Altro Wister.

That seems to be the old man’s name.

He serves as the Guild Master, and is also known as the greatest former blacksmith…

Yeah.

But somehow, he feels like someone I’ve seen before…

As I was trying to recall my past memories, Altro suddenly spoke up.

“Hey. What is your name?”

“I am Arios. Arios Macba…”

“Macba… I see. You must be the one from back then…”

Huh.

So we had met before after all.

I feel bad, but I don’t really remember much about it…

Seeing my confusion, perhaps Altro figured it out, and he chuckled with a “ho ho ho.”

“It’s fine. It was more than ten years ago… You were just a child back then.”

“I see… But I do somewhat remember it.”

In the past, Altro was supposed to have been a renowned blacksmith in the royal capital.

—Altro’s swords are the epitome of excellence.

Perhaps due to such a reputation, my father, Leon, used to visit Altro often. I think that’s when I met him.

However, one day, Altro disappeared. I had heard rumors that he had left the hustle and bustle of the city and moved to the countryside… but I never imagined he was here in this village.

“I’ve heard the story. Arios. You’ve worked hard all this time.”

“…………”

“Leon… He was an unpleasant man from the start, but to think he would abandon even his own son… He’s a pitiful man.”

“Haha… It’s fine now. It’s all in the past.”

Thankfully, I’m surrounded by good people now.

Ray and Kaya.

Though we’ve parted ways, even Yuya Astley, a B-rank adventurer, treated me kindly.

It’s unfortunate I couldn’t become a Sword Saint.

But at the same time, I’m starting to think that my current life isn’t so bad.

“Ho ho. That child… has grown to have good eyes.”

Altro, pleased, stroked his beard and then looked down at the materials I had brought.

“So, what do you think? It’s fine if you want to sell them, but would you prefer if I forged a sword for you? I guarantee the highest quality.”

“Eh…!?”

Kaya’s eyes widened in shock.

“Y-You mean, the Guild Master himself will forge it!? I-I’m envious…”

Even she, an A-rank adventurer, was astounded.

But, is it really okay for me to have it made by him?

“But Altro-san, is it really okay?”

I believe Altro hasn’t forged swords in quite some time.

According to my father, the quality of swords in the royal capital has greatly decreased because of that.

I’ve seen my father sighing in frustration over Altro’s disappearance without giving any explanation several times.

“Ho ho, it’s fine. I’m sure you’ll use your strength for the right purpose.”

“Right purpose…”

“Yes. Well, we’ll talk about that later.”

Altro nodded meaningfully, then looked around at us before speaking again.

“Now then, it’ll take some time to finish the sword. Would you mind killing time somewhere until then?”