Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

"Mr. Murin! Mr. Dogan! Is this right!?" Peddler Gallon couldn't hold back anymore and shouted. He thought he had almost caught those golden dwarfs, but why had they escaped his net? Because of this ridiculous guy? Gallon glared at the man who had boldly taken the seat next to the dwarfs. The man who had clearly intercepted the dwarfs. He was confident that he could judge the authenticity of demon tears himself. By bringing out some spirit! The spirit said it wasn't demon tears, so it wasn't authentic? Then if he picked up a pebble and called it demon tears, would that make it authentic? "Surely you don't believe this person's story at face value!?" Whether it's someone using such shallow tricks— Or someone falling for such shallow tricks— They're all the same idiots! Gallon endured his desire to shout that with superhuman patience. With the sole belief that he could reclaim those golden dwarfs from that detestable fraud! "Demon tears are not something whose authenticity can be determined in such a way!" "..." The man and dwarfs blinked in bewilderment. Gallon took this as a good sign and triumphantly tried to continue speaking. "Then let me ask you." However, the man interjected half a beat faster. "How exactly can the authenticity of demon tears be determined?" Gallon clicked his tongue inwardly. Seeing the man speak, he could understand why those naive dwarfs had been deceived. A naturally appealing handsome appearance, and even an aristocratic atmosphere that naturally exuded dignity! It was a talent that not only fraudsters but all merchants would envy. If you conducted business with a face like that, you'd already be halfway to success from the start! 'If someone like that creates an atmosphere by bringing out a spirit... Yes, naive dwarfs who only know hammering would certainly fall for it...' However. In front of him, it wouldn't be so simple. A peddler who wandered the underground world. Though he might not have aristocratic dignity like the man, he had a rough momentum that overwhelmed opponents. It was the experience accumulated from wandering the underground world for many years. "You don't seem familiar with handling such items?" Gallon maintained a polite attitude while subtly looking down on the man. "Demon tears. How could you determine on the spot whether they're authentic or not? There's no clear comparison standard, nor do enough samples or indicators exist to serve as judgment criteria." The peddler's clever eloquence penetrated the listeners' psychology like a snake finding cracks. The surrounding Steel Fire Guild members, who had been glaring as if his words weren't worth listening to, were now attentively listening to his statements. "The most important thing when dealing with such items is to secure as much expert consultation, verification, and guarantee as possible. Isn't that right?" Gallon asked the Steel Fire Guild members. They were nodding as if mesmerized. The logic he used was very familiar to the Steel Fire Guild members. In fact, the most important thing the blacksmiths of the Steel Fire Guild valued when handling items was certificates of authenticity. This was because there were so many who sold cheap weapons from anywhere, fraudulently claiming them to be Steel Fire-made, and those who bought them. Thus. The Steel Fire Guild members always looked for certificates of authenticity when handling items that seemed even slightly suspicious. The peddler, who usually supplied various rare materials to the Steel Fire Guild, knew this fact very well. "In that sense— here. This is a certificate guaranteeing that my demon tears are undoubtedly authentic." Gallon pulled out a bundle of luxurious documents with a triumphant smile. Masters of Magic Towers. Renowned adventurers. High-ranking officials of large trading companies. The emblems and handwriting of various influential figures whose names carried weight decorated the documents like some kind of spell. It could be considered a kind of 'magical' item. With such a certificate, it would even be possible to transform plain water into the highest-grade holy water of a religious order. Just like the demon tears right now. A 'magical' catalyst that Gallon had been crafting for many years to complete the magic of 'the ultimate big score'! It was about to exert its power now. "Mr. Murin. Mr. Dogan. Actually, these demon tears already had an owner. Even when the Steel Fire Guild made an 'earnest request' to me, negotiations with Lord Gabrant had already progressed to a meaningful stage." "Lord Gabrant—" When that name was mentioned, the expressions of the Steel Fire Guild members crumpled. Gabrant. He was a big shot who controlled most of the city's supply distribution network, spanning both Ifrien's underground and surface worlds. If they were to antagonize him immediately, there would be serious disruption to the Steel Fire Guild's material procurement and distribution. When he pressured them by explicitly mentioning such a person's name, the Steel Fire Guild members couldn't help but feel troubled. "Nevertheless! I prioritized my friendship with the Steel Fire Guild. Lord Gabrant also showed kindness out of respect for the Steel Fire Guild. Thanks to that, Lord Gabrant canceled our contract despite bearing great losses, and I was able to enter into dealings with you all after paying a reasonable price in the process." It wasn't true. It was a story that Gallon had coordinated with Gabrant beforehand to secure good conditions in his dealings with the Steel Fire Guild. There was no need to worry about consequences. If Gallon went to Gabrant with this matter, he was the type who would eagerly agree to play along with both hands raised in joy. Since he would gain justification to exert influence over the Steel Fire Guild. "But... if he hears that the Steel Fire Guild unilaterally canceled that deal, how do you think he would react—" "..." The emotion the dwarfs felt transformed from discomfort to displeasure. At this point, they had perfectly grasped Gallon's intentions. "Gallon. This is bewildering. Is this really something to go this far for?" Murin and Dogan frowned deeply and expressed their regret. "So, this isn't right. If we don't deal with you, you're going to put our Steel Fire Guild in a very difficult situation—" "Such misinterpretation is troubling, but—" "Misinterpretation? Then what exactly is what you're doing now if not unreasonable demands and threats? To begin with, do you think such unreasonable demands will work? Contract destruction and whatnot— that's entirely your perspective, and we haven't even brought up the 'c' in contract with you yet? At that point, deciding who to deal with should be our freedom, shouldn't it?" "That's right. I'm also trying to discuss objectivity like you all are now. Let's approach this objectively. Here, my demon tears have a certificate with sufficient credibility guaranteeing their authenticity. But look at the trading partner you've chosen after rejecting me. Has that person presented a certificate like I have?" "No! I said such things aren't necessary!? That demo— No, the spirit guaranteed it—" The dwarf pointed at the grayish-white fireball and shouted. "Oh, that's remarkable. A spirit actually guaranteed that it's real demon tears!? But think about it. If I report this case and it goes to trial at the Ifrien Merchant Association— whose side will the guild members take? The side that believed demon tears were authentic based solely on a spirit's guarantee, or—" Flap flap. Gallon ostentatiously waved his certificate. "The side with such a credible certificate." Damn it. 'We got bitten by a mad dog.' Someone among the Steel Fire Guild members muttered. The peddler was clearly showing just how vicious a merchant who had lost gold right before their eyes could become. Merchants were the type to already consider unrealized profits as gold coins in their pockets. The peddler looked like he wouldn't hesitate to do anything to reclaim those golden dwarfs. "Ugh—" A peddler who could procure anything customers needed. Due to his business methods, he had many powerful friends in both the underground and surface worlds. If the peddler went all out regardless of consequences, the Steel Fire Guild would suffer tremendous damage. Of course. Naturally, the Steel Fire Guild would be the side to win in the end. After all, the peddler was just one of the outlaws infesting the city's underworld. The problem was. The Steel Fire Guild was currently in a critical situation. Murin and Dogan, the leaders of the Steel Fire Guild, had suspended all external activities at this point and joined the hero's expedition. All for the sake of completing the historic great work of restoring the sword sheath! They had cleanly abandoned all calculating concerns for the sake of their honor and pride as blacksmiths. In such circumstances, some mad dog was grabbing their ankle and hanging on— They couldn't help but feel restless. This was exactly what the peddler was aiming for. Shrewd as he was, he had vaguely realized how the situation was unfolding from Murin and Dogan's actions of leaving the guild and departing the city. "..." A faint but despicable line appeared at the corner of his mouth. "Hey, Murin." "Ah... right. The peddler. That bastard, he seems to know all about our urgent situation..." Murin and Dogan gathered and had a close conversation. "Damn... there's nothing we can do now that it's come to this...!" To those craftsmen, money was nothing more than a byproduct that naturally accumulated while hammering. Restoring the Magic Sword sheath! Furthermore, the opportunity to present their masterpiece to a great hero who would surely leave their name in history! They couldn't miss such a tremendous opportunity just because a mad dog had bitten their leg. If necessary, they would gladly cut off that leg! In the end. The two dwarfs reached a consensus to give the peddler what he wanted. "Wait, everyone?" It was then that Risir interjected in shock. -This is ultimately the Steel Fire Guild's business, and I'm an outsider. -They will surely resolve it at their discretion in whatever way they think is right. -So I shouldn't meddle beyond my place— He had been planning to swallow his frustration to the end, repeating this to himself inwardly. But there were limits. Risir was appalled by the sight of the dwarfs whose passion was so pure that they were willingly becoming easy marks. 'That feels completely like self-harm extortion?' Watching the series of events from the side, he realized the peddler wasn't just a merchant frustrated over a lost deal. "If it's alright with everyone— this matter. Would you entrust it to me?" "Lord Risir!?" The dwarfs were flustered. They hadn't made the decision to willingly give in for no reason. The hero extracted tears from his pet demon— It was an action taken in consideration of the situations the hero would face if such an otherworldly truth spread. They knew firsthand, having seen and heard directly, that the hero's pet demon had become a spirit completely loyal to him. But what about others? Could they accept such an unrealistic story just by hearing it? 'No way...!' The dwarfs thought. If they too had only heard the hero's story through words alone, they would never have believed it. "Out of concern, I must say— you must not reveal the spirit's(?) true identity to that person...!!!" "Who knows how that person would use that story to slander you, Lord Hero...!" The dwarfs were genuinely worried about the hero. They had no intention of ever doubting the fact that he was a great hero. However. That peddler was clearly different from the enemies the hero had faced so far. 'He's too dirty and troublesome an opponent for the righteous hero to deal with...!?' The realm of worldliness and politics, not force. In that regard. The dwarfs couldn't help but worry about the righteous and young hero. "I understand. I have other measures besides that, so please don't worry." Even with the hero's bold assurance, the dwarfs couldn't shake their anxiety. His confident smile was so gentle and pure. They could only imagine him getting dirty alongside the peddler. "May I ask what you plan to do...?" "From what I hear, that certificate seems to play an important role in this problem?" "Ah, could it be that the certificate—" The dwarf who almost exclaimed thoughtlessly belatedly realized how foolish what he was saying sounded. The current situation. Wasn't this a situation arising from too much credibility in the guarantee for demon tears? Ironically, the demon's direct guarantee couldn't provide credibility to the demon tears. For instance. Authentic demon tears had a structure where such certificates couldn't exist. Perhaps understanding the dwarfs' thoughts, the hero said. "Yes. Unfortunately, no such certificate exists." "Then—" "So, let's just make a new one." "What?" *** "You have something to discuss with me separately regarding demon tears? Haha, very well." When the man first brought up the topic, Gallon's expression was full of composure. To the experienced peddler, the man only looked naive. However. Separately from that, a small stirring was rising in the depths of Gallon's inner self. It was because he had belatedly noticed the man's identity. The sword at his waist revealed when his cloak moved as he shifted his body. A Sacred Sword. That's right. The identity of the man Gallon had treated as a fraud was actually a hero. Was it alright to pull such tricks on a hero? Gallon felt such anxiety briefly, but— That anxiety didn't last long. "Th-that is, regarding that certificate..." Whatever he had discussed with the dwarfs— After talking with them, signs of confusion could be felt from the man, overflowing beyond measure. Peddler Gallon was certain. 'That brat... he's not used to this kind of messy situation.' In a way, it was natural. Heroes. They were those chosen by Sacred Swords for their inhumanly upright character. What was needed in this kind of mudslinging fight was shameless and despicable tactics. Things that the honest masters of Sacred Swords could never even contemplate. Gallon was already certain of victory. "If I were to have that certificate, would the problem you mentioned be resolved...?" "That's not the fundamental problem... But does that certificate even exist in the first place? For the discussion to make sense." "Ah. That thing...! Just a moment— ah, thank you!" The man received a piece of paper and a pen from Murin, then began writing something on it. "Do-done—" Perhaps. Had he written a letter requesting help by utilizing the hero's connections? 'Good grief.' The peddler couldn't help but burst into laughter. What honesty this was. At this point, it was almost endearing and pitiable. Wondering what kind of letter the hero had written, he checked its contents. "It's a certificate." "?" "A certificate where I confirm that the demon tears are authentic." For a moment, Gallon wondered if he had misheard. Guaranteeing the credibility of something he himself was selling. Did he think such a thing was even reasonable? When Gallon voiced such doubts, the hero said with a small smile. "Then well, let's say I'm not the owner of these tears." "...What?" Gallon was dumbfounded by his shameless manner of speaking. The naive hero was already nowhere to be found. "Do you understand what situation this is, and you're saying such things...?" "Of course." The hero grinned at him. "Because I understand exactly what situation this is, I'm saying such things, aren't I? From what I see, the truth doesn't seem to matter at all?" "You—...!" Gallon was startled beyond belief. Because he couldn't believe those words had come from a hero's mouth. "By the way—" Then, the hero approached Gallon closely and spoke. Before he knew it, that grayish-white fireball was flickering near his face. "This isn't some spirit but a real demon. That demon says your item isn't authentic. Moreover, it can sense that you've used various tricks to make it appear genuine. You—" The hero brought his face close and said. "You were trying to commit fraud against the Steel Fire Guild?" "Wh-what do you...! What evidence—...!" It was then. The man placed his hand on another sword hidden deep within his cloak. At that moment. An ominous aura enveloped the man. There stood a dark knight— A Magic Swordsman was standing there. "Eek...!!" Gallon recoiled in terror. However, the hero— No, the Magic Swordsman didn't allow him to retreat. Clank. The dark knight approached the peddler. Emanating an overwhelming aura that couldn't be resisted. -Think carefully. Would it be so difficult for me to make you confess the truth? Gallon was breathing heavily before he knew it. As if fleeing, he directed his gaze to the man's waist. The Sacred Sword was still radiating a noble light from there. "Sa-Sacred Sword...!!! Is this person truly your master!?! To intimidate innocent people with force, do you really intend to acknowledge such a person as your master!?" Gallon expected the Sacred Sword to be disappointed in the man— And for such a man to become frightened and stop this violent behavior. -That's right! This is how my master should be!!! "...What?" -Seeing you properly educate a fraud like him is so refreshing!!! Other heroes probably couldn't show such behavior!? "Wh-what—...!!! You, you people...!!! You're insane!!! Insane!!! Such ominous power! Bl-black magic!!! It's definitely black magic!!! If I spread this fact widely—" Gallon's mouth moving frantically. The aura of the knight who stepped closer was enough to stop it. -Think carefully. Who do you think people will believe? The hero's story, or— the story of a fraud wandering the underworld. Of course, if you can return alive from here. Gallon was completely silenced. His escaping breath trembled violently. In that state. The dark knight took one more step closer to the fraud. "Eek...!!!" It didn't take long for the fraud to prostrate himself on the ground and beg for his life. "St-stop...!!! I was wrong, so please, spare my life—" Just when it seemed all problems would be smoothly resolved. -Ah, that's right. The dark knight said he remembered something, speaking in a casual voice that didn't match his appearance. -You— "Eek...!" -From what I heard earlier— you possess the virtue of honesty in paying the price for your wrongdoings? And you have the ability to procure whatever customers want. Murin? That notebook— The knight gestured toward the dwarfs. Then they presented a notebook densely filled with writing. It contained numerous auxiliary materials needed for restoring the sword sheath. Unlike the main materials, they were realistically obtainable enough, but— They were materials that would require quite a lot of resources and time. With Risir's group having already secured the main materials, these could be called the practical materials for sword sheath restoration. "N-no...!!! If I procure all of this, I'll—" -I've heard stories about you. "Yes?" -Probably a kind peddler who procures anything, right? "Ah, ahh...!!!" The dwarfs were watching this series of events in bewilderment. Surely. Who would have thought that strategy was to suppress with force? To think such a plan came from the hero's mind. The dwarfs felt extreme confusion. However. On the other hand, they felt a refreshing sense of relief. Someone admired that ominous dark knight. "Wow... this is what a hero is like..." It was a moment when their expectations(?) for the hero increased.