Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: The Legendary Sword
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Dwarves are generally known for their authoritarian and stern demeanor, and to some extent, that's true.
Especially the higher-ranking ones—they often make it hard to even hold a proper conversation, according to Erika's explanation.
But I see things a bit differently, having experienced countless events with them in games.
Dwarves may treat other races with exclusivity, but I believe that's due to a lack of mutual understanding.
Dwarf politicians, in particular, are craftsmen brimming with pride before they are anything else.
Instead of emphasizing the emperor's authority, I appealed to their sensibilities.
"Is this joint finished separately for convenience?"
"Yes. It's a technique first showcased in Lester's workshop. It improves the range of motion compared to standard finishes."
It was quite successful.
When I showed genuine interest in their craftsmanship, the artisans explained their techniques with more enthusiasm than anyone.
Even Dominic, whose expression had been peculiar at first, was no exception.
"I've never seen dwarves let people into their workshops. They usually just hand over the goods with stone faces..."
"It must be because Her Majesty Luise's prestige has reached even this kingdom."
"Haha..."
Our group entered the palace, greeted by the noticeably softened gazes of the dwarves.
"It's big."
As Anna said, the palace was comparable in size to human ones.
The doors inside were large like those in human palaces, but wide enough to suit the sturdy 140cm frames of dwarves, making them less awkwardly oversized than expected.
Instead, the architectural style and interior decorations set it apart.
Practical and neat rather than ornate, with weapons and armor placed as decorations that looked battle-ready and finely honed.
"There really are a lot of armors and weapons."
"Ah, the weapons here are made by the finest workshops selected each year. They're perfectly usable in real combat."
"We dwarves consider it a great honor for our work to be displayed in the palace. My workshop entered two years ago, but there were so many formidable competitors."
"Haha... I see. Thank you for the explanation."
The dwarves who came with Dominic spoke the imperial tongue, so Erika awkwardly smiled and responded even to her mutterings, met with eager replies.
Anna quietly scanned her surroundings now and then as she followed, while Moritz walked in silence, clutching the long box containing the tribute.
"Aren't matchlocks sensitive to bad weather? We're trying to improve that aspect."
"It's inevitable with gunpowder, but if we could eliminate the need for constant fire management, it'd be incredibly useful."
"Exactly."
I made the most of what little knowledge I had, conversing with Dominic.
"Master Artisan Dominic!"
"Hm. Inform them that the Dragonia Empire's delegation has arrived."
"Understood!"
We reached the audience chamber while maintaining the good atmosphere.
"Please enter!"
The doors opened, revealing the interior of the dwarf king's audience chamber.
This was the crucial part now, so I heightened my tension a notch.
"Master Dominic and the Dragonia Empire's delegation have arrived."
"...Hm."
At the attendant's report, Steven straightened from his reclined position on the throne.
"They're much later than scheduled. Was there a problem?"
Knowing Dominic's temperament, Steven asked worriedly if Dominic was the cause of the delay.
"They said visiting several workshops delayed their travel. Nothing else unusual."
At the unexpected answer, he stroked his long beard.
"Visiting? Aren't they from the Dragonia Empire?"
"Yes. They reportedly had in-depth talks with the artisans at some workshops."
"Hm. Dominic must have accompanied them the whole time."
"Yes."
He tapped the throne thoughtfully.
Human delegations weren't new, but one touring workshops so extensively as to arrive late at the palace was unprecedented.
Moreover, the workshops in the capital's heart belonged to dwarves of exceptional skill and equally strong pride.
For them to engage deeply with an external delegation?
Even with Prince Dominic escorting them, they wouldn't bend easily to requests.
Dominic wasn't the type to make such requests anyway.
Unless the artisans were exceptionally impressed by the delegation, this was impossible.
"I need to talk to them."
"Shall I bring them in right away?"
"Hm."
Steven nodded, and the waiting attendants opened the audience chamber doors. The group entered, led by Dominic.
Dominic wasn't good at hiding his expressions, so Steven first checked his face to gauge the mood.
Anchester Kingdom shared a border with the Dragonia Empire, making it burdensome for Steven to refuse the emperor's delegation.
He'd hoped for at least a neutral expression, but...
"...!"
To his surprise, Dominic entered with a smile on his lips.
"Master Artisan Dominic Smith has arrived with the Dragonia Empire delegation."
He approached Steven, clasped his hands forward, and bowed his head.
This was how dwarves, unable to kneel easily, showed respect.
"...You did well."
"I'll stand by on the side."
"...Hm."
Unlike his usual rush back to the workshop after such duties, Dominic offered to stay, and Steven reluctantly nodded.
"Legion Commander of the Crimson Dragon Legion, Victor."
"Welcome. I am King Steven Smith of Anchester Kingdom."
The rest of Victor's group entered and greeted Steven similarly.
Erika stuck close to Victor to interpret, and a similar role was assigned beside Steven.
"First, I apologize for our tardiness. The masterpieces of your dwarf artisans caught my eye; I couldn't pass them by."
After the greetings, Victor bowed his head and spoke.
"No need to apologize. With major negotiations ahead, touring relevant workshops first is only natural. I'm pleased you hold our artisans' skills in high regard."
"Thank you for saying so."
Steven's lips curved slightly at Victor's direct praise of dwarf craftsmanship.
He could guess why Dominic had entered smiling.
"Ah. Her Majesty Luise Zeinburg has prepared a tribute wishing for harmony and cooperation between the Dragonia Empire and Anchester Kingdom. I'd like to present it before we discuss negotiations."
"We gratefully accept."
Victor nodded to Moritz, who approached Dominic beside the throne and handed over the box politely.
Dominic received it and passed it to Steven.
"You may open it now."
"Very well."
Steven carefully opened the box and examined the contents.
"...A sword?"
Inside was a longsword in a plain scabbard, worn from apparent long use at the hilt and sheath.
"...A weapon as a gift?"
"Huh..."
The attending dwarves murmured in surprise at humans gifting a weapon to a dwarf,
"..."
but Steven stared silently at the sword.
Gently caressing the scabbard and hilt, his eyes widened more and more, until
-Shing.
as if entranced, he gripped the hilt and drew the blade.
Unlike the aged exterior, the edge was razor-sharp from good care, and the blade gleamed enough to reflect faces.
After fiddling with it for a long while, he
"...Could you explain what this sword is?"
asked Victor in a trembling voice.
"Of course. This sword is named Bottis. It was wielded by Fried, the hero from the empire's legends."
As Victor spoke, the quiet audience chamber
"It's also known as the masterpiece of the legendary blacksmith Josh Schmidt."
"...Huh."
"What...!"
erupted at the name Josh Schmidt.
Erika glanced worriedly at Victor amid the dwarves' intense reactions, but he nodded calmly, as if expecting it.
A moment later.
"...You said Josh Schmidt, but that's the name he used in the empire. We call him Joshua Smith."
"..."
Steven murmured softly.
"He was a great blacksmith immortalized in legend, and my ancestor, who leads Anchester Kingdom."
"!"
Erika looked at Victor in shock, questioning if he knew.
Steven picked up the scepter leaning beside him.
"I know because this scepter is also his work. The inscription inside, the forging style, the techniques—all match. Just touching this blade feels like sensing his handiwork. It was said to be lost... how did you..."
Steven sheathed the sword back in the box, stroking his beard repeatedly with a wistful expression.
"Her Majesty only recently located it."
"I see..."
"According to Fried's legend, the sword was merely borrowed. Time has passed, but a promise is a promise. Her Majesty hoped it could symbolize our cooperation and trust."
"..."
Even after Victor finished, Steven pondered deeply, then
"...Your emperor has given a precious gift, so it's only right we show our sincerity in return."
spoke with resolve.
"Please state your empire's desired terms."
"...Yes."
At Steven's words, Victor's lips curved upward.