As I call out, a well-muscled dwarven man emerges from a room in the back while wiping his hands on a piece of cloth. I know dwarves tend to be longer lived than humans, though I'm not sure just how much that applies on Azura. If he had a human lifespan, I'd assume he's maybe 50s or 60s.
"I'm Percivil, the only one who works here. So, Zevy sent yah, aye? Can I assume yah also want my best work for robbery pricing?" (Percivil)
His words are harsh, but his face has a soft smirk and his voice the trace of a chuckle that suggests him and Zevy are on decent terms.
"I wouldn't dream of trying to insult a craftsman of your caliber by haggling. I'll be in your care for a weapon, so I do hope to pay you what you're worth." (Mizuki)
"Oh ho, just as much of a sweet talker as your patron merchant, I see. Well then, what can I do for yah young man?" (Percivil)
"Well, I'd like to purchase a dagger and a light weapon, complete with sheathe and scabbard for belt attachment. I'm just starting out, so I'd guess that your best weapons would be wasted on me. With that in mind, what would you recommend?" (Mizuki)
"Hmm…daggers are pretty straightforward if yah want it for the adventuring life. Yah just want it to be strong, easy to maintain, and I'd recommend a 20 cm dagger. For the light weapon, you'll probably want a mace, axe, or short sword. For either, there are varieties that have been enchanted with different permanent spells. However, if yah can use alteration class spells and do weapon enhancement yourself, or if yah need to learn the basics first, that's probably unnecessary." (Percivil)
Good to know, and he's being straightforward and immediately guessed what I want the items for. Not a hint of condescension towards a newb like me. Mace is definitely out, and I doubt that I'll do well with a small axe. So, maybe a short sword?
"Thank you for the insight, you're correct about me wanting to use the weapons for adventuring. I'm just starting out. Could I try a non-magic short sword? Whichever one you think best matches my build and experience level would be appreciated." (Mizuki)
"Sure thing, kid. I gotta say, you're a lot more deferential than most of the young bloods that come in here wanting to start adventuring. Here, try this out." (Percivil)
He hands me a plain short sword, and I pull it from its scabbard. There's nothing really striking about it, no dragon-slaying vibes, but it looks sturdy and sharp, and it feels well balanced. Just what a newb like me needs.
I grab the short sword in one hand and hold it fully stretched out in front of me, to get a sense for the weight and reach. I knew I'd need to start working out a bit more in this world of swords and sorcery, but I'm shocked by how hard it is to hold this 'light' weapon in this position. Hmm…will I be effective with this in combat?
I return the sword closer to my body and hold it like I'm in a fencing stance, but instead I feint sideways slashes with the sword. As I thought, my movements with the sword are quite sluggish one-handed, even within my reach. That's not good – it defeats the whole point of having a light weapon. I need to get stronger.
"Hmm…I think I might be quite lacking physically to wield this weapon properly. I'm sure it has nothing to do with your craftsmanship, though. Do you mind if we move on to daggers while I reflect on this a bit?" (Mizuki)
"Not at all, I think that's a good observation. Here, no question in my mind now that this should be the best dagger for yah." (Percivil)
I take the dagger from him and offer my thanks, then pull it out of the sheathe to inspect it. Once again, it's plain but well made.
However, the metal looks a bit different than the short sword. I had a chemistry professor bring a Damascus steel dagger to class one time to show us, and the metal looks kind of similar. I don't know much about it, but I don't think that would fit the other metal work in this world.
I move the dagger around in my hand and the action feels much more natural than the short sword. Nice. I place it back in its sheathe and attach it sideways on my belt behind my back. From my front, it'd be mostly obscured from view, but it's comfortable for me to grab and unsheathe it quickly.
In the opinion of this newb, Percivil really made an excellent recommendation.
"I greatly appreciate the advice. I think I'll take this one after all. Now about the main weapon…" (Mizuki)
As I'm about to question Percivil about short sword alternatives, something in the back of the room catches my eye. It's partially hidden from view, but the handle and curvature are unmistakable…no way.
I mutter 'katana' under my breath, and begin walking towards it, transfixed. A katana also seems out of place in this world, though?
"Hey, Percivil, could I try out that weapon behind the counter in the corner there?" (Mizuki)
I gesture towards the katana and look back over my shoulder at Percivil. He's stiff and pale, and he's focusing on me so hard I feel like I might combust. Jeez, does it have sentimental value or something? I don't want to offend him; I was just shocked.
After a few seconds, he recovers and walks towards me slowly. He looks at me for a second more, up close, then walks around the counter and grabs the katana. When he returns to me, his behavior is back to normal and he's wearing a light smile. He presents the katana to me.
"Here yah go, knock yourself out. Sorry, it's a lot different than what I normally sell, so I didn't think to mention it to yah." (Percivil)
I grab the sword from him and slide it from its scabbard for inspection. Now that I can see it more clearly, it doesn't look like a normal katana. It seems a bit shorter than what I recall from Earth, but it has a handle just long enough for two hands.
Actually, it resembles those second blades that some samurai would carry. I recall from some manga those are supposed to be for seppuku though. It also seems to have the same anomalous metal as the dagger.
I interrogate the weight and balance of the blade in my hand and make a few feint slashes. The handling is quite comfortable.
"Percivil, if it's for sale I think this is the blade for me. How much for this, the dagger, and a small travel pack if you have them?" (Mizuki)
Percivil seems eerily calm, and he has a somewhat wistful expression on his face.
"Aye, I don't normally sell packs, but I got an old one I've been meaning to get rid of that I can sell to yah. How does one gold coin for all three sound?" (Percivil)
That's sounds steep, but I'm not an expert, and this was the only katana I saw here. It's doable after my exchange with Zevy, so I think it's best to take his offer without haggling. I flash him an appreciative smile.
"Worth every copper, I'm sold!" (Mizuki)