The Master Blacksmith (2)

"That... that gem is worth a lot. I've spent many months trying to refine it... so why...?" Burkan stammered, confused.

The duo up front confused him. They were newcomers to the city and are shameless from their actions. Why would the man throw the lycanite crystal away? Could he really think it was just a polished blue stone from the ground?

Burkan was even more confused about himself.

'Why am I not angry at him for throwing the crystal away? I made it with my sweat and blood, with substantial amounts of effort throughout the months, even more than refining the commissions of high-grade weapons for cultivators. Why? What's wrong with me?'

The man smiled and patted the pouting girl's head.

"This gem is unworthy of being your work, no matter how priceless its original value is."

Burkan sat there in a daze. 'Were... were my feelings for her worthless?'

"You probably just suffered heartbreak from a woman, right? I can tell that you made the gem for her. You, with great craftsmanship, leaving it here to sell means that you haven't moved on. And likely to never move on."

"That the first thing you mentioned after I threw it out was its value says something. Presumably, you are still wondering why she left you even though the gem was priceless. You put your heart and passion for blacksmithing onto that gem, and you will leave it there to rot, as will your talent! That gem is crippling you, and why I said it's unworthy of your work."

"As per why I will be blunt. You're no doubt a master blacksmith, but losing his touch. Throwing that gem away will help regain it, and a favor from you. I apologize for my selfish desires, but I truly need a custom-made dagger."

Burkan opened his mouth in a fit of anger, and closed it again, staring at the bowing man. He sighed. "Please raise your head."

Burkan stared at the man, then at the girl. "Was I really so easy to read? I'm not a grandpa. Just call me Uncle Burkan."

"Well, my senses are excellent. And it was weird seeing someone out on the streets selling weapons when the stores fill the street. After looking at your sorry figure, and attitude towards the rumors, it was easy to put the two and two together."

"Is Grand- Uncle all right?"

Burkan sighed again. 'What a turn of events, the famed Master Burkan, renowned as the Godsmith of Malindor, known for its bundle of talented blacksmiths, is a grandpa and pitied by a little girl.'

He stared in the direction in which the man threw the gem. 'It truly wouldn't hurt to pick up the hammer again... Effie, Loken, if you two don't appreciate my work, I'm sure someone else will...'

The man asked, after a long reluctance, afraid to disturb the mood. "So, what of it, Burkan?"

"To be frank, I really was thinking of quitting blacksmithing, or even of touching the hammer again. The one person who I wanted them to appreciate my gifts turned me away, and another coveted after my wealth."

Tears dripped from his eyes. "Sometimes, I wish I wasn't a Master Blacksmith, but an ordinary person. I don't want to to be an object of wealth, or strength. I don't want to be a slave to ones with status and power, only allowed and kept refining weapons for their selfish desires. I... I just want some love..."

The man shivered, and muttered softly, "Please don't chase after me, even though I put your life back together with an all... I'm, I'm not gay..."

Burkan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Much to his surprise, a giggling little girl stared straight into his eyes.

"Grandpa, forging relationships differ from forging weapons. Maybe you should try something else."

She smiled as the man picked her up and shielded her away from Burkan. With a glare, he said, "Don't think of her as repayment for the dagger."

"..."

Burkan laughed out loud. "There's no need for that. We can drop the formalities too. Come to think of it, I didn't get your name."

"Vincent," the man replied. He pointed to the girl in his arms. "This is my daughter, Fiona. Thanks for doing this, even though I..."

"No no, I should be the one thanking you two, Vincent and Fiona. And about that, don't mind it. I could tell you two had good intentions, albeit your sharp tongues..."

"Cough, we're just excited."

"Ha, no offenses taken. Let's head over to the workshop, and I can start planning your design of choice."