The next day, I headed over to the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky’s smithy.
"Good morning, Alan-san."
"Hm? Oh, Orun! Morning. You’re here for the swords, right? Give me a second."
When Alan noticed me, he walked toward the back of the workshop and returned with two scabbarded swords of differing lengths.
"Give 'em a look. I kept the shape, weight, and center of gravity for the long one identical to that black sword I made you before."
I took the blades from him and gave each a thorough inspection.
The longsword’s blade was the color of lead, but in every other respect, it was virtually indistinguishable from Schwarzhase. Despite the materials being different, I was amazed that Alan’s craftsmanship could produce something so similar.
The shorter sword was about half the length of the longsword, yet it felt perfectly balanced in my hand—no hint of discomfort at all. These were the weapons I had specially ordered for the upcoming martial arts tournament.
While the tournament allowed for weapons, the rules stated that any bladed implements had to have their edges dulled. These two were crafted specifically to meet those regulations.
After confirming the feel of each sword, I slid them back into their scabbards.
It’s been a while since I’ve actually had to sheath a sword. I haven't really had the chance to use a scabbard since I got my Storage Magic Tool...
Apparently, sheathing a sword was common practice in the distant past, but in this modern era, the opportunity rarely arose. The emergence of Storage Magic Tools was the primary reason.
Historically, scabbards were used to protect people from accidental injury while the user carried the weapon and to keep the blade sharp. Both issues were solved by storing a weapon in a spatial dimension, which also removed the bulk of carrying it. Consequently, very few explorers used scabbards anymore.
However, since magic tools were also prohibited in the tournament, I’d had no choice but to request scabbards as well.
"As always, your work feels surprisingly natural," I remarked.
"I keep the data from every member's order on file. I refer back to it whenever someone needs an upgrade. Though, if the data gets too old, its accuracy drops, so I usually end up re-measuring anyway."
I see. In that case...
"Do you have the data for the rookies—the members of the Tenth Unit?"
"Yeah, I've got it. I took their measurements just before the Guided Exploration, if I remember right."
"If it’s from two months ago, that should be fine. I’d like to order weapons for the three of them. Can you do it?"
"I can make 'em, sure, but should I deduct the cost from the Tenth Unit's activity funds? Not to be blunt, but they won't be getting much in the way of quality materials if I do."
"No, I’ll be covering the costs and providing the materials personally. I’ve already cleared it with the Exploration Management Department. Since I gathered these materials before joining the clan, they're my private property. Please use the remaining Black Dragon Scales and materials from the Deep Floors to make the best weapons possible."
I knew doing this might look like favoritism to the other members, but I didn't care what anyone said—I wasn't backing down. Even after that crushing defeat, those three hadn't given up; they were pushing themselves to become stronger. Seeing that made me want to help. I was their master, after all. I had a duty to protect them.
"Well, if Management gave you the green light, then it's fine by me. All right. Leave the materials here. I’ve got nothing but time during the Thanksgiving Festival, so having a project like this actually helps me out. As for when they’ll be done... let's see. I should have them ready by the time the festival ends. I’ll send word."
Since exploration was prohibited until the end of the festival, the timing was perfect.
"Understood. I’ll leave it to you."
"Right. Now, back to the matter at hand. Since you’re sheathing those blades, you're gonna need a Sword Belt, right?"
A Sword Belt was used to hang a sword at the hip. Most were made of leather, but since I’d only be using it for this tournament, I figured cloth might suffice.
"That's right. I haven't needed one until now, so I don't own one. I was planning to ask the Clothing Department."
"That’s your best bet. I could source one here, but if you’ve got the time, you should put in the order yourself. The clan’s prestige is on the line in this tournament. You should get the best quality you can. Besides, the Clothing Department is probably bored to tears this time of year, so they’ll likely get to it immediately."
The Clothing Department wasn't located in this city, but in the neighboring town of Farila. Farila was a town where the textile industry flourished, just a few hours from Tsutrail by carriage. Since carriages ran on a regular schedule, it wasn't a difficult trip.
I didn't have anything urgent on my plate, so I figured I’d finish my paperwork today and head out tomorrow.
"Thanks for the advice. I think I’ll head over to Farila tomorrow."
◇
"Well, if it isn't Orun. What are you doing here?"
The next day, as I waited for a carriage at the station, Wil appeared.
"Wil? ...Oh, that's right. You did mention you'd be leaving the city for a few days."
Surprised as I was to see him, I quickly remembered his schedule.
"Yeah. No labyrinth dives for a while, so I thought I'd head back to my folks' place."
His parents' place, huh...
"Oh, look, the carriage is here. Let’s get on."
A carriage pulled up at just the right moment. After paying the driver, we climbed inside.
"Where are you headed, Orun?" Wil asked as the carriage began to sway.
"Farila. I’m going to order a Sword Belt and some Clan Uniforms from our Clothing Department."
"Uniforms? You changing your look?"
I suppose that was the natural assumption.
"No, not for me. They're for the Tenth Unit. Once they conquer the 30th floor, they'll officially graduate from rookie status. I wanted to have something ready to celebrate the occasion."
"Hoh, you really are a devoted master..."
"It’s not that big a deal. It’s mostly for my own satisfaction. Besides, I haven't even settled on a design yet, so today will probably just be a consultation."
He was right, though. I’d decided to give them uniforms, but I had no idea what they should look like. Since I usually only cared about functionality, I had zero fashion sense. I couldn't come up with a single idea.
"A design, huh? Why don't you just use your own uniform as a motif?"
"...Mine?"
"Yeah. I’ve got a younger brother, and the kid wants to copy everything I do. He was thrilled when I gave him one of my old uniforms with the emblem removed. Those kids in the Tenth Unit are practically attached to your hip, Orun. They’d probably love having something that looks like yours."
Using my uniform as a motif...
It was embarrassing to admit, but I was aware of how attached the Tenth Unit was to me. Since I didn't have any better ideas, I decided to consider that direction.
"Thanks, Wil. I think I’m starting to see it."
"Glad to help."
◇
After some more casual chat with Wil, we arrived in Farila. Unlike the busy atmosphere of Tsutrail, this town was lush with nature and had a laid-back, peaceful air.
"This is my first time here, but it seems like a nice place to live."
"Glad you like it. It's the perfect spot to escape the noise of the city, isn't it?"
Wil, who had disembarked with me, spoke with a touch of pride. Apparently, his family lived in Farila, so he offered to walk me to the Clothing Department's building.
"Here we are."
The building Wil led me to was roughly twice as large as the surrounding structures. It was exactly what I expected from a top-tier clan's facility.
"Thanks for the help, especially since you just got home."
"Don't mention it. You heading straight back today? If you want, you could stay the night at my place. I'm sure my family would be happy to have you."
"I appreciate the offer, truly, but I’ve got work to finish when I get back. I’ll have to take a rain check."
It didn't feel right to intrude on a family reunion. Besides... I suspected that seeing a happy family might stir up some complicated emotions.
"............Right. Well, if you change your mind, the door’s always open. You’re always welcome, Orun."
"Thanks, Wil."
With that, Wil walked off toward his home.
"Hello?"
Now alone, I stepped inside the building. A girl who looked like a receptionist was sitting at a counter, focused on some needlework. Even though she looked to be only about ten, her skill was impressive—though I was no judge of sewing. She was so absorbed in her work that she didn't even notice me enter.
"Hm? Oh! Ah, sorry! I didn't see you come in! Have you been waiting long!?"
When she finally noticed me, her intense focus vanished, replaced by the flustered energy of a child.
"I just got here, so don't worry about it. I'm Orun. I believe an appointment was made for me?"
"Um, um, nice to meet you! I'm Marcia! Orun-san, right? One moment, please!"
She was clearly flustered, but she handled the situation well enough. Marcia scrambled into the back of the building.
"Mom! A man named Orun is here!"
I heard her shout from the back. I winced slightly. Maybe a little quieter next time? I didn't personally care, but some clients might be offended by being announced so casually. I assumed they let her handle the desk today specifically because they knew a fellow clan member was coming.
While I was lost in these idle thoughts, another woman emerged from the back. She took one look at me and smiled.
"So, you're Orun-kun. Nice to meet you. I'm Glenda Barnett, head of the Clothing Department. We received the notice from headquarters. It's a bit sudden, but would you mind coming this way so I can take your measurements?"
"Understood. Lead the way."
I followed Glenda into the back of the facility.
◇
"There. All done with the measurements."
I’d been brought to a private room for the fitting, but Glenda’s hands were so practiced that the whole process was over in the blink of an eye.
"Th-thank you."
"Don't mention it. So, first on the list is a Sword Belt, correct?"
"Yes. I’d like to hang this longsword on my left hip and this shortsword horizontally across the small of my back. Also, please make the shortsword's hilt sit on the left side as well."
As I explained my requirements, I materialized the two swords I’d received from Alan.
"My, two swords? You're quite the versatile one," Glenda noted with admiration.
"The shortsword is mostly a backup. I plan to fight primarily with the longsword."
"I see, I see. I've got the requirements down. Can I keep these two swords for now? I'll send them back with the belt once it's finished. It should take about two or three days."
"Three days? That’s fast."
"Hmph, I'm a professional. Besides, work is a bit slow right now, and headquarters told me to make your order a top priority. Once it arrives, check the fit. If anything feels even slightly off, let me know immediately. I’ll adjust it."
"I will. Thank you. ...Also, you mentioned that work was slow. Would it be possible for you to take on a personal commission for me?"
"Depends on what it is, but usually, that's fine. What did you have in mind?"
"I’d like to order three sets of Clan Uniforms."
"Uniforms? You need spares?"
She asked the same thing Wil had. I gave her the same explanation I’d given him.
"I see... What a wonderful idea! I’d love to make them!"
Glenda’s eyes sparkled as she accepted the commission. I’d noticed it earlier, but she had these very childlike reactions sometimes. As Marcia’s mother, she had to be in her thirties, but she looked so youthful that I never would have guessed it without being told.
"Thank you. But there’s a slight problem... I haven't settled on a design yet."
"Oh? Well, do you at least have a general image in mind?"
"Yeah. I was thinking of using this coat of mine as a motif."
"A gift from a master to his disciples. Yes, using your coat as a base is a lovely sentiment. In that case, would you mind if I handled the design?"
"Please. I have no confidence in my fashion sense, so I’d much rather leave it to a pro."
"Understood. Then, tell me a bit about their personalities and tastes."
That was the signal for a barrage of questions. Though a bit overwhelmed, I did my best to describe Sophie, Carol, and Log in as much detail as I could.
"Yes... I think I have a good image now. I’ll get started on these once the Sword Belt is finished."
"Thank you. I’m looking forward to it."
"Just curious, Orun-kun... are your disciples a party of three?"
"Yes, for now. I’m looking to add more members soon, but I haven't found the right person yet..."
"Really? I get the feeling you already have a candidate in mind."
...She was sharp. I didn't think I'd been that obvious.
"Well, there is someone who would perfectly fill the gaps in their team. But she's already in another party, so scouting her would be difficult. She has her own circumstances to consider. Besides, her skill level is currently far beyond theirs."
"I see... Hey, is that girl ———— by any chance?"
Despite the lack of hints, she correctly guessed exactly who I was thinking of.
"...How did you know?"
"A woman's intuition. In that case, I’ll make a set for her too. Since she’s not your disciple, I’ll give hers a slightly different design."
For some reason, Glenda was starting to get carried away.
"W-Wait, there's almost no chance of her joining! It'll just go to waste!"
"I told you, I’m bored because work is slow. I won't charge you for hers, so just let me make it, okay?"
"...Well, if you really want to make it, I won't stop you. But I insist on paying for it. Please charge me the full amount."
"My, how generous."
"You’re using clan materials, aren't you? If you didn't take payment, it wouldn't be right."
"Spoken like a true clan executive. Very well. I'll make sure to bill you properly."
"Thank you. I'll be going then. I’ll leave the belt and uniforms in your hands."
"Leave it to me. ...Oh, wait a second."
I was halfway out the door when Glenda called me back.
"Yes?"
"This might be meddling, but you really should get some sleep."
I froze.
This woman’s observational skills were terrifying. I didn't think anyone had noticed how sleep-deprived I was. I hadn't been sleeping much lately, though it wasn't insomnia. It was simply because I was staying up late every night working on various things.
"I’m fine. I manage my condition well enough. I won't do anything as foolish as collapsing."
"We’ve heard the rumors about how capable you are, Orun-kun. But even so, every human has a limit. You have the tournament coming up, and for the sake of the clan, I want you to go into it in peak condition."
"...When you put it that way, I can't really argue. I understand. I’ll make sure to get some rest and be in top form for the tournament."
"Good. As long as you understand. Sorry for the meddling."
"No, not at all. I appreciate the concern. ...Goodbye."
I said that, but I knew this lifestyle would probably continue for a little while longer. But I couldn't compromise. I never wanted to feel that way again.
For the next two weeks, I threw myself into preparations for the Thanksgiving Festival, and time vanished in an instant.