Unbreakable Faith

"This is going horribly…."

I visited every armory and weaponsmith, and all of their wares were gone. Other nobles also ordered the blacksmiths to create personalized swords, so their schedules were booked.

"It seems the rumors are rampant. I heard Lord MacDuff fled to England to side with Lord Malcolm," my butler said.

"As if the news couldn't be worse."

"It seems that rumor encouraged the other Thanes to purchase their new blades. Business is going well for the local smiths. Hahaha!"

"But not for me. What if I die in combat?" I said dejectedly. "I don't even have armor."

"Hm, sir, why not go there?"

My butler pointed in one direction, and I saw what he suggested.

"The pier? Why?"

"Perhaps there are imported weapons from a far country, sir! Doesn't the notion excite you?"

"No. We could be scammed. I trust what's made in Scotland, not some foreign land."

"Ah, sir, don't be so xenophobic!"

We visited a seaside town, so imports and trade were a specialty. I heard there was a new shipment of items, but I wouldn't raise my hopes.

"Sir, there's a tent stand! Let's check there!"

"Not even a store? Are four walls and a roof so hard to build? How shady."

"It would be impractical to build a store you'll barely visit, sir! They do travel the known world!"

"I suppose so."

We approached their stand, and I must admit, their wares were impressive. I've never seen these furs, silk, and other fabrics in full display. Gruff men were on guard, ready to prevent any theft.

"Good sir, you appear to have a discerning eye! Are you interested in anything?"

(He thinks I have a discerning eye? No, he thinks I have a bunch of money to spend.)

"Let's see what he has to offer, sir," my butler encouraged.

"Only for a moment."

(The trader will probably try to say many fancy names to make his selection seem exotic.)

"What could interest you, noble sir?"

"Weapons. Mainly a sword. Armor as well."

"Hm, I think I have something that may pique your curiosity. Although, we'll have to see if you are worthy of the blade!"

(Excuse me?)

"This is preposterous," I muttered.

As I waited, the trader spoke aloud.

"I was waiting for customers, but no one came. It seems others have found what they were looking for."

(Lucky for them.)

"Oh, you said you're looking for armor as well? I have something for that as well!"

The trader opened multiple boxes and bent down to search each one. After a moment, he brought out two items and placed one on the counter.

"W-what is this?"

It was a pure white jacket.

"This is what they call a "long coat." It's one of our imports. One of a kind too. The last item, though, is a fickle thing."

The man carefully grabbed a sword by its blade and stabbed it into the ground.

"Why didn't you grab it by the handle?"

"Ah, that's the thing! No one can! If you do, it hurts you!"

"A sword handle can hurt you? Isn't that the safest part?"

"Not for this one!"

A typical long-sword was stabbed into the wooden pier, but it possessed a radiant sheen that no other sword had.

"What is that?"

The trader's face formed a melancholic smile.

"It is a sword from the Kaixenix archipelago. It was wielded by a man named Kim Dokja, who was hailed as the "Demon King of Salvation." That was his nickname, though."

"Why was he called that?"

"He was cruel and cunning, but he loved his companions with all of his heart. He sacrificed himself again and again for them. The coat before you is also one of his items."

"It is no doubt that this coat is expensive, but it is so thin. How can it protect me?"

In response, the man unsheathed a hidden dagger and stabbed it into the garment. When he pulled the blade away, there wasn't a gaping hole in the coat nor a loose thread. When he pushed the fabric aside, we saw the wooden counter underneath – it was undented.

"Incredible. But why not keep it for yourself?"

"Eh, better to sell it. Plus, it doesn't fit me anyway since I've gained a few pounds! That's enough armor for me!"

The man devolved into a chuckling fit. As he laughed, he brought a matchstick to the sword and lit it on fire.

"H-how? Was it doused in oil?! What witchcraft is this?"

A trick, this must be a trick. The coat was no joke, but this was ridiculous.

"They call this sword the Unbreakable Faith," the man said. "It's believed the sword can wield the properties of ether: fire, divinity, and darkness. No one unworthy must hold this sword. Noble sir, would you like to step behind the counter and try?"

"Ah, Your Lordship, it seems you were right," my butler said. "They are using gimmicks to make their wares look exotic!"

As my butler sheepishly said this, the world grew fuzzy once more.

"Take it…."

I heard a gentle whisper, which guided my decision. I stepped behind the counter and reached out towards the flaming hilt.

"Your Lordship, please, no! You'll burn yourself!! You'll never be able to hold anything!"

"Maybe the reason why no one was able to wield this blade-"

My hand grasped the hilt.

"-is because they had no faith in themselves."

A few moments later.

"Thank you! Come again!"

The shopkeeper bid us farewell, and we did the same.

"Sir, I almost fainted. Master Wilhelm would've been furious if you injured yourself beyond repair. Please, as a butler and adviser, never do something so reckless again!"

"You have my word."

The coat was folded over my arm, and I held it tightly to my body. The blade was sheathed in a scabbard and strapped to my side.

"Unbreakable Faith," I muttered. "What an interesting name."

"If what he said is true, you've purchased a blessed artifact, sir!"

"It seems so. It is counterintuitive, but-"

I turned to the clear blue sky and saw the white, gentle clouds floating through the heavens. Peaceful tranquility settled into my soul.

"-let's hope I never have to use this sword on anyone."