After Alex successfully decapitates David, he looks up at the sky and sighs to himself:
(At least, the moon looks beautiful tonight.)
Then he hears footsteps approaching— the distinct sound of armor clinking. He turns and says:
Alex: "Are you done on your end, Sir Silone?"
Silone: "Yes, and I see you are too. You even went as far as cutting off his head."
Alex glances at Silone, unfazed by the scene, and replies:
Alex: "Don't be too surprised. He was a bad man."
Then he walks away.
A few minutes later, the two arrive back at the forge. The place is a mess, but the blacksmiths are already busy repairing the damage. As they enter, Stone and Cecilia approach them.
Stone: "I'm eternally grateful to you both. Together, you managed to protect my forge— and that arrogant brat over there. He saved a young dwarf's life."
Listening to that, Alex simply shrugs with disinterest and says:
Alex: "Nothing special."
Stone: "I see. Well then, let's get back to our original goal. I noticed you didn't have a proper weapon to defend yourself, so I'd like to give you your sword right away."
Alex: "Actually, I did have a weapon."
He removes the dagger he had been carrying on his back and holds it out.
Alex: "Here it is."
Cecilia takes the dagger— it's fairly long, with a simple design— and examines it curiously.
Cecilia: "This dagger… was it forged by you too, Mr. Stone?"
Stone glances at it from the corner of his eye and says:
Stone: "Hmm, I recognize it. Nothing serious."
Silone also looks at the dagger and adds:
Silone: "I recognize it too. It must be the one that was lying around in the armory. You've got good instincts— Mr. Stone's weapons are top quality."
Cecilia returns the dagger to Alex, and Stone says:
Stone: "Let's finish this quickly. Follow me."
Alex and Silone enter Stone's private forge. They gather around a table as Stone begins:
Stone: "Listen carefully. Every weapon on this table bears a name. Remember them and assign them to their rightful owners. We'll start with this golden sword— it belongs to Arthur, and its name is DESKI.
This large axe here— it belongs to Furious. Its name is IROKEN.
And finally, the last weapon— it's called WINER, and it's yours. But wait a moment."
In addition to the commissioned weapons, Stone takes a large two-handed sword from the wall and says:
Stone: "Alex, I'm adding this one for you. It's quite massive and long, but it's one of my most durable blades. Make the effort to master it— and give it a name."
Alex takes the sword, and Stone concludes:
Stone: "These weapons are yours. Wield them as extensions of your body and soul, and they will grow along with you."
The next afternoon, Alex and Silone are already within the castle grounds.
As Alex walks toward his quarters, carrying his swords in a bag slung across his back and yawning from fatigue, he spots Ella.
Approaching her, he asks:
Alex: "Ella, mind explaining why you're dressed like a squire?"
Ella, who had been crouched down sketching something on the ground, looks up and says:
Ella: "You're back already?"
Alex: "Obviously."
Ella: "You look hurt… are you okay? And what's with those swords?"
Suddenly, a voice startles him from behind:
???: "Yeah, what's that all about, Alex?!"
He turns and sees Princess Tanya. Bowing slightly, he greets her:
Alex: "Good afternoon, Princess. But why are you dressed like that?"
Tanya: "We're going horseback riding— but don't dodge the question."
Alex: "These are my swords. But since you're busy, I'll show them to you next time. If you'll excuse me."
He bows again and turns to leave, but Tanya stops him:
Tanya: "Wait, Alex. Melty's looking for you. Take a moment to see her."
Alex: "Melty?"
Tanya: "Yes, my little sister."
END OF CHAPTER
NEXT CHAPTER: Melty (2)