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He stared blankly at Shirou, as if he were wondering if he was dreaming, and murmured, "Shirou, do you mean that you, as my son, not only became a sword saint at a young age, but also the world-renowned blacksmith Muramasa, possessing forging skills that even the sword god admires, and are a world-famous master craftsman?"
"This...you may be surprised, but it is indeed the truth."
Shirou spoke silently.
He hasn't yet revealed his deeds as the Heroic Spirit Emiya; otherwise, his story of confronting the water goddess Leda head-on, defeating the immortal demon king Atofi, and earning the title of Hero would be enough to scare Paul so much that he couldn't eat for days.
For Paul's health, he should keep these secrets.
However, even if he didn't mention the matter of the Heroic Spirit Emiya, the mere fact that he was a blacksmith named Muramasa was enough to shock Paul to the point of causing the latter's brain to shut down.
Chapter 232 I am Pope Milis, and I respectfully welcome the God of Crafts, Muramasa!
My son is none other than Muramasa, a world-renowned blacksmith.
This outrageous incident caused Paul's brain to completely stop working.
He never imagined that something so outrageous would happen.
However, Paul wasn't confused for long. After all, Shirou had always been a source of awe for him. Even if the other party claimed to be the current Sword God, Paul probably wouldn't be too shocked. He would only need some time to calm down before he could re-understand the situation.
After gradually grasping the situation, Paul's mind quickly began to work.
He quickly realized something was wrong and asked, "Why did you tell me this? If you really are the blacksmith Muramasa, once your identity is exposed, it will attract a lot of people to investigate you, and you may even be in great danger."
As a swordsman, Paul was well aware of just how extraordinary the blacksmiths of famous swords were.
If one has no powerful backing or the ability to protect oneself, one can easily be drawn into the struggle between various factions.
While Shirou may appear to be a formidable swordsman, he is actually quite insignificant among true powerhouses.
If a high-level adversary really sets his sights on him, he could be in danger at any moment.
Shiro was deeply moved by Paul's concern.
After all, once Paul learned that he was Muramasa, he didn't rush to use him or ask him to help forge weapons. Instead, he was concerned about his safety.
This undoubtedly shows that Paul was genuinely standing on his father's side and considering things for Shiron.
As Shirou sighed, he silently replied, "Of course there's a reason, and I really don't want you, Paul, to tell anyone else that I'm the blacksmith Muramasa. It would be best not to tell even Norren, since the impact of this matter is too great. If it gets out, the entire Grerat family might be affected and put in danger."
"Yes, I know."
Paul nodded vigorously.
He naturally knew how exaggerated the influence of the blacksmith Muramasa was; he was someone that the Ankylosaurus King, the Sword God, the Mining God, and even many other important figures were paying attention to.
This absolutely cannot be leaked.
Therefore, Paul became even more curious about why Shirow would tell him such explosive news, which made him quite concerned.
Shirou didn't keep anyone in suspense and quickly recounted his experience as the blacksmith Muramasa, as well as the information he had learned after arriving in the Holy Kingdom of Milis about the church's plan to forge the Milis Holy Sword.
"I can't return to the Kingdom of Asura right now, so I don't have much wealth and can't complete the repair of the Golden Sword of Victory. If I could be introduced to the Holy Kingdom of Milis as Muramasa and help the Pope complete the repair of the Holy Sword of Milis, the reward would be enough to forge a weapon for myself."
Shirou spoke silently.
After learning everything, Paul also helped to think about it, saying, "Indeed, if it is the reward from the Holy Kingdom of Milis, it will be extremely extravagant. However, the problem still exists, namely your safety, Shirou. After all, this is Milis's territory. If someone wants to harm you, it will be difficult to launch an effective counterattack."
Unlike the Kingdom of Asra, the Holy Kingdom of Milis is merely a peripheral nation, lacking the magnanimity of a great power and without stable laws.
If there are villains among the Milis who want to harm Shirou, it would be very difficult for Shirou to put up a fight on his own.
"Yes, that's why I came to see you, Paul."
Shirou spoke up quietly, "If I were to contact the Church of Milis directly in my own capacity, I might encounter danger. However, if you, Paul, recommend them to the Church of Milis in the name of a noble from the Kingdom of Asura, we can minimize the risks. After all, the Holy Kingdom of Milis doesn't have the guts to confront the world's strongest nation like the Kingdom of Asura."
"I see."
Paul fully understood Shirou's thinking. While praising Shirou's meticulousness in considering all the details, he added to Shirou, "Your idea is good, but there is a problem. My identity has already been made public in the Holy Kingdom of Milis. They all know that I am just a country knight and not a great nobleman. It is unlikely that I can contact a big figure like Muramasa."
"This... there is indeed such a problem."
Shiro nodded, agreeing that the question Paul raised was indeed valid.
If the Holy Kingdom of Milis sees through Paul's bluff, then Shirou's safety as Muramasa will also be in jeopardy.
Getting Paul to raise the banner of the Kingdom of Asura is the best solution Shirou can think of right now.
He couldn't think of a better idea.
"There are solutions."
Paul noticed Shirou's anxiety, but he gradually calmed down. "As long as we can gain the support of a powerful enough force within the Holy Kingdom of Milis, there won't be too much of a problem no matter how things develop."
"A sufficiently powerful force within the Holy Kingdom of Milis?"
Upon hearing Paul's words, Shiro was momentarily confused.
Paul, unhurriedly, replied, "That's right, that's Senis's family, the Latorrea family. They're a long-established noble family in the Holy Kingdom of Milis, and they also have considerable influence within the church. The current head of the family, Carlisle Latorrea, is the Grand Master of the Temple Knights, capable enough to back you up. The only problem is, because of the previous Great Transfer incident, I've already asked them for a lot of favors. Now, I need their help with the Muramasa matter, which is really..."
Paul seemed to have great respect for Senis's family.
His expression became even more complicated when the Latorrea family was mentioned.
Shirou initially thought it wasn't a good idea, but after thinking about it carefully, he said, "No, Paul, this is perfectly doable, and you don't need to be too nervous."
"What do you mean?"
"Repairing the Holy Sword is a very important matter for the Church. Rather than an honor, it is the most important thing for the country. For the Latorrea family, helping the Pope repair the Holy Sword would be a huge benefit. Moreover, the Knights Templar, which the Latorrea family represents, has just had its members purged by the Pope. They are probably eager to consolidate their strength and will certainly not miss this opportunity."
Shiro's analysis is reasonable and well-founded.
After thinking about it for a moment, Paul realized that it was indeed the case.
He immediately stood up excitedly, and after discussing the specifics of the operation with Shirou, he summoned two women from the distant investigation team: Vera, the female knight he had just met, and Shera, Vera's sister, who was dressed as a mage.
"Get ready, we're going to the Latorea family."
Paul is a man of action; once he has an idea, he will put it into practice immediately.
Shiro couldn't get involved in this, so he could only leave everything to Paul to carry out.
Although he had considered going with Paul to meet Senis's family and fulfill his promise to his aunt Theresa.
But this matter is of great importance, so he needs to go back and make sufficient preparations to ensure that the identity of the blacksmith Muramasa will not be exposed.
……
The whole day that followed.
Shirou made ample disguises to perfectly portray the demeanor of a top-tier blacksmith, and his clothes and mask were all prepared so that no one could discover his true identity.
The time was around noon the next day.
News of Paul arrived.
He said that everything was ready and all that was needed was for Shirou to go directly to the headquarters of the Church of Milis as the blacksmith Muramasa.
Faced with this near-decisive battle, Shirou felt a little nervous, but he naturally didn't show it on the surface and went there immediately.
Soon, he arrived at the headquarters of the Church of Milis once again.
This time, however, he was not as the swordsman Shirou, but as the blacksmith Muramasa.
When Shirou arrived, a large number of people wearing blue armor emerged from within. The color of the armor indicated that these were Temple Knights, and Theresa was also among them.
But Teresa clearly didn't recognize him and, like everyone else, showed suspicion and wariness.
Although Shirou didn't listen carefully, he could occasionally hear some words flowing into his head.
For example, is this the blacksmith Muramasa, the top blacksmith of this era among humans? He looks very suspicious... Is he really Muramasa himself?
Such doubts.
Shirou paid no attention to any of this. He simply followed the instructions he had made with Paul and said quietly, "I am Muramasa. I have been invited by the Church of Milis to repair the Holy Sword of Milis."
Shirou's pretentious words lessened the Temple Knights' suspicions somewhat.
But ordinary knights naturally wouldn't have the ability to meet a big shot like Muramasa.
After waiting for a while, the qualified person finally appeared.
A middle-aged knight in blue armor slowly emerged from within, speaking solemnly: "I am Carlisle Latorrea, the Grand Master of the Temple Knights. Are you Muramasa?"
"good."
Even though he knew perfectly well that the man in front of him was his grandfather and Senis's father, Shirou remained unmoved, his pretentious demeanor exuding an air of profound mystery.
Carlisle, not daring to be negligent, immediately made a welcoming gesture.
Nevertheless, the Grand Master of the Templar Order maintained a basic level of vigilance and suspicion, his sharp expression seemingly capable of slaying any villain.
This man is a master.
With this conviction in his heart, Shirou followed Carlisle into the church.
Soon, he returned to the room where he had previously met the Pope. This time, the Pope was not alone; almost all the high-ranking officials of the Holy Kingdom of Milis had gathered there.
They were shocked, excited, suspicious, or bewildered...
But when Shirou arrived, these emotions gradually disappeared, and many eyes focused directly on Shirou.
"I am Pope Harry Grimmore, and I respectfully welcome His Holiness the God of Crafts, Muramasa."
The Pope bowed deeply to Shirou.
This scene took everyone by surprise.
Chapter 233 How to prove you are Muramasa?
Milis Church Headquarters.
In the Pope's conference room.
A dozen or so people were sitting face to face.
The person at the very center is undoubtedly the Pope, and next to him is an elderly man dressed in similar, high-class robes, who is suspected to be a cardinal of the Church.
In addition, a large number of high-ranking church officials, including members of the Knights of the Holy Kingdom of Milis, were gathered here.
Everyone had mixed feelings about the arrival of the blacksmith Muramasa.
Under these circumstances, as if to set the tone, the Pope of the Church of Milis immediately showed great respect to Shirou, who appeared as Muramasa.
This attitude caused mixed emotions among the church leaders present, and their scrutinizing gazes immediately softened.
Many church members gasped, realizing that something unexpected might happen at today's meeting.
Shirou, however, showed an attitude of ignoring the various conflicts within the Church of Milis.
He said quietly, "No, I have not yet forged a weapon that can reach the realm of the gods, so I cannot be called the God of Crafts."
To intimidate the church members, Shirou had already planned to impersonate Muramasa. As a top-tier blacksmith, he would not show any weakness in his tone or demeanor, so Shirou directly displayed an arrogant attitude.
This reaction seemed to align with the church leadership's impression of top blacksmiths; they showed no dissatisfaction, but rather became even more respectful than before.
"Is that so? Then let me address you as Lord Muramasa for now."
The Pope spoke with a smile.
He never doubted Shirou's identity from beginning to end, showing complete trust, which Shirou really didn't expect.
But he wasn't about to let things get out of hand, and calmly replied, "It doesn't matter. The form of address isn't important. What's important is the holy sword that you're troubled by."
"Lord Muramasa has indeed come for the Holy Sword."
"Observing Saint Milis's weapons might improve my forging skills."
Shirou's words were not false.
He genuinely wanted to study Saint Milis's Holy Sword, and was very curious about what was so special about this legendary weapon that had once been able to cleave out the Holy Sword Path in one go.
Helping the Church of Milis repair the Holy Sword was merely a side effect.
"Hehe, as expected of a top-notch blacksmith. Even with such a high status and skill, he has not lost the thirst for knowledge of an apprentice."
The Pope smiled and praised Shirou.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly.
But things can't possibly go so smoothly without any obstacles.
Soon, a bishop dressed in splendid attire suddenly spoke up: "Your Holiness, is it not somewhat inappropriate to allow an outsider to observe the national treasure of the Holy Kingdom of Milis? The Holy Sword has endured hundreds of years of wind and frost, and is already very fragile. If it were to be damaged in the process, no one could bear the consequences."
As the bishop spoke, his gaze occasionally drifted to the cardinal beside him.
Clearly, all of this was the Cardinal's objective.
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