Chapter 142: The Transfer is Complete
“Retze’s was made quite modestly, you know?”
“Is that true?”
“Absolutely, absolutely.”
A thick-bladed machete. The blade has a dull hue, while the spine is a deep brown that almost appears black, adorned with patterns resembling dark green vines. I don’t remember carving it, though!
“Oh, modest… Wait a minute. Aren’t Dinoss and Note a bit too quiet?”
Retze’s tone shifts as he picks up the sword.
It seems those two, who can see Spirits, are sensitive to items imbued with Spirit’s Power? I don’t really get it.
“This sword will automatically absorb magic power and activate even if you can’t use magic yourself.”
“Is it really okay to activate it? Is it safe for me to touch?”
“You’re fine; it won’t harm you.”
It just has the ability to extend tendrils like a villain from an eroge. It comes with paralysis and Energy Drain.
“You only act all shady when you’re feeling guilty!”
“Don’t point it at me! You should aim it at your favorite female Knight instead!”
“What did you add to it? What did you?!”
For some, it might be romantic, but don’t aim it at me!
“Hey, don’t drag me into this! Don’t use me as a shield!”
I hide behind Dinoss, pushing him forward. Since the sword was pointed at me, I used my golden shield. Hang in there, Gold Rank!
“Ho ho, shall I have a refill of coffee?”
While the three of us are making a ruckus, the Butler elegantly sets up the siphon for coffee. He’s unnecessarily graceful in that moment.
“Don’t worry; it just extends the vines to immobilize the target and drain their life.”
It’s not some slippery thing; it’s just vines, so it’s safe. The tendrils were a joke.
“And if you get along while using it, it will heal you a bit based on how much it drained.”
“What do you mean by getting along?!”
As Retze says this, a slender vine leaf extends from the sword and gently brushes against his hand.
“…!?”
“Just make sure to expose it to sunlight occasionally. And don’t forget to water it.”
I explain how to handle it to the frozen Retze.
“This isn’t exactly a sword maintenance method. Well, good luck.”
“From what I’ve heard, it should be useful for immobilizing enemies.”
Dinoss says this with a face full of disbelief, while the Butler smiles.
“Lastly, we have Ash’s sword. Here it is.”
A bluish double-edged Great Sword.
Even though it’s called a Great Sword, it’s not the heavy, blunt type like Dinoss or Dean’s; it’s sleek and long. While the others can also cut, Ash’s is purely for slicing.
A thin layer of water constantly covers the blade, and if you channel magic power while swinging it, you can launch that water like a sharp blade through the wind.
“What a beautiful and pure sword it is.”
The Butler gazes at the sword with satisfaction.
“This one can mix paralysis poison into the water.”
The Butler freezes.
“Don’t say such terrible things with a refreshing face!”
“What on earth happened to make it like this?”
“When it came to the kids’ swords, I banned Spirits from the area, but it’s hard to prevent them from being born on the spot. Once I lifted the ban, they got all excited… I swear, I didn’t choose those effects!”
I did my best, so I’m innocent in this matter.
—Dinoss is grinding his knuckles into the top of my head. I might go bald.
“Wasn’t it fine to sell the first sword we received? I want to pass it on to someone else since that Amedeo keeps bothering me.”
Dinoss drinks beer while holding jerky.
“How about selling it to Amedeo? For an outrageous price. Then if someone asks about the Spirit Sword, just blame it on Amedeo for having the leftovers.”
I serve the three of them decent (well…) beer while I stick to sparkling water.
“Amedeo and his group are probably the most persistent, right? —This drink is amazing. It’s delicious and refreshing.”
“Well, I thought a Hero-like figure might come by eventually.”
They probably won’t come since they dislike long journeys.
Apparently, back when the great nations weren’t so divided, inns were built so that travelers could reach one every three days, but many have closed down, so I can’t expect much.
Even if we traveled with a large group carrying tents and bath tubs, I think my sister would give up in less than a week. I got used to it since my start was so harsh.
“Will they come?”
“I don’t know, but there are those who love rare and unique items.”
“Are you going to pit troublesome people against each other?”
Dinoss contemplates.
“For now, you haven’t shown them the other Spirit Swords, right?”
“The ones I have with Shiva are the type where the contracted Spirit lends its power. The swords themselves are fine craftsmanship, but they’re pretty ordinary. They’ve become attribute swords after years of use, though.”
“Well, I’ll leave the swords to you. The gratin is ready.”
“Is it cheese gratin?”
I considered making a creamy oyster gratin, but this time it’s a hearty bacon and spinach gratin loaded with cheese. I’m also craving meat, so I’ll serve a large sausage on top.
I avoided stacking rice with oysters and two things I haven’t eaten before. There’s probably no spinach, but it’s not overly strong in flavor, so I won’t worry about it.
“Oh, this is delicious.”
“This is good too. Is this fried potato? The saltiness is just right.”
“It pairs well with this drink.”
I scoop up the melted cheese and the crispy, charred bits together and pop them into my mouth. It’s hot but delicious. The first bite is amazing, but as I continue eating, the rich flavor might become overwhelming, which the rice balances perfectly.
I bite into the firm sausage, cooling my mouth with sparkling water.
“Oh, right. For those who aren’t using a Great Sword, I’ll give them a differential of ore and a dismantling knife.”
“Please tell me it’s not another weird one.”
Dinoss gives me a side-eye.
“It’s perfectly normal, perfectly normal.”