Ch.7474. Master and Disciple

# In Tactical Combat, there were certain items that users referred to as “human rights equipment.” While these weren’t absolutely essential items, they were highly recommended for newbies taking the non-Academy route.

When taking the non-Academy route, you would lose the normal support from Ian’s family, the Linebarrel house. Entering the non-Academy route meant escaping before enrolling in Demeia Academy, which meant not undergoing the Blue Blood Certification.

In the Infractus Empire, the Blue Blood Certification was the minimum requirement to be recognized as nobility, so skipping it essentially meant cutting ties with the Linebarrel family. Having fled and tarnished the family name, you naturally received no support and had to play the game as a penniless beggar with nothing to your name.

Veteran players could laugh off such penalties, playing the game with all sorts of extraordinary methods, but it was a different story for newbies who had just started. It was said that you could only shed your beginner status after surviving the early stages of the non-Academy route.

However, all games eventually become easier to conquer, and the result was the “human rights equipment farming route.” A guide was created for the optimal path to farm valuable equipment to use as travel funds or to work as a mercenary with a good quality sword.

The place Gilbert was taking Briana to was where the first item on the human rights equipment farming route could be obtained. The human rights equipment farming route would normally begin immediately after fleeing the Academy entrance ceremony, but since they had some time to spare, he wanted to farm the equipment now.

Of course, he wasn’t sure if it would exist in reality, but he wanted to check since they had time. If the human rights equipment did exist, he could plan to acquire it on other routes as well.

Following a familiar alleyway, they came upon a sparsely visited weapon shop. The old, untended sign had only a single sword prominently displayed on it.

“Is this our destination?”

“Yes, it is.”

“I see…”

Gilbert tilted his head slightly as he noticed Briana’s expression harden a bit.

*Why is she suddenly acting like this?*

Briana, who had shown no particular reaction until they arrived, seemed slightly displeased as soon as they reached the weapon shop. It was a very subtle change in expression, but considering Briana’s personality, something seemed to be bothering her.

“Is something not to your liking?”

“No, it’s nothing. Let’s go in.”

It clearly wasn’t nothing, but she showed no sign of explaining, so he opened the door and entered the weapon shop.

Unlike its exterior, the inside of the weapon shop was remarkably clean and organized. It was impressively spotless, as if not even a speck of dust would be tolerated.

However, one peculiar thing was that all the weapons on display were limited to swords. The variety of swords was quite extensive, ranging from commonly found arming swords to great swords so large one might doubt they could even be wielded.

Briana, a born swordswoman, had her eyes sparkling at the displayed swords.

“The quality is good. And the prices are quite reasonable for the quality.”

“I dare say you won’t find a better place than this.”

“How interesting that you know of such a place.”

Briana drew one of the displayed swords and swung it through the air a few times. The sword’s center of gravity was exquisitely balanced, making it feel completely natural to wield. She felt like she was holding a truly fine sword for the first time in a while.

“Customers?! Welcome!”

Just as Briana was evaluating the sword, a remarkably tall woman rushed out from the back and bowed deeply to Gilbert and Briana. She had smudges of soot on her nose and cheeks, suggesting she had been working on something in the back.

She brushed back her auburn hair that was sticking to her forehead with sweat and, eyes sparkling, placed the hammer she was holding into a holder on her leather apron.

“Hello! This is Ensis, a weapon shop specializing exclusively in swords! I am Gwendolyn, the owner and swordsmith!”

After clearing her throat a few times, Gwendolyn spread her arms wide and gave a brief self-introduction. She greeted them first, worried that these rare customers might leave.

“Are you looking for a particular sword? Whatever it is, we have it here!”

For some reason, the rare visitors just stared at her blankly without any response. Feeling anxious, she spoke even more cheerfully than usual, but the response remained the same.

Feeling awkward, Gwendolyn finally took a closer look at the customers who had visited her weapon shop.

They were a couple—a man and a woman—but their appearances were quite remarkable.

The man had a rugged style with a large build, tanned skin, and golden piercings dangling from his ears, which accentuated his rough appearance.

However, his face reversed that negative image. His exceptionally handsome features, among the best she had ever seen, transformed what might have appeared thuggish into something alluringly decadent. He looked like the type of bad boy one would fall for despite knowing better.

The woman, on the other hand, was the opposite. Her long red hair and blue eyes gave her a cold, meticulous appearance, and her posture and the visible muscle development even through her clothes indicated she was a swordswoman—and one who had trained with the sword for a long time.

As a skilled swordsmith, Gwendolyn could immediately tell she was at least at an expert level.

*This isn’t the time for this.*

Gwendolyn shook her head, realizing she had been unconsciously analyzing the customers.

After a long period without visitors, a sword user had finally come to her shop, so she needed to sell a sword somehow. If she lost these customers too, her shop’s finances would soon be in danger, so she desperately tried to appear even more cheerful.

“What kind of sword are you looking for?! If you’re looking for an arming sword, how about this one? I paid special attention to the grip, using salamander leather for better handling. Or if you’re looking for a longsword, take a look at this one!”

Gilbert couldn’t help but smile inwardly at seeing Gwendolyn, who looked exactly like she did in the game.

In Tactical Combat, she would grow to become one of the most renowned swordsmiths, but her early days were quite clumsy. Even now, her skill in forging swords was second to none, but she had no talent for business and was always struggling financially.

This was understandable because the current era was no longer the age of cold weapons used by humans but the age of Godshin weapons dominated by giant mechs. Places that exclusively dealt in cold weapons for human use had already begun to decline, and shops specializing in Godshin equipment had started to emerge.

Naturally, only swordsmiths remained to handle cold weapons for human use, and small weapon shops were gradually closing down due to financial difficulties.

Currently, Gwendolyn’s situation was also dire, with no customers and financial struggles. Since she wasn’t yet the continent-renowned swordsmith she would become, hardly anyone visited her unproven weapon shop.

Moreover, given her preference to deal exclusively in swords, it was inevitable that she had even fewer customers.

But even if becoming a world-class swordsmith was still in her future, the swords she made now boasted a quality that was hard to find elsewhere.

Even the mass-produced sword that Briana had casually swung earlier would be considered premium quality at other shops.

What was that saying? A hidden gem?

She would make a name for herself in the Empire later, thanks to a mercenary who would chance upon this place. As word spread about high-quality swords being sold at bargain prices, she would eventually become the renowned Grand Swordsmith Gwendolyn, famous throughout the continent.

Afterward, she would sell her equipment at nearly free prices to that mercenary who first recognized the value of her swords, and they would eventually fall in love and marry—that was Gwendolyn’s story arc.

And that was the first step in the human rights equipment farming route—for the user to take the place of the mercenary who would chance upon this place. The basic plan was to secure a stable supply of equipment or help her run the weapon shop to gain initial capital.

Moreover, she was a heroine character with an available romance route, which also came with achievements. Since players could work on achievements while following the human rights farming route, it was a route frequently used even by veteran players seeking romance achievements.

Gilbert, recalling how he had also visited this place for achievement hunting, picked up a longsword that Gwendolyn had brought out. Like Briana had done earlier, he swung it through the air and immediately recognized that this sword was the key to the Gwendolyn route.

“You have an excellent eye! That longsword is made from black iron produced in the Lithuania region! It’s lighter than regular iron but has greater hardness, so you’ll be satisfied using it!”

“It’s a fine sword.”

A sword made from black iron produced in the Lithuania territory ruled by the Hart family. In the game, it was simply called “Gwendolyn’s Black Iron Sword,” but in reality, it was an item that could be used well into the mid-to-late game.

If she had already become a Grand Swordsmith, it would be an incredibly valuable sword, but given her current financial struggles, it could be purchased at a remarkably low price.

“Would you like to try it too, Master?”

“I won’t refuse.”

When he handed the sword to Briana, even she, who rarely showed emotional changes, opened her eyes slightly wider. Though her level was already beyond what could be discussed in terms of swords, it wasn’t strange for a swordswoman to desire a good sword.

“Very light. The magic conductivity is excellent as well.”

Having already channeled blue magic into it, she marveled at the remarkably fast magic conductivity. She was confident it was the best sword she had seen in recent times.

“Eep! C-customer!”

“Ah, I apologize. Seeing a good sword after so long got me a bit excited. I apologize.”

“N-no, that’s not it…”

Gwendolyn, being as passionate about swords as she was, also had a keen interest in swordsmen. After all, her belief was that a sword is most beautiful when in the hands of a swordsman.

And Briana’s level, which she had just glimpsed, was clearly extraordinary.

What if she were to use her swords?

*Gulp.*

Gwendolyn’s eyes sparkled even more than before.

“So! What do you think, customer? Would you like to purchase the black iron sword?!”

“It’s a good sword, but I don’t need—”

“I’ll buy it.”

Gilbert interrupted as Briana was about to decline, thinking that while it was a good sword, she didn’t particularly need to buy one.

The reason he came here was for this black iron sword. There was no need to pass up such good equipment, and more importantly, his goal was to establish a relationship with Gwendolyn.

“Eep! You, sir? B-but…”

“Is there a problem?”

Gilbert looked at the hesitant Gwendolyn and infused the sword, which he had taken back from Briana, with golden magic. Like Briana’s, his magic flowed smoothly through the blade.

Gwendolyn’s eyes began to sparkle again. It meant Gilbert had passed her standard for a swordsman.

“None at all!”

“Then I’ll purchase this sword. How much?”

“Ah! The price… would be 10 gold…?”

Gilbert clicked his tongue at the amount she timidly quoted after her initial excitement. Startled by the sound, Gwendolyn meekly reduced the price by five gold coins.

While she had exceptional talent as a swordsmith, she was completely hopeless when it came to business. Even the mercenary who would become her lover in the game had felt sorry for this aspect of her and had looked after her in various ways before they fell in love—it seemed that was indeed true.

“If it’s too expensive, I can offer a discount…!”

“That’s not it. I feel like I’m getting it for too cheap.”

“But 10 gold is quite a substantial amount.”

“That’s not wrong, but black iron must be quite difficult to obtain, right?”

“Ah! Fortunately, I know someone in Lithuania who helped me get it with difficulty! I got it at a price lower than the usual market rate.”

Seeing her grinning again, Gilbert felt a slight headache coming on. He sighed deeply, sheathed the black iron sword, and placed it on the counter.

“You don’t need to tell me all that. Besides, my father is currently reducing the supply of black iron under imperial orders, so this black iron sword should be worth more.”

“Is that so? Your father is reducing the supply of black iron… Wait, your father?!”

Gwendolyn’s eyes widened. Seeing her emerald eyes trembling uncontrollably, it seemed she had realized Gilbert’s identity.

“I’ve been rude! I, Gwendolyn Ensis, sincerely apologize!”

“There’s no need for that.”

“No, I truly had no idea I would meet the Gilbert who single-handedly faced dozens of Godshin machines!”

“You know of me?”

“Everyone’s been talking about you lately. Then, perhaps the person with you is…?”

“That’s right. She’s my master.”

“Eep! The Sword Saint!”

Gwendolyn’s eyes filled with admiration. If she had one dream, it was to have her swords used by excellent swordsmen. In the midst of this, the renowned Sword Saint Briana and her former disciple had visited, so she couldn’t help but be moved.

“I feel like I could die happy now.”

“That would be a loss for the Empire. The Imperial Court would not wish to lose an excellent swordsmith like you.”

At Briana’s words, who had been quietly observing, Gwendolyn felt like she could fly. It was praise from Briana, known as the Empire’s First Sword. She couldn’t help but clench her fists and break into a broad smile.

“Thank you! I’ll continue to work hard!”

“I understand you’ll work hard, but I’d like to continue our discussion about the black iron sword.”

“Ah! I-I’m sorry. It was my dream to meet Briana…”

Gwendolyn was about to bow at Gilbert’s words. Seeing a familiar sight from the game, Gilbert raised one hand to stop her, indicating it was fine.

“It’s alright. Going back to the black iron sword, 10 gold is too cheap.”

“Is it? I thought it was appropriate…”

“Not at all, considering the value of black iron. Moreover, given that the quality of the sword satisfied my master, you should be charging at least three times that amount.”

In truth, 30 gold wasn’t a small amount, but it was the minimum price considering the controlled supply of black iron and the quality of the sword.

Considering that a high-quality longsword typically costs 10 gold, it wasn’t an unreasonably high price.

If she were to put this sword on the market right now, it could likely sell for more than 30 gold.

“That much?”

“That’s the minimum price I’d set. You need to value the swords you make more highly.”

“Thank you for valuing them so highly.”

Gwendolyn’s eyes sparkled more than ever before. She was probably thinking that the 30 gold she was about to earn would end her financial struggles.

“In that sense, I’d like to make a proposal.”

“Anything you say!”

Her voice was now full of energy, unlike when they first met. Indeed, people gain confidence when their pockets are full.

Gilbert, judging that the timing was right, began the process to enter the human rights equipment farming route.

“I’d like to make a contract with you. The content of the contract is to regularly supply swords.”

“When you say regularly… do you mean with Demeia Academy?”

“No, even I don’t have that authority. I’m talking about the Hart Earldom.”

It was a different proposal than when taking the non-Academy route, but veteran players always knew how to make the most of any given situation.

At this stage, preparing for the next main scenario with her help would yield two benefits.

A supply of high-quality swords and regular deliveries from a future Grand Swordsmith.

These two benefits alone were enormous.

*This is another moment that makes me realize this is reality.*

In the game, this method was difficult to implement when taking the Academy route, but it was possible for the current Gilbert. In the game, actions were restricted when entering the Academy route, but that wasn’t the case now.

There was just one concern. Despite being the eldest son of the Hart family, he was putting the family name on such a contract. Although he had recently been enhancing the family’s honor, it was questionable whether his father, the Earl of Lithuania, would simply let this pass.

He couldn’t help but worry about what kind of resistance he might face from retainers who remembered his days as a scoundrel.

*If it doesn’t work out, should I ask Dorothy?*

He thought of his younger sister, who had recently returned to the Lithuania territory with Glinda.

After the recent incident, Dorothy had started to approach him more affectionately, as if their previously uncomfortable relationship had improved. It was a bit different from how she behaved with Glinda, but compared to her previous attitude towards him, it was a significant improvement.

If he explained with valid reasons, there was a high chance she would understand and help.

“The content of the contract is to regularly supply swords to the Hart Earldom. If the quality is guaranteed, I’ll also speak to my father about the black iron.”

“I welcome that wholeheartedly!”

As the prospect of securing stable funds for her weapon shop operation came into view, Gwendolyn began to look at Gilbert as if he were a savior.

Realizing he had made a good impression, Gilbert placed 30 gold coins on the counter to pay for the black iron sword.

Gwendolyn’s eyes naturally turned to the gold coins.

“We’ll discuss the details later.”

“Understood. I’ll be eagerly waiting.”

Gwendolyn smiled brightly as she received the gold coins.

Having heard that the black iron sword was valuable, she seemed satisfied with this amount, even though she could have asked for more if she were greedy.

*Is it her nature?*

Inwardly shaking his head, Gilbert picked up the black iron sword and approached Briana.

“Isn’t it about time for our reservation?”

“That’s right. Have you finished your business?”

“For now, yes.”

“Alright. Let’s go then.”

As Briana immediately headed outside, Gilbert followed her. Her mood still seemed a bit off, showing an unusual reaction.

“Thank you, Lady Briana and Sir Gilbert! Please come again!”

With Gwendolyn’s cheerful farewell, the two left the weapon shop.

“Master.”

“What is it?”

As soon as they were outside, Gilbert stopped Briana, who was about to head to their reserved place. Whatever was bothering her, the reason they came here wasn’t just to meet Gwendolyn.

He held out the black iron sword he had just purchased to Briana, who was looking at him blankly.

“It’s a gift.”

“…A gift?”

Briana’s eyebrows twitched slightly as she reflexively accepted the black iron sword that was suddenly presented to her.

“During the Academy attack, didn’t you risk your life for the students?”

“I merely did what was expected of an Academy professor.”

“Just because it’s expected doesn’t mean it’s easy.”

“The same applies to you.”

“This could go on endlessly. I simply wanted to express my gratitude on behalf of the students.”

Unhesitatingly risking one’s life to protect students wasn’t something that could be described as merely expected. It was an act that deserved to be called noble and sublime.

“Protecting students as a professor is expected. There’s no reason to receive gratitude for that.”

Gilbert inwardly smiled at her thoroughly sensible and matter-of-fact response.

This was quintessentially Briana. This was why he had struggled so desperately to save her.

“Besides, you, like me, risked your life to protect the Academy. It makes no sense for me to receive gratitude from you.”

She held the black iron sword back out to Gilbert, as if refusing to accept it. Her firm gaze showed her determination not to accept it easily.

Gilbert shook his head, as if there was nothing he could do.

*She’s impossible.*

“That’s not the only reason. I’m giving it to you as a token of gratitude for teaching me well.”

“That too…”

“It’s only natural for a disciple to give a gift to express gratitude to their master.”

“A disciple’s duty…”

She flinched slightly, suggesting her heart was wavering. She often spoke of a master’s duty, but hearing the opposite seemed to give her a strange feeling.

Thus began a peculiar standoff, with one holding out the sword and the other standing still.

Gilbert, thinking that the standoff would continue if he remained silent, added:

“And isn’t it customary to give a gift on a first date? Please accept it as your disciple’s sentiment.”

Briana’s eyebrows twitched again. She seemed to have something to say, her lips moving slightly, but in the end, she didn’t utter a word.

After a few minutes of contemplation, Briana lowered the hand that was holding out the black iron sword. Upon reflection, she realized that dismissing her disciple’s sincerity wasn’t something a master should do either.

“Very well. I’ll make good use of it.”

“Shall we go then?”

“…Yes.”

Briana, with the black iron sword in one hand, began to lead the way. The gift offensive seemed to have been meaningful, as her mood appeared much better than before.

Gilbert, thinking how cute his master was when pleased with her disciple’s gift, slowly followed behind her.