The Great Sage Who Did not Remain in Legend - 12.2
This sword was made during the hero party days. Magical attacks have higher attack power, and it’s the nature (Saga) of chuunibyou to want it even if you can’t handle a sword.
“Such a beautiful sword…”
“Yeah, yeah, it’s called a hamon, the pattern on the blade, it varies depending on the blacksmith…”
Mergin proudly spoke as if it were his own theory, from knowledge he had gained from a blacksmith long ago.
“Shopkeeper.”
“Oh, my name is Mergin.”
“Um, then Mergin, I can’t accept such an expensive-looking sword.”
Rose said, returning it.
“Don’t worry about the cost. I have others, and this one’s from before I became an adult. It’s just right since it’s about the same height as you, Rose.”
“But…”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. It’d make me happier if someone who’ll actually use it holds onto it than if it’s kept stored away. Especially if it’s someone beautiful like you.”
“Are you sure about this?”
“Yeah. It’s a reward for Rose’s hard work.”
Though their fields were different, Mergin felt a similarity between Rose, who continued to work toward her dreams despite being ridiculed, and Misty.
Rose lightly practiced with the sword he handed her.
“It’s like it was custom-made for me… It feels so natural.”
“There’s a compatibility with weapons. Also, this scabbard has enchantments for cleansing and sharpening magic, so it’s always razor-sharp.”
“What? Can something like that be done?”
“That’s a secret. We sell cleansing and sharpening magic, but we don’t sell items that have been enchanted.”
“Mergin, what on earth…”
“So, what about the option for the water-producing magic?”
Before he could be criticized, Mergin returned to the subject of work.
“Oh, um, yeah, I meant to ask about that. I’d really like the temperature control function, but I don’t have the budget.”
“If you’re willing to grant my request, I can make it free for you.”
“Request?”
“Yeah. I won’t force you, and I’m not trying to make you feel obliged just because I gave you the sword.”
Rose recalled being alone with Mergin in the closed shop and slightly tensed up.
“I-I didn’t mean to ask you to take your clothes off.”
Realizing this, Mergin hastily waved his hands.
“W-well, there’s no way I’d say something like that to an unattractive woman like me.”
“No, if you’d taken them off, I would’ve been happy…”
Upon making this correction, he was glared at sharply.
“I-it was a joke. Actually, I was wondering if you had a map as a noble.”
“A map? Of the royal capital?”
“No, more like a large map of the continent or the surrounding areas. I searched the commoners’ library, but they didn’t have any maps.”
Mergin wanted to know where he was after being petrified and how he’d moved. If he could get a general idea of the continent’s shape and location, it should be close to where he was summoned based on the stars.
“A map of the continent… The noble district library has one, but it’s considered a military secret, so taking it out is prohibited. You’d also need a guarantor for viewing it.”
“I see, that sounds tough.”
“Mergin, if I become your guarantor and you get to see the map, will the option be free?”
“I’m a foreigner, but will that be okay?”