Reception Room on the First Floor of the South Wing

There are reception and lounge rooms in the central building as well, but this one is primarily used by people on Seriana’s side… In other words, it’s the room we use when inviting outsiders into the mansion.

You could say it’s a private-use room.

Right now, Teresa has called in members of the Commerce Guild and craftsmen to conduct business negotiations.

The 【Red Sword】 I pulled from the gacha yesterday and handed over to Teresa… unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a scabbard.

Apparently, the scabbard isn’t included with the sword.

So today, we’ve called craftsmen into this room to discuss the creation of a scabbard.

A sword’s main component is its blade, while the scabbard and hilt can be replaced, which is why specialists exist for those parts.

Of course, there are such specialists in this city as well.

Normally, the process involves selecting a design from several available patterns, adding a family crest or making small modifications, then leaving the sword at the workshop so they can craft a scabbard that fits its exact size.

It’s not a full custom order but rather a pattern order.

Well, most swords have similar shapes, so that’s usually good enough.

This process doesn’t change much whether for commoners or nobles.

The only real difference is whether the owner personally visits the workshop or sends a representative.

However, this time, the circumstances are different.

A Blessed Item… something like this can’t simply be entrusted to someone else, and the craftsmen likely wouldn’t want to take responsibility for it either.

That’s why we’re completing the pre-production process here today.

And since it seemed interesting, I decided to join in as well.

“Your Highness, is there anything among these that catches your interest?”

I had only planned to be a bystander, but… it seems the final decision rests with me.

On the table, a variety of sample scabbards brought from the craftsmen’s workshop are neatly arranged.

Some are made of metal, but the majority are crafted from hard, lightweight wood. There are ones with natural finishes, some painted, some wrapped in leather, and others adorned with carvings or inlaid decorations—each with its own distinct characteristics.

Following Teresa’s suggestion, I examine and touch several of them to determine which one is best…

“Hmm…”

“…Are none to your liking?”

The merchant from the Commerce Guild cautiously inquires, noticing my hesitation.

Rather than worrying about my mood, he seems more concerned about upsetting Teresa.

He’s been glancing nervously at her since earlier.

Is she really that intimidating?

“It’s not that I dislike them… but they all seem pretty standard. Is this just how scabbards usually are?”

None of them particularly stand out.

How should I put it…? They’re all just normal scabbards.

There’s nothing fantasy-like or magical about them.

Considering this is a Blessed Item, wouldn’t it be a waste to settle for an ordinary scabbard?

Or is this just me being picky for no reason?

When I turned to Teresa and voiced my thoughts, she gave a small nod, set down the scabbard she was holding, and picked up the 【Red Sword】 before speaking.

“None of these are poorly made. The craftsmen are skilled, I’m sure. However… as Your Highness pointed out, they are all designed for ordinary swords. They are not quite fitting for housing this 【Red Sword】.”

“Y-Yes! The ones displayed here are only for reference. We will, of course, craft a scabbard specifically suited for that sword.”

The usual gentle tone in Teresa’s voice had vanished, replaced by a cold, unwavering statement.

The merchant hurriedly responded.

I don’t particularly feel sorry for him, but… his face has turned pale.

On the other hand, the craftsmen seem unfazed.

Perhaps because they’re merely subcontractors and the direct responsibility lies with the Commerce Guild’s merchant?

Regardless, it seems Teresa was satisfied with his assurance that they would craft an original scabbard.

Did she deliberately phrase it that way just to make sure he got the message?

◇

Now that the discussion has progressed, the rough design is complete.

The shape of the scabbard itself isn’t drastically different from the samples provided.

However, rather than just attaching it to a sword belt, it’s designed to also be worn across the back.

Teresa was quite particular about that aspect.

“Wouldn’t just one method be enough?”

“No. This sword is longer than standard ones. When traveling on foot, carrying it on the back is preferable. However, during mounted combat, having it at the waist is more convenient. Your Highness, this 【Red Sword】 will be extremely effective even when used on horseback.”

“…Oh!?”

Now that she mentions it… that makes perfect sense.

Most knights I’ve seen primarily use spears.

Striking while riding doesn’t generate as much force as thrusting does.

Even if they use swords, the motion relies mostly on upper body strength, making it difficult to take down powerful opponents.

However, with this sword’s ability, even without a firm footing, it can still unleash high-impact strikes from horseback.

And given its length, it’s an ideal fit.

“Lady Teresa, what about the materials? I’m not well-versed in Blessed Item, but I’ve heard that if they possess strong magical properties, using ordinary materials can cause them to deteriorate quickly.”

The craftsmen have now joined the conversation, discussing the technical details.

One of them voiced his concerns, but Teresa immediately responded, as if she had anticipated the question.

“A large supply of materials from the Demon Territory will be arriving soon. Use those. Also… prepare anti-slip wrapping for the hilt using the same materials.”

Well… we will be acquiring a significant amount.

There should be some high-quality materials among them, so this should work out well.

“Huh…? A-Ah, understood!”

For a moment, the merchant from the Commerce Guild looked completely bewildered, as if he had no idea what she was talking about, but he quickly straightened up and replied.

I see… The general public hasn’t been informed about the recent attack yet.

After finalizing the precise measurements and other details, the meeting concluded.

Since this will be quite a sophisticated piece, crafting it will take some time.

However, they assured us it would be given top priority.

I may not be the one using it, but… even though it’s just a scabbard, it is a dedicated weapon accessory.

I feel a little bad for the constantly flustered merchant from the Commerce Guild, but honestly… I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sera・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind Cloak】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】・15 cards

Seriana・【Area Identification】・【】・33 cards

Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・9 cards