chapter 72

Chapter 72: A Message from the Blacksmith

After a hearty breakfast at Eleanor's Hearth, Duke Roland and Aldric, his knight captain and trusted friend, made their way back to the castle. The warm atmosphere of the Hearth lingered in Roland's thoughts, but his responsibilities soon took precedence.

As they walked through the halls toward the Duke's office, a guard approached, saluting sharply. "Your Grace, I have an urgent report from the patrols near the western villages."

Roland gestured for him to continue.

"Yesterday, there was a battle in the skies above the forest surrounding several villages," the guard said, his voice steady but laced with unease. "Witnesses described it as... immense. The power involved was estimated to be around S-rank or higher. They said it was like watching two storms collide."

Aldric's expression hardened. "Were there any casualties?"

The guard shook his head. "Thankfully, no villages were harmed. The fighting never touched the ground. But..." He hesitated. "The battle was abruptly stopped by a mysterious cloaked figure."

"A cloaked figure?" Roland repeated, his brow furrowing.

"Yes, Your Grace. The witnesses said the figure appeared old, judging by their voice, and wielded power that seemed to surpass both combatants. They issued a warning before both combatants vanished into the forest."

Aldric crossed his arms. "An S-rank battle and a mysterious intervention. This could complicate matters."

Roland nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Send scouts to investigate the area discreetly. We need to ensure this doesn't escalate. If this cloaked figure is as powerful as the villagers claim, we must tread carefully."

The guard saluted. "At once, Your Grace."

As the guard departed, Aldric glanced at Roland. "Do you think this has anything to do with the Blacksmith of a Thousand Tales?"

Roland shook his head. "Unlikely. The Blacksmith's reputation is one of creation, not destruction. But this is concerning. S-rank power is rare, and if someone is strong enough to stop it, they could be an ally—or a threat."

"We'll have to keep a close watch," Aldric said grimly.

Roland sighed, his thoughts heavy as they continued toward his office. Whatever the truth behind the battle, it was yet another matter demanding his attention.

When Roland and Aldric reached the Duke's office, they found an unexpected sight: a metallic crow perched on his desk.

The crow was a sleek, intricate design with glowing amber eyes. Though Roland had seen bird golems before, none had taken the shape of a crow.

"What in the world?" Aldric muttered, stepping closer.

As Roland approached, the golem's eyes flashed, scanning him with a faint hum. Once the scan was complete, the crow's beak clicked, and a voice emerged—a voice deliberately altered to sound like an old hermit.

"Greetings, Duke Roland. This is the Blacksmith of a Thousand Tales—though you don't have to call me that every time. Just call me smith for short."

The Duke raised an eyebrow, glancing at Aldric, who looked equally baffled.

"I hope you can tell from my actions that I am no threat. In fact, I want to thank you and the nobles of the western region for supporting progress and change, unlike those clinging to the old ways and oppressing the innocent. Your support has allowed me to work in peace for so many years.

"However, I must apologize for a certain... incident yesterday in the forests near the villages. Two of my subordinates caused quite a fuss with their fighting, and while they were promptly stopped, I deeply regret the disturbance and any worry it may have caused. Please rest assured, it won't happen again."

Roland and Aldric exchanged a look, their suspicions about the cloaked figure confirmed.

The message continued.

"Now, to the reason for this message: after years of hard work, I've decided it's time for my creations to find worthy owners. I wish to set up a trial ground in the square between the knight and mage academies. These trials will be open to anyone—noble or commoner alike—because true worth is not bound by birth.

"You needn't worry about thieves or looters; my creations can protect themselves. Once the trials are set up here, I will travel the country, establishing more across the land. Duke Roland, do I have your approval?"

The crow fell silent, its glowing eyes dimming as it awaited a response.

Roland thought for a moment before pressing a button on the crow's head. "You have my approval, Blacksmith. Your efforts are impressive, and your inclusivity aligns with the changes we strive for in the west. I'll ensure the trial grounds are given the space they need."

The crow's eyes flickered back to life, and it flapped its wings before flying out the window.

As it vanished into the sky, Roland leaned back in his chair. "Well, this will cause quite the stir."

"More than you know," Aldric said, shaking his head.

Meanwhile, in Reyn's workshop, the young blacksmith sat at his desk, fidgeting with a set of tools while waiting for the crow golem to return.the young blacksmith was pacing nervously, his thoughts a whirl of worry. "What if the Duke says no? What if he misunderstands the message? What if—"

"Reyn!"

"Reyn!" she called, stepping into the workshop. "You've been so busy lately. It's good to see you again!"

Liora's voice cut through his muttering, and when he didn't respond, she marched up and smacked his shoulder. "Calm down! You're driving yourself—and me—crazy."

Reyn blinked, startled, then sighed. "Sorry, I just—"

"You're fine," she said with a grin. "Relax. It'll work out. Now, I'll be outside to training." She turned and walked out, leaving Reyn to his thoughts.

He glanced out the window, where Liora was in the courtyard practicing her swordsmanship. Her movements were precise and deliberate as she worked through a series of drills, her wooden sword cutting through the air with purpose. Every swing was accompanied by bursts of mana, small but steadily growing stronger as she refined her control.

Liora caught sight of him through the window and grinned.

Moments later, the crow golem returned, landing gracefully on his workbench. Its glowing eyes blinked as it played back the Duke's reply.

Reyn's face lit up with joy. "He said yes!" He pumped his fist in the air before immediately grabbing tools and materials. "No time to waste! I need to prepare everything."

From the doorway, Liora peeked back in, smiling softly at Reyn's excitement. "It's good to see him happy," she murmured, heading back to her training.