Erhard (Web Novel)

Erhard (エルハルト), usually simply called the Weapon Shop Owner or Old man or Uncle, is a blacksmith and a weapon shop owner in the castle town of Melromarc.

He is the only shop in Melromarc to carry Shields while others didn't carry it for religious reasons

Appearance
He has a shaved head and darker skin with well build body.

Personality
He is not bound by the nation's religious view and was willing to sell equipment for money. He is a good judge of character, as he was able to suspect Malty's claim of rape and also of Naofumi's innocence. He doesn't have a narrow minded view on Demi-humans, as he was willing to teach Raphtalia some sword fighting style.

Background
Both Erhard and Imiya's uncle were taught under the same master from the east. He used to be an adventurer in the past and moved on. According to Malty, he runs the best weapon's shop in the capital city

Summary
Erhard is the owner of the weapons shop most frequented by Naofumi. He is the go-to person for when Naofumi needs equipment, repairs, and advice. He used to be an adventure and was able to fend off the Spirit Turtle's familiars, but says that it's all in the past and doesn't with to talk about it but he's suspected to be at least level 70.

On the first day of summoning, Erhard sold weapons and armor to Naofumi and Malty Melromarc.

After hearing of Naofumi's crimes he's appalled by him and request to hit him but ultimately refrains. Instead, he loans Naofumi a set of basic clothes.

Naofumi returns with Raphtalia. Erhard sells Naofumi some clothes and a weapon.

When Raphtalia's weapon breaks, Naofumi returns to Erhard's shop and purchases a sword for her. Erhard gives Naofumi a whetstone to help him take care of the weapon and with it Naofumi is able to unlock the Whetstone Shield.

Erhard makes the Barbarian Armor for Naofumi.

Erhard helps Naofumi make cloths for Firo.

Erhard Naofumi, Firo, and Raphtalia have a BBQ together.

Erhard sells Naofumi a magic embedded sword for Raphtalia.

Erhard makes the Barbarian Armor version 2 for Naofumi.

Erhard makes an Iron Carriage for Firo to pull for Naofumi.

Skip a bit. ..

Naofumi goes to his shop bringing with him materials collected from Cal Mira Island including the Penguin Plush, the Karma Dog Claws, and the Karma Rabbit Sword as well as many other smaller items with the hopes of getting them repaired and upgraded. While he's there he thanks Erhard for helping prove him innocent of Malty's rape charge. c114

He is able to upgrade them into the Firo Plush, the Usauni Sword and the Inulut Claw respectively. He also manages to make the Speckle Spear using the remaining Karma Penguin ingredients. c115

Revisited by Naofumi, Erhard explains that the shields he requested last time are not ready. Although he has made a couple of samples, they are not refined enough to be considered a shield. The first is far too heavy to be useful and the second lacks sturdiness. The complications are due to the fact that almost all of the Spirit Turtle materials have a bad affinity with the Air Wake feature, feature that's supposed to make heavy armor lighter. Despite those problems he did finish making the Speckle Rapier and gives it to Naofumi. c148

Legacy
A legendary blacksmith who supported the Heroes from the shadows. If he had not existed, it has been said the Hero of the Shield wouldn’t have existed either; an unsung Hero. The Hero of the Shield’s beloved armor is known to be one of his many creations. It has been said that after that, with the aid of the Hero of the Shield, he gave birth to many masterpieces, but when he died, the Hero of the Shield’s legend died with him. While his weapons lit the coals for many wars around the world, what put an end to them was also his equipment. His name continues to be honored as the God of all Blacksmiths.

Relationships
Heroes
 * Naofumi Iwatani (Customer & Friend):

Naofumi didn't think much about Erhard in the beginning. But, Erhard has grown to be his most trusted ally. Naofumi was also moved by Erhard trust and support for him. Naofumi gives most of the project to Erhard and prefers him over another expert. Erhard refrained himself from telling Naofumi about the nation's religion view on the Shield Hero, as he feared hurting Naofumi's feelings and sometimes because he was cut off from the topic by Naofumi himself. Naofumi was also openly told about the weapon duplication technique and other heroes utilization of it. Erhard also advises Naofumi to visit other shops to get much more better weapon but Naofumi denies it.

Companion

Other

Erhard was worried about Raphtalia first, but found her to be in good hands. Erhard was more surprised by her feminine charms. He also noticed Raphtalia's growth and her feelings for Naofumi are unnoticed by the latter and feels pity for her. He treats her as a friend and was her first swords master.
 * Raphtalia (Customer & Friend):