Volume 3 Chapter 5 To Those Who Can See
I couldn't see it.
Even though Rose was supposed to be right next to me, her movements were so fast that I couldn't catch them with my eyes.
Even I, who had witnessed the growth of the hero Dahlia up close, was taken aback by this unexpected speed.
She was definitely faster than before.
If I, who knew Rose's abilities, was this surprised, the people around us were even more astonished.
"W-when did that happen...?"
"Did she just stop Brue's sword with her bare hands...?"
Brue, who had also been able to block the sword, stood there speechless.
Eventually, it was as if time had started moving again, and he gasped in shock.
"W-what the hell are you...!? Where did you even come from!?"
"I thought it was dangerous to bring out swords just to argue, so I decided to stop it."
Even when Brue pulled his sword with all his might, he didn't budge because Rose was holding onto him.
Right after that, when Rose let go of the blade, Brue stumbled backward from the force.
Perhaps even more irritated by that, he glared at Rose and shouted angrily.
"This has nothing to do with you...! Outsiders shouldn't be butting in!"
"True, I am still an outsider, but the moment you harmed this girl, it became a matter between a criminal and an adventurer. One of the adventurer's jobs includes maintaining public order in town, so the moment you commit an assault, I will immediately restrain you and take you to the church."
"..."
Maybe it was because he realized Rose was an adventurer, but Brue lowered his sword.
Watching this from the side, I let out a big sigh of relief.
I was glad that things didn't seem to be getting worse.
While protecting Ms. Fran, Rose continued to try to persuade Brue.
"I understand you have your own circumstances, but swinging a sword at such a powerless girl is going too far, even if you're angry. Let's calm down and talk this through."
"Huh? What are you saying!?"
...This is bad.
I thought things were about to get complicated, so I quickly jumped into the conversation.
"Anyway! Let's stop the violence! I'm sorry to say something presumptuous, but the one who hired this kid is the workshop manager here, right? If that's the case, I think it's better to consult with that person before deciding whether to fire them..."
Maybe it was because I jumped in when it didn't concern me, but Brue looked visibly angry.
However, instead of shouting in anger, he responded in a calm tone.
"Talking to that 'old hag' is pointless. She has no intention of letting this kid go."
"...So, the workshop manager is a woman?"
"That old hag must have known from the start that this dullard has no talent. Yet, wanting to play the good person, she brought them into the workshop for no reason! So, I'll take it upon myself to show them the way out. No matter how much they dream, you can't attract customers with just ideals! If they could actually bring in customers, I might let them stay in the workshop, but with those skills, they can't run a proper business."
"..."
Ms. Fran was scolded again, her shoulders drooping in disappointment.
Brue continued to pressure Ms. Fran with words that felt like threats.
"Besides, that old hag will probably kick the bucket soon. It's only a matter of time before I officially become the workshop manager here. When that happens, the first thing I'll do is kick you out of the workshop. Either way, you have no place here, Ms. Fran. ...No, Flax Ran."
"Flax?"
I gasped in surprise at the full name that slipped out of Brue's mouth.
Flax Ran.
That was a name I had just heard...
No, just seen.
Is Ms. Fran just a nickname? I turned back to Ms. Fran, who was behind me, in shock.
"Is your real name Flax?"
"Y-yes. That's correct..."
"Then that worn-out sword sold at the weapon shop in the West District, with the name 'Flax' engraved on it──could it be that you...?"
"I did sell something I forged at another workshop once, to cover living expenses. It didn't fetch much, though..."
I quickly picked up the sword that Ms. Fran had dropped at my feet.
It was a worn-out sword that couldn't be called well-made by any stretch of the imagination.
I stared at it closely and quietly smiled.
Indeed, anyone could see that this was a poorly made sword.
I thought the same just by glancing at it.
But...
"...It's a good sword."
"Eh?"
Right after that, I shifted my gaze from the sword to Ms. Fran.
Although I felt a bit guilty, I focused on Ms. Fran's head and turned my doubts into certainty.
"I'd like to request you, Ms. Fran."
"Huh!?"
"I want to ask Ms. Fran to make weapons for my friends. If it's like this, I don't think anyone would complain about you staying in this workshop, right?"
"..."
This was something Brue himself had said earlier.
If he had the skill to attract customers, he could let them stay in the workshop.
So, since I, as a customer, had made a request, he shouldn't be able to force Ms. Fran to quit.
My proposal seemed to surprise the surrounding blacksmiths, who murmured in astonishment.
Brue, too, widened his eyes in disbelief, his voice trembling.
"Are you out of your mind...?"
"Yes."
"You're going to request Ms. Fran in my workshop...! Are you saying her skills are better than mine!?"
"Certainly, I think the sword you have is quite a piece of work. But I was strongly drawn to the sword that Ms. Fran made. I really want Ms. Fran to take on the weapon-making request."
"──!?"
Brue bit his lip in frustration.
He must have felt humiliated in front of everyone, his pride hurt.
A customer had chosen Ms. Fran, whom he thought was inferior to him, right in front of many blacksmiths.
Then, with his eyes still closed, Brue let out a small voice filled with anger.
"Hah, if you're going that far, then prove it. Show me that her sword is better than mine...!"
"...?"
"Three weeks from now, an 'Auction' specializing in weapons and armor will be held in Pailight's town. It's a big stage for the local Blacksmiths. You should put something up for sale there too, Ms. Fran."
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