Chapter 3-1 : Invitation From The Southern Land (part 3)
Should I sell the sword to him…?
Noticing me wondering, Father brought his face close to my ear and whispered.
「Kako, it’s your sword, so you decide. However, if by any chance you really, really don’t want to sell it, then you don’t have to. You can just say so.」(Elvent)
「Un.」(Kako)
「If it’s money that you want, I can always give you. You don’t have to sell it if you don’t want to.」(Elvent)
「Un…」(Kako)
He told me the same thing twice. Seems like he really doesn’t want to let go of that sword.
But, he said it himself. It’s my sword, so the decision is mine to make.
However, before deciding, there’s something I want to ask this person.
「Raykard-sama, before answering your question, would you mind if I ask you something?」(Kako)
「Of course. I’d be happy if I could give you the answer you want.」(Raykard)
「Umm… It may sound a bit rude to you, but Father told me about the weird rumor about you.」(Kako)
「Weird rumor? Ah, I see.」(Raykard)
「Forgive me, my lord, it just came into my mind when I was having a conversation with Kako.」(Elvent)
「Haha, it’s alright. I know that rumor too, and I’m aware that people call me ‘The Sword Breaker’. Lady Kako, do you ask about it because you’re worried I would break your sword?」(Raykard)
「Yes… Is it true that you always break your swords in battles…?」(Kako)
「Well, it is.」(Raykard)
He shrugged as he answered.
I thought he would deny it, but the rumor seems to be true.
「I do break my swords often in battles, but it’s not because I’m careless. I’m a trained swordsman who knows how to handle swords properly. The thing is, I fight on the sea against sea monsters, and seawater can cause corrosion and accelerate the rusting of weapons, especially swords. None of my swords last long, even though I always maintain them.」(Raykard)
「Corrosion… I see.」(Kako)
「The rumor is not completely true, then. People said that you broke your swords because you were sloppy, but it’s actually because of the seawater causing corrosion.」(Elvent)
「Well, I may be sloppy sometimes, but only when I do other things. I won’t make stupid mistakes when I hold a sword. The seawater really messed up my swords. Not just mine, in fact, my subordinates’ weapons sometimes break too.」(Raykard)
「I wonder who spread the rumor. I bet they were envious of your swordsmanship skills that they had done that.」(Kako)
「Haha, who knows? In any case, Lady Kako, the reason why I want your sword is that it’s different from the swords I’ve ever seen. I’m sure a magic sword as powerful as it will last much longer than other swordsー no, I think it will last forever!」(Raykard)
「It’s not that I don’t trust my own product, but how can you be so sure?」(Kako)
「Hmm, it’s hard to tell. I just knew. Probably thanks to my long experience as a swordsman. Anyway, would you sell the sword to me?」(Raykard)
「Umm…」(Kako)
I glanced at Father again. He looked so nervous. He swallowed anxiously as I saw a bead of sweat roll down his temple.
「How much are you willing to pay?」(Kako)
「How about the same amount as when I bid at the auction? The auction was cancelled because of those bandits, so I still have the money. Here it is.」(Raykard)
Saying that, he took out a huge leather bag from his magic bag and put it on the table.
If I’m not mistaken, he bid 3,500 gold coins for the sword, right? No wonder the bag looks so big.
Thinking that this big leather bag contains nothing but gold coins makes my merchant blood boil.
「Alright. I will sell the sword to you.」(Kako)
「Kako!?」(Elvent)
「Thank you, Lady Kako.」(Raykard)
Sorry, Father. I may be your daughter, but I’m also a merchant. There’s no way I would refuse this deal. Besides, I don’t want to keep relying on my parents’ money.
「Before we continue, I heard the rumor that your Quicksand Magic Sword had a sibling sword. Is that true?」(Raykard)
「Ah, yes. The Blizzard Magic Sword.」(Kako)
「Blizzard sword, huh? Can I see both of them?」(Raykard)
「Of course. Right, Father~?」(Kako)
「Eh? A, ahh, y-yes… Of course, of course… Marqise, can you bring the swords here?」(Elvent)
「Right away, my lord.」(Marqise)
Father looked somewhat reluctant, but he still asked Marqise to take the swords from the safe and bring them here.
Not long after he left, Marqise returned while holding two fancy-looking long cases. He then carefully put them on the table and opened them, revealing the Quicksand Magic Sword and the Blizzard Magic Sword inside.
「Whoaa… I’ve seen the quicksand one at the auction, but it’s the first time I’ve seen the blizzard one. Both of them look equally beautiful!」(Raykard)
「And they’re equally powerful too.」(Kako)
「I see. Ahh, seeing them side by side like this makes me want both of them.」(Raykard)
「Do you want to buy both then? I will give you a discount.」(Kako)
「Eeehhh!?」(Elvent)
Father suddenly made a loud noise when I offered Raykard-sama both the swords. He then quickly looked away and awkwardly covered his mouth with his hand when Raykard-sama shifted his gaze toward him.
「What’s the matter, Marquis Kushaq?」(Raykard)
「I, it’s nothing. Please don’t mind me. More importantly, my lord, will you buy… both…?」(Elvent)
「I’d love to, but unfortunately, I’m away from home and I don’t have much money right now. I can only buy one of them.」(Raykard)
「A, ahh! I see, I see! That’s too bad! Hahaha!」(Elvent)
He said, “Too bad”, but he looked happy.
Well, I know his feelings. He really wants to keep at least one sword as the family heirloom.
「I planned to buy the Quicksand Magic Sword at first, but… The Blizzard Magic Sword looks great too… Which one should I buy…? Hmm…」(Raykard)
Raykard-sama folded his arms and began to think while looking alternately at both swords. He then glanced at me.
「Lady Kako, as the seller, which one do you think suits me best?」(Raykard)
「Let’s see… They are both powerful against multiple enemies, but the Quicksand Magic Sword is more suitable for use on land. For someone who often fights on the sea like you, I think the Blizzard Magic Sword is the better choice here. It can freeze the seawater around you along with your enemies.」(Kako)
「Seems like we share the same thoughts. Alright, I’ll take the Blizzard Magic Sword for 3,500 gold coins then.」(Raykard)
「Deal.」(Kako)
We both stood up from our seats and shook hands.
「I really made a great purchase. Thank you, Lady Kako.」(Raykard)
「You’re welcome, Raykard-sama. It’s a pleasure doing business with you.」(Kako)
「The pleasure is mine. I hope we can continue our good business relationship.」(Raykard)
「Likewise. As a merchant, I couldn’t be happier to have a generous customer like you.」(Kako)
People who pay well are valuable customers to a merchant, especially when they come from a rich duke family.
With a beaming face, Raykard-sama put the Blizzard Magic Sword in his magic bag.
「Ahh~ I can’t wait to go home and test this sword out.」(Raykard)
「Are you going home soon?」(Kako)
「Yeah, I think so. Speaking of my home, Lady Kako, if you ever want to go on a trip, I recommend you go to the southern region where my family governs. We have the only port city in this country. It’s a large city where unique goods from overseas are frequently imported. You’re still young, but you’re a talented merchant, and I think you will find some goods that pique your interest there.」(Raykard)
「I heard about the port city too from Father.」(Kako)
「Oh? It’s not surprising that Marquis Kushaq has visited our home.」(Raykard)
「Haha, it’s a long time ago, but I still remember how beautiful the city was, and of course, the sea too.」(Elvent)
「I’m glad to hear that. However, not only the beautiful port city and the sea, but we also have exquisite accessories and ornaments made of coral and pearls by our local craftsmen. Lady Kako, I think a young lady like you will like them.」(Raykard)
「I see.」(Kako)
「And of course, you can’t forget our local food. We have a wide variety of delicious seafood.」(Raykard)
「Seafood!」(Kako)
That’s right! Where there is sea, there is seafood!
It’s been a long time since the last time I ate fresh seafood. I wonder if I can find a sushi restaurant there. Well, I doubt they have rice, though.
But… Tuna, salmon, squid, sea urchin, shrimp… Aahh~ Just imagining it makes me drool.
「Oh? Seems like Lady Kako is more interested in seafood than girls’ accessories.」(Raykard)
「Ahaha… I can’t deny it.」(Kako)
Does it show on my face? Ugh, it’s embarrassing…
I awkwardly shifted my gaze away and scratched my cheek with my index finger.
「Hahaha. I’m pretty sure you will like the seafood. Anyway, if you come to the southern region, please stop by the Balvin Family’s mansion. We will welcome you as an honored guest.」(Raykard)
「I will keep that in mind. Thank you very much.」(Kako)
I replied to him with a smile.
I was wondering where to go on my next adventure, but it seems like it’s pretty obvious now.
That’s right. I think I’m going to the south!
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