As expected, this commercial district was also brightly decorated for the Royal Swordsmanship Tournament, bustling with many street stalls and people. In contrast, Red-Winged Bat, tucked away in a quiet corner of the commercial area, remained eerily silent, untouched by the festival’s vibrant colors, giving it a lonely atmosphere.

“Are you there, Eisel?”

Upon entering, the silence became even more pronounced. No one was at the counter, and the craftsmen who had been working tirelessly for today’s festival were, for once, taking a break—likely enjoying the festivities. Throughout the main square and the streets leading here, sculptures and ornaments were on display, all handmade by the craftsmen of this shop, greatly contributing to the festival’s atmosphere.

“Oh, you came.”

Although the shop appeared closed at first glance, the owner soon emerged from the back forge. The dwarf with a perpetually stern expression looked even more haggard than usual, as if he hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep in days.

“...Are you okay?”

Noticing how much worse Eisel looked compared to three days ago, I couldn’t help but ask. However, the dwarf grinned crookedly, as if to declare himself in peak condition.

“Gahaha... No problem. In fact, I’ve never felt better!”

“If you say so—Whoa!”

With that, he set down a long, cloth-wrapped bundle on the counter with a heavy thud. There was no need to ask what it was.

“Here it is. I did my best to make it perfect… but take a look for yourself. See how it feels in your hands.”

“Ah, yeah...”

Eisel’s suspicious grin remained, making him look like a smuggler dealing in illicit goods.

—Hey, cut that out. Two shady-looking guys standing together like this is a serious crime scene waiting to happen.

Sure enough, Freesia was watching us with a doubtful expression. Please don’t call the guards, okay? I swear, it’s nothing shady… really!

Feeling a bit nervous that she might suddenly dash out and summon the city watch, I carefully unwrapped the cloth bundle on the counter. But even the reserved duchess beside me seemed interested in the craftsmanship of the sword… Also, you're too close—give me some space.

“—Ah…”

Even as I subtly created some distance, I gasped at the revealed blade.

If I had to describe this sword in one word, it would be “simple.” There was no excessive ornamentation—just pure refinement. A blade designed solely for its purpose. The deep crimson-black steel, the simple yet subtly dragon-fang-like guard, all spoke of a craftsman’s playful touch.

It resonated with me. For a moment, nothing else mattered except the sword before me.

“Hah, what’s there to hesitate about? That’s your sword. Go ahead and pick it up.”

“...!”

It was a work of art—so delicate that touching it felt like it might shatter—yet…

When I gripped the hilt with hesitant fingers, those worries vanished. It had an overwhelming presence.

—This is incredible…

“It fits like an extension of my hand…”

The weight, the balance, the grip—it all felt so natural, as if the sword had always belonged to me, as if I had wielded it for years.

“Of course it does. That sword was made just for you. I followed your exact specifications. That blade can slay the seven dragons that look down upon this world… Its name is—”

For Eisel, the sword’s perfect fit wasn’t surprising at all. To him, it was only natural.

“—Dragon-Slaying Blade, Shadow Splitter.”

“Shadow Splitter…”

The name sent a chill through me. It made perfect sense—an image of cutting through ominous shadows. I hadn’t tested it yet, but I had no doubt… with this sword, perhaps even a dragon could—

“‘Do you like it?’—Well, that would be a stupid question.”

“Yeah. I love it. It’s perfect, Eisel.”

Until now, I had never cared much about weapons. As long as a blade could cut my enemies, that was enough. But after seeing and holding something like this, my perspective had changed.

“It’s beautiful…”

Beside me, Freesia murmured in awe.

“Want to hold it?”

“Eh, can I…?”

She looked uncertain, but the way she had been staring at it made it impossible not to offer.

“Yeah.”

As I nodded, she hesitantly reached out and grasped Shadow Splitter.

“...This is way too heavy.”

“Really? It feels just right to me.”

“Well, it is your sword, after all…”

Freesia struggled slightly as she lifted the blade. She usually preferred lighter, more agile swords, so to her, mine must have felt particularly heavy. As she carefully set it back down on the counter, Eisel spoke to clear up her confusion.

“The young lady is right. This sword is heavier than most. After all, it’s made from the core of an Adamantine Golem, second only to dragons in hardness, infused with Claym’s blood and magic. The steel used in this blade is among the hardest in the world—capable of cutting through not just dragon scales, but their very flesh and bone.”

“I see…”

Freesia nodded in understanding.

Even hearing it again, it was ridiculous. The main materials alone were absurdly rare, and many other components had gone into the sword as well. When Eisel had told me that a single blade like this was worth more than a grand mansion—no, a small country’s national budget—I had nearly fainted.

—I can’t believe Father agreed to this…

Despite clearly exceeding the original budget, Zeke had happily provided additional funding without a word of complaint.

It was unthinkable. Perhaps my years of being a selfless, undemanding son had finally paid off… But still, this was way too extravagant. Feeling uneasy, I glanced at Eisel, who spoke with a satisfied expression.

“I pulled ten all-nighters for this, but it was worth it. This is the finest blade I’ve ever crafted. I’m grateful to you, Claym.”

“No, I should be the one thanking you… I don’t even know how to express it… Wait, TEN days without sleep?! Get some rest! You’ll die!!”

His words made my eyes go wide. The other craftsmen had told me he hadn’t been sleeping, but I hadn’t realized it was this extreme. Seeing my reaction, Eisel simply laughed.

“Wahaha! A mere ten days without sleep won’t kill me!”

...No, I think it might. He was visibly swaying, his body struggling to stay upright. But knowing his kind—one of those insane, legendary craftsmen—I doubted anything I said would change his mind.

“Well, whatever. Seriously, thank you, Eisel. I don’t know if I’ll be able to ‘treasure’ it properly, but I’ll use it with everything I’ve got.”

“Hell yeah! Use it all you want, and if it breaks, bring it back! I’ll fix it up good as new!”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

We shook hands, and I slid the blade into the luxurious scabbard that came with it.

Leaving Red-Winged Bat behind, we realized the Swordsmanship Tournament was about to begin.

“We should hurry.”

“Yeah!”

Alice and the others were probably already at the arena.