Lord Of High Manor

"Ah… Yes, that's right. If you want it repaired, I can do it, but I wouldn't recommend it."

Tardan spoke to Iris with a kind smile, careful not to seem like an unscrupulous smithy owner who refuses repairs just to push new sales.

"Nia, I think it would be better to buy a new weapon." Iris said.

"Ugh… I spent 15 gold coins on it, it's such a waste."

Nia replied with regret, resting a hand on the broken spear blade.

"Oh dear, 15 gold coins is a bit much, isn't it? Where did you buy it? It doesn't look like dwarf craftsmanship… and it's not from our shop either. Since I make all the weapons in this smithy myself, I'd recognize any spear that's passed through my hands." Tardan said.

"I bought it from a tall human with long hair on that street. I don't remember the name." Nia answered.

"The street… So, you bought it from a wandering weapons merchant. For something from a wandering merchant, the quality isn't bad, but you still overpaid. I've lived as a wandering weapons merchant for a long time, so I know them well. Most of them have a way with words that outshines the quality of their goods." Tardan explained.

"Is that so?" Nia said, looking at Tardan with a gloomy expression and eyes.

"Ah… Well, even for something from a wandering merchant… 15 gold coins for this is just a tiny bit… a very tiny bit overpriced. Hahaha…"

Tardan backtracked, feeling the critique might have been too harsh, followed by a weak laugh.

"Then, take a look around! These are all handmade by me. If there's a specific weapon you're looking for, please let me know." Tardan offered.

"Alright." Nia responded.

"If you're thinking of buying another Boar Spear, we have a couple here. They're over there on the wall display." Tardan said, kneeling to Nia's eye level and pointing to the spears in the shop's corner.

"Hmm… I'm not sure."

Nia murmured, walking slowly through the smithy with a downturned mouth and furrowed brows.

"What about a weapon that can be used in tight spaces, Nia?"

Iris suggested, approaching Nia.

"Oh, the lady knight here is your master, right? As your master says, shall I show you some weapons suitable for narrow spaces?" Tardan asked, noticing Nia's expression brighten.

"Please do." Nia replied.

"Then, please wait a moment over there."

Tardan said, gesturing to the chairs and square table near the entrance before heading lightly toward the weapon display.

Inside the smithy, darker than the entrance, long swords and their brown sheaths lined the walls of the corridor-like structure on fixed shelves, lit by small oil lamps.

Clang. Bang. Clatter—

"Ooh! I forgot to move this. I was sure I'd put it away yesterday… Heh heh." Tardan chuckled as a wooden shield with a metal rim tripped him, clattering to the floor.

Rubbing a shin, Tardan picked up the shield, set it beside the display, and examined the weapons. Several short swords, a mace with a round metal ball, and other weapons were brought to the table in front of Nia's chair.

"There are a few more. Please wait a little longer." Tardan said, returning to the smithy's inner section.

This time, Tardan checked the opposite wall, opening large wooden boxes and tall cabinets to find a weapon for the small customer waiting.

"It's almost ready. I have a very well-made short sword from before, with excellent craftsmanship and a sturdy blade… I planned to display it prominently once the other swords sold… but I can't remember where I put it, which is a problem."

Tardan called out louder than usual to Nia while searching storage compartments.

"Take your time. I'll try out the weapons you've brought here."

Nia replied, picking up and examining the swords, axes, and blunt weapons on the table.

Later, Tardan returned with two short swords in leather sheaths, placing them on the table. A cloth from a pocket was used to wipe each weapon, arranging them for Nia to handle easily.

"Is there anything you like?" Tardan asked as Nia inspected the blade of the last short sword brought.

"Hmm… I'm not sure. The sword is too short."

Nia said, lifting the blade toward the ceiling to check its length, looking unsatisfied.

"Well… for a weapon to be used in narrow spaces like low-ceilinged rooms, cave passages, or stairs, it needs to be short." Tardan explained.

"Ugh… It's so short… It feels weird."

Nia said, swinging a small axe with a handle just over a handspan long.

"Hmm… Then, how about trying something a bit unconventional? I have a few experimental pieces I made in this smithy…" Tardan suggested.

The deliberation might stretch until sunset. From years in business, Tardan knew a customer's eyes light up differently when holding a weapon they like—handling it carefully, as if it's already theirs, often without haggling. Capturing those cues to open a customer's purse was a skill Tardan prided on.

Thus, instinct told Tardan that for this red-scaled customer, an ordinary well-made weapon wouldn't do. It has to be unique. A weapon unlike any this customer has seen before, Tardan thought.

"Um… Please do." Nia said.

"Then, please wait here for a moment. I'll be right back." Tardan replied, gathering the table's weapons and heading to the smithy's corner.

Time passed. The rain outside weakened, the cloudy sky cleared, and sunlight filtered through the smithy's small windows. On the table before Nia, unique-shaped weapons now sat.

"What do you think! Shall I explain each one?" Tardan asked.

"Please do!" Nia exclaimed.

"(Oh? There's a weapon here that caught your eye. Let's see which one it is.) Then, let's start with this Quad Edge Shortsword."

Tardan said confidently, picking up the sword with a smile.

It was an unusual sword, two blades crossed in a cross shape.

"As you can see, it's a sword with four blades. So, rather than thrusting, it's better for swinging and cutting. With two thick blades, its weight delivers significant power, even against iron plates or chains." Tardan explained.

"Oooh…"

Nia watched intently with wide eyes as Tardan twirled the blade.

"Try holding it yourself. Despite its rough appearance, it's well-balanced and the blade is sharp."

Tardan said, handing it over handle-first.

"I'll try it." Nia said, stepping away to swing it.

Whoosh whoosh. The sword cut through the air. After swinging it in various directions, Nia rotated it with a wrist flick and set it back on the table.

"I want to try the other weapons too." Nia said.

"Yes, feel free to try them. (Hmm… Doesn't seem too keen on the Quad Edge…)" Tardan noted.

Nia picked up a spear-shaped weapon next. Unlike a regular spear, it had no shaft—just a long handle directly attached to the spearhead. The spearhead and handle were equal in length, forming a short spear-like weapon.

"What do you think? It's called a Half Spear, combining a sword and a spear. It's short enough to wield indoors without issues, and you can even throw it if needed." Tardan said.

"Oooh, I like this."

Nia's expression brightened while alternating between wielding the half spear in one hand and both hands.

Not missing the change in Nia's expression, Tardan continued his explanation about the spear

"Although it's short, the blade is large, so even those used to swords can adapt quickly. Hold the upper handle for a short sword feel, the middle for a regular sword, or the end for a long sword's length—it won't feel too short. The three grip spots are wrapped with fabric from giant spider webs, tough and durable, so your hands won't chafe."

"I like it. This spear's mine." Nia declared, eager to buy it.

Tardan beamed, thinking of sheath leather options and the price.

"I'm glad you recognize this weapon's true value. It seems you intend to buy it…"

"Yes, I'll buy it. How much?" Nia asked.

"Oh, you're buying it. Well… It's a bit more expensive than regular weapons. More than the Boar Spear you brought… Um… About 20 gold coins…"

"Ugh! Give me a discount!" Nia exclaimed.

"It's too expensive." Iris added simultaneously.

Tardan maintained a smile.

"(Now, it's time for negotiation.) Please listen to me, both of you."