Chapter 40: Hilda Ironheart

“Good job. I’ll head out now.”

“Yes. Then.”

Creak-

Thud.

The warm midday sunlight streamed through the window into the office.

With the soft friction of the hinges, the door closed.

As Vanessa’s footsteps faded away, I quietly stared at the headline of today’s newspaper on the desk.

“The shocking suicide of the Second Prince…”

I raised the corner of my mouth as I looked at the newspaper filled with articles about Albireo’s death.

The Second Prince’s extreme choice in a politically desperate situation.

People would take this news at face value, but I know he was killed.

Because I ordered Laplace to do it.

With Albireo’s power weakened and Gawain, who always stood by his side, gone, now was the perfect time to eliminate him.

In the end, Laplace succeeded in breaking through the strict security of the prison and dealing with Albireo, so a satisfied smile formed on my face.

“Hmm. Let’s see. I can leave matters regarding his maternal family, the Marquis of Lampercen, to my subordinates… It seems things with Albireo are more or less settled.”

Albireo Dellaruccia of Arcmenes, one of the main antagonists in the original story.

With this, the events related to him are pretty much wrapped up.

Next, I need to prepare for the episodes that will unfold in the north, but there’s still some time before the events fully develop.

Before that, I should visit the academy to help the main characters grow, and gradually proceed with the steps to establish the Demon Kingdom.

‘Come to think of it, did Yustia and Elda return safely?’

Suddenly, I thought of the heroines who headed back to the academy after the Demon Sword Festival.

I considered going with them since I planned to visit the academy anyway, but I had one more thing to take care of in the capital, so I sent them ahead.

That was to acquire a new sword.

Today, I planned to go to a weapon shop in the commercial district with Lucy.

Knock knock-

“Master, it’s time to go.”

Just then, Lucy’s voice came from beyond the door.

It seemed the appointed time had already arrived.

I got up from my seat, put on a light coat, and headed for the door.

Creak-

“Have you been waiting long, Lucy? Let’s go… Wait. What’s with that outfit?”

“This was prepared by the head maid…”

Lucy, with slightly reddened cheeks, fidgeted with her smooth thighs.

When I opened the door, she was wearing a dress that clung tightly to her body, revealing her voluptuous figure.

It was what you’d call a “missy look” or bodycon dress.

Her slender waist and childbearing hips formed a beautiful curve.

The chest area was modestly cut, revealing the deep valley created by her ample bosom.

It was an outfit that stimulated a man’s instincts.

I clearly told her we were going to a weapon shop.

Why would she suddenly wear something like this?

Could it be… because I hadn’t spent the night with her for a few days after the Demon Sword Festival, she’s trying to seduce me?

Well, whatever the reason.

I wasn’t a fool to just stand still when Lucy was dressed like this.

The first thing I needed to say was already decided.

“You look pretty. It really suits you.”

“Ah… thank you.”

“I’d like you to wear it more often, but only when you’re with me or at the mansion.”

“Yes… I’ll keep that in mind.”

Lucy nodded obediently, her face flushed.

As I watched Lucy’s buttocks as she went upstairs to change, I licked my lips.

‘I guess I’ll have to pamper her tonight.’

Come to think of it, wouldn’t she like it if I bought her a gift while we’re in the commercial district?

Thinking I should also get something for Lilliana, I headed out with Lucy after she changed.

***

About an hour later, in the commercial district of the capital.

After riding a carriage halfway and walking for a while longer, we arrived at a secluded alley.

I stroked my chin as I looked at the desolate alley scene.

“Hmm. Is this not the place…?”

“May I ask the name of the weapon shop you’re looking for?”

“Ironheart Weapon Shop. It should be around here.”

“I’ll look for it too.”

“No, wait. I think I’ll remember where it is.”

Lucy tried to move around, looking around, but I stopped her.

The place we were heading to was the Ironheart Weapon Shop, where Luke obtained a treasured sword in the original story.

It must be around here somewhere… but since Luke also found it by chance, it wasn’t easy to locate.

Still, I was looking around intently when I heard a commotion nearby.

“Ah, come on. I’ll pay you back soon.”

“But it’s already been a month since you took the weapon from the old man.”

“Geez, how many times do I have to tell you? Wait a bit longer, and I’ll pay you back after completing a big request.”

“Ah, forget it, give me the money today!”

“Look at this guy’s attitude!”

Looking in the direction of the voices, I saw a short red-haired girl arguing with a man who looked like a mercenary.

From what I could gather, the man had taken a weapon on credit and still hadn’t paid.

But as emotions flared, the man swung his hand at the girl.

Whoosh-

‘Oh no.’

As they say, the one who farts gets angry.

It wasn’t really my problem, but I couldn’t just ignore it.

Thinking I’d help her out and ask for directions, I was about to step forward when…

Crack.

“Ahhh! It hurts! Let go!”

“Calen, why did you suddenly swing your hand? Are you crazy?”

“Ahh! Swinging my hand? It was just a joke, Hilda!”

“You call that a joke?”

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry, let go! My wrist is going to break!”

“You’ll bring the money today, right?”

“Damn it, fine. I’ll bring it!”

“Hmph. If you don’t, I won’t let it slide.”

The seemingly fragile girl grabbed the man’s wrist fiercely and quickly resolved the situation.

Calen, the man whose wrist was grabbed, barely escaped and ran off somewhere.

Stunned by the unexpected turn of events, Lucy and I stood there dumbfounded when the girl noticed our presence and turned to look at us.

“Who are you? You look like a noble.”

“Hmm…”

“Ah. Wait a minute. Black hair, red eyes, handsome face… Are you perhaps the Duke of Behirit who defeated the Demon Lord in the recent Demon Sword Festival?”

“That’s correct.”

“Oh my.”

The girl, who had been leaning on one leg with her hands on her hips, straightened her posture upon hearing Lucy’s answer.

She seemed surprised, but I was even more surprised.

If her name is Hilda and she has superhuman strength, then she must be the granddaughter of Dunkel Ironheart, the owner of the Ironheart Weapon Shop and one of the empire’s top blacksmiths.

She must be Hilda Ironheart.

I opened my mouth to speak to Hilda, who was standing awkwardly with her hands neatly folded in front of her.

“We’re looking for the Ironheart Weapon Shop. Do you know where it is?”

“Huh? That’s my grandfather’s shop.”

“Perfect. I want to buy a sword there. Could you guide us?”

“Well… I can guide you, but are you really going there to buy a sword?”

“Of course.”

I answered monotonously to Hilda, who was making a dubious expression.

She was saying that because of Dunkel’s current situation.

•Dunkel is a dwarf who migrated from the land of the dwarves, Rotthorn, and made a name for himself as a skilled blacksmith in the empire’s capital for decades, but…

Due to an incident a few years ago, he lost his reputation.

Now, the Ironheart Weapon Shop has long become a place frequented by mercenaries and the like.

From Hilda’s perspective, it must be hard to believe that I’m looking for the Ironheart Weapon Shop to buy a sword.

But I need Dunkel’s sword.

To be precise, the cursed sword that led to his downfall.

•The Heavenly Demon Sword.

‘Ugh, goosebumps.’

How can a sword be named the Heavenly Demon Sword?

Aside from the cringe, just the name alone tells you it’s not a normal sword.

In fact, the sword is a type of demonic sword with a powerful curse, making it difficult to destroy or discard.

In the original story, Luke eventually succeeds in destroying it and saves Dunkel.

But I plan to make that sword mine.

‘By the way, the Heavenly Demon Sword.’

At this rate, I might really become a heavenly demon or a demon king.

While lost in thought for a moment, Hilda asked a question.

“Alright. Then I’ll guide you. The inside of the shop might be a bit messy, is that okay?”

“No problem.”

“Okay. Then let’s go.”

“Wait, did you make that ring yourself?”

“Ah, yes. I did.”

Hilda answered while touching the ring-shaped artifact on her right index finger.

The ring didn’t have a large gem or elaborate decorations, but its simple design alone was strikingly beautiful.

Moreover, it seemed to have the ability to store a considerable amount of mana.

It seems she inherited her grandfather’s natural talent as a dwarf.

Recalling the original story, it seemed my memory was correct.

‘Wait’

Suddenly, a thought occurred to me.

What if I gave rings made by her to Lucy and Lilliana as gifts?

Like Hilda wearing the ring, in this world, rings are often worn as accessories.

Since it’s a good performance artifact, it would make a nice gift.

Also, for some reason, I felt like they would like ring gifts.

I immediately asked Hilda.

“That’s great. I was just looking for some suitable accessories, so I can buy them from you.”

“Eh. I, I’ve just started making things that are good enough to sell.”

“It’s fine. I can recognize talent. I want to buy a few ring artifacts.”

“A, a few? Can I ask exactly how many?”

Hilda asked back, surprised by my words.

Well. First, I’ll give them to Lucy and Lilliana.

And I should also get some for Raphaella and Millinarize.

I’m a bit hesitant about giving one to Yustia. Let’s just go for it. Elda and I haven’t known each other long, so I’ll pass…

“Five should be enough for now.”

“F, fi…five!? And for now…?”

“Yes.”

“Gasp…!”

At my words, Hilda’s eyes widened, and she started trembling.

I don’t know what kind of reaction that is.

But as she looked back and forth between Lucy and me with trembling pupils.

She then tightly covered her small chest with both arms and muttered softly to herself.

“Y, you’re a playboy…”

“…”