The minor disturbance had rendered the atmosphere within the household somewhat somber, the eaves no longer echoed with joy and laughter. The several servants in the house also keenly sensed the shift in mood, with even Marita showing extra caution.
After dinner, as night fell, Antonio led Winters into the study, claiming there was something he needed to give him.
Winters had thought that Antonio was simply making an excuse to call him over and avoid Vineta, but Antonio did indeed find a box and, after opening three nested wooden cases, handed a sheathed sword to Winters.
"This sword of yours is too..." Winters racked his brain for a long time, but couldn't come up with a complimentary adjective, "...tacky, isn't it?"
The design of the sword was that of a typical single-handed ceremonial sword, somewhat resembling the Swift Sword, but it was shorter and lighter. However, the emphasis of this sword was not on its blade, but on its hilt and scabbard.
