Still at the market, Gallus had made me recall something.
Since my encounter with Perses as about two months ago to the day, I've been trying to make a sword better suited for combat. But not just any sword, I planned to make something that could channel magic.
Alas, I abandoned the thought some weeks ago. I had nothing I could use to fracture the weapon belonging to Perses, which only made me want it more.
That sort of durability was enviable and would make for an excellent sword.
"I wanted to, but the metal I'm working with doesn't seem to budge... so I have no other choice but to abandon the thought of it.." I mean it made sense that nothing would be able to crack the weapon.
Secondly, the sword was so heavy there wasn't any possible way to carry it with me.
Gallus scratched his chin, "Does a metal of that nature even exist?" As a Knight it was natural that he'd find things like this mildly fascinating.
"I guess so, it was in the dungeon back at the academy," the fact the metal couldn't break just made it all the more valuable. I used "almost" every ability in my skill chart and still failed.
"What's the name of this metal you speak of?" The merchant asked.
"I don't know sir... but it was black though," my info wasn't necessarily going to help, but I didn't think he'd be of any help even if he knew the metal's actual name.
The look on his face was proof that my answer wasn't much help. Apparently, there are numerous metals of black hue in the world so my description wouldn't necessarily be me being specific. Rather it was generalizing the metal under a certain group.
These groups of black metal were best known as "Bahrite."
There wasn't any use in wasting more time, "Anyway, we should get going... Hermoine, do you have everything you need?" She planned to buy some spell books that focused on Disciple class (4th rank) fire magic.
The highest magic class for Zestrian magic was the Cosmocrat class (7th rank) so it was admirable she'd already progressed this far.
"Wait, Hermoine? Like the Wymarc family's eldest daughter?" The trader wanted to confirm, he looked closely at her while he made this inquiry.
Dramatically enough, she dressed her hot pink hair backwards prior to speaking "Indeed I am.." for a family that owned all or almost all of the Nedveded Region, they had to know her.
After all, the Nedveded Region was just outside Ionia.
It's also the intermediary between Ionia and Scandrag - City of the Dwarves.
He grabbed Hermoine's hands and attempted a vigorous handshake.
"It's an honor to meet you Young Miss!" he seemed excited to see one of the members of the Wymarc family.
It wasn't until I broke off the handshake that he let go off her. Normally, had Gallus been the personal guard of Hermoine then he may have actually apprehended him.
Touching nobles so casually was frowned upon, but due to Hermioneʼs humility she made nothing of it.
"I'm sorry, I was just so excited... I helped supply materials to your father Lord Dreward when he renovated the manor," he pulled on her cheeks several times until she started crying out a bit.
Still and all, she managed to push away his hands before attending to her sore, red cheeks.
"Yeah... I can tell you're really surprised." She was doing her best not to cry.
Her delicate cheeks wouldn't survive the hands of a man who labored everyday.
"Yeah, what was that all about?" I inquired, the sudden familiarity confused me.
The merchant laughed loudly, "That's my fault.. let me introduce myself," he cleared his throat, "I'm Gabura.. it's a pleasure to see you again Lady Hermoine." He bowed his head from behind the wooden counter.
"Again?" Hermoine uttered, still nursing her light red cheeks.
For Gabura to have used "again" meant that he'd met with her before, but even she was confused.
Not as much as I was though.
He was in good spirits all of a sudden, seeing Hermoine made him happy.
I could tell just by looking at his face, "As I said before, I helped your father renovate the manor, that time you were still a cute little girl.."
On the basis of Gabura's statement, apparently, he supplied materials and workers that helped revamp the manor to make it look new again.
Precisely 14 years ago. At the time she'd have been aged two. It was there he first saw her.
And even more surprising, Lord Dreward; Hermioneʼs father was also the person who saved his failing business 12 years ago. Supposedly, he did this because Gabura had done such a great work on his manor. In turn rewarding him and his workers.
"Wow! I didn't know that!" Hermoine exclaimed, she was evidently amazed.
There was the possibility that all this was false information, you could never really trust these merchants.
Still, I didn't lean much into that thought, he didn't have anything to gain from lying to her.
"Okay kid.." Gabura was referring to me, "I initially didn't want to get involved in your talks about a sword, but I guess I can help you.." he wore an oddly smug face.
Absolutely ecstatic, an opportunity had presented itself on a platter of gold, "Really?!" I excitedly expressed my words, even my eyes brightened up.
What would make it even better was if his help didn't tear a hole in my pocket; and by that I meant financially wreck me.
The man sniggered.
In a sense, it was unusual for merchants to be this helpful. Even Gallus was getting suspicious, but I urged him to hold off on taking any actions for now.
"Any friend of the Lord's daughter is a friend of mine.." Ganda's laugh increased and Hermoine laughed along with him.
Maybe I was being hasty but I didnʼt want to waste time partaking in this expression of mirth, "So what do you have that can help me..?" it came off a bit lacking in respect so in the nick of time I added "...Sir!" this was only because I wanted him on my good side.
The information he passed to us was absolutely helpful, but it came with some conditions.
Alas, it was revealed that Gabura had an acquaintance in Scandrag, the City of Dwarves.
As fate would have it, this so-called friend of his, Omyujin, was supposedly the finest blacksmith in all of Elgard.
He claimed that he could fashion a sword for me, but not just any sword.
No, it had to be the most exceptional kind, one that could accommodate a Caster type who also dabbled in the sword arts.
The conditions he presented were utterly despicable.
He requested that Hermoine talk her own father into reviving his business.
Shockingly, she agreed to his preposterous proposal.
However, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of disgust towards this entire situation.
It seemed as though he was using me as a pawn to exploit Hermoine's unwavering loyalty towards me, which was purely platonic.
Frankly, I couldn't fathom how anyone could stoop so low.
Expectedly, Hermoine didn't see it that way.
She believed if her father had helped him before then he was deserving of help again. And as daddy's precious girl, Lord Dreward would definitely agree.
We didn't plan on telling her father anything until we made our way to Scandrag and got back.
We wanted to be sure the sword we'd get was quality, but Gabura left the discussions for another time.
According to him, he would have to speak with Omyujin first and get him to agree.
.
.
.
We arrived at the Wymarc residence after a lengthy day.
Gallus and I were in my quarters later that night.
He stood next to my bed like a soldier while I was resting comfortably on it.
"You sent for me, Master Nyx," he bowed his head as a show of respect, honestly, I wasn't into all that formal greeting but Gallus insisted on doing so.
It'd already become part of him, but it was a bit embarrassing for me.
"How are the plans going?" I asked him.
He then replied, "Diligently, I've deployed some trustworthy comrades of mine to keep a close eye on Miss Belitha.."
I nodded whilst staring at the ceiling.
It was good news, since I discovered Belitha was the target of Black Trinity I knew ensuring her safety without telling her was the best choice.
Since I was still in the Zestrian continent, I couldn't watch her myself. The next best thing was to tell Gallus the situation.
And luckily, he agreed to help.
The idea was to not disclose the information to anyone.
So Gallus had to keep his comrades in the dark concerning why they had to watch Belitha. But, they trusted him enough to do it, no questions asked.
"Also, I don't want Hermoine or any other person to know about this, it should be our secret." The moonlight which shone on my face clearly displayed my stern look.
I had to be on my toes, and wait for when Lyncʼs party needed my help. For now, I'll study diligently and wait until Gabura gave us the go ahead for Scandrag.
"As you wish, Master Nyx," he bowed once more. He always had his right hand on the hilt of his sword.
"We know what we're dealing with, but what matters now is approach." Things were getting serious and slowly, problems were beginning to manifest.
Much to my displease.