episode_0074

In Tactical Combat, there were several items that users called human rights equipment. Although human rights equipment was not an essential item that had to be fitted at all costs, it was recommended equipment to be fitted at all costs for newbies taking the non-academy route.

First of all, if you take the non-academy route, you will not receive normal support from the protagonist Ian’s family, that is, the Linebarrel family. Entering the non-academy route meant running away before entering Demeia Academy, which meant not taking the blue blood certification.

In the Infractus Empire, proof of blue blood was the minimum condition for being recognized as a noble, so it actually meant severing ties with the Linebarrel family. Since he ran away after dishonoring his family, he naturally receives no support and ends up playing the game as penniless and without a single thing.

Old players who had already rotted away played the game in all kinds of strange ways, so they could laugh off this penalty, but for newbies who had just started playing the game, it was a different story. To put it mildly, there was a saying that you had to pass the beginning of the non-academy route to be considered a beginner.

However, all games were easier to conquer, and the result was the human rights equipment farming route. An optimal route guide has been released so that you can farm valuable equipment to make money or live a mercenary life with a sword with good abilities.

The place where Gilbert took Brianna was also the place where the first item obtained from the human rights equipment farming route was located. I started the human rights equipment farming route by coming here right after running away from the academy entrance ceremony, and since I had time left, I tried to farm human rights equipment.

Of course, I didn’t know if it would exist in reality, but since I had some time left, I decided to go check it out. If there was human rights equipment, plans could be made to acquire the equipment through other routes in the future.

As I walked down a familiar alley, I found a weapon shop with few people around. The old and unmaintained signboard had only a single sword drawn on it.

“Is this the destination?”

“That’s right.”

“I see…”

Gilbert tilted his head slightly as he looked at Brianna, whose expression slightly hardened.

Why are you acting like that all of a sudden?

As soon as he arrived in front of Brianga’s weapon shop, which didn’t show any special signs before arriving here, he looked a little upset. It was a very slight change in expression, but considering Brianna’s personality, it seemed like there was something she didn’t like.

“Is there something you don’t like?”

“No, it’s not like that. Let’s go in.”

I didn’t think it was wrong, but there was no sign of him saying anything, so I opened the door and entered the weapon shop.

Unlike the exterior, the inside of the weapon shop was quite clean and organized. I was impressed by the neat appearance, as if it would not tolerate even a speck of dust.

However, one thing that was strange was that all the weapons on display inside were limited to swords. There were many different types of swords, from arming swords that were easy to find to large swords that were questionable as to whether they could be wielded.

Brianna, a born swordsman, sparkled her eyes as she looked at the swords on display.

“The quality is good. The price is very cheap compared to the quality.”

“I can confidently say that it is difficult to find a better place than here.”

“You sure knew about this place.”

Brianna pulled out the sword on display and lightly swung it in the air a few times. The center of gravity was exquisitely balanced, so there was nothing awkward about swinging it. I felt like I had finally caught a good sword.

“Long time no see customer?! Welcome!”

As Brianna was reviewing the sword, a fairly tall woman hurriedly came out from inside and bowed to Gilbert and Brianna. There was charcoal black on the bridge of the woman’s nose and cheeks, as if she had been working on something inside.

She smoothed the scarlet hair that was soaked with sweat and stuck to her forehead, her eyes sparkled, and she put the hammer in her hand into the holder of her leather apron.

“Hello! This place is called Ensis, a sword-only weapon shop that only sells swords! I am Gwendolyn, the owner and swordsman of this place!”

Gwendolyn cleared her throat a few times, spread her hands out in front of her, and briefly introduced herself. I thought that the guests who had come for a long time might just leave, so I greeted them first.

“Do you have the sword you are looking for? Whatever it is, it’s all here!”

For some reason, the customers who had been visiting for a long time just looked at her blankly and did not react in any way. I felt anxious about it and spoke brighter than usual, but the reaction was still the same.

Gwendolyn, who was feeling embarrassed, was only then able to take a detailed look at the customers who visited the weapon shop.

They were a couple guests consisting of a man and a woman, and their visuals were unusual.

First of all, the man had a very rough-looking style when looking at his appearance. The large size, bronze skin, and golden piercings jingling in his ears made that feeling even more prominent.

But the face reversed that negative image. She was one of the most handsome people I’ve ever seen, but she made a mistake that made her look like an alley gangster and look decadent. He definitely seems like a bad guy, but he looks like he’s likely to fall for you even if you know him.

On the other hand, it was the opposite for women. His long red hair and blue eyes made him look cool and thorough, and the way he stood and the level of muscle development visible even through his clothes indicated that he was a swordsman.

Gwendolyn, a high-level swordsman, could immediately tell that he had been practicing swords for a long time.

This is not the time.

Gwendolyn, who had been mindlessly analyzing the guests, shook her head.

A person using a sword came to the weapon shop that had been empty for a while, so they had to sell the sword somehow. This time, if we lose customers, the operating funds of the weapon shop will be at risk, so we desperately try to put on a brighter appearance.

“What kind of sword are you looking for?! If you are looking for an arming sword, how about this sword? This sword was designed with special attention to the grip area, and was made with cellamander leather to enhance the grip. If not, are you looking for a longsword? Then take a look at this sword!”

Gilbert couldn’t help but smile inwardly as he looked at Gwendolyn, who looked exactly the same as in the game.

Her early days as she grew into one of the best swordsmen in Tactical Combat were extremely immature. Even now, his skill in refining swords is second to none, but he has no talent for business and is always struggling with financial difficulties.

That’s right, the current era is not the era of cold weapons used by humans, but the era of anti-magic weapons dominated by giant gods. Places that only handle cold weapons for human use have already begun to decline, and places that specialize in handling equipment for giant warriors have begun to appear.

Naturally, the only cold weapons used by humans remained in those operated by swordsmen, and small weapon shops were gradually struggling with financial difficulties and closing down.

Gwendolyn’s current situation was also suffering from financial difficulties due to lack of customers. Since she had not yet become a swordsman who scolded the continent, there were few people who visited her untested weapon shop.

Moreover, due to her tendency to only deal with swords, it was inevitable that there would be fewer customers.

However, even if becoming a world-class swordsman is a matter of the future, the swords she made now boasted a quality that is difficult to find in most places.

The parasol sword that Brianna swung casually just a moment ago was at a level that could only be found in the premium line anywhere else.

Did you say it was a bad thing?

It was thanks to a mercenary who happened to stop by here some time later that she became famous in the empire. As word of mouth spread that high-quality swords were being sold at near-low prices, Gwendolyn, a famous swordsman on the continent, was eventually born.

After that, Gwendolyn’s story was that she sold the equipment to the mercenary who first recognized her sword at a price that was almost free, and they fell in love with each other and ended up getting married.

And targeting that point was the first step in the human rights equipment farming route. A user takes the place of a mercenary who happened to come here. The basic goal was to obtain initial capital by receiving a stable supply of equipment or helping her run a weapon shop.

In addition, she had achievements as a heroine with an open love route. Because it was possible to progress achievements while progressing through the human rights farming route, it was a route often used by old people, even if they were not necessarily newbies, to progress towards romance achievements.

Remembering that Gilbert had also come here to accomplish his feat, he took the longsword she had pulled out and held it in his hand. Gilbert, who swung his sword in the air like Brianna did earlier, was able to immediately recognize that this sword was the core sword of Gwendolyn’s route.

“You have an excellent eye for seeing! That longsword is a sword made using black iron produced in Lithuania! It is lighter than regular steel, but its hardness is harder, so you will be satisfied when using it!”

“It’s a good sword.”

A sword made of black iron produced in the Lithuanian fiefdom ruled by the Hart family. In the game description, it was a sword with a simple name, Gwendolyn’s Black Iron Sword, but in reality, it was an item that could be used even in the mid to late game.

If it had been after she became the chief swordsman, it would have been a sword of enormous value, but now that she was suffering from financial difficulties, it was a sword that could be purchased at a very cheap price.

“Master, would you like to hear it?”

“I will not refuse.”

When I handed the sword over to Brianna, even she, who rarely had emotional changes, widened her eyes slightly. Her level was no longer at a level where she could use a sword, but as a swordsman, it was not strange to want a good sword.

“It’s very light. Magic power transfer is also excellent.”

Before she knew it, she had poured in the blue magic power and was impressed by the surprisingly fast magic power transfer. I was convinced that it was the best sword I had ever seen.

“Hmph! So, customer!”

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s been a while since I saw a good sword, so I feel a little excited. Let me apologize.”

“Well, that’s not it…”

Gwendolyn was as interested in swordsmen as she was in her passion for swords. In the end, her theory was that a sword is most beautiful when it is in the hands of a swordsman.

And at first glance, the state of Brianna that I had just seen was not unusual.

What if she uses her own sword?

gulp.

Gwendolyn’s eyes sparkled more than before.

“Whoo! How do you feel, sir? Why are you buying a black iron sword?!”

“It’s a good sword, but it’s not mine…”

“Let me buy it.”

It was a good sword, but when Brianna shook her head and thought there was no need to buy one, Gilbert intervened.

The reason I came here was because of this black iron sword. There was no need to neglect such good equipment, and above all else, the goal was to build a friendship with Gwendolyn.

“Hmph! Are you a guest? Ha, but.”

“Is there any problem?”

Gilbert looked at Gwendolyn’s hesitation and infused golden magic into the sword given to her by Brianna. Just like Brianna, the overflowing magic power was completely released.

Gwendolyn’s eyes, which had been hesitant a moment ago, began to sparkle again. It meant that Gilbert was a prosecutor who passed her benchmark.

“Not at all! None!”

“In that case, I will purchase this sword. How much?”

“Ah! price… . The price is 10 gold…?”

Gilbert, who had been gleeful, slowly noticed the amount she was talking about and clicked his tongue at the amount of money she was talking about. Gwendolyn flinched at the sound and timidly took out five gold coins.

Although he had outstanding talent as a swordsman, he was a complete loser when it came to business. The mercenary who became her lover in the game also felt sorry for her and said that she got hit in the eye while taking care of various things for her, and it seemed to be true.

“If it’s too expensive, you can also get a discount…!”

” That’s not true, it’s because I feel like I’m getting it for too cheap a price.”

“But 10 gold is quite a lot of money.”

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

“Ah! Fortunately, I knew someone in Lithuania, so I was able to get it without difficulty! The price was cheaper than the regular price.”

Seeing him smiling brightly again made me feel a little dizzy. After sighing, Gilbert put the black iron sword in its sheath and placed it on the counter.

“There is no need to talk about such things. Moreover, my father, under orders from the imperial family, is reducing the supply of black iron, so the price of this black iron sword will be more than that.”

“Is that so? The customer’s father was reducing the supply of black iron… huh? Father?!”

Gwendolyn’s eyes widened. Seeing his emerald eyes shaking mercilessly, he seemed to have discovered Gilbert’s identity.

“I was rude! Gwendoline Ensis I apologize!”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“No! I really didn’t know that I would meet Mr. Gilbert, who is said to have fought off dozens of giant god soldiers single-handedly.”

“Do you know me?”

“There’s a lot of buzz these days about Gilbert. Then, is there anyone who came with you…?”

“That’s right. He is my teacher.”

“Hmph! Sword Saint!”

Gwendolyn’s eyes were filled with respect. If she had one dream, it was to have her sword used by a great swordsman. In the meantime, I couldn’t help but be moved when Brianna, a renowned swordsman, and her previous student came to visit.

“I don’t think I will have any time left even if I die now.”

“That is a loss to the empire. The imperial family would not want a great swordsman like you to disappear.”

Gwendolyn felt like she was flying in the sky as she listened to Brianna’s words as she watched in silence.

It was a compliment from Brianna, who called it the first sword of the empire. My fists suddenly clenched and a big smile burst out.

“Thank you! I will continue to work hard!”

“I know that you will work hard in the future, but I want to continue talking about Black Iron Sword.”

“Oh! Sorry, sorry. It was my dream to meet Brianna…”

Gwendolyn, embarrassed by Gilbert’s words, tried to bow down. Gilbert, who was familiar with the sight in the game, raised one hand to stop it as if it was okay.

“It’s okay. If we talk about the black iron sword again, 10 gold is too cheap.”

“Is that so… I thought it was appropriate.”

“Not at all considering the value of black iron. Besides, the quality of the sword is good enough to satisfy Master, so even if I can’t do it, I would have to pay three times that price.”

In fact, 30 gold was not a cheap price, but it was the minimum price set considering the price of black iron that was controlling the supply and the quality of the sword.

Considering that the price of a high-quality long sword is generally 10 gold, it is not unreasonably expensive.

Even if this sword was given away right now, there was a high possibility that it would sell for more than 30 gold.

“That much?”

“This is the minimum amount. You need to value the sword you made more highly.”

“Thank you for your high evaluation.”

Gwendolyn’s eyes sparkled more than ever. He seemed to be thinking that he could end his financial difficulties with the 30 gold he would earn this time.

“In that sense, I would like to suggest one thing.”

“Tell me anything!”

Unlike when I first saw him, his voice seemed full of power. After all, a person had to have full pockets to be confident.

Gilbert decided he had a good time and started working on taking the human rights equipment farming route.

“I want to make a contract with you. The contract includes the regular supply of swords.”

“If you say it is regular… do you mean Demeia Academy?”

“No, even if it were me, I don’t have that authority. The place I told you about is Count Hart House.”

It’s a different proposition from when I took the non-academy route, but originally, stagnant people had a way of worrying about any given situation.

If you get her help to prepare for the next main scenario, there are two things you can achieve.

A supply of high-quality swords and the ability to receive regular deliveries of the swords of future great swordsmen.

These two things alone were enormous benefits.

In this respect, I always realize that it is reality.

In the game, it was a difficult method to do when taking the academy route, but it was a possible method for Gilbert today. In the game, there was no freedom of action when entering the academy route, but that was not the case even now.

There was just one thing to worry about. Even though he was the eldest son of the Earl of Hart, he put the family’s name on this contract. Although the family’s honor has been raised in recent years, the question was whether his father, the Count of Lithuania, would overlook this.

I couldn’t help but be concerned because I didn’t know what kind of backlash the retainers who remembered my days as a bastard would react to.

If I can’t decide, should I ask Dorothy?

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

Perhaps because Dorothy had made some progress in their uncomfortable relationship after this incident, she began to approach her more warmly than before. Although it was a little different from the way he appeared to Glinda, it was a huge improvement compared to the attitude he had shown before.

If you explain a valid reason, she is likely to agree and help.

“The contract stipulates that swords be delivered to the Hart family on a regular basis. If the quality can be guaranteed, I will also talk to my father about black iron.”

“If that’s the case, you’re welcome!”

As securing funds to run a weapons store became a reality, Gwendolyn began to look at Gilbert as if she were her savior.

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

Gwendolyn’s eyes automatically turned to the gold coins.

“We will talk about the details later.”

“Okay. I’m looking forward to it.”

Gwendolyn smiled brightly after receiving the gold coin.

He had heard that the black iron sword was of high value, so he seemed satisfied with this even though he could have gotten more if he was greedy.

Is it nature?

Inwardly shaking his head, Gilbert approached Brianna with a black iron sword.

“Isn’t it almost time to make a reservation?”

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

“For now, yes.”

“I understand. Then let’s go.”

Brianna went straight outside and Gilbert followed her. It was a strange reaction, as if he was still not in a good mood.

“Brianna and Gilbert! thank you! Come again next time!”

After a bright greeting from Gwendolyn, the two walked out of the weapon shop.

“Master.”

“What’s going on?”

As soon as she got outside, Gilbert stopped Brianna, who was about to go to the reserved place. I don’t know why I felt bad, but the reason I came here wasn’t just to meet Gwendolyn.

He pretended to hold out the black iron sword he had purchased a moment ago to Brianna, who was looking at her blankly.

“It’s a gift.”

“…Gift?”

Brianna’s eyebrows twitched slightly when she suddenly caught the black iron sword that was held out.

“Didn’t you risk your life for the cadets during the attack on the academy?”

“I just did what was natural as an academy professor.”

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

“That would be the same for you too.”

“It seems like there will be no end to this. I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of the cadets.”

The act of throwing down one’s life without hesitation to protect the cadets was not something that could be expressed as natural. It was something that should be called noble and sublime.

“As a professor, it is natural to protect the cadets. There is no reason to be thankful for that.”

Gilbert internally felt aggrieved at the fact that it seemed so common sense and natural.

This kind of appearance could be said to be very Brianna-like. This was the reason why I struggled so hard and tried to save her.

“Furthermore, like me, you risked your life to protect the academy. It makes no sense to be thanked by you like that.”

He handed the black iron sword back to Gilbert as if he couldn’t take it. Looking at his firm gaze, I could see his determination not to accept it.

Gilbert shook his head left and right as if there was nothing else to do.

I can’t stop you.

“That’s not all. I’m giving this to you as a way of thanking you for teaching me so well.”

“That too…”

“As a disciple, it is natural to give a gift to your teacher as a thank you.”

“The doctrine of becoming a disciple…”

Seeing him flinch slightly, he seemed to be agitated. I had often said that it was the duty of a teacher, but I felt strange when I heard the opposite.

A strange confrontation ensued, with one side holding out its sword and the other standing still.

Gilbert thought that if he stayed like this, the standoff would be prolonged, so he added.

“And isn’t it true that gifts are usually given on a first date? I think you should consider it as the heart of a disciple and accept it.”

Brianna’s eyebrows twitched again. He opened his mouth as if he had something to say, but in the end he didn’t say anything.

After thinking about it for a few minutes, Brianna lowered the hand that was holding out the black iron sword. When I thought about it, I realized that ignoring the sincerity of a student was not the right thing for a teacher to do.

“I understand. I will use it well.”

“Then let’s go.”

“…Okay.”

Brianna, holding a black iron sword in one hand, began to take the lead. Perhaps because the gift offensive was meaningful, he seemed to be in a much better mood than before.

Gilbert thought it was cute that the teacher was in a good mood with his student’s gift, and began to slowly follow behind her.