After briefly observing the exterior structure of the smithy, Kael turned his attention to the small black iron door.
"This is one of the five best smithies in the Northern Frontier. What’s more, we have the best blacksmiths in the Kingdom," said old Roy, passing by Kael and approaching the door.
Roy banged loudly on the black iron door and took three steps back.
Shortly after, the heavy door began to open, producing a loud tallic sound that reached the ears of those present.
When it opened completely, a strong hot vapor ca out from inside, lting the nearby snow.
Kael felt the heat hit his face, making his cheeks flush slightly. He looked at the figure standing in the doorway.
"What do those bastards want now? Don’t they know we don’t take orders from anyone?" a rough, hoarse voice echoed from the entrance.
He revealed his appearance: olive skin, black hair braided and tied back in a bun. He was tall, muscular, with a bare torso covered in sweat. In one hand, he held a heavy black hamr; his deep brown eyes shone intensely.
He was the owner of the blacksmith’s shop, Luther.
"You’re still as disrespectful as ever," Alessia stepped forward, speaking with a slight smile.
Luther’s eyes widened slightly. "What are you doing here, Alessia? Weren’t you locked up in that mansion?"
"I’m just accompanying my son."
Alessia pointed to Kael, who was watching the interaction with an indifferent expression, as was the elderly Roy, although the latter looked visibly more surprised.
"Co in. Once inside, you can tell what you need," Luther gestured with his hamr for them to enter.
Once inside, they were hit by intense heat, followed by the sound of clashing tal filling the air.
"Mother, how do you know the blacksmith Luther?" Kael asked, not out of curiosity, but because he wanted to know what kind of relationship or connection they had.
"I was his father."
It was Luther who answered, not his mother, in a calm voice, without turning to look at Alessia, and he continued speaking:
"But she decided to leave to marry your father and beco a flower in his garden."
"At the ti, I naively believed it was the best thing for ," Alessia said softly at first, but then firmly: "But I don’t regret it. If it weren’t for that decision I made, my son wouldn’t be here with ."
"Big words, Alessia," Luther let out a short laugh.
"Why didn’t you stop her from leaving with my father?" Kael wasn’t interested in his mother’s life; he just wanted to know Luther’s point of view for not doing anything.
"Why would I stop her? Who am I to tell her what to do? She was an adult at the ti, and she knew right from wrong. Why should I decide for her? What would be the point? I’m not the owner of her life. She made her own decision. And that’s how it should be."
A man who understood the weight of decisions. Deciding for oneself. That is the foundation of all true power. Kael simply nodded his head. Few people had that kind of insight.
"Splendid words, Luther, though you seem like a barbarian," the old man finally spoke after hearing this.
The various blacksmiths in the workshop moved quickly, all covered in sweat as they carried out their various tasks.
"Being a blacksmith doesn’t an you’re stupid, Roy. Now tell why you’re here." The blacksmith Luther sat down at a wooden table covered with plans for armor and weapons.
"To make custom armor for young Kael. This is an order from the Clan Chief." The elderly Roy, carrying a leather suitcase, took out several items, including iron spider silk.
Luther looked at the items Roy had taken out before fixing his gaze on Kael, who was looking him straight in the eye.
"What kind of armor do you want? If you have any ideas, draw them here." Luther pointed to a yellowed sheet of paper and a pen.
Kael nodded. He took the pen and began to draw the armor he had in mind on the yellowed sheet, although it wasn’t really armor, but rather a Taoist robe.
Iron spider silk, which was most efficiently used in tailoring to make garnts rather than armor, due to its lightness. However, it was also used for traditional armor.
"Ready."
Luther looked at the sheet with slight surprise at how detailed it was, though not enough to appear professional. He turned his eyes to one of the free blacksmiths and motioned for him to co closer.
The blacksmith approached and looked directly at the blade in his hand. His eyes widened, and he asked, "Do you want to do this?"
"Yes, how long will it take you to finish it?"
"One week."
"Take the materials and get started."
"Yes, sir."
Luther looked at Roy and Alessia and said, "As you heard, I’ll send them to you in a week. Can I talk to them for a mont?"
Old Roy paused for a mont. Then he nodded in agreent; he saw nothing wrong with it.
Luther rose from the table and led them to a room free from the noise of clanging tal.
"What do you want to talk to about?" Alessia got straight to the point.
"Even though I’m your adoptive father, I still care about you. When you ca back after your heartbreak, you seem more alive now. What happened?"
"Nothing much," Alessia replied briefly, without revealing much.
Luther turned his gaze toward Kael and asked curiously, "Where did you learn to draw such detailed armor plans? That’s not sothing a young nobleman would know."
"I just copied what was on the sheets you had on the table," Kael replied, obviously lying. He could draw extrely detailed armor plans.
But what good did it do him? Nothing, just a mont of aningless glory and a lot of trouble.
"You’re pretty smart for soone your age," Luther praised him, because he had been unbearable at that age, like any young person.
"And you called us here just for this?" asked Alessia, crossing her arms.
Luther shook his head. "Follow , I’ll give my grandson a gift."
Kael and Alessia followed him, passing by the anvils and all the materials scattered around the place, until they reached what appeared to be a vault.
The entrance to the vault had two large stone doors with so magical runes and symbols.
Luther touched the door with his bare palm, and it slowly opened, shaking the place because of how heavy the doors were, and he entered. A few seconds later, he ca out with sothing in his hand and gave it to Kael.
Resting in his hand was a multicolored dragonfly with crystal wings that refracted the light. It was no ordinary insect. Kael recognized it as a Zu.
Ding!
[You have obtained: Zu Four Seasons Dragonfly]
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