Chapter 193: The Blacksmith
“Ah, the fresh air outside is just delightful!”
As soon as Ivan stepped out of the mine tunnel, he exclaimed a line that sounded like he had just been released from prison. I couldn’t deny that after emerging from such a dark and cramped space, the feeling of liberation was palpable.
“I’m so hungry!”
“Woof!”
It seemed that Phonia and Nil were feeling quite famished. The sun had already set, and the surroundings were growing dim. Being in a valley town, the sun dipped below the horizon much earlier than usual.
“Alright, let’s report to the Guild and then head home for some food.”
“Yay!”
I couldn’t help but smile at Phonia’s cheerful cheer as we made our way down the Blacksmith District toward the Guild. While we were at it, I might as well ask about a skilled blacksmith at the Guild. Surely, even a stubborn craftsman would be willing to listen if I brought in a hefty amount of adamantite.
After crossing the river at the valley’s bottom, we arrived at the Guild. A delicious aroma wafted from the other side, making my stomach growl even more. As night fell, adventurers flocked in to report their completed quests. The place was much busier than when we had come yesterday. Thankfully, without a tavern attached, there were no drunken patrons to deal with.
“Let’s report our quest completion over here.”
“No, I have something I want to ask the staff too.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah. I want to know where I can find a skilled blacksmith in this town.”
Upon hearing my question, Rio’s eyes seemed to sparkle with interest. It was only natural to want to craft weapons with new metals in hand, especially in a town known for its blacksmithing. If that was the case, there was only one choice to make.
“…I’m so hungry.”
“Woof…”
However, one person and one creature looked dejected at our conversation.
“Ahaha, how about Phonia-chan and Nil head back to the inn first? It’s just around the corner, and if you tell Laila-san, she might whip up something for you.”
The inn was just a stone’s throw away from the Guild. The area was safe, and with Nil accompanying her, there shouldn’t be any issues.
“Okay!”
“Woof!”
Unable to resist their hunger, Phonia and Nil wagged their tails in unison as they headed back to the inn.
The three of us lined up at the least crowded purchasing counter. After about thirty minutes, it was finally our turn. At the same moment, I received a telepathic message from Phonia saying, “It’s delicious!” It seemed she had managed to get her meal.
“Here you go.”
I placed the bag filled with iron ore on the counter. The staff member nodded silently, taking the bag to check its contents. It was 2 kg per quest completion, and it looked like I had brought in a little over 65 kg in total. The staff member seemed puzzled as they examined the bottom of the bag, but it was just an empty bag.
“By the way, could you introduce me to a skilled blacksmith?”
Having confirmed Ivan’s increased quest completion count, I turned to the quiet staff member to inquire about blacksmiths.
“A skilled blacksmith?”
“Yes. I don’t mind if they have a strong personality; I just want someone good.”
“Uh…”
The response was rather hesitant, but that was probably just their usual reaction to us. Ah, perhaps they thought I was at the same E-rank as Ivan.
I discreetly pulled out my Adventurer’s Certificate from my collar and showed it to the staff member.
“—!?”
Immediately, their expression changed, and their posture straightened. Ivan shrugged his shoulders at the sudden shift.
“Y-Yes! A skilled blacksmith! In that case, I believe Ruigentz, the Bladebreaker, is the best choice!”
“Bladebreaker?”
“Yes. He earned that title for crafting swords capable of cutting through steel.”
“Interesting.”
“Sword!”
Rio perked up at the mention of swords. It seemed that swords existed in this world as well. I had crafted a makeshift weapon myself, but if there was a true blacksmith who could create them, I wanted to see their work.
“Are you familiar with swords? They are quite difficult to handle, and very few can master them, but they are renowned for their exceptional sharpness. There are even people who travel from other countries just to visit Ruigentz.”
“That sounds promising.”
“Yes, but…”
The staff member hesitated, trailing off. It seemed Ruigentz had quite the reputation.
“If you wish to commission a sword, even if you reserve it now, it would likely take several years to complete.”
I see. With that level of skill, it was understandable.
“Ah, I’m not actually looking to place an order. I just want to see the pieces Ruigentz has made.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Yes. I have a fondness for swords… It’s more of a hobby for me.”
Rio smiled brightly as she explained to the staff member. I wondered if that was acceptable, but considering Rio’s primary profession was magic, it wasn’t a lie. I liked swords too, but I was using a powerful gauntlet that was a keepsake from my master.
Well, even while wearing the gauntlet, I could still wield a weapon if needed.
“In that case, if you visit Ruigentz’s workshop, you might find some of his past creations on display.”
After receiving directions to Ruigentz’s workshop from the staff member, the three of us exited the Guild to head back to the inn.
“Hey, I’ve been waiting for you.”
A lone male adventurer stepped in front of us, blocking our path. Who is this guy? I exchanged glances with Rio and Ivan, but both shook their heads, indicating they didn’t recognize him either.
“You lot are staying at that Fairy Inn, right?”
Indeed, I recalled the inn’s name was something along those lines. It was the most luxurious inn in town. It wouldn’t be surprising if word spread quickly just from us coming and going… though it was rather lacking in privacy.
“What of it?”
“Haha. Well, don’t be too wary… though I suppose that’s difficult for you.”
He trailed off meaningfully, a smirk spreading across his face as he stood in our way.
“By the way, did that kid you were with make it back to the inn safely?”