Chapter 228 (1/2)

And so, the shop that they were guided to, was a store that a fair amount of spaciousness to it. That being said, only when compared to the other shops……it was at that level.

Within the store that had a simple signboard that said “Sharl’s Second Shop”, the merchandise was tightly lined up.

「Alーright, and so, here is the Norm artisan, Sharl-san. She is normally a super shut-in that doesn’t leave the South, but that’s pretty much how it is for artisans, isn’t itー. That’s why this is super rare.」

「I’ll send you flying. Since today is the first day of tourism, isn’t it obvious that I’d come.」

The one who was saying that while glaring at Moka was a single young Norm girl.

Wearing thick overalls, the young girl had a childishness that made them think that she could only be an apprentice, but the Sylphids knew that the women of the race who possessed very similar characteristics as the Norm──that the women of the Metalio were also like that.

「Well, welcome. Although I can’t sell you any weapons or armor, I’m up for discussion on the other stuff. I won’t be able to sell you something depending on what it is though, so be careful of that.」

「What do you mean “depending on what it is”……?」

「Stuff like Holy Silver goods I guess. The production amount of that stuff is small so it’s precious. There was an order given to us saying to not let it flow out to other nations all that much. So please give up on that sort of stuff.」

Nodding with an “I see”, the Sylphids started going around and looking inside of the shop.

After the group of Sylphids started walking within the store that wasn’t all that spacious, immediately feeling that it was tight and thinking that it was suffocating, Moka quickly evacuated to the outside of the store.

「Mu, this sword is……May I take a look at it?」

「Even though I said that I wouldn’t sell it to you, looks like you’re still interested in it, huhー. Go ahead.」

This was so that he could see what to expect once the ban on trade was lifted in the future, but there was no need for him to expressly say that here and now.

After the Sylphid man took the sword that was placed on the wall, he turned it over several times and checked its design.

Judging from its looks, it was a normal sword not meant for Magic Sword use. Even the jewel that was fitted into the handle wasn’t a Magic Stone.

Nevertheless, its overall decoration was wonderful, and even its scabbard was given decorations to give it a sense of unity to make it seem like it was prepared only for the sake of that sword.

「Fu……mu. May I also try drawing it?」

「That’s fineー. Don’t go swinging it around, got it?」

「I understand.」

Obtaining permission, the Sylphid man drew the sword.

Making a clear *shan* sound as it was drawn from its scabbard, the sword emitted a beautiful steel blue radiance. The sword blade that was like a polished mirror was beautiful, however, he could tell that it was an iron sword that didn’t use even a single bit of special materials. It also had a fair amount of weight to it, and he couldn’t really say that it was a top quality good as a sword to be practically used.

Even so, if this sword were to be lined up at the storefront, there would surely be many who would want it.

For example, it would be good enough for a rookie Adventurer to have, and a knight could use it as a decorative item at their home. That is how much the craftsmanship applied to it was worth. Rather, the demand for display use might be higher.

……Having thought that far, the Sylphid man came to a realization.

「Could it be, this is a sword for ceremonial use, or maybe display use……isn’t it?」

「Correct. My place is a decoration shop after all. Although I do have weapons and armor too, they’re all goods not meant for practical use.」

All of the weapons and armor in this shop were like that. They were weapons and armor for decoration, and not a single one was for practical use.

They were things for the sake of the Mazoku who started to awaken to the hobby of decorating their homes with weapons and armor recently.

「So it’s a decoration. I see……」

After storing the sword in its sheath, the Sylphid man nodded in understanding.

The culture of decorating with weapons and armor had widely taken root in mankind’s territory. There were some decorated with masterpieces with the reason of wanting to boast, and there were also some who did it simply because they enjoyed it. Originally, many ceremonial use arms would have beautiful designs, and they possessed plenty of value to be used as decoration.

「If it’s an ornament……As part of the culture, it might eventually be added as goods that would become a temporary bridge between our countries, wouldn’t it?」

「Who knows. It’s not something for me to decide anyway.」

Saying “indeed” while laughing, the Sylphid man returned the sword to the wall.

Even if it was just to learn about this sword, there was value in coming here……is what the man thought.