Chapter 28 – Forging Hassan's Dagger
"Speaking of which, when I was leaving the dungeon today, I noticed a lot of people transporting large boxes containing monsters. What was that all about?"
After dinner, Bell suddenly brought up the strange incident from earlier in the day.
Hearing Bell's question, Shirou naturally couldn't give an answer, since he knew even less about this city called Orario than Bell did.
Seeing this, Hestia explained:
"Ah, that's for the Monsterphilia—it's a festival unique to the dungeon city of Orario, held once every year."
"Monsterphilia?"
"Yeah. It's a special festival led by the god Ganesha. Simply put, his Familia captures monsters from the dungeon and brings them to the Colosseum in Orario. Then, adventurers fight the monsters inside the arena to try and tame them."
"You can tame monsters?"
"I'm not sure either, but Ganesha Familia has always been working toward that goal. The Monsterphilia was created to support that effort," Hestia said calmly. "And since it's a safe and entertaining event, the Monsterphilia has grown more and more popular over the years. These days, it attracts huge crowds of tourists every year."
As she spoke, Hestia's expression grew excited, and she looked at Shirou and Bell.
"The Monsterphilia is a huge deal—massive crowds beyond belief! If you just set up a food stand on the street during that time, you can make a fortune!"
"Uh…"
"Don't you two want to take advantage of this chance to make some real money?"
Hestia was clearly already thinking entirely about profits, eager to cash in during the Monsterphilia.
Bell was somewhat tempted. As an ordinary young man, he had little resistance against lively festivals and really wanted to take part.
After thinking it over, he decided it wouldn't hurt to skip the dungeon for a day and agreed to Hestia's suggestion.
Shirou, however, refused.
Right now, he wanted to focus entirely on forging weapons.
Having discovered the unique path of the blacksmith, Shirou was deeply moved—as if he had discovered a new world—and wanted to devote every minute to forging.
"You're really not going, Shirou?"
When he declined, both Hestia and Bell looked disappointed.
Especially Hestia, who had already planned to rely on Shirou's god-tier cooking skills to make a killing during the festival.
But since Shirou refused, she didn't force the issue, silently nodding in acceptance.
.
.
.
The next morning, Shirou parted ways with Hestia and Bell early.
Shirou headed to Hephaestus Familia's forge as usual.
Hestia and Bell, on the other hand, went to attend the Monsterphilia.
Because of the festival, the flow of people in Orario was far higher than usual. Joyful and festive voices filled the air.
The streets were packed with citizens and adventurers alike. Countless vendors lined the roads, filling the air with tempting aromas and the sizzling sounds of grilled food.
Even Shirou couldn't help but be moved by the bustling atmosphere. He remembered how, during New Year's in the past, he used to take his sister Miyu to similar festivals.
But that was a past that could never return.
"Mr. Emiya?"
While Shirou was lost in memory, a voice suddenly called out to him from the side.
He realized he had unknowingly stopped in front of The Hostess of Fertility tavern, and Syr, whom he had met before, was standing not far away.
Recalling what happened the previous night, Shirou immediately apologized:
"I'm sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have dismissed your bento. After all, you did make it with care, and I could feel your sincerity in it."
Shirou finally expressed the honest thoughts he hadn't said the night before.
Syr was surprised by his sincerity. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she replied softly:
"No, my cooking skills just aren't very good. But I'll keep improving. If it's okay… could I still make bentos for you in the future?"
"Uh…"
Shirou wanted to refuse, but seeing the look on Syr's face—like she might burst into tears if he declined—he found himself unable to say anything cruel.
He silently nodded.
"If it's not too much trouble for you…"
"Not at all! I'd be really happy to cook for you, Mr. Emiya!"
Syr spoke up loudly, but after saying it, she immediately looked shy, flailing her arms in embarrassment.
Then she suddenly ran into the tavern and came out again holding another basket.
"If you don't mind, could you accept this?" Syr asked with all the courage she could muster. "I worked all night on this, trying my best. I hope you'll give me your thoughts!"
"…Alright."
At this point, Shirou couldn't bring himself to refuse.
He silently took the bento and saw that it was still a sandwich-like meal.
He carefully took a bite—while the flavor still hadn't improved much, it was definitely a bit better than yesterday's, showing she had made a genuine effort.
"I think it's quite good," Shirou said softly. "What matters most in cooking isn't just taste—it's the care and sincerity behind it. As long as it's made with heart, it's a worthy dish."
"Really?"
"Of course."
Shirou smiled gently at the bashful Syr, then handed the basket back and quickly finished the sandwich.
Seeing him eat it all, Syr beamed with joy like a blooming flower.
.
.
.
After parting with Syr, Shirou arrived at Hephaestus Familia's forge.
Because of the Monsterphilia, the workshop was much quieter than usual.
Shirou was able to focus completely, aiming to craft a suitable weapon for a beginner like Bell.
"Since it's a dagger, there's only one choice."
Shirou stood in front of the furnace and began refining the leftover iron ore from yesterday.
Daggers required far fewer materials than regular swords, so Shirou could easily make one with what he had on hand.
As for the weapon he intended to forge—it was a dagger he remembered from long ago, used by the Heroic Spirit Hassan.
Though nameless, as a weapon wielded by a Heroic Spirit, it was certainly not ordinary.
At the very least, it would be more than adequate for a beginner adventurer like Bell.
The only question was whether Shirou could successfully forge it.
Was yesterday's forging success truly due to his skill, or just a fluke?
That would now be tested by fact.