Erhard, alternately known as Elhart and commonly called the Weapon Shop Owner or Old Guy, runs a blacksmith shop in Melromarc's Castle Town. This middle-aged or older Caucasian man possesses a well-built frame etched with old scars on his face and arms. His distinct appearance features a shaved head, an Amish-style beard without a mustache, brown or black eyes, and partially darker skin. He typically wears an off-white, medium-sleeved undershirt, a beige forger apron slung over one shoulder, black gloves, dark brown pants, and brown-beige upturned boots. Openly cheerful and compassionate, Erhard readily intervenes for others and possesses sharp deception detection. He rejects Melromarc's religious prejudice against the Shield Hero and discrimination against demi-humans, judging people solely by character. His past reveals extensive travel as an adventurer hunting monsters. Encountering a master blacksmith whose work captivated him, he abandoned adventuring to apprentice under this master alongside another pupil. Years later, he settled in Melromarc and opened his shop. Erhard first met Naofumi Iwatani shortly after his summoning, selling him basic gear. Initially angered by false accusations against Naofumi, Erhard reconsidered after observing his demeanor and became his first genuine ally, providing clothing and supplies freely. He consistently offered fair deals on subsequent visits, lowering prices or adding complimentary items. Concerned when Naofumi acquired Raphtalia as a slave, he still equipped her, later gifting her a knife and clothing. After Raphtalia's weapon broke, he supplied an iron sword and breastplate. During Naofumi's absence, he taught her foundational swordsmanship. His support included gifting Naofumi a rusty sword, enabling the unlocking of the Sharpening Shield. Erhard crafted pivotal gear for Naofumi's party: Barbarian Armor upgrades, a mana-embedded sword for Raphtalia, and strength-enhancing gloves for Filo, all critical against adversaries. Post-exoneration, he allowed Naofumi to copy every shield in his shop, including the rare Siderite Shield from his adventuring days. Later, he aided Naofumi's secret project to rebuild Raphtalia's village, repairing armor and creating a miko outfit for her. Deep mutual trust defined Erhard's bond with Naofumi, who preferred his services over other smiths. Erhard maintained discretion about Melromarc's religious views concerning the Shield Hero to spare Naofumi distress. He recognized Raphtalia's growth and her unreciprocated feelings, treating her as both a valued customer and friend while serving as her initial combat instructor. Past connections surfaced when Naofumi acquired the enslaved blacksmith Tollynemiya (Tolly), revealing they were former apprentices under the same master. Erhard trained Tolly, enhancing his skills. He later joined Naofumi's journey to Q'ten Lo to find their master, confronting him over unpaid debts and incomplete training. Forcing repayment through advanced smithing lessons, Erhard significantly improved his techniques. He then collaborated with Tolly and the master to produce weapons for Naofumi's village. In the spin-off *Reprise of the Spear Hero*, set in an alternate timeline, Erhard's core traits persist. He discerned Naofumi's innocence across Motoyasu Kitamura's time loops, provided equipment, permitted shield copying, and used his back room for strategy talks. He facilitated Motoyasu's plan to covertly supply Naofumi with leveling items and reunited with Tolly after his rescue from slavers. Renowned as Melromarc's finest blacksmith, Erhard crafts diverse weapons, armor, and accessories, unlike specialists, even handling challenging materials like Guardian Beast components. As a retired adventurer with a class-up, he retains high combat proficiency and levels. His web novel legacy positions him as an unsung hero whose equipment influenced global conflicts and resolutions, earning him the title "God of all Blacksmiths".