Consideration

The plans for tomorrow are set.
I'll add them to the TODO list for now.

- Go to the guild in the morning.
- Defeat the Huge Slime.

As initially planned, I should head to the blacksmith.
The building with the large chimney is probably the blacksmith shop.
The sign has a crest with a sword and a pot. I guess they also handle everyday utensils.
In a village, everyday items would be the main focus.

"Hello."

There's no one at the store counter.

"Hello!"

I call out.
No response.

"Hello!"

I shout loudly, and someone seems to be coming from the back of the store.

"Oh, welcome. A customer?"

"Yes. I want to see weapons and have something made."

He was a man in his 50s with reddish hair and a beard, a sturdy build, and thick, intense eyebrows.

"Weapons... Glaive?"

"No, this is just for now. I'm looking for a spear."

"Hmm. For personal use? Given your appearance, you must be an adventurer. Your height suggests..."

He brings out a spear about 150 cm long.

"It's a short spear, but the spearhead is forged and 40 cm long. The 40 cm of the handle is embedded, so it won't bend even with use."

When I take it, it's heavier than expected.

"Can I try swinging it?"

"Sure, use the backyard."

I go to the backyard, hold it halfway, and assume a stance.
The metal coating on the butt and the weighted handle make the halfway part feel lighter.

Swinging along the centerline, the spearhead drops much lower than expected.
This is my first time handling a real spear, and it's heavy.
I can't believe someone who's new to this could swing it around like in those isekai novels or manga. It's not like it's a wooden sword.
I continue practicing the swings, trying to stop at a certain point, but the spear goes far beyond that.
When thrusting, the tip drops significantly.
Honestly, I underestimated real spears. This is a short spear.
Indeed, an axe has a 30 cm blade, and this has more than twice the amount of iron. No wonder it's heavy.

"The handle uses good oak, so it won't bend. The wrapped skin is also good quality, so it won't slip and will feel comfortable."

I want it.

"How much is it?"

"70,000. The scabbard is included."

That's quite expensive. On Earth, it's like the price of a high-end PC.
If I think about it as a three-year investment, it might be worth it.

"I'm sorry, but I don't have the money today. Can I come back tomorrow or later?"

"Sure, I'll set it aside for you."

Well, I plan to have some temporary income soon, and this is crucial for my survival, so I'll go with buying it.

"What was it that you wanted made?"

After handing over the spear, he asks.

"Could I have some parchment? And is there a place where I can write something?"

"Sure, you can use the room. It's messy, though."

The room is cluttered with designs and ledgers but doesn't feel dirty. It seems he's more organized than he looks.
I borrow the desk and, using my phone's encyclopedia, roughly sketch a triangular method and cross-sectional design, scale, and length.
I also include a rough illustration of the usage and material explanations.

"Here you go."

"Hmm."

He examines the design, deep in thought.

"Wow, this is amazing. Honestly, it's a pity to keep it just for us. I should take it to the lord."

The conversation is getting serious.

"Basically, the one ruling around here is the viscount. His father is the duke. If this goes up, it could reach the king."

"Do you have a patent system?"

"His Majesty will grant an exclusive sales rights as compensation. A large trading company could handle manufacturing and sales, but it's better to go through a reputable company and get a share of the profits. I have connections with the blacksmith guild. It'll be alright." Now, can I trust this man? "My mother struggles with fetching water every day, especially in a place like this where we use a lot of water. I really want to help her with this. That's my true intention." Hmm, I think I can trust him. "The structure is simple, so casting should work. I'll need some time to make a prototype."

"Can you notify Ast's home when it's done? I'm Akihiro. A level 10 adventurer."

"Akihiro. I'm Ness. Think of me as family from now on."

He's more passionate than I thought.

"Alright, I'll start casting the prototype right away. No time to sleep."

Ness shouts and quickly heads to the back of the store.

Well, even without a patent, if I can get the prototype, that would be great.
I think about the governance system around here and decide to head back to Ast's place.