familiar as if I've been using it for years.
...Is that so?
'I didn't expect it to be as perfectly adjusted as it was. ....Thank you.
No.
So, when you get a free moment, we should have a party.
'What? Are you sure?
'Yeah. It's just that when you're an oddball like me, there's not many people who will partner with you. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.

　Mr. Linial smiled at me and held out his hand.
　I took his hand in mine.