"Magic Power Awakening has made me very Perceptive... I can't just touch it carelessly." The Hero watched the Princess's movements.
"Just a little, a light touch will do, aren't you my Knight? Please?"
"Um… just once, okay?"
The Fourteenth Princess, only possessing the physical capabilities of an ordinary person, naturally couldn't touch the Hero without permission. But under the gaze of those lustrous pink eyes, the Hero reluctantly moved her hand away.
The pale wrist was adorned with a dark Metal Ring, and her delicate jade-like fingers touched the Hero's earlobe, sending shivers down her entire body.
"Really, just a touch and you can feel it."
Her fingers gently kneaded the earlobe, and a delicate blush spread like a ripple in Water, staining the Hero's neck with an enticing shade of red.
Even though they were both women, the Fourteenth Princess couldn't help but be stunned by the sight.
"Is, isn't that enough?" It wasn't until the Hero let out a soft moan that the Princess reluctantly let go.
The shop owner, who had been completely absorbed in the Finger Claw, didn't notice the girls' small scuffle, but Legendary Level Equipment obviously couldn't be analyzed in a short time.
It was only after a slight sweat appeared on his forehead that the shop owner looked up, rubbed his eyes, and let out a Sigh.
"As expected of a Legendary... The composition of the Magic Patterns is incredibly ingenious. With my level, I can only understand the basics..."
On the way over, the Fourteenth Princess who had heard about the origins of the Finger Claw from the Hero regained her composed demeanor and asked curiously.
"May I ask if you know who the Forger of this Finger Claw is? Although it is a rather unconventional forging method, being able to make the finished product evolve across three levels, this craftsman's skill and vision are evident. Such a talent shouldn't be buried in obscurity, if you know who it is..."
The Fourteenth Princess quickly took on a High-Ranking Individual's Status, attempting to inquire about the whereabouts of the Forger.
"Very sorry, Princess," the shop owner said with an apologetic smile, shaking his head.
"The creator is my []"
9. Wandering Forging Master
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
"After [dropping out], that child handed the two Finger Claws to me, saying that one day they would be completed."
"But [he] has already passed away, so that's why I've kept these two Finger Claws in the store as a memento, waiting for the day they might be completed."
"—Among my children, he was the most talented, from a young age exposed to all sorts of Equipment in this store, but he wasn't content with just handling and selling them, he dreamed of creating works that would astonish everyone...
"If that child could see these completed Finger Claws, he would definitely be so shocked he couldn't close his mouth."
The shop owner's expression wasn't overly sad, but he looked at the Enchanted Claw on the table with a gentle and nostalgic gaze.
"Also, thank you both for being willing to listen to these old tales."
1. Assaulted by Magic Creatures on the front lines
2. Died from overwork
3. Perished while seeking materials
4. Disappeared after trying to forge Clouds♛
9. Encountered the Verdant Demon
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
The shop owner knew that the identities of the two before him were not the kind he could just casually chat with, but neither the newly minted Military Merit Duke nor the esteemed Fourteenth Princess Interrupted his gathering of memories, instead they listened attentively to his story.
He bowed deeply in gratitude.
"It is we who should thank you for being willing to share these things with us and for entrusting us with this 'unfinished work,'" the Hero replied with equal sincerity.
"It's nothing, aside from the fact that without your help, these Finger Claws could not have been completed. How could a craftsman's creation just be displayed in a showcase?"
The shop owner shook his head with a smile.
"They are neither relics nor artworks. Weapons forged should be used in battle. What's the point in mourning if they're just sitting here? He wouldn't be happy about that.
"It's just that I didn't want to sell these Finger Claws cheaply. You were willing to buy them and used them to defeat powerful Magic Creatures... There's nothing that makes me happier."
Speaking of which, he had once promised to refund all of the Hero's expenses, but now that he knew her Identity, no, he should have understood when he saw the Black Card representing the Count Mansion, that the other party probably wouldn't care about the price of an ordinary fine piece of Equipment, let alone any lifetime VIP treatment.
So, the shop owner didn't bring it up, just silently noting it to return it the same way later.
"However, Mr. Shop Owner, as you mentioned, your child has only disappeared, have you tried searching or posting a quest at the Adventurer Guild?"
The Fourteenth Princess considered it for a moment and still raised the question.
The shop owner's expression grew darker, and he nodded with a Sigh.
"Your Highness, I won't lie, I've done my utmost, but—"
[Clue (Related to Magic Cloud)]
The shop owner took out a stack of letters from a drawer.
"My son, although he didn't get his graduation certificate because his graduation work was these pair of Finger Claws, he already learned everything the teachers in the academy could teach."
Touching the now-yellowed stack of letters, the shop owner's expression revealed a hint of pride, but it quickly grew solemn.
"Although my forging skills are mediocre, I do have some judgment. While the academy's Forging Masters thought his theories were fanciful, I was clear about his talent and supported his dreams."