Chapter 43
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: Secret Friends Are Enough (5)
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It had been about a week since I entrusted the sword for repair—no, outright reforging.
I had come to the blacksmith. Generously speaking, a week was more than enough time to produce a single sword. Even if it wasn't finished, I at least wanted to check on the progress.
At the time, the blacksmith had said this.
─ "I'm sorry, but could you give me a bit more time? I've gotten a bit ambitious with it."
I had no particular reason to rush, so I gladly agreed. I wanted something made with care, even if it took longer.
Now, quite some time later, the blacksmith spoke with evident pride today. He called it a 'masterpiece'.
This was a blacksmith skilled enough to earn Shavel's recommendation. If even he described it as a 'masterpiece', then it had to be something truly exceptional.
To a knight, a sword was like a second self, so I couldn't help but feel anticipation myself.
"Just wait a moment."
The blacksmith headed somewhere, soon returning with a long object wrapped in cloth.
When the cloth was unwrapped, what appeared was something utterly familiar to me.
"I kept the scabbard and hilt as they were. It seemed like it'd be more familiar for you that way, and besides, you said it was something special."
"Thank you so much."
All I had asked for was a new blade. Keeping the scabbard and hilt unchanged was purely his consideration, so I could only be grateful.
"I shaped the edge to fit the scabbard, so it won't look much different on the outside, but the feel when you swing it will be entirely different."
He said this as he handed me the sword. The blade was so clean—even the wear from my hands had been polished away—that it looked brand new.
Taking the sword, I glanced at Elena. I couldn't very well draw a fearsome weapon in front of my lady without permission.
Nod.
Elena gave a small nod.
I expressed my thanks with a light bow and drew the sword from its scabbard.
"From that look on your face, it seems you like it."
"...Yes."
The blade, now brighter than before, sparkled in the sunlight streaming through the window. It looked so different from ordinary swords that it felt a bit unfamiliar.
Come to think of it, he had said the swing would feel different...
I wanted to test it right away, but I couldn't very well do that inside the forge.
Still, I could definitely feel the difference. The sword seemed much lighter.
I'd learn the details gradually during training tonight.
"I can see why you call it a masterpiece."
"I don't know if I'll ever forge another like it in my lifetime."
"Thanks to you, I've received a fine sword. As for the payment..."
I wasn't showing it, but I was gauging the situation inwardly. Elena was covering the entire cost, after all. For something worthy of being called a masterpiece, the price was sure to be beyond imagination.
I wanted to pay for it myself, but...
What could I do? An exclusive attendant was basically an unpaid servant. I didn't have a single coin to my name.
"A fine item deserves a fitting price. Whatever the amount, please tell us."
Elena said with a smile.
Who would have thought she'd go this far for a mere servant? Long live Elena—hurray, hurray, hip hip hooray!
Of course, if I thought of it as back pay for my work so far, maybe I didn't need to be so grateful.
"No need for payment."
"What do you mean...?"
"Professor Shavel from the Swordsmanship Department already paid in advance. It seems you didn't know."
Elena blinked and turned to me.
The meaning in her gaze was clear, so I vigorously shook my head in denial.
No joke—I truly had no idea whatsoever.
Why would Shavel pay for it in the first place...?
At that moment, a foreboding thought crossed my mind.
'No way...?'
Shavel had previously urged me to become her direct disciple. This could be a bribe to that end.
Not that I was worth that much, of course.
Would any master ever bribe a potential disciple? The opposite might happen, but this? Unheard of.
"Then we'll be on our way."
"If there's ever any issue with the sword, come back anytime."
In the end, I left the forge with lingering unease. No amount of pondering there would yield answers.
A short while later, as we walked through the bustling streets, Elena suddenly spoke.
"Luke, did you really not know?"
"Yes, I truly didn't. If I had, I would have told you first, my lady."
"True enough. No secrets between us, after all."
Even without our secret friend bond, I would have told Elena first if I'd known.
I might attend the Academy as Luke, but above all, I was her exclusive attendant.
"Why do you think Professor Shavel did that...?"
"Once the holiday ends, I'll ask her myself."
"Good. Do that."
"Then allow me to escort you back to the Academy."
For all the back-and-forth, we'd achieved our goal of retrieving the sword. No reason to linger on the streets longer.
But Elena's thoughts differed slightly. She slowly shook her head side to side.
"Let's stop by an accessory shop nearby first."
"Then I'll escort you there."
Fortunately, I knew where one was. Erze had shown me around good spots when we first met.
Still, it was odd for Elena—who didn't care much for adornments—to shop for accessories.
Well, not my place to worry. If anything, this felt more natural.
I stepped along with Elena and soon arrived at the accessory shop. Dazzling items at the entrance caught the eye.
"Luke, does Professor Shavel usually wear accessories?"
"Not really."
Shavel dressed more like a man than a woman. Pants instead of skirts, no accessories in sight.
Her personality probably disliked anything cumbersome. Knights needed freedom of movement.
"Then something small would be best."
"You mean you're buying an accessory for Professor Shavel...?"
"It'd be ridiculous to accept such a gift and wipe my mouth clean. I'll buy something suitable to give her after the holiday."
"Understood."
That explained her sudden interest in accessories...
I'd thought meeting peers had changed her values, but apparently not.
"Luke, what about this one?"
"Forgive me, but I know nothing about these things."
"Same here. So let's put our heads together."
Put our heads together...
It reminded me of childhood. I'd suggested it once, and Elena had actually pressed her head against mine.
It was cute back then. How did she grow into this?
"Luke, you're spacing out without answering. What are you thinking?"
"Sorry. A childhood memory just came up..."
"Don't tell me it's that time we put our heads together...?"
"Yes."
"Forget about that stuff already...!"
Elena's fist struck my side.
But who am I? After taking kicks from snot-nosed Elena, I'd trained diligently. I could endure this with grit.
Of course, I had to pretend it hurt.
Her mood improved, and I got through unscathed, but inwardly it was bitter. The exclusive attendant life was tough.
A bit more time passed, and we'd looked around the whole shop.
"This seems good. Not too big, and the restraint suits Professor Shavel perfectly."
"Looks great."
Elena's pick was a small cross-shaped brooch. Perfect for a collar—unobtrusive yet fitting.
Still, something felt a tad lacking...
"Are you not interested in accessories, my lady?"
I hoped she'd buy something. It might help her bond with friends in her department.
"Never really been. Do you wish I'd dress up a bit more?"
"How could I think that? I just asked because women usually enjoy such things."
"I see. Maybe I should get one this time."
Elena said this and stared blankly at me, as if expecting something.
Puzzled, I tilted my head, and she narrowed her eyes.
"What? Pick one."
"Me?"
"If it's for others to see, isn't it better if someone else picks it?"
"As I said, I have no knowledge of..."
"Just pick something."
Choosing an accessory for my lady to wear. The hardest challenge of my life.