The next day, I headed to the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky forge.
"Good morning, Alan-san."
"Hm? Oh, Orun! Morning. Here for the swords, right? Wait a sec."
Noticing me, Alan-san disappeared into the back and returned with two sheathed swords of different lengths.
"Check them out. The longer one has the same shape, weight, and balance as that black sword from before."
I took the swords and inspected each one carefully.
The long sword had a lead-colored blade, but everything else was almost identical to Schwarzhaese. Even with different materials, the similarity was impressive. Alan-san's skill really was incredible.
The shorter sword was about half the length, yet it fit my hand perfectly with no discomfort at all.
These weapons had been remade specifically for the martial arts tournament. Weapons were allowed in the event, but any edged blades had to be blunted according to the rules. These two met all the requirements.
After testing how they felt, I sheathed them again.
Sheathing swords... It had been a while since I had last sheathed one. I had not needed to do it since I got the storage tool.
In ancient times, sheathing was standard, but these days it was rare thanks to storage magic tools. Sheaths prevented accidental injuries while carrying the weapons and helped keep the blades sharp. The storage tool solved both problems without adding any bulk.
Because of that, almost no one used sheaths anymore. But the tournament banned magic tools, so sheaths were required.
"As always, they feel unbelievably natural," I said.
"We keep order data for all our members and use it as a reference for updates. Old data loses accuracy, so we re-measure often."
That made sense. Then I asked, "Do you have data for the rookies in the Tenth Squad?"
"Yeah, I have it. I measured them right before the instructional dive."
"Two months old should still be fine. In that case, I'd like to order weapons for the three members of the Tenth Squad. Is that possible?"
"I can do it, but the cost would normally come from their squad funds. Not trying to be rude, but that limits the material quality."
"No, I'll cover it personally. Management already approved it. Any materials ordered before they officially joined are on me. Please use the best we have—the remaining black dragon scales and deep-layer materials. I want top-quality weapons."
I knew this risked accusations of favoritism from the others. But I would not budge on this.
They had suffered a crushing defeat yet refused to give up. They were training harder than ever. Seeing that made me want to support them. As their master, I felt it was my duty to protect and help them.
"Management approved it, so that's fine. Got it. Leave the materials here. The festival has slowed things down, so we'll have time to work. Should be finished around the end of the festival. I'll contact you when they're done."
No exploration until the festival ended. That timing worked perfectly.
"Understood. Thank you."
"Sure thing. Since you're using sheaths now, you'll need sword belts too, right?"
Sword belts were used to strap swords at the waist. Leather was standard, but since these were only for the tournament, cloth might work just as well.
"Yeah. I've never needed one before. I was thinking of going to the tailoring department."
"Good call. We could make the belts here, but with time to spare, custom work would be better. The tournament carries the clan's prestige, so go for top quality. The tailoring team is pretty idle right now, so they'll prioritize it."
The tailoring workshop was not in Tsutorail. It was in the neighboring town of Farila, a few hours away by carriage. Regular carriages ran between the towns, so it was easy to reach.
I had no rush today. I could finish my paperwork and head over tomorrow.
"Thanks for the advice. I'll visit the tailoring shop tomorrow."
◇
"Hey, Orun! What are you doing here?"
The next day at the carriage stop for Farila, Will suddenly appeared.
"Will...? Oh yeah, you said you'd be away for a few days."
I was surprised at first, but then I remembered his schedule and understood.
"Yeah. No exploration right now, so I figured I'd visit my family."
Family, huh...
"Oh, the carriage is here. Let's go."
We paid the driver and boarded.
"Where are you headed, Orun?" Will asked as the carriage began to rock along the road.
"Farila. I'm ordering sword belts and uniforms from the tailoring shop."
"Uniforms? Changing the design?"
Most people would probably assume they were for me.
"No, not mine. They're for the Tenth Squad. They cleared the 30th floor, so they're graduating from rookie status. I thought I'd give them new uniforms as a celebration gift."
"Damn... You're a thoughtful master."
"It's not a big deal. Mostly for my own satisfaction. The designs are still undecided. I was just planning to consult with them..."
Yeah. I had decided to gift the uniforms, but I had not figured out the designs yet. I was strictly function-first and had zero fashion sense, so nothing came to mind.
"Designs, huh... Why not base them on your coat?"
"...Mine?"
"Yeah. I have a little brother who copies everything I do. I gave him my old crest-less uniform and he was thrilled. The Tenth Squad is really attached to you. Something similar might make them happy."
My coat as the motif...
It felt a little embarrassing, but they did seem fond of me. I had no better ideas anyway, so it was worth considering.
"Thanks, Will. An image is starting to form."
"No problem."
◇
Our casual conversation passed the time, and before long we arrived in Farila.
The town felt completely different from Tsutorail. It had lush nature and a relaxed, livable vibe.
"First time here. It feels nice and peaceful."
"Glad you think so. Perfect escape from the city noise, right?"
Will, who had gotten off with me, spoke with clear pride.
His family home was in Farila, so he guided me straight to the tailoring building.
"Here we are."
It was noticeably larger than most buildings in town, which made sense for a major clan facility.
"Thanks for escorting me, even on your homecoming."
"Don't sweat it. Heading back today? Feel free to stay the night if you want. My family would love to have you."
"...I appreciate the offer, but I have things to handle back home. Thanks for the thought."
Intruding on family time as an outsider did not feel right. Plus, seeing that kind of family warmth might not sit well with me right now.
"Fair enough. If you change your mind, just come by. You're always welcome."
"Yeah, thanks."
Will headed off toward his family home.
"Hello."
When I entered the shop alone, a girl around ten years old was sitting at the counter, focused on sewing. She seemed to be the receptionist.
She was so absorbed in her work that she did not notice me at all.
"Hm? Wah—sorry! I was so focused I didn't even see you! Did you wait long!?"
The moment she noticed me, her intense concentration vanished and she switched to energetic, age-appropriate behavior.
"I just arrived. No wait at all. Nice to meet you. I'm Orun. I had an appointment. Did they let you know I was coming?"
"Um, um—nice to meet you! I'm Marsha! Orun-san, right? One second!"
She was flustered but still polite. Marsha rushed to the back.
"Mom! Orun-san's here—!"
Her loud voice carried clearly from the back room.
Hmm... A quieter announcement might have been better. I did not mind, but some customers probably would. Still, they must have known I was coming, so they had her at the front.
I was lost in thought when a woman appeared from the back.
Seeing me, she said, "You're Orun-kun. Nice to meet you. I'm Glenda Barnett, head of tailoring. The head office let us know. We'll start with measurements right away. This way, please?"
"Understood. Thank you."
I followed Glenda deeper into the shop.
◇
"Done. Measurements are complete."
In the fitting room, she had measured me quickly and efficiently. Her skill made the process fast.
"Ah, thank you."
"You're welcome. Belts first, right?"
"Yes. Long sword on the left waist, short sword horizontal across the back waist. Short handle on the left side, please."
As I spoke, I manifested the two swords Alan-san had given me the day before.
"Oh? Dual swords. You're quite dexterous."
Glenda sounded impressed.
"The short one is a backup. I mainly use the long sword."
"Hmm. Got it. I'll hold onto these and send the belt with them. It should take two or three days."
"Three days...? That's fast."
"Hehe. We're tailoring pros. It's a slow season and the head office prioritized your order. When it arrives, try it on. If anything feels uncomfortable, let me know and we'll adjust it."
"Understood. Also, since it's slow right now, would you accept a personal order?"
"Depends on what it is, but generally yes. What do you need?"
"Three uniforms."
"Uniforms? Spares?"
I gave her the same explanation I had given Will.
"I see. That's lovely! I'd be happy to make them!"
Glenda's eyes sparkled as she accepted.
...She had a surprisingly childish reaction for a mother in her thirties. Without knowing her age, I never would have guessed.
"Thanks. But... the designs are still undecided."
"Oh? Do you have any image in mind?"
"Yeah... I was thinking of using my coat as the motif."
"Master to disciples. That makes sense. A coat motif is a good idea. Would you mind if I design them?"
"Sure. I have no fashion sense at all, so I'll leave it to the professional."
"Got it. Can I ask about their personalities and preferences?"
She fired off a barrage of questions. I answered as best I could while picturing Sophia, Carol, and Log.
"Yeah. An image is forming. You can start after the belts are done."
"Understood. Thank you."
"One more thing. Your disciples are a trio party right now?"
"Yeah. I'm planning to add someone soon, but it's hard to find the right fit..."
"Really? It feels like you already have a candidate in mind."
...She was sharp.
I had not thought I was being that obvious.
"Yeah... Someone to fill the gaps. But she's already in another party, so it's hard to poach her. She has her own circumstances. Her strength would also unbalance the current three."
"Hmm... Hey, is it—?"
With almost no hints, she named exactly who I had in mind.
"...How did you know?"
"Woman's intuition. I'll make hers too. Since she's not a disciple yet, I'll make slight changes to the design."
Glenda suddenly went into full work mode.
"N-no, she won't join...! It would be a waste!"
"We're idle right now anyway, so no charge. Let me do it?"
"...If you really want to, I won't stop you. But I'll pay the regular price."
"Oh, how generous."
"They're clan materials, right? I have to pay properly."
"True executive material. Responsible as always. Fine, full price it is."
"Thanks. I'll leave the belts and uniforms to you."
"Leave it to me. —Wait."
As I was about to leave, Glenda stopped me.
"Yes?"
"This might be nosy, but please get proper sleep."
"—!"
Her observation caught me off guard. No one had ever called me out on my sleep deprivation before.
Lately I had been getting very little sleep. It was not insomnia. I just stayed up late handling tasks.
"I'm fine. I'm managing my health. I won't collapse."
"There are rumors that you're exceptional. Still, everyone has limits. The tournament is coming. For the sake of the clan, you need to be in top form."
"...That stings. I know. I'll make sure I get proper sleep before the tournament so I'm in full condition."
"Good. That's enough. Sorry for meddling."
"No, I appreciate the concern. I'll be going now."
That said, my lifestyle would probably continue for a while longer. But I could not afford to compromise.
I never wanted to feel that way again.
The next two weeks flew by in a blur of busy festival preparations.