Otherworld Metal Factory (Patreon)

Chapter 74

Oran and Shellen, walking down the street, were swept away by the crowd and ended up somewhere. It was in front of a somewhat old-looking two-story building.

A wide, open space was surrounded by a makeshift wooden fence, and around the fence, makeshift wooden spectator seats were built for people to sit and watch.

"What is this building for?"

"Hmm... It says it's a courthouse."

Shellen answered Oran's question after looking at the sign hanging on the building.

"A courthouse... We were pushed here by the crowd, but it seems we came to the right place."

Oran said, taking a seat in the spectator seats. Shellen sat next to her with a bright smile.

"The swordsmanship tournament will begin soon! The winner will receive 3 gold coins from the Holy City!"

A man who appeared on the stage shouted, and the crowd cheered.

The wide, open space in front of the courthouse was where duel trials used to take place. It was done under the premise that God would protect the innocent.

However, today, with the law properly established, it was just a wide space.

Once a year, during the festival, swordsmen from inside and outside the city gathered to compete in a swordsmanship tournament for a prize. It was famous enough for even the Lord to come and watch.

As people took their seats, the Lord, his wife, and the previous Lord entered the center of the stage, taking the highest seats.

The man standing on the stage called their names in a loud voice, and the audience cheered.

"It seems like a big tournament since even the Lord came."

"A swordsmanship tournament is a competition where you can find skilled swordsmen. From the Lord's perspective, it's an opportunity to recruit skilled swordsmen, so he must be interested."

"A big city is indeed different. We didn't have anything like this in my town."

While Shellen and Oran were talking, the man shouted again in a loud voice.

"Then, the first match! The legendary mercenary who has gone through countless battles! Three men fall with a single swing of his sword! The incarnation of an ancient warrior! Adrian 'The Crusher'!"

At the man's call, a large, bald man came onto the stage, raising his sword.

The crowd cheered wildly.

"Adrian! I bet on you, so do your best!"

"Yahoo!"

Apparently, bets were being placed, as drunk people were shouting all over the place.

"Wow. It's noisy."

Shellen covered her ears as the man sitting next to her shouted loudly.

Oran, who was cheering just like the man, looked at Shellen.

"Still, it looks like it will be fun! It reminds me of professional wrestling."

"Professional wrestling? What's that?"

"Ah. There wouldn't be anything like that here. It's similar to this. However, instead of armor and swords, they fight with their bare hands, using techniques. It's quite entertaining."

"It sounds like bare-handed combat. We have similar competitions in my town, though not swordsmanship tournaments. You seem to like that kind of thing."

Oran smiled brightly.

"Yes. I get quite excited when I see men competing with their strength."

While they were exchanging such conversations, the man called another knight.

"And the one who faces him is the young knight of the city guard who protects the city! His sword cuts through even armor! William 'The Black Sword' Chestnut!"

The young knight also drew his sword and came onto the stage.

"William! Win!"

"I bet half of this month's salary on you!"

The young people who occupied one side of the spectator seats cheered wildly, and William responded to their cheers by raising his black, shining sword.

Oran adjusted her glasses and looked closely at William, then smiled and admired him.

"That sword. Looking at it, it's the one he made. He even made a sword like that without me knowing."

"You can tell just by looking at the sword?"

Oran nodded.

"Well, I can tell. It's definitely his style."

"I can't tell even if I look at it. It's unique because it's black."

The two participants faced each other and put on their helmets.

As the bald Adrian took his stance, William also took his stance. Adrian took an upper stance, holding his sword high, while William took a middle stance, slightly bending his waist.

A strong tension flowed between the two. The tension was also transmitted to the spectators. The spectators swallowed their saliva one by one and watched.

"Begin the match!"

As soon as the words were finished, Adrian swung his sword down powerfully. William raised his sword to block Adrian's attack.

No, he didn't block it. The moment he thought he had blocked it, William's sword deflected Adrian's attack and thrust forward.

Oran was impressed by his skillful technique.

"Oh my! Amazing! He's not an ordinary swordsman!"

Adrian also quickly withdrew his attacking sword and blocked William's attack.

The swords clashed several times, making metallic sounds, and the audience cheered.

"Faster! Do it better!"

"Adrian! Throw him down quickly!"

While the audience was shouting and cheering, the two separated for a moment to catch their breath.

It was a short break, but the tense atmosphere remained unchanged.

The cheers of the crowd grew louder and louder.

"Who do you think will win?"

"I don't know. I hope the young man wins."

"Because he's using the sword your husband made?"

"No. Because he's more handsome."

Shellen hesitated for a moment and then burst into laughter.

"You're right. He is handsome. Go William!"

Both Adrian and William raised their swords and took an upper stance.

After a short pause, they quickly rushed towards each other and swung their swords down. The swords crossed in the air, scattering sparks.

William's sword slid down Adrian's sword and pierced towards Adrian's head.

Adrian quickly caught William's blade with the guard of his sword and twisted it to deflect the attack.

The fight between experts was a delicate game of skill. Predicting the opponent's attack, defending against it, and connecting it to one's own attack.

Their fight was a continuation of such fierce exchanges of skill.

"It's my first time seeing swordsmen fight, but it's truly amazing."

"I know, right? My hands are sweating!"

Shellen and Oran also focused on the fight.

The two, who were fiercely exchanging swords and fighting again, stopped for a moment as William dodged Adrian's powerful attack by rolling backward.

The two, who had stepped back, caught their breath again and glared at each other. It was a movement to find an opening.

After a while, Adrian and William rushed forward.

"Yahhhhh!"

"Hyaaaa!"

With a loud shout, they swung their swords down. The swords collided.

The moment Adrian's massive sword and William's sword crossed.

Adrian's sword broke in two with a sharp metallic sound. It was a sudden turn of events.

Adrian was flustered, lost his balance, and stumbled.

William took advantage of the opening and rushed in, throwing Adrian to the ground.

"Ugh..."

"Surrender."

William pointed his sword at Adrian, who was lying on the ground, face down, struggling to get up from the shock.

Adrian looked at William's sword and his own broken sword, then threw the broken hilt and raised both hands.

"I lost. You have great skills."

"I was just lucky. It was a good fight."

With Adrian's surrender, William sheathed his sword.

"The winner of the first match iiiiiis! William! William 'The Black Swooooord' Chestnuuuuut!"

The man shouted loudly, and the audience erupted in cheers. William took off his helmet, put his sword on his waist, and bowed to the audience.

"As expected! The young man won!"

"I'm looking forward to the next match! Well done, William!"

Shellen and Oran also sent generous praise to William.

***

Tehez, who had come out to a quiet alley, sat on a stone bench and sighed.

Richel handed a wooden cup to Tehez. Tehez carefully accepted the cup.

"Here. Drink this. It's punch."

"Thank you, Richel."

"Don't mention it. It's a good thing I followed you. Otherwise, something terrible might have happened. And where did Channing go, leaving you alone after bringing you here?!"

Richel was angry, and Tehez smiled and tilted the cup.

The sweet and cool drink relaxed her tension a little. The refreshing taste of berries also helped her calm down.

When Tehez emptied the cup, Richel smiled and reached out her hand. While handing the cup back, Tehez asked,

"By the way, Richel, what about your business?"

"Ah, I ran out of ingredients, so I closed up shop. I earned much more than I expected! So I quickly closed up and came looking for you, and I was so surprised to see you about to collapse."

"Thank you."

As Tehez said with a smile, Richel smiled brightly and patted Tehez's shoulder.

"Don't mention it. That's what friends are for. But it seems Channing got swept away somewhere."

"You're right. We should look for him, right?"

As Tehez got up from her seat, Richel slightly extended her hand.

"Huh?!"

"You're going to fall again. Let's hold hands and go together. I know our neighborhood better."

Richel smiled brightly and beckoned Tehez with her hand. Tehez blushed slightly and took Richel's hand.

They went back to the main street. There were still many people, and the road was crowded.

However, thanks to Richel leading the way, Tehez felt more comfortable than before. She thought it might be because of their clasped hands.

"Let's go back to the plaza first. He might be there."

"Okay. Let's do that."

Tehez nodded at Richel's words and followed her.

As they walked forward in silence, Richel spoke up.

"It's quieter than usual today."

"... Is that so?"

"Yes. It usually has a more boisterous atmosphere. Is it because you're dressed up nicely and with Channing?"

"Th-That's not it!"

Tehez shouted, and Richel burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! I was just kidding. Don't be so serious."

They entered the plaza. Shops lined up, and there were many people, but the population density was much more comfortable to walk in than the main street.

They looked around the plaza. Channing was nowhere to be seen.

"Hmm. I don't see Channing anywhere..."

"He must have gone somewhere else. How can we find him in such a crowded place?"

"I guess so... Then let's look around together."

Richel replied, and Tehez nodded.

"I guess I have to. I don't have anywhere else to go. Is there anything interesting to see?"

"Hey, do you want to go see the Lord's mansion?! They're opening the first floor to the public today. There are many old decorations and armor, so I think you'll like it, Tehez."

"Really?!"

Suddenly, Tehez spoke brightly, and Richel blinked in surprise and smiled.

"Now you sound like your usual self. Then let's go quickly!"

Richel took Tehez's hand and started walking ahead.

"Is it okay to open the Lord's mansion like that? In my hometown, we couldn't even see the Lord's mansion on festival days."

"Our Lord is generous."

"What if a thief breaks in?"

"There are a lot of guards. Would there be a thief with such audacity?"

"That's true. I don't think there would be a thief bold enough to rob the Lord's mansion. If they get caught, they won't get away with just having their hand cut off."

"Are you planning to steal something and come out, Tehez?"

Tehez was startled and shook her head.

"No! Why would I steal anything!"

"Hahaha! I was just kidding. Let's hurry up and go."

Richel burst into laughter at Tehez's outburst.