Well, the weapons in this shop were proof of his skill. I could only pray that my sword didn’t come out as a one-of-a-kind oddity.

I leveled Balder with a serious stare. “A normal sword—you got that?”

“Sure thing,” he replied energetically. “I don’t plan on forging anything weird, so relax.”

“He seems to be a skilled blacksmith,” said Allucia. “I can tell by looking at his swords.”

During my conversation, she’d been browsing the weapons in the shop with Curuni.It’s good that you have a discerning eye, Allucia.Now, this old man would love it if you would go with the flow and get yourself a new sword too. No? Guess not. Dammit.

“Let’s see... I’ve gotta process the materials too, so gimme a week,” Balder said. “You can come get it after that. Can I assume you’re footing the bill, Surena?”

“Yeah, I don’t mind,” Surena answered. “I don’t care about the price—give it everything you’ve got.”

“Gah ha ha! Roger that!”

It was supposed to bemy sword, but things were proceeding without my input. Was the blade really going to end up normal? And was the cost going to be reasonable?I’m a little worried now.

“Well, I guess I’ll look forward to it,” I said. “Be back in a week. You good with that?”

“Sounds great,” Balder replied. “Keep your hopes up, Master. I’ll see you all later.”

Balder immediately took the materials off the counter and vanished into the back. He was probably excited about forging a weapon, regardless of whether it was for me or not. What’s more, when the materials were first-rate, it was the perfect chance for a blacksmith to put their skills on display.

Curuni and Surena seemed to be finished browsing, so it was probably time for us to leave.

“Okay, Master, let’s go back to the training hall!” Curuni exclaimed, a huge grin on her face. She stood by my side, the zweihander strapped to her back.

“Oops, almost forgot,” I murmured.