—At the guild’s doors, Leif had spotted Hilda and Sif in the armoury across the road.

“OH! Look over there, the rest of our party. Let’s go talk to them.”

I’d rather avoid it after discovering how useless I am, and Leif seems to have a big mouth, so he’ll talk about it and embarrass me for sure…

“HEY, HEY, OVER HERE, HEY HILDA, SIF, HERE.”

Man, he’s so loud.

“I don’t think they can hear us. Let’s get in. I need to ask them for something.”

I had barely met them, especially Hilda. I had only heard her speak once, so I didn’t know anything about her whatsoever nor her personality, but she looked ecstatic as she inspected the weaponry on exhibit.

“Is there any reason why Hilda looks so happy right now?”

“Oh her, don’t mind her. Our grandfather was a blacksmith, and she’s always been obsessed with the craft. She could spend all day looking and talking about weapons.”

“Really? Her axe, on the other hand, appeared to be fairly old. I’d think a weapon geek would have something more... noteworthy?”

“Oh yeah, don’t mention it, or she’ll break your neck. That was Grandpa’s final work before he died of the white scourge, and it was made of frost steel. It’s hard to find the raw material to repair it.”

“Oh, okay, I won’t bring it up then.”

“SIF, SIF, LOOK AT THIS ONE. Its balance is a bit forward, but it’s a light blade, so it makes it SOOO comfortable to swing. Look at its bendability too. How does one manage to smith such a fine weapon with elvish iron, and the engraving on the fuller, W. T.? I’ve never heard of him. It seems weird someone so skilful would go under my radar.”

Sif didn’t appear to be especially interested in the subject but still paid attention to Hilda’s words.

“HEY, MISTER SMITH, where did you get this sword?”

“It was brought back from an excursion a while back by some adventurers. Are you interested, kiddo? That goes for 5000 aurei. But since it’s been months, and no one wants it, it’s yours for 4500.”

“Oh no, we don’t have that kind of money to spend on this, but could you tell me who’s W. T.?”

“Buy something, and I’ll tell you.”

“DON’T BE THAT WAY, PLEASEEEE.”

“I’m not talking.”

“Hmmm, OH HEY, LEIF AND CLAY ARE HERE.”

“HEY SIF, didn’t Leif mention Clay would join the party, and I didn’t see any weapon on him…

So, shouldn’t we buy him a sword?”

“First and foremost, I haven’t decided whether or not he’ll be in. I need to learn more about him first.”

“Very kind, but I don’t need that sword, Hilda.”

“Oh no, not this, this is useless. It’s just a marvel of smithing, but for fighting, elvish iron is trash.”

“But any purchase would work for you to tell us about W.T. right, mister smith?”

“My name is Gerald, but sure, just buy something. I’ll tell you all I know, and you piss off already. I don’t like customers like you just window shopping.”

“See?

Cmon, Sif, he’s in desperate need of a sword. This sword here is only 800 aurei.”

DESPERATE??

“What if he’s a sorcerer?”

…

Too early for this man. The wound is still wide open.

“Oh, don’t worry about it. I don’t like magic.”

“Weren’t you excited about magic before discovering that you had no affinity for it?”

Thanks a lot, Leif…

I can see them judging me… Sif especially looks so displeased.

“Alright, sure, then get the sword.”

“Pleasure to do business with you, lovely lady.”

“Quit flattering me. Now tell her what was asking for,” Said Sif.

“Oh, that hunk of garbage. All I know is that it came from the Frozen waste. That’s all.”

“YOU MADE US PAY 750 AUREI JUST FOR THIS?”

“And for the sword, didn’t you say it was for Clay?”

“I DON’T CARE FOR THAT FAILED SORCERER. I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT W. T., BUT THIS SMITH IS USELESS.”

Augh…

WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER? IS SOCIAL AWARENESS OUT OF STYLE IN THIS WORLD?? I’M A GRIEVING MAN ALL MY WISHES AND DREAMS HAVE JUST DIED AND I’M BEING CALLED A FAILURE.

“Hey, don’t take it out with me. I’m running a business here, and it’s not my fault the adventure didn’t tell me more.”

“THAT’S IT, I’M GONNA STRANGLE YOU.”

“Woah Woah, alright lady, I can tell you about the adventurer.

As I recall, he was dressed in a black robe and had a crimson staff. He looked around your age, handsome face with long blonde hair.

It’s been almost a year since he was here. It will be difficult to locate him.”

Great, a sorcerer… cuck.

“Thank you very much, smith.

Let’s go look for him.”

“You know we have something to do, Hilda? After that, we’ll see about it.

And now we’re all out of Aureus once more. We should look for a quest and see what Clay can do like this.”

“Can we do a quest that doesn’t involve killing for my first? I’m not really used to it, and I don’t think I’m ready for it after before.”

“Hey, beat it, kids. This shop isn’t your meeting room. Go talk about it outside.”

“Sorry, sir.” x4

“So what’s that about earlier? What happened Leif?”

“Oh, don’t worry, nothing serious, but I found this four-party member emblem, so I’ve saved us some money!!”

“Okay...? Hand it over.

Great though, you found a wimp, Leif. Tell me again, why did you invite him? And couldn’t you tell us this before we spent all our aurei on you?

Well, whatever now, let’s go to the guild and check the quest board.”

“I think I spotted a few low-rank quests on the board before when you got the second half of our reward,” Hilda replied.

“Alright, then we can try it. It should get you acquainted with the fundamentals, but I’ll have to train you how to handle your sword today, so we’ll head to the training area after lunch and train until night.”

Is she insane?? DOES SHE NOT SEE THE STATE OF ME? I’M GOING TO DIE IF I TRAIN SO MUCH.