Chapter 484: Earnest Apprentices (pt. I)

CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG

Hammers, metals, forges, flames, and sparks. Dust and smoke covered the whole room, heavy strikes echoing in the air as the hammer struck the hot metals time and time again, sparks flying into the air as they were shaped slowly but surely,

There weren't just one, two, or three people in the forge, but over a dozen, each with eyes sharp as daggers and muscles hard as steel. Their eyes burned brighter than the flames before them, hammering every single time with all their might.

Grey and Yuna paraded in the place, eye peering left and right as they watched the blacksmiths work. Every movement and every strike is captured by their eyes, not even the scattering sparks escaping their sight.

"You're pouring too much strength. Relax your muscles a little bit." ［Grey］

"Ah! That's still not hot enough! Put it back in the forge!" ［Yuna］

"The weight is uneven here, here, and here. That would affect the sword's center of gravity. Try striking more consistently." ［Grey］

"Ohh～! There are some imperfections, but this is a nice iron plate!" ［Yuna］

Every mistake, they pointed out, every success, they complimented, every wrong movement, they corrected, and every problem, they made a solution. They made sure to accommodate everyone so that no one is left behind.

Other than correcting them practically, they also checked the quality of the ingots and raw materials, checked on the forges, and checked on every equipment. In order to make a good item, one must have good tools, after all.

Lastly, they also showed a quick demonstration which everyone could do at their level. They stood before the anvil and showed how true forging really goes, infusing mana in their strikes and controlling every variable there is to control.

What usually takes a couple hours was completed in less than half with the right method. It will take some time before the blacksmiths eventually grasp the gist of the techniques, but the moment they do, it will surely help them a lot.

"Master, Mistress, what should we do with these scraps?"

"Calling us Master and Mistress is a little... Didn't we tell you to just address us casually? We aren't nobles, you know?" ［Grey］

"But how could we dare... To Your Highness, that would be extremely disrespectful."

"Haah... Forget it... And the scraps... just put them in a separate crate. I'll see if there is something we can salvage and we'll melt the others back into ingots." ［Grey］

"Understood. We'll do that right away."

A few days has passed since Grey and Yuna joined the horse racing tournament, and after a merry celebration, a ton of deal requests came flooding in from the nobility and merchants alike, wanting to make a contract with Esperanza.

Grey and Yuna had to be present during all negotiations, Cedric leading the table and the two of them pointing out items of interest and ideas whenever they could. They will also be in charge of construction, while Cedric handles administration.

As it stands now, there are 3 owners of Esperanza, namely, Cedric, Grey, and Yuna with major contributors and figures like Marcel and other partners. Cedric wanted the two to have ownership, but with how much paperwork, they immediately declined.

Thankfully, unlike before, there was no need to rush things and the deadlines have yet to be decided. They can take all the time they need and leave most of the hard stuff to Cedric and the others. Adventuring is still their main job, after all.

If there was one difficult and unreasonable thing to note, it was that the King also wanted to have a branch be established in the Royal Capital. It was a headache with all the requests he wanted, and they couldn't wait to pay him back for it.

"Right, Your Highnesses. I heard you built the Mall and factories in just a week. Those magic spells you used... Is there a trick to them?"

"A trick... I don't think there is... I guess you just need to be familiar enough with magic...? It's all about practice, if anything." ［Yuna］

"Why? Are you thinking of using them in smithing?" ［Grey］

"If possible, yes... Though, it seems impossible for now."

"Hmm... Just continue practicing mana control. No matter what attribute you possess, it's all the same as long as you know how to use mana itself." ［Grey］

"... Alright. I'll keep that in mind, Your Highnesses."

Right now, Grey and Yuna are inside the workshops they constructed along with the mall, factories, and residences for the workers. They are teaching the blacksmiths a few lessons in order to improve their works.

They are blacksmiths which didn't have any affiliations to any company or smithies, and some are even foreigners from different towns and villages which they recruited in the midst of Esperanza's Grand Opening a couple weeks ago.

Teaching them not only improves the quality of their works, but at the same time, also makes it so that they can produce works faster and also learn how to teach those that are of lower levels than them, and help them progress.

Speaking of progress, Grey has moved up yet another step and has become a Tier-9, Legendary Enchanter just yesterday. Yuna had also progressed and had become Tier-6 in both blacksmithing and enchanting.

"Your Highnesses, we have finished concocting the potions and items you told us. Would you mind checking the finished products?"

"Were there any rejects?" ［Grey］

"There were some, but there are also quite a lot of excess. We thought it would be good to stock up, and we also checked the inventory. There is still some space."

"I see... That's good. We'll check on it later. You guys can take a rest." ［Grey］

"We were just on our way, Your Highness. We appreciate the thought."

"Ah! About the rejects! Don't throw them as usual, okay? Just separate them from the others, I'll be doing an experiment with them later." ［Yuna］

It wasn't just blacksmiths that Grey and Yuna made a workshop for either. They also made workspaces for alchemists, enchanters, craftsmen, dismantlers, and a couple of other jobs. They were people who work for Esperanza.

They have bought a large plot of land in the empty areas near Galderia's industrial district, and have built all sorts of things over there. It is now one of the busiest places in the city, several hundreds of people working throughout the day.

There are also quite a handful of beginners amongst the new recruits, and with them handling new concepts Grey and Yuna just pitched in, it was inevitable that there are quite a lot of scraps and rejects produced every day.

Thankfully, Grey and Yuna are quite creative and resourceful. Grey could melt down and separate the metals, turning them back into ingots, while Yuna could use failed alchemy products in her experiments and develop something new.

"Excuse me... Big Broー Ah... Your Highnesses, everyone has finished reading their books. Are we heading to the workshops now?"

"Oh? Already? That was quick... Hmm... Are you not tired at all?" ［Yuna］

"E... Everyone has been working hard... They said they want to make Lord Grey and Lady Yuna proud... M-Me too! I also want to make you proud!"

"Fufufu! What good children you are～!" ［Yuna］

Finally, there were the children. While most of them are kids are from the refugees they took in, some are orphans from the orphanages, children who have nowhere else to go, and those who are seeking refuge.

Grey and Yuna took them all under their wing, provided them with a warm home and food, sponsored them to attend school, and gave them classrooms and workshops where they can learn various jobs and build connections while they are still young.

Children below 10 will be taught literacy, social, and basic knowledge, while those who are 10 to 15 are taught all sorts of handy skills. Those who can pass their curriculum can also learn earlier and participate in practical training.

During weekdays, the children will be going to the public city school in the morning and in the afternoon, they learn in the workshops. The weekends are free, but they can also choose to study in the morning, just like today.

It costs them millions upon millions of kiels, and though it seems like a waste where they have nothing to gain, and well... It's true for the most part. They just wanted the children to be able to spread their wings and live however they want.

"Everyone, we're going to check up on the children. Focus on your work and keep what we said in mind. We'll come back later." ［Grey］

"Your Highness! Will the best worker get a reward again?!"

"If you work hard enough and we are impressed by your products, maybe we'll think about it. Just make sure you don't go overboard, alright?" ［Grey］

"Ohhh!! Did you hear that, everyone?! Let's give it all!"

"I'll treat everyone to a drink if I get the reward!"

"Hahaha! As if! I'll be the one treating you guys!"

Grey just mentioned it, and everyone was already loud and rowdy. There were flames burning inside their eyes as they cried to the top of their lungs, hammering like mad as they poured their all into making the best piece.

It was good that they are working so hard, but they are just too energetic for their own good. Grey and Yuna had decided to make a white company where everyone's hard work will be rewarded, but it seems like it was too effective... Such hot passion...

Leaving the overly excited blacksmiths aside, Grey and Yuna headed towards the classrooms where the children are learning new things everyday. It was the class for enchanting, everyone chatting merrily as they entered... Or at least they were...

"Ah! Big Bro and Big Sis! They're here, everyone!"

"Big Bro, Big Sis, are we going to play today too!"

"Hey, don't push! I got here first!"

... But the very moment they saw Grey and Yuna enter the classroom, they quickly stood up from their seats and gathered over them like a group of chicks crowding around the hens, and just as loud and lively as well.

The teachers tried to stop and calm the students down, but it was futile. They were just so lively that they couldn't even hear their teacher's voices. Even if they did, they were too excited to calm down and continued to gather around Grey and Yuna.

"I'm really sorry, Your Highnesses."

"Fufufu! Don't worry about it. Isn't it good that they're lively?" ［Yuna］

Compared to their empty and miserable expressions before Grey and Yuna took them in, their bright smiles and excited voices were much better. There are still some shy ones, but they are slowly but surely opening up their hearts.

Thankfully, no matter how energetic they were, they still listened to Grey and Yuna. Just a single request from them, and everyone listened quietly, the children soon heading back to their seats without causing any fuss.

The teachers were very cooperative as well. With just simple gestures from Grey and Yuna, they took out mini blackboards and chalk boxes below their desks and quickly distributed them to the students whose eyes are now brimming with excitement.

"Fufufu! Everyone knows what time it is, right～? It's～! Game Time～!" ［Yuna］

"""Yaaay～!!""" """Yeah!!""" """Ohhh!!"""

Yuna squealed, and so did the children. They were all excited and happy as they raised their hands to the air, faces painted with excitement and happiness, some waving their blackboards and making clicking noises with their chalks.

It may be called a classroom, but rather than burden children with tough academic activities, they want to make learning fun and immersive for them so that they will strive to learn better and carve their futures beautifully.

One of the games they introduced in the classroom was a simple blackboard game where they or the teachers will ask questions and the children will write them down on their blackboards, the questions categorized in different difficulties.

Sometimes they play it by pair, sometimes by group, but for now, they will be doing things individually as they want to see how much the students have learned. Of course, there are also rewards... Sweets, that is...

"Okay, first question! What is the rune for 'Fal'?" ［Yuna］

"Ah! I know this one! We learned this last week!"

"Me too! I also know this one!"

"Settle down, everyone, and keep your answers to yourselves. Those who will be caught cheating will have point deductions." ［Grey］

"Fufufu! And remember, we only have 20 seconds to answer." ［Yuna］

The first question was given, and with bright smiles on their faces, the children drew their answers on the board. They were all eager and enthusiastic, everyone letting their boards face down as they finished their answers.

Of course, as it was a classroom game, it couldn't be helped that shenanigans were afoot. Some children played pranks and distracted the other kids, making them laugh out loud. Well, they all stopped with a simple warning.

"Okay～! Time's up, everyone! Raise your boards～!" ［Yuna］

The children then raised their boards one after another, and as expected of an easy question, no one got them right. Some drawings were a little funky and deformed, but nevertheless, they were all correct answers, everyone getting a point.

"Alright. For the second question... What do you call a rune that doesn't function properly and wastes a lot of mana instead?" ［Grey］

"Question number 3! How many basic runes are there?" ［Yuna］

"Next question, there are multiple answers to this one... What are the main components of a rune? This is a right minus wrong question. Be careful." ［Grey］

"Last question for the easy round! What is this rune called?" ［Yuna］

The questioning continued, and the answers were dished out one after another. The students got most of the questions right, but they also made some small mistakes. Needless to say, everyone garnered a handful of points in the easy round.

With the end of the easy round came the first question of the intermediate round, and this time, each question was worth at least 2 points each. It was a time where the children could gather more points and make up for the point difference.

Lastly, there came the hard questions. They are worth at least 3 points per answer, however, if one didn't answer the question or got them wrong, they will be deducted one point. A brutal and decisive round.

"And the answer is... This rune!" ［Yuna］

"Ahh! I missed one line!"

"I was so close! I knew something was wrong!"

"Yaay～! I got it! I got 3 points!"

The leaderboards were quickly shifted once the hard round came and while some students made a comeback, some were also dragged down to the bottom, quite a few screaming as their answers were so close yet so far.

Everyone was extremely competitive and tried their best to score the most points. Grey and Yuna could only chuckle to themselves, humming all the while as they watched the children try their hardest. It was obvious they studied hard.

The difficult questions were soon over and everyone had a taste of devastation, their scores plummeting down quite a height. However, there was no need to worry. There was still a bonus question which they could use to redeem themselves.

It was a question worth a whole 10 points and had no penalty whatsoever. However, it was a topic which has barely been touched and only those who read their books could answer. It was an incentive for the hard workers.

"And the winner of today's tagboard game is.... Misa～! Congratulations～! You get free ice cream for a week! Here's your coupon～!" ［Yuna］

"Yaay～! Can I get any flavor I want?!" ［Misa］

"Of course! Ah, but don't go overboard, okay? You can only get 3 large scoops a day. We don't want to cause teeth cavities, after all." ［Yuna］

"Speak for yourself..." ［Grey］

"Hm? Did you just say something, Grey?" ［Yuna］

The reward was simple, but for a child like Misa, it was the best thing in the world. She was smiling from ear to ear as she carefully placed the coupon in her pockets, then waving to her friends. It seems like they'll be eating ice cream today.

"Thank you very much, Big Sis Yuna! Big Bro Grey!" ［Misa］

Smiles on their faces, Grey and Yuna soon headed to the other classrooms and also played games over there. They made sure that the children were learning their lessons properly and that everyone was fine and dandy.

There were quite a handful of classrooms, and it took quite a bit of time to check up on all of them. However, it was one of Grey and Yuna's favorite activities, warmth blooming in their hearts as they were greeted by the children's smiles.

Of course, Grey and Yuna didn't forget to check up on the workers either. The smithy, the laboratories, the studies, the workshops, the greenhouses, and the offices. They made sure to receive the reports and review them thoroughly and properly.

Fortunately enough, there weren't any major problems and any issues found were quickly solved. They also received some amazing feedback from the workers which they would soon be discussing with Cedric.

"Ohhh! As expected of Mister Gartes! This is a nice piece!"

"Isn't this amazing?! It looks so sturdy and shiny!"

"Hahaha! I was just following Their Highnesses' advice!" ［Gartes］

And just as they were taking their time exploring, a loud cacophony of cheers and voices came ringing from the smithy. They have yet to see their faces, but judging from their voices, it seems like everyone was greatly excited.

Curiosity brewing in their minds, Grey and Yuna headed to the smithy, and surely enough, everyone was celebrating with loud voices. At the center of it all was a middle-aged artisan who is one of their best workers, a Tier-4 blacksmith.

"Did something good happen?" ［Grey］

"Ah, Your Highnesses... It's nothing. I just managed to forge a good battleaxe. I think this is one of my best works. It's probably Peak-Tier, Middle-Grade." ［Gartes］

"Can I have a look?" ［Grey］

"Of course! It would be my pleasure!" ［Gartes］

Without a hint of hesitation, Gartes readily handed over the battleaxe he made to Grey, and both the latter and Yuna examined it closely. It was a really beautiful blade and has the right balance as well. However... Gartes made a single mistake...

"Mister Gartes, stop working on your orders this afternoon. Instead, go to the Guild and have your Guild Card be renewed." ［Grey］

"Renew my card...? What do you meanー No... Don't tell me..." ［Gartes］

"Congratulations on becoming a Tier-5 Blacksmith, Mister Gartes." ［Grey］

The battleaxe he forged was not Peak-Tier, Middle-Grade, it was not even Middle-Grade at all. Rather, it was Low-Tier, High-Grade item. It may just be a single tier, but it makes all the difference in the world of blacksmithing.

Gartes has been stuck in Tier-4 for several years already, and hasn't made progress ever since. Such was why he was so shocked when he heard Grey's words. He was speechless. It took some time to process, but when it did, he screamed with joyー

"Ohhh! That's amazing, Mister Gartes! You finally reached Tier-5!"

"A High-Grade item! It's my first time seeing one getting forged!"

"Doesn't that mean Mister Gartes is now an expert?! Isn't that awesome?!"

However, before he could even start to scream, his colleagues already did for him, celebrating Gartes' success as if it was their own. They all gave him a hug and a pat in the back, warm and sincere smiles blooming on their faces.

Of course, Grey and Yuna also kept their promise about the reward, making the blacksmiths roar even louder. They were all so happy that a couple of them even started dancing, singing like fools with their tone-deaf voices.

After the little happy incident in the smithy, Grey and Yuna continued exploring, and soon, lunch came. They all had fun having meals with the children, hearing all sorts of stories from their adorable and chattering mouths.

The lessons of the children were also done, and with nothing else to do, Grey and Yuna decided that they will be playing with the children throughout the afternoon and play all sorts of fun games with them by the empty lots they still have no plans of.

"Over here! Pass it over here!"

"Ah! Stop them! They're going to score another point!"

"Hahaha! Catch me if you can!"

Tag, frisbee. hide and seek, slipper game, football, and many more. Grey and Yuna made all sorts of things with magic and played with the children using them. It was a whole lot of fun, and everyone was full of smiles and laughter.

Of course, after studying all morning and playing for quite a while, the children soon tired out, drenched in sweat, and panting roughly. They decided to take a short break to cool and hydrate themselves, resting all the while.

"Big Bro, Big Sis, can we ask something...?"

While they were doing so, a few children gathered up and brought up the courage to approach and have a word with them. They all looked so nervous, hands fidgeting nervously, eyes looking shifty, and hearts racing quite quickly.

"Sure, go ahead." ［Grey］

"Umm... Well... How do we become adventurers...?"

An important matter was at hand...

CHAPTER 484 END