Shield And Swords
Chapter 28— Blacksmith Shoppe
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Original Title: Sword Art Online(ソードアート・オンライン)
Original Concept by: Kawahara Reki
written by: wrathie
Author's Notes: Thank you, bowpurity for the beta!
'Asuna! You're finally here!'
Lisbeth beamed while in mid-swing, almost losing her focus before she narrowed her eyes and slammed the hammer down a few times to finish the weapon that she had been working on.
'We should have knocked, sorry, Liz...'
Asuna apologized as she and Kirito entered the small shop while Lisbeth brushed the sweat on her forehead away with a wide grin.
'Don't worry about it! If I screwed that one up, that'll be me who is at fault. I mean, I run a blacksmith shop, a shop, so I should be better than that, don't you think so?'
Lisbeth grinned before turning to smile at Kirito as well, the Black Swordsman giving the girl a small smile in return even as he looked around the place.
'Long time no see, Kirito-kun. Guess you've been bringing the business to other places huh? I'm hurt, you said you'll visit more often.'
'Sorry, it's just that sometimes we're gone more than a few days at once... I didn't use my main sword for a while too.'
Kirito admitted with a sheepish grin even as Asuna raised an eyebrow at his confession. He had been gone for more than a few days with Sachi? That meant that his training runs, that first time they had ran into the two of them at the 40th floor wasn't the first time that the two of them had went on extended training sessions that would have the two of them out in the fields for days at a time, perhaps sleeping together in the same sleeping bag and al-
'Asuna? What's wrong? Oi!'
Asuna was snapped out of her own rapidly evolving imagination by Lisbeth, who looked at her with a raised eyebrow while she panicked, raising her hands up in reflex even as her face turned redder.
She was getting waaay too affected with her growing affection for Kirito and it showed, oh gods it showed and it made Asuna even more conscious of the clueless boy that was browsing Lisbeth's shop.
Thankfully Lisbeth couldn't read minds or she would be all over Asuna right now, teasing her to hell and back would be how it would start and end.
'N-Nothing, just a little light-headed... you wouldn't believe what had happened to us earlier... Sorry for being late too.'
Asuna gave a small smile while Lisbeth just shrugged and pulled her towards her furnace, which made Asuna confused and subsequently, worried about what Lisbeth had in mind.
'Soo...how are things? The two of you are here alone right? I mean, none of the others are coming to disturb the two of you, huh?'
Lisbeth's cheshire cat-like grin was enough to make Asuna freeze before she vehemently tried to deny it, deny something at least lest her strawberry colored face gave herself away.
So maybe Lisbeth was a mind-reader, she just never declared it to anyone else. Not even her best friend!
..
'I-It's nothing like that!'
'Nothing like what, Asuna? I'm not suggesting anything at all you know, hmm?'
The mirth from Lisbeth was suffocating and Asuna struggled to push her stronger friend away even as she said that there was nothing to think about, nor nothing she could get out from her.
'Ohh, so there is something you could tell me. So, what's it about, Asuna?'
Lisbeth didn't allow Asuna the luxury or the opportunity to weasel away from her interrogation. Now that she could see how much Asuna liked the boy, she was obviously smitten with him seeing how she had never smiled like that for a long time. Nor could she ignore the small hints of a blush on her face every time she looked at Kirito for more than a few seconds.
She literally glowed in his presence and if Lisbeth haven't been prepared for it, she might actually feel a little sick at howlovesick Asuna was. It might border on obsession, but then again, it might just be her own imagination over exaggerating the situation for the sake of it. Hell, why not? It'll make her day much better to tease Asuna, even if it's just a little.
'Is there something wrong?'
Kirito's question saved Asuna as the two girls jumped before turning back to see Kirito smiling at them. The handsome boy with the boyish features had a smile which was filled with warmth, confusion as well as concern. It was probably enough to cause fan girls to squeal and faint if they saws that sight.
'Ahh.. I wish I can sell that picture...'
Lisbeth muttered absent-mindedly as Asuna slapped her shoulder in annoyance, the two friends glaring at each other before shaking their heads at Kirito.
'Nope, nothing! Sorry about that!'
'We're just talking, Kirito-kun. Did you find something you like?'
Asuna tried to wriggle out of Lisbeth's grip but the blacksmith wasn't having it as she smiled sweetly at Kirito as her hands tightened around Asuna.
'I've heard that your guild leader, Sachi-san uses hand-shields right? I've made a few that she might be interested in, or at least give me some tips on. I placed them at the front! Could you have a look for me, Kirito-kun? I'll start fixing Asuna's weapons first. Then we can go out for lunch, kay?'
Lisbeth smiled as Kirito nodded his head in agreement, easily agreeing to her re-direction while Asuna paled. The sub-leader of the Knights of the Blood would have tried to protest or to at least join Kirito but Lisbeth had quickly turned the two of them around, heading for the anvil where she did her repairs.
'Let's talk Asuna, spare me no details, kay?'
'Huh...that's a lot of damage there... the durability of the weapon really took a hit there... Are you sure you've not been using this weapon for a while?'
Lisbeth talked shop with Kirito as the boy nodded his head, telling her that this was a player-made weapon that he obtained on the thirty fifth floor.
'There really isn't any other weapon as good enough for me right now. Unless you have something better?'
Kirito asked hopefully even as Lisbeth looked at it thoughtfully.
'Hmm... but it's not the stats that matter to you, right? I have a few of them displayed that gives better stats... so you're probably more worried about the shape or weight of it, right?'
Lisbeth asked and smiled when Kirito blinked and nodded in surprise.
'Yeah, kinda. I like my sword balanced, not heavy on the tip... and it'll be nice if it's dual edged and not with just one. I'm not a [Katana] skill user after all.'
'And you use no shields with that... why's that, Kirito-kun?'
Lisbeth asked curiously even as she placed Kirito's current sword beside her anvil, looking up at him to see him looking a little awkward.
'I wanted to ask about that too... You're really good with a one-hand sword, and your style has been established... but you're wasting the empty left-hand slot you know... '
'I've always fought in that way... '
Kirito paused for a moment before shrugging and saying that he learnt kendo in real life, outside of SAO.
'I've developed that stance when I was young and didn't get rid of it... so I guess this is my style of fighting... Besides if I did equip a shield, my attack speed would drop quite a bit. That defeats the purpose of my style.'
Kirito answered with a nostalgic smile before he asked Asuna about why she chose the rapier anyway, seeing that she had the same problem he did.
'It's like you said, it'll affect my attack speed...'
Asuna admitted with her cheeks flushed even as Lisbeth gave a sound of acknowledgement while nodding her head.
'Not to mention a shield would get in my way on some of my sword skills. You've seen them, I need more manoeuvrability and not less. Having a shield would hamper me... besides, I've never been hit during a boss raid before.'
Asuna seemed proud of that and Kirito chuckled before saying that she did get hit during a normal dungeon run after all.
'T-That's different! We were all cornered and you know that! Besides, I will never get cornered or trapped so easily. Knowledge of the battlefield is important for any player who focuses on speed.'
Asuna declared proudly but she paused and looked very uncertain when she saw Kirito wincing and looking away. She had touched a nerve without her knowing and she wondered what had happened for Kirito to look so hurt like that.
She had never seen him wear that expression before and if not for Libeth clearing her throat and changing the subject, she might have asked him about that. Which, could be a very bad move if done wrongly. Hence, Asuna gave Libeth a thankful smile as she asked about Asuna's mishap.
Maybe she wanted to thank her a little too soon for that as Asuna instantly regretted her earlier decision to thank her best friend.
'We were in the 43rd floor. It was one of those training sessions we have with the Knights of The Blood. Have you been there?'
'Yep, it's the one with the underwater tunnels and the fishmen right? I hated that place. The spawn rate wasn't bad, but the monsters there degraded weapons right? I mean it's good for blacksmiths, but until you guys cleared the dungeon, half of my customers rather buynew weapons than to repair them! Do you know how hard it is to get new materials when the other half wants their weapon repaired?!'
Lisbeth raised her hand in frustration even as Kirito chuckled as he remembered that was how he met Lisbeth as well.
'The merchant guild had set-up a temporary shop tent beside the dungeon right? You repaired me weapon there, that was our first meeting.'
'Nope that wasn't. We met way earlier, I sharpened your very first weapon. The Anneal Blade right? I remember that.'
Lisbeth actually sounded disappointed as she crossed her arms and looked visibly upset at him.
'Eh? That was you?!'
Kirito gave a startled gasp while Lisbeth narrowed her eyes, stomped forward and grabbed Kirito by his collar to further punctuate the point.
'Yeah, that was me. Don't tell me you forgotten? I mean, I wasn't that was my first ever successful sharpening after all, and it's not like I really cared that you stuck up for me after I screwed up a few times before that or anything...'
Lisbeth's voice got softer but more upset as she rambled on and Kirito found his panic rising as Lisbeth had lowered her head, meaning that she was probably getting angrier and more upset by the minute.
'Ah, no, that's not it! I, just didn't recognize you! I mean, you look different now than then... much cuter too, ahaha.'
Kirito found himself being dropped from that slightly raised position after he said those words, but the feeling of danger didn't quite disappear as Asuna suddenly hovered behind Lisbeth a little ominously.
'T-That's... I mean, was that actually a compliment or an insult, Kirito-kun?'
Lisbeth managed to calm her beating heart fast enough to ensure that Asuna's jealousy, yes she could feel that from a mile away much less behind her back where she currently was.
'A c-compliment of course. You look much nicer now than before... you were really a mess then. I'm glad you got better.'
Kirito really meant what he said and the blacksmith pushed her conflicting feelings down before sighing and giving a shrug.
'Thanks, I guess... No, I mean, really, thanks, Kirito-kun. I really appreciate you telling me that I was a mess back then... we all were, to some extent. But you really helped me then, so I'll let it pass... there are people still there like that you know?'
Kirito's eyes widened as Lisbeth continued, leaning against the wall of her small shop as she looked at Kirito and then Asuna.
'Things are still a mess at the first floor, I got out of there as soon as I could... but there are still some materials that I have to collect down at that floor... you... you wouldn't believe how the people there are like... It's horrible. So I guess I can understand what you mean by that...'
Lisbeth trailed off for a while before she grinned instead while raising her hands up in a lazy stretch.
'Besides that, you are telling a girl that she wasn't cute right? That's my real appearance alright? I only dyed my hair pink because I like the color... but are you really going to tell a girl to her face that she looked horrible? Hmm, Kirito-kun?'
'A-Ah, nothing like that! I didn't mean that at all!'
'This is a really nice shop though, Lisbeth.'
Kirito commented off-hand as Lisbeth finished repairing all of the damaged weapons and equipment that they had brought in. Out of all of them, the most damaged was a unique shield that was nearing the end of it's durability. She had to take extra care to repair that particular one too as it was boosted to almost it's max in terms of defense boosts.
After Lisbeth had gotten the rest of that hilariously failed raid story where Asuna had to resort to using to using one of her commander's weapon due to recklessly attacking the acidic monsters on that floor, she had tried to get more stories from the two of them only to be denied as it was nearing lunch time.
At least Lisbeth had scored a free lunch with her best friend and a hot stud today. In addition to the story that Kirito had told earlier, it was a good day to be Lisbeth!
'It really isn't...'
Lisbeth gave a sigh while she stretched, looking over to see Asuna preparing some sandwiches at the sink area before giving another sigh as she waved a hand around the shop.
'This isn't really my place, it's a rental... and I only did that because those guys at the merchant guild say that it's too tacky for the sole female representative of the guild to be out there with just a vendor's mat and an anvil.'
Lisbeth crossed her arms in a display of righteous female fury even as Kirito looked confused at that.
'You're a representative of the merchant's guild? That's really impressive. It's quite a big deal in Aincrad, a gathering of the top grossing crafting and merchant players to ensure fair trade and all that right? Economics isn't my best subject...'
Kirito admitted, causing Asuna to laugh even as she returned with a dish of sandwiches for the three of them to tide the time and their hunger till they actually have lunch in a bit.
'I only prepared a little, we're going to have Kirito-kun bring us to that fancy cafe you mentioned before! The cheesecake there is to die for, right?'
'Good call Asuna, I almost forgotten about that. There's this steak house I know too, but it's really up to you. Maybe.. we can go to both?'
'Great idea! Maybe I can ask them how they actually prepared it! Maybe we need to activate a quest or something...'
'Mm... maybe, we can try... but then we should go to the new restaurant that opened up on the 45th floor. The dessert there was chocolate, as in, it tastes like real chocolate! If we get the recipe for it somehow... I'll ask Argo for help!'
Lisbeth had dollar-signs for eyes while Asuna was beside herself with joy at the thought of being able to taste chocolate again! Despite having quite the range of restaurants, no one has been able to find chocolate in the game, nor other tasty sweets like ice-cream or candies. Sugar was a rarity too and that made NPC cafes that sold cookies and desserts very popular.
Asuna obviously had forgotten that it was Argo one was talking about. If there was something that would earn her tons of money, Argo would be all over it before anyone else.
'But there's a long waiting list for that one... but to taste chocolate... It'll be worth it! All worth it!'
Lisbeth licked her lips before turning to Kirito and smiling sweetly at him. The kind of smile that made Kirito really doubt his chances of getting out of the shop alive, or at least with his purse intact. It was a smile that was remarkably similar to Argo's and the Black Swordsman knew that he had to make a stand now, or it would be all over.
'H-Hey, weren't we talking about the guild? What about it? Any one would be happy if you were part of such an important group.'
Kirito's question removed all the wind out of Lisbeth's sails as she scowled and huffed in response.
'It is totally not true. It's difficult to be part of the Merchant's guild! I didn't think that it'll be so busy! You wouldn't imagine how the smaller shops are trying to squeeze the clearers... Well, yeah, we're making sure that doesn't happen again... but when they want to enforce some kind of service standard, the logistics is a nightmare.'
Lisbeth shook her head as she leaned against her chair with a furrowed brow. She was not happy about what she had gotten embroiled in, that much was certain.
'Well, I wouldn't really say I hate being part of the Merchant Guild... it is a big deal like you said, but the formality and the protocols...'
Lisbeth waved her hands around her shop to elaborate while continuing.
'I mean, they're a bunch of stiff old man! If I'm supposed to be representatives of all the female merchants, then it's my choice to not have a shop just yet! This is outright blackmail! At least they funded half of my initial deposit... but it'll be a while before I reach the deposit to buy a real shop house... and there I was hoping that I can do so soon.'
'Eh! I-I thought that you've been doing quite well, Liz! What happened? If there's anything I can help with...'
Asuna really wasn't aware and she looked even more upset as Lisbeth just waved her off with a smile.
'Nah, it's my problem... I'm doing well, great even... I had a big group of customers in the morning and that covered my rental for the day plus extras... I don't want to bother you, alright? And I guess it's an improvement from the vendor's carpet... right, Asuna?'
'But if you don't like it, you shouldn't have to listen to those guys! I-I'll talk with Argo about this!'
'It's not good to keep relying on Argo for help, Asuna...Argo is just an advisor, she's not part of the guild.'
Kirito's comment cut into the conversation and made Asuna frown unhappily. Still, he had a valid point and the pink-haired blacksmith nodded her head as she started on her repairs again, this time picking up Argo's leather armour and whistling at the damage it had taken.
'Yep, I can't rely on someone else all the time... and like I said, it's good and bad all wrapped into one... and I think that I'll do better with the guild than without... You wouldn't believe the size of some of them! Ah, that reminds me...'
Lisbeth snapped her fingers before scrutinizing the two of them, causing Kirito to raised an eyebrow and Asuna to tilt her head in confusion.
Using her fingers to create a box-shape, similar to a camera's viewfinder on the two of them before grinning at them.
'Well, I've heard that Ashley wants the two of you to model for her. She's willing to even provide new clothes as part of the deal.'
Kirito seemed confused but Asuna gave a whoop of joy as she jumped in excitement.
'Really?! Ashley! That-, That Ashley right! Not another Ashley? Really? Oh Lisbeth! Thank you, thank you!'
Asuna tackled Lisbeth, causing the two of them to crash onto the floor in a mess as Asuna giggled happily while hugging the now struggling Lisbeth.
'O-Oi, I didn't do anything! Ashley was the one who asked me about the two of you! She knew that I was close to you and I knew Kirito-kun... You'll have to ask Argo-san about that as well, she... interfered a little. Ahaha...'
Asuna froze for a moment, probably remembering about how manipulative the mousey woman was like but she shook her head in the end. Even if Argo would probably see only the monetary value from such an endeavour, Asuna only knew that Ashley was the best seamstress in Aincrad and she really liked her designs and choice of materials she made them from.
They were very pricey, but seeing that almost all of her wardrobe was made my Ashley or at least bought from her shop, she really liked her works.
'Erm... Ashley?'
'You don't know? Kirito-kun, I'm disappointed in you! We'll have to go and visit her shop later on. You need clothes that are not in black anyway! You'll look good in... well, I guess blue? Or maybe white!'
Asuna gave a happy smile with an explanation that didn't explain much at all. Lisbeth shook her head and explained for Kirito's benefit, a lop sided grin that looked as much sheepish as well as embarrassed for her friend.
'Ashley is a player that was the first to max out her sewing skills. She's also one of the best in Aincrad when it comes to designing clothes. Not just the kind that you wear for battle, Kirito-kun. But for casual clothes too. Do you even have some? You know, pyjamas and all...'
Lisbeth teased while Kirito nodded his head in understanding.
'Even if Ashley is the best... why is Asuna so excited about it...'
Kirito pointed to the excited girl who was now besides her with joy, going through her own inventory while Lisbeth picked herself up with his help.
'You don't have a girlfriend at all, huh? You should know girls goes mad about clothes.'
Kirito wanted to comment that the two girls he was close with, Argo and Sachi never seemed to worried or excited about that. Argo stuck to her own unique fashion tastes and Sachi just went for practicality than looks. Even their casual wear wasn't chosen to look pretty, as far as Kirito was aware anyway.
But he remained wisely quiet, lest they started going after him instead.
'That's because Ashley never accepts customized clothing requests any more. She's good, too good really. She's has almost a total monopoly of the casual clothing market. The merchant guild wasn't that happy about that but Ashley really isn't doing anything wrong, she's just that good. And as she's that good, no one can force her to do anything... for her to actually want to make clothes for someone is a big deal. Guess she's going for the couple outfit, huh, Asuna?'
Lisbeth's last remark caused the sub-leader of the Knights of the Blood to come out of her happy dream to shriek at her.
'LIZ! What are you saying! K-Kirito-kun w-wouldn't... he wouldn't... right?'
Unfortunately or fortunately for Asuna, the dense Black Swordsman just dismissed Lisbeth's words with a chuckle and said that wasn't possible.
'I'm sure Asuna wouldn't want one, right?'
Torn between a rock and a hard place, Asuna twitched as she tried to form a reply while Lisbeth just chuckled and went back to her repairs. Ah, this was really going to be an interesting day indeed.
Author's Notes: I really like this chapter, for obvious reasons.
