Chapter 38

"Is it a special designated target? When did you manage to get such a big catch..."

"Just the other day. I finally finished collecting the materials."

Valder, who was examining the claws, skin, and bones placed on the counter, let out a voice as if he couldn't help it. Sarena, on the other hand, looked somewhat proud.

"Hmm... It's hard."

He picked up the material, flicked it with his fingers, and, apparently unsatisfied, tapped it with a small hammer.

The Xeno Grizzle was indeed hard. Just damaging the outer skin was a challenge, so its bones and claws must be incredibly tough.

"But why a longsword?"

Valder asked a natural question.

I had a vague bad feeling. No, calling it bad might be impolite. Anyway, it seemed that my not-so-good predictions were about to come true, so I kept my mouth shut.

"I was planning to give it to you, sir. If you're here, it's convenient."

"There, you see? I told you I would refuse, Sarena."

Sure enough, it came to this.

It's not that I'm ungrateful. In fact, I don't have a weapon right now, and I can't say I'm not interested in a sword made from the materials of a special designated target. Honestly, I admit it's tempting.

However,

Sarena defeated the Xeno Grizzle, and the jurisdiction lies with the Adventurer's Guild. It feels wrong for some random old man to come in and take the spoils. Also, I don't want to owe the Adventurer's Guild any favors, as I've said before.

"But sir, this is top-notch. With my skills, I have a feeling it will turn out to be something special. It's a rare opportunity, so why not take it?"

"Hmm? Sir? Valder too?"

Valder, who was giving his honest opinion about the Xeno Grizzle's materials, was interrupted by Sarena. I hadn't explained it, and not many people knew.

Sarena, strictly speaking, isn't my disciple.

I did teach her swordsmanship, but I don't consider our relationship to be that of master and disciple. I still can't shake off the protective mindset.

"Yes, Valder is also a graduate of my dojo. He was there for a little over a year."

"I see. That explains why you have a swordsman's intuition despite being a blacksmith."

"Well, that's why he came to Bident Village."

The reaction was a mix of surprise and understanding.

As Valder said, that's why he came to this village. He's a curious and unique old man.

I think there are plenty of other swordsmanship dojos, so why did he choose such a remote village? If he's not regretting it, that's good.

"However, sir, I need to correct one thing. The Adventurer's Guild is no longer involved in this."

"What do you mean?"

I was hesitant, and Sarena must have known.

Still, if she's suggesting a weapon made from the Xeno Grizzle's materials, she must have addressed my concerns.

"These are already my personal property as a reward for the hunt. Also, sir, you haven't received the bounty for the Xeno Grizzle."

"But Sarena defeated it. I don't think I should receive the bounty."

"No, even as a temporary team, everyone should receive the bounty. Porta and the others have already received their discovery rewards."

"Hmm..."

That's a bit weak.

I've heard that there's a bounty for special designated targets, but I didn't pay much attention since it didn't concern me.

If Porta and the other new adventurers have received their rewards, then I have no reason to refuse, right? I'm not sure. In any case, I don't plan to take money from the guild.

"Even without the bounty, this is a personal matter. I'm making this to compensate for breaking your sword."

"If you put it that way..."

I told her not to worry, but Sarena is still concerned about breaking my sword.

"To refuse after all this would be rude, sir."

"...You're right."

Valder joined the conversation.

Indeed, if I consider this a personal gift from Sarena rather than a reward from the guild, it might be easier to accept.

But I don't have a reason to let Sarena pay for it.

Objectively, Sarena did break my sword. Refusing her offer to compensate might not be right.

I'm not good at understanding these nuances. It might be a result of living in a remote village for so long.

"Um, well... If you insist, I'll accept it gratefully."

"Yes! Please accept it."

What I'm most concerned about is unnecessary involvement with the Adventurer's Guild. If that's not an issue, I do want a new weapon, so maybe it's not bad to accept.

"Sir's sword! This will be a masterpiece!"

Valder roared while looking at the materials.

His skills are proven by the weapons here. I just hope nothing strange comes out.

"Can you make it a normal sword?"

"Sure, I won't make anything weird, don't worry."

"I think he's a skilled blacksmith. You can tell by looking at the swords."

Alusia, who had been looking at the weapons with Kurni, seemed pleased.

If she's happy, that's great.

If you're getting a new sword too, the old man will be very happy.

No, that's not possible. Damn.

"Well... I'll look forward to it, then?"

"Yeah, look forward to it, sir. See you all later."

Saying that, Valder immediately took the materials to the back.

He probably enjoys making weapons regardless of whose sword it is. With top-tier materials, it's a blacksmith's chance to show off.

Kurni and Sarena seem to have finished their business, so let's go.

"Then, sir, back to the training ground!"

"Right, right."

Kurni, who was standing next to me with her Zweihänder, seemed happy.

She might be looking forward to a new weapon. It will handle differently, so I'll focus on that. She has good fundamentals, so she should improve on her own once she gets the basics.

"Then, sir, I'll be going."

"Yes, thank you, Sarena. I'll use it gratefully when it's ready."

"No, it's nothing. Goodbye."

Sarena, feeling much lighter after handing over the materials, left Valder's blacksmith shop. She looked much more relaxed, as if a burden had been lifted. She must have been very concerned about breaking my longsword.

Considering her feelings, refusing might have caused unnecessary emotional burden. I'll accept it and look forward to the result.

"Let's go. Since we trained, we'll take it easy today."

"Sure thing!"

"I'll be heading back too. I have some work to do."

She came with us even in that state. I hope she's not behind on her work.

Alusia is usually busy, so I hope our sword search gave her a bit of a break.

Well, it's been a while since I've taught how to handle a greatsword.

Kurni left my dojo early, but it's a pleasure to have this opportunity to teach again.

Alright, I'll try my best, but not too much.

I hope this solves the old man's lack of firepower.

Regarding the publication, I hope to provide updates by the end of this month at the earliest, and by early next month at the latest.

This slow-paced story, please continue to follow it. _(`ω、」∠)_