"So, what should we do to get stronger?" I asked Envi, genuinely curious.
"Maybe go monster hunting right away? Taking down strong monsters should give you tons of EXP (experience points)," Envi suggested.
"Do you think I'm an idiot? If I went against a monster right now without proper preparation, I'd only end up dead!" I snapped at him for suggesting such a reckless idea.
"Hey, I'm thinking as hard as I can, okay? Hmm... How about buying so new equipnt? Your armor and sword in the room are completely trashed," Envi pointed out.
"That's actually a good idea this ti. Alright, let's head to the famous blacksmith in this kingdom," I agreed, leaving the house and heading straight for the industrial district.
When we arrived, I saw a massive blacksmith shop and eagerly went in to inquire about the cost of a new weapon and armor. But to my dismay, the prices were exorbitant—up to 10 gold coins for each piece of equipnt. I suddenly rembered that I was practically broke, with only 5 gold coins in my hand.
This situation was due to being ostracized after temporarily handing over the family title to Mark. I wasn't receiving a single penny from the Blackmore family anymore. On top of that, rumors had spread throughout the city, labeling as soone who would be expelled from the family and left destitute. Because of this, most rchants and blacksmiths refused to serve , despite my noble status.
"Haah... Where am I supposed to find a cheaper blacksmith?" I muttered in frustration after half a day of searching with no results.
Suddenly, Envi shouted, "HEY! You broke noble, look at that small blacksmith shop down the alley. Give it a try." His words, though mocking, carried a hint of hope.
I quickly made my way to the small shop. There, I saw an old dwarf—bald, muscular, and, amusingly, without a beard but with a long brown mustache that reached his chest. I had to stifle a laugh since he didn't look anything like the dwarves I'd imagined.
"Excuse , could you make a weapon and armor, sir... pfft," I asked, holding back my laughter.
"What?! Speak clearly, you brat! My na is Edwin, the Miracle Hand... Hey, aren't you from the Blackmore family? Naoki, the loser! AHAHAHA. What are you doing here?" My initial fear turned into annoyance at his mocking tone. If I still held any power, I would've ordered the execution of this insolent old dwarf.
"My apologies, Master Edwin the Miracle Head... I an, Hand. Hehe. Yes, I'm Naoki von Blackmore. I'm here to request a custom weapon and so light armor. Would you be willing to take the job? I can offer you a total of 5 gold," I asked in a tone laced with a hint of pleading.
"Huh? 5 gold? Are you joking... I'm not so cheap dwarf!! The quality of my work is the highest you'll find!" Edwin barked back.
"...What a pity. I really wanted to see you craft a new weapon called a katana... Oh well, I guess I'll have to give up," I said nonchalantly, intending to bait him.
"What did you say? Katana? What's that? Tell right now!!! There's no weapon I can't make!" Edwin yelled, his interest piqued.
Got him, I thought, smiling slyly. I described it in detail. "A katana is a long, curved blade with a single sharp edge, renowned for its sharpness and strength. It's designed with a long hilt for a two-handed grip. In essence, the katana is a flexible, tough, and ELEGANT weapon!" I explained enthusiastically.
"Whoaa... ELEGANT!!! Lord Naoki, please allow the honor of being the first to create such a weapon! I'll take your 5 gold for the katana, and I'll throw in a complintary light armor to match it. Give a week, and I'll craft it to perfection >_
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