Chapter 13: Vulcanus II (part 1)

Holy Sword.

The strongest sword, said to contain the energy of the stars.  

Simply holding it would enhance the wielder’s various abilities.

In the original work, it granted auto-healing, body strengthening, protection magic, confusion immunity, and more.  

Without it, the story titled “She Heals the Wounded World” would have surely ended in tragedy. 

The Holy Sword served as the ultimate Deus Ex Machina.

Naturally, readers were curious about the identity of the blacksmith who forged such a weapon.  

At first, he was portrayed as an important figure.  

But over time, the blacksmith’s presence gradually faded from the narrative.  

Readers, too, lost interest.

In the end, his identity was never revealed, and that was the first time I learned that such a plot device was called a MacGuffin.

***

“So? Does looking for me mean you want the Holy Sword?”  

The next day, as we rode in the carriage, Marinen asked me.  

Of course, having the Holy Sword would make things easier in many ways—but it would also change things that shouldn’t be altered.

Fully aware of that fact, I shook my head.

“That’s not true. All I want is a custom-made sword, one that is perfect for me.”  

“Hey, the Holy Sword might be the perfect sword for you.”  

“There’s no way that would be the case. And even if it were, I think it would be too heavy for me.”  

The Holy Sword was meant for the Crown Prince to defeat the Avatar.  

I didn’t want to twist the future into a worst-case scenario by seizing it myself.

“It’s amazing. Normally, those who come to Vulcanus after hearing the rumors are always after the Holy Sword.”  

“Then do you want me to want the Holy Sword?”  

“No? Actually, I prefer it this way. It means you’re looking for me, the blacksmith, not the Holy Sword itself.”  

Marinen smiled, revealing her fangs as if genuinely pleased. But then she continued.

“I don’t hand over my swords to just anyone I approve of. Thanks for the food, and thanks for letting me ride in the carriage. A custom-made sword, though, is another matter.”

“It’s fine. Just being recognized by the blacksmith who made the Holy Sword would be an honor for me.”  

“As expected, I like you.”  

“Then… does that mean I passed?”  

“That’s not quite it. Let’s get to Vulcanus first and talk more about it.”  

“Okay.”  

***

“Then why is it just a rumor?”  

As the talk of a custom-made sword wrapped up, Reina suddenly spoke up.

“What are you talking about?”  

“You say that Mari is the blacksmith who forged the Holy Sword,” Reina said, though her eyes held a hint of skepticism.  

It was understandable.  

The Holy Sword was a legendary weapon.  

Even in the original work, no one truly believed it existed until it was seen firsthand.

“If that’s true, you could easily raise your reputation by spreading the truth. Inform the imperial family, and you’d have an achievement that could elevate you to nobility. So why is the Holy Sword’s existence only known through rumors? That’s what I’m curious about.”

Reina’s question made perfect sense.  

To be honest, I had doubts myself.

It might have been offensive to question her, but Marinen only smiled and nodded.

“Young lady, you’re quite sharp.”  

“…What does that mean?”  

“Exactly what it sounds like!”  

Reina’s cold stare made me instinctively flinch, but Marinen didn’t seem to care.

“Well, I’ll give you an answer. The reason is simple: the Holy Sword was created thanks to luck.”

“Yes?”  

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m confident in my skills. Among the blacksmiths of Vulcanus, I rank among the top three. However, it’s also true that creating a Holy Sword requires luck. If every sword I forged turned into a Holy Sword, wouldn’t all the monsters on the continent have been wiped out by now?”  

It was certainly a persuasive argument.  

If Holy Swords were as common as regular supplies, it wouldn’t have been a dream to eradicate demon beasts.

“Anyway, it was almost pure luck that I created the Holy Sword. So I don’t boast about it. The moment it was completed, I was so shocked I passed out. Rumors only spread because of that.”

“But still, the Holy Sword exists. Even if it was luck, it’s an undeniable achievement…”  

Reina tried to argue, but Marinen cut her off firmly.

“An achievement, yes. But if I were awarded by the Empire and became a noble because of that, would I be satisfied? No. I’d probably be angry. I’m a blacksmith who forges weapons—not a merchant selling lucky trinkets.”  

There was a deep pride burning in Marinen’s eyes as she spoke.

“That’s why I don’t brag about the Holy Sword. What I shared with you was a favor—a sign of trust. But remember this: if rumors spread further because of this incident, I’ll throw the Holy Sword away where no one can find it. Got it?”

“…Understood.”  

Reina accepted Marinen’s words quietly.

*** 

“This is Vulcanus.”  

Following Marinen, Reina and I entered the city.  

Anna had sent us ahead to find a place to wait for the wagon.

As we walked down the street, I looked around.  

Workshops lined both sides, stretching as far as the eye could see.

It truly lived up to its name: Vulcanus, the City of Blacksmiths.

However, there was something peculiar.

“All the buildings look the same,” Reina said.  

Indeed, aside from minor differences, every workshop looked nearly identical.  

Brown roofs.  

Signs displaying a hammer and anvil.  

The only way to tell them apart was by reading the names written faintly under the signboards.

“It means that the official blacksmiths recognized in Vulcanus are all of similar skill. If you don’t have a particular blacksmith in mind, you can go to any workshop and still get what you need.”