Chapter 3: I’ll do it

After trampling through the vast grasslands that extended as far as my eyes could see, we finally exited the forest. A few more steps and our feet landed on the man-made road leading into town.

There was beautiful scenery surrounding us.

“What do you think, Celes?”

Suddenly, she stopped. There was a moment of mutual silence where I suspected we were thinking about the same thing.

“I don’t know. It’s my first time in a human settlement.”

Celes muttered in a low tone while staring into the distance. The straight bangs covering her eyebrows were quietly blowing in the light breeze that was flowing through the air.

“What about you, Reimuz? What’s your plan once we reach the city?”

“The city? To be honest, I have no idea.”

I walked next to Celes and stared at the horizon myself. Maybe I’ll find my purpose in this world somewhere out there.

“That’s a vague answer.”

“It means I’m not sure what I’ll do. Although I’m thinking of looking for a job as soon as I can.”

“If that’s the case, is it okay if you accompany me first? There’s a place I’d like to visit…”

“I suppose it’s better than if I wander around aimlessly. Where do you want to go anyways?”

I turned to Celes and found myself gazing straight into her hazel eyes.

“I have some business with the blacksmith here.”

Blacksmith, eh? Interesting.

That word quickly reminded me of the game I was playing before I was dragged here.

In that game, blacksmith means profit. From the ores that they gather down to the expensive set of weapons and armor they forge. I could easily rake in some cash if I could just find the suitable person to work for.

But even though I’ve thought about this, smithing requires a tremendous amount of time and dedication before one could even start seeing the results.

In short, it’s a good lifetime job. Something worth investing one’s limited time into.

“I see. Are you having a weapon fixed?”

Celes nodded her head to answer me.

“Something like that. Hold on, let me show you.”

She took something out of her luggage and handed it to me. At first glance, it looked like a fancy short sword, but the more I stared at it, I began to realize that it was a sword made of stone.

I gripped the handle and performed a wide swing.

“Hmm, although it looks heavy, it’s very easy to handle. What’s wrong with it?”

“That’s……”

Her hesitation to explain didn’t escape my eyes, so I thought of a possibility. Maybe the reason was something she regarded as a secret?

“It’s fine if Celes doesn’t want to explain. I know I’m being nosy.”

I gave the sword back to Celes and she accepted it with both hands.

“It’s not like that. But thanks for understanding, Reimuz.”

Ah, damn.

The way she just called my name caught me off guard. I swiftly scratched the back of my head and shrugged it off with a laugh.

“Ahaha, not at all. Shall we go?”

“Mhm.”

Celes resumed her walk and I followed.

Little by little, I think I’m beginning to understand her too.

It wasn’t long until we arrived at the city’s front gate.

All that fatigue left my body as I imagined myself sleeping on a warm and comfortable bed. Add a nice and relaxing bath to that and I’m set.

However, such things are out of my range at the moment.

Excited as we speak, we hurriedly approached the entrance.

Surprisingly, there’s already a huge line of people that settled there. Celes covered her face with her hood and tugged on my sleeve as we walked through the line.

“Halt! Hmm, this is the first time we’ve seen you out here. What is your purpose in Bilford?”

When it was our turn to be inspected, two middle-aged men wearing rugged leather clothing approached us. Hanging on their waist are swords that are quite similar to European style swords back in the medieval age. I assumed that they were the guards, but they look more like adventurers at most.

“We’re merchants if you cannot see. We’re here to do business in town.”

It was Celes who answered them with a loud and clear voice. There was no hesitation in her eyes and she stood admirable in front of the guards. I didn’t know as to why, but she was back to her prideful self.

It kinda beats the purpose of hiding her face, but well, she wouldn’t be Celes if she didn’t show her haughty attitude in front of strangers. I know because I’m a victim of it too.

“Ohh, this is the first time we’ve seen an Effu. Just like the rumor says.”

“They are prideful indeed.”

The guards certainly weren’t discreet with their words. It pissed me off how they stared at Celes like she was part of some circus show. Not just them, but the bystanders started to look at us too. Yet, because I was an outsider in this world, I simply held my agitation inside me.

They inspected her belongings for a few minutes and after that, they told us to move on.

I thought I would need to present some sort of pass or identification, but I guess not. Their security seemed kind of lax for a merchant city.

I led the way through the stone paved streets and Celes followed after me quietly, trying hard not to attract any more attention.

What awaited us inside the city was a sight I was familiar with, not in reality, but rather, in my fantasy games.

There were a wide variety of stalls lined up next to each other and with it were merchants busy promoting their goods. Also, as we walked through this busy street, each person that we passed seemed to be carrying a weapon of some sort—giving me the conclusion that there was an adventurers guild nearby.

“It really is a different world.”

Seeing such a sight unfold in front of my eyes made me realize once again, that it really was a different world. One that is fundamentally different from where I came from.

I’m not one to talk myself, but Celes probably wasn’t used to crowds as big as this. That was probably the reason why she asked me to accompany her. Not even mentioning the issue with the front gate, her actions clearly indicate that she can’t travel by herself.

Is it because of her race? Or is it because of her irresistible beauty?

Whatever the answer may be, they both lead to something troublesome.

Continuing on, the city was cut in half by a stream and a stone bridge that spanned at least five meters wide connected the two banks. The houses and shops looked a lot taller and nicer on this side of the city too, but that was not what surprised me the most.

“Celes, look.”

I tapped her shoulder and pointed to the extravagant mansion way ahead of us. Its eye-catching design and the fancy white wall surrounding it screamed of a noble. Must be the house of the person governing this city.

“That’s a huge home…”

“Right?”

A little bit further, after the bridge, was a circular fountain with an intricate design. Celes and I sat on one of the wooden benches that circulated around it in order to rest.

“So, do you know where the blacksmith shop is?”

“Hmm, according to the map they gave me, it shouldn’t be too far from here.”

“They? Who told you to come here?”

Celes lay the map she was holding on her lap and looked at me with knitted eyebrows, implying that it was something personal she could not talk about.

“Alright, I won’t ask anymore.”

I leaned back with my arms spread out wide.

“Sorry, it’s not like I don’t trust you, but…”

“It’s fine, but can I see that map at least?”

“Oh, sure.”

To satisfy my curiosity, Celes inched a little bit closer and showed me the piece of paper she regarded as a “map.” There were various words written over there, but not a single letter that I could understand.

What a pain.

That means my skill [All-A] does not give me a free pass on reading the books here. Thinking about the time I’ll soon spend on studying language made me sigh and Celes inquired me about it.

“Are you tired?”

“Just a little.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“Sorry, but I’d rather be an idiot than see you carrying this heavy luggage. Seriously, what’s inside this thing anyways?”

Celes did say that she’s a merchant. Perhaps some goods for sale? Or was it a wide assortment of panties?

“A man shouldn’t be asking about a girl’s belongings, don’t you think?”

“Right. You’re carrying a short sword made of stone. What’s next? A shield? I think I’d rather not know after all.”

Conversing with Celes was really fun. I was lightly slapped after saying all that, but it was more like a tap on my cheek. She was smiling, so I figured she wasn’t particularly angry about it.

I stood up and stretched my arms up high.

“Mhmm! I’m ready to go. Shall we?”

With my most winning smile, I reached a hand to Celes.

She took it without retorting, and we continued onwards just like that.

Upon spotting a bystander that didn’t seem busy, I approached him politely and asked for directions on where this blacksmith shop could possibly be.

“Oh, old man Freks? Just turn left on that street and you’ll notice the shop right away. It’s the building with a noticeable signboard. You won’t miss it.”

“Is that so? Thank you very much.”

I bowed my head and walked in the direction he pointed.

Typically in games, a good merchant can also be a good blacksmith. Since blacksmithing means profit and money hoarders such as myself would do anything to gain a profitable income. That’s why I’m excited on meeting this blacksmith myself.

“I’m starting to think you’re really reliable. Just a little bit though.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment then.”

Celes seemed to have loosened up a bit. Her face that was covered in fear had been replaced by a tender smile.

After about five minutes of walking, we finally came across this shop with a sword engraved on the signboard. My gamer sense immediately regarded it as a blacksmith shop.

However, before I could even push my way inside, the door was opened from the other side. A young man with spiky silver hair came out. Boasting a pair of blue eyes as sharp as a wolf, he glanced in my direction for an instant and quickly went on his way.

“Do you know him?”

“No, not at all.”

“Hmm, if you say so.”

There was obvious doubt mixed in with her voice, but that was all she said.

Disregarding that reaction, my heart thumped with excitement as I stepped inside the blacksmith shop. It was a feeling similar to when I first started my journey on my first RPG, and for a guy who was a fan of those games, seeing the real establishment in person like this really sparks my adventurous soul.

No matter how much I hid it, I was still an enthusiast for these types of activities.

Inside the shop, there were various crates filled with minerals, and a variety of weapons adorned the wall.

In the middle of this man cave was a bear-like old man with a bald head. For some reason, he was scratching his chin and still hadn’t noticed us.

“Umm, Mr. Freks?”

Celes softly spoke behind me, but was too intimidated to get her point across. Because of that, I forced myself to do it instead.

“Wake up, old man!”

“GAHAHAHA!!”

His laughter was so loud it echoed through this cramp space more than a couple of times. As if our eardrums would vomit blood, Celes and I covered our ears, at least until this old man was done laughing.

“The names Freks! The very best blacksmith in town! What do ya need, lad?”

Why did he have to shout if he was just introducing himself?

“Well, first of all, my name’s Reimuz, and this is my friend, Celes.”

I pointed a finger and led his eyes to Celes—which somehow reminded me of her rash introductions.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

I sighed in relief after seeing her introduce herself properly. It wouldn’t do us any good if Celes displayed her usual attitude toward the person she needed to ask a favor from.

“Hou… an Effu was it?”

Those words again. I know they didn’t mean anything, but they sound so discriminating especially for an outsider like myself.

“We came here because we wanted you to have a look at a certain sword of ours. We were wondering if you could repair it for a reasonable price.”

“Show it to me and I’ll decide afterwards.”

After hearing his words, Celes took the stone sword out and presented it to the old man. She was quite hesitant to give it to him, but with her current options, she had no choice.

Well, I would also hesitate to let a stranger handle my equipment since there was a chance of it breaking or the credibility of the weapon reduced to a lower grade.

“What do you think? Can you do it or not?”

“Hmm, this is a “Beholder’s relic.” Where did you get your hands on an artifact such as this?”

The old man arched his brows to take a good look at me. After a moment of silence, his eyes moved to the figure behind me, as if he understood something by himself.

But, an artifact, huh?

If this were a game, I would only seek services from the best blacksmith to have such high tier equipment repaired. I wouldn’t take any risks. Even if it would turn out costly in the end, as long as the weapon remains the same, that was all that mattered.

“Well, you’re my client… I wouldn’t want to ask something if you want to keep it private.”

“So… is it possible to have it repaired then?”

Seriously, I didn’t even know what I was talking about. I didn’t even know anything in regards to the problems of that sword. I was just making an assumption that it needed to be repaired.

“Hmm………”

The old man rubbed his chin again and he was making sounds as if he was arguing with someone inside his head.

“It’s possible to repair the blade.”

“Really? Reimuz, did you just hear what he just said?”

Celes immediately jumped in joy after hearing that it could be repaired. It seemed like that sword held a great importance to her. It made me happy to see her glad, but I know it wouldn’t be that easy.

“But…”

“But what?”

That feeling of happiness was shattered instantly.

“But it would be very expensive.”

“What? How much?”

“Five Xeno gold coins at least.”

I shifted my gaze to Celes. After seeing my questioning eyes, she looked away sadly and sighed. By that reaction alone, it was enough for me to say she didn’t have enough money.

I had no idea how this world worked or their currency, but I didn’t think this old man would be the type to lie—especially to youngsters like us. And it went unexplained that better equipment means higher upkeep.

Ah, screw it. Celes’s sad face was like a lance piercing through my heart.

“Then please teach me how to do it! I’ll do it myself!”

“Ohhh…?”

“Please!”

I bowed my knees and prostrated to appeal to the old man. I was not sure if this would be enough, but it was all I could offer right now.

If repairing the blade could bring a smile back to Celes’s face, then shaming myself was close to nothing, and besides, I was already fairly shameless.

“I wouldn’t mind teaching you, but you have to be serious about it.”

“Please Master! Please teach me a way of how to fix that sword!”

From my gaming intel, blacksmith NPCs always had a line like: “How I wish a vigorous young man would offer a helping hand!”

If I just flash my earnest conviction, this old man would no doubt take me in. That was how simple they were, I think.

“Alright, you got me! I’ll have to drill the basics into you first before I let you touch this sword. Pick yourself up and we’ll start the training right now.”

“What?? Right now??”

“Is there a problem, or was your seriousness just for show?”

There was fatigue written all over our faces for we had been walking nonstop for more than a day now. This could only mean that he was directing a challenge to see my endurance and my resolve.

You sly old man! I’ll show you what I’m made of!

“Haha, there’s not a problem at all. Let’s do this.”

As soon as I said that, he dropped a pair of leather gloves onto the ground in front of me.

“Come, follow me inside.”

I picked up the gloves and pulled them over my hands as I raised myself from my embarrassing position. As I rose, Celes patted my shoulders with gleam in her eyes.

“Do your best!”

“Shouldn’t you disagree? This is my first time blacksmithing after all.”

Celes shook her head.

“Nm-mh, I trust Reimuz more than that old man.”

She voiced her praise with confidence, filling my body with the necessary energy to survive this ordeal. Old man Freks unexpectedly agreed to my selfish request, but what lay ahead was the hardest part.

Nevertheless, it was time to show off!!

Spoiler : Chapter 3: I'll do it

After trampling through the vast grasslands that extends as far as my eyes could see, we finally exited the forest. A few more steps and our feets landed on the man made roads leading to town.

It’s such a beautiful scenery around us.

“What do you think Celes?”

Suddenly, she stops. There was a moment of mutual silence where I suspected we were thinking about the same thing.

“I don’t know. It’s my first time in a human settlement.”

Celes muttered in a low tone while staring at a distance. The straight bangs covering her eyebrows were quietly blowing in the light breeze that’s flowing through the air.

“What about you, Reimuz? What’s your plan once we reach the city?”

“The city? To be honest, I have no idea.”

I walked next to Celes and stared at the horizon myself.

Maybe I’ll find my purpose in this world somewhere out there.

“That’s a vague answer.”

“It means I’m not sure on what I’ll do. I’m thinking on looking for a job as soon as I can though.”

“If that’s the case, is it okay if you accompany me first? There’s a place I’d like to visit…”

“I suppose it’s better than me wandering around aimlessly. Where do you want to go anyways?”

I turned to Celes and found myself gazing straight into her hazel eyes.

“I have some business with the blacksmith here.”

Blacksmith, eh? Interesting.

That word quickly reminded me of the game I was playing before I was dragged here.

In that game, blacksmith means profit. From the ores that they gather down to the expensive set of weapons and armor they forge. I could easily rake in some cash if I could just find the suitable person to work for.

But even though I’ve thought about this, smithing requires a tremendous amount of time and dedication before one could even start seeing the results.

In short, it’s a good lifetime job. Something worth investing one’s limited time into.

“I see. Are you having a weapon fix?”

Celes nodded her head to answer me.

“Something like that. Hold on, let me show you.”

She took something out of her luggage that I’m carrying and handed that thing to me. At first glance, it looks like a fancy short sword, but the more I stare into it, the more I realize that it was a sword made of stone.

I gripped the handle and performed a wide swing.

“Hmm, although it looks heavy, it’s very easy to handle. What’s wrong with it?”

“That’s……”

Her hesitation to explain didn’t escape my eyes, so I figured she had difficulty explaining on what it is. I thought of a possibility. Maybe the reason was something she regarded as a secret?

“It’s fine if Celes doesn’t want to explain. I know I’m being nosy.”

I gave the sword back to Celes and she accepted it with both hands.

“It’s not like that. But thanks for understanding, Reimuz.”

Ah, damn.

The way she just called my name caught me off guard.

I swiftly scratched the back of my head and shrugged it off with a laugh.

“Ahaha, not at all. Shall we go?”

“Mhm.”

Celes resumed her walk and I followed.

Little by little, I think I’m beginning to understand her too.

It wasn’t that long till we stumbled on this city’s front gate.

All that fatigue left my body as I imagined myself sleeping on a warm and comfortable bed. Add a nice and relaxing bath to that and I’m set.

However, such things are out of my range at the moment.

Excited as we speak, we hurriedly approached the entrance.

Surprisingly, there’s already a huge line of people that settled there. Celes covered her face with her hood and tugged on my sleeve as we walked through the line.

“Halt! Hmm, this is the first time we’ve seen you out here. What is your purpose in Bilford?”

When it was our turn to get inspected, two middle aged men wearing leather clothing ruggedly approach us. Hanging on their waist are swords that are quite similar to European style swords back in the medieval age. I presumed that they’re the guards, but they look more like adventurers at most.

“We’re merchants if you cannot see. We’re here to do business in town.”

It was Celes who answered them with a loud and clear voice. There were no hesitation in her eyes and she stood admirable in front of the guards. I don’t know as to why, but she’s back to her prideful self.

It kinda beats the purpose of hiding her face, but well, she wouldn’t be Celes if she didn’t showed that haughty attitude in front of strangers. I know because I’m a victim of it too.

“Ohh, this is the first time we’ve seen an Effu. Just like the rumor says.”

“They are prideful indeed.”

The guards certainly weren’t discreet about their words. It pisses me off how they stare at Celes like she’s part of some circus show. Not just them, but the bystanders started to look at us too. Yet, because I’m an outsider in this world, I simply held my agitation inside me.

They inspected her belongings for a few minutes and after that, they told us to move on.

I thought I would need to present some sort of pass or identification, but I guess not. Their security seemed kind of lax for a merchant city.

I led the way through the stone paved streets and Celes followed after me quietly, trying hard not to attract anymore attention.

What awaited us inside was a place something I’m so familiar with, not in reality, but rather, in my so called fantasy games.

There’s a wide variety of stalls lined up next to each other and with it are merchants busy promoting their goods. Also, as we walked through this busy street, each person that we passed by seemed to be carrying a weapon of some sort—giving me the conclusion that there’s an adventurer's guild nearby.

“It really is a different world.”

Seeing such a sight unfold into my eyes made me realize once again, that it really is a different world. One that is fundamentally different from where I came from.

I’m not one to talk myself, but Celes probably isn’t used to crowds as big as this. That’s probably the reason why she asked me to accompany her beforehand. Not even mentioning the issue with the front gate, her actions clearly indicates that she can’t travel by herself.

Is it because of her race?

Or is it because of her irresistible beauty?

Whatever the answer maybe, they both lead to something troublesome.

Continuing on, there’s a stream of water that cuts the city in half and is connected by a bridge made of stone that’s at least five meters wide. The houses and shops looks a lot taller and nicer on this side too. But that’s not what surprised me the most.

“Celes, look.”

I tapped her shoulder and pointed to the extravagant mansion way ahead of us.

Its eye catching design and the fancy white wall surrounding it screams noble.

Must be the house of the person governing this city.

“That’s a huge home…”

“Right?”

A little bit further after the bridge is a circular fountain with an intricate design.

Celes and I occupied one of the wooden benches circulated around it to rest.

“So, do you know where’s the blacksmith shop?”

“Hmm, according to this map they gave me, it shouldn’t be too far from here.”

“They? Who told you to come here?”

Celes laid the map she was holding on her lap and looked at me with knitted eyebrows, implying that it’s something personal she could not talk about.

“Alright, I won’t ask anymore.”

I leaned back with my arms spread out wide.

“Sorry, it’s not like I don’t trust you, but…”

“It’s fine, but can I see that map at least?”

“Oh, sure.”

To satisfy my curiosity, Celes inched a little bit closer and showed me the piece of paper she regarded as a “map”. They were various words written over there but not a single letter that I could understand.

What a pain.

That means my skill [All-A] does not give me a free pass on reading the books here.

Thinking about the time I’ll soon spend on studying language made me sigh and Celes inquired me about it.

“Are you tired?”

“Just a little.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“Sorry, but I’d rather be an idiot than see you carrying this heavy luggage. Seriously, what’s inside this thing anyways?”

Celes did say that she’s a merchant.

Perhaps some goods for sale?

Or is it a wide assortment of panties?

“A man shouldn’t be asking about a girl’s belongings, don’t you think?”

“Right. You’re carrying a short sword made of stone. What’s next? A shield? I think I’d rather not know after all.”

Conversing with Celes was really fun. I was lightly slapped after saying all that, but it’s more like a tap on my cheek. She was smiling, so I figured she wasn’t particularly angry about it.

I stood up and stretched my arms up high.

“Mhmm! I’m ready to go. Shall we?”

With my most winning smile, I reached a hand to Celes.

She took it without retorting, and we continued onwards like that.

Upon spotting a bystander that doesn’t seem busy, I approached him politely and asked for directions on where could this blacksmith shop possibly be.

“Oh, old man Freks? Just turn left on that street and you’ll notice it right away. It’s the building with a distinguish signboard. You won’t miss it.”

“Is that so? Thank you very much.”

I bowed my head and walked towards the direction he pointed to.

Typically in games, a good merchant can also be a good blacksmith. Since blacksmithing means profit and money hoarders such as myself would do anything to gain a profitable income. That’s why I’m excited on meeting this blacksmith myself.

“I’m starting to think you’re really reliable. Just a little bit though.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment then.”

Celes seemed to have loosened up a bit.

Her face that was covered in fear had been replaced by a tender smile.

After about five minutes of walking, we finally came across this shop with a sword engraved on the sign board. My gamer sense immediately regarded it as a blacksmith shop.

However, before I could even push my way inside, the door was opened from the other side. A young man with spiky silver hair came out. Boasting a pair of blue eyes as sharp as a wolf, he glance at my side for an instant and quickly went on his way.

“Do you know him?”

“No, not at all.”

“Hmm, if you say so.”

There was an obvious doubt mixed in with her voice, but that’s all she said.

Disregarding that reaction, my heart thumped with excitement as I stepped inside the blacksmith shop. It’s a feeling similar to when I first started my journey on my first RPG, and for a guy who is a fan of said games, seeing the real establishment in person like this really sparks my adventurous soul.

No matter how much I hide it, I’m still an enthusiast for these kinds of activity.

Inside the shop, there were various crates filled with minerals and a variety of weapons adorned the wall.

In the middle of this man cave was a bear like old man with a bald head.

For some reason, he’s scratching his chin and still hasn’t taken notice of us.

“Umm, Mr. Freks?”

Celes softly spoke behind me, but was too intimidated to get her point across.

Because of that, I forced myself to do it instead.

“Wake up, old man!”

“GAHAHAHA!!”

His laughter was so loud it echoed through this cramp space more than a couple of times. As if our eardrums would vomit blood, Celes and I covered our ears, until this old man was done laughing at least.

“The names Freks! The very best blacksmith in town! What do ya need, lad?”

Why does he have to shout if he’s just introducing himself?

“Well, first of all, my name’s Reimuz, and this is my friend, Celes.”

I pointed a finger and led his eyes to Celes—which somehow reminds me of her rash introductions.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

I sighed in relief after seeing her introduce herself properly. It wouldn’t do us any good if Celes displays her usual mood towards the person she would need to ask a favor of.

“Hou… an Effu was it?”

Those words again. I know they don’t mean anything, but they sound so discriminating especially for an outsider like myself.

“We came here because we wanted you to have a look at a certain sword of ours. We’re wondering if you could repair it for a reasonable price.”

“Show it to me and I’ll decide afterwards.”

After hearing his words, Celes took the stone sword out and presented it to the old man.

She was quite hesitant to give it to him, but with her current options, she has no choice.

Well, I would also hesitate to let a stranger handle my equipment since there’s a chance of it breaking or the credibility of the weapon reduced to a lower grade.

“What do you think? Can you do it or not?”

“Hmm, this is a “Beholder’s relic”. From where did you get your hands on an artifact such as this?”

The old man arched his brows to take a good look at me. After a moment of silence, his eyes moved to the figure behind me, as if he understood something by himself

But an artifact, huh?

If this is a game, I would only seek services from the best blacksmith to have such a high tier equipment repaired. I wouldn’t take any risks. Even if it’ll turn out costly in the end, as long as the weapon remains the same, that’s all that matters.

“Well, you’re my client… I wouldn’t want to ask something if you want to keep it private.”

“So… is it possible to have it repaired then?”

Seriously, I don’t even know what I’m talking about.

I don’t even know anything in regards to the problems of that sword.

I’m just making an assumption that it needs to be repaired.

“Hmm………”

The old man rubbed his chin again and he was making sounds as if he’s arguing with someone inside his head.

“It’s possible to repair the blade.”

“Really? Reimuz, did you just hear what he just said?”

Celes immediately jumped in joy after hearing that it could be repaired.

Seems like that sword holds a great importance to her.

It makes me happy to see her glad, but I know it wouldn’t be that easy.

“But…”

“But what?”

That feeling of happiness was shattered instantly.

“But it would be very expensive.”

“What? How much?”

“Five Xeno gold coins at least.”

I shifted my gaze to Celes afterwards.

After seeing my questioning eyes, she looked away sadly and sighed.

By that reaction alone, it’s enough for me to say she doesn’t have enough.

I have no idea how this world works nor their currency, but I don’t think this old man would be the type to lie—especially to youngsters like us. And it goes unexplained that better equipment means higher upkeep.

Ah, screw it.

Celes’s sad face was like a lance piercing through my heart.

“Then please teach me how to do it! I’ll do it myself!”

“Ohhh…?”

“Please!”

I bowed my knees and prostrated to appeal to the old man.

I’m not sure if this is enough, but its all I could offer right now.

If this could bring a smile on Celes’s face, then shaming myself is close to nothing, and besides, I’m already shameless.

“I wouldn’t mind teaching you, but you have to be serious about it.”

“Please Master! Please teach me a way on how to fix that sword!”

From my gaming intel, blacksmith NPCs always had a line like:

“How I wish a vigorous young man would offer a helping hand!”

If I just flash my earnest conviction, this old man would no doubt take me in.

That’s how simple they are, I think.

“Alright, you got me! I’ll have to drill the basics into you first before I let you touch this sword. Pick yourself up and we’ll start the training right now.”

“What?? Right now??”

“Is there a problem, or is your seriousness just for show?”

There’s fatigue written all over our faces for we’ve been walking nonstop for more than a day now. This can only mean that he’s directing a challenge to see my endurance and my resolve.

You sly old man! I’ll show you what I’m made of!

“Haha, there’s not a problem at all. Let’s do this.”

As soon as I said that, a pair of leather gloves was dropped on the ground.

“Come, follow me inside.”

I picked up the gloves and wore them as I raised myself from my embarrassing position.

As I rose through my feet, Celes patted my shoulders with gleam on her eyes.

“Do your best!”

“Shouldn’t you disagree? This is my first time doing this after all.”

Celes shook her head.

“Nm-mh, I trust Reimuz more than that old man.”

She voiced her praise with confidence, filling my body with the necessary energy to survive this ordeal. Old man Freks unexpectedly agreed to my selfish request, but what lies ahead is the hardest part.

Nevertheless, it’s time to show off!!

Thanks to DemonWing for helping me PR this chapter! Cookies to him please!