Chapter 359: Greenhorn Blacksmith (1/2)
The sudden appearance of the giant tree shook the heart of the kingdom. A tree bigger than Mother Rega appeared overnight. Some groups were furious, and they included merchants and devotees of the Divine Tree.
The details and information were obscured, but no one can stop gossip and rumors. The people talked about it unceasingly, as the balance of power will be shaken if this new tree had the same traits as Mother Rega.
One can only imagine what would happen if they knew it was Mother Rega itself. However, that information was obscured by the newly found intelligence department led by Ma under Arthur's direct order.
The City of Shades was known for its ever-stretching farmlands and its fertile soil. Mother Rega made the land around the city rich with nutrients and mana, allowing the farmers to yield thrice as an ordinary farmer would in other places.
However, the new emergence of a tree was like a big pie that fell from the sky. Farmers all over the kingdom coveted a part of the tree's lands, hoping to take a slice from this natural treasure.
That's why a few days after Mother Rega descended next to Hidden City, refugees began to appear. Farmers with their large wagons and tools visited Arthur's mansion one after the other.
”Ma Lord,” The thin man with a giant beard in front of him bowed. ”I come from afar after hearing of your grace, desiring to serve you.”
”You desire the land, no?” Arthur said with amusement as the bearded man coughed in embarrassment. ”Don't worry. I appreciate your trust and the risk you have taken.”
”However, as you can see, we still have a lot of things to build. The agriculture department is still underway. Lands will be assigned later on, but we still need to clear out monsters and trees. That's why you need to take residence in one of the temporary houses for now.” The Knight of Courage explained.
”I understand, thank you!” The bearded man beamed at the mention of a residence. It was rare for a refugee to be offered a home right away.
”Of course, we lack in people. Do you mind that you and your people help us? We will pay you.” Arthur jumped in, and the farmer bobbed his hand readily. He thanked Arthur again before leaving.
”I'm always amazed by your generosity to the common folk.” Courage said with a satisfied smile as she jotted down the name of the farmer and the number of the people with him.
”Generosity?” Arthur was confused. ”I didn't do anything to them yet.”
”You gave them a home and paid them for working. It's usually only one of those.”
”The economy will flourish by giving money to these people. It's a way to get things started. I don't want my people to worry about housing that they do their jobs half-heartedly.”
”That's a fresh way of thinking. But aren't you worried about the treasury getting empty? The money that the Duke of Contracts gave isn't going to last forever.”
”I think you forgot what our city to be about.” Arthur grinned and stood up. ”Let's visit Gruen's smithy.”
The two left the house and walked toward the small smithy that Gruen currently used. They could hear the sounds of hammering even from a distance away. As they walked in, their eyes fell on the countless weapons that looked sharper than any they have seen before.
”Hidden City has a new monster and pillar, The Greenhorn Blacksmith.” Arthur smiled as he walked in with Courage. The weapons lined on the table each looked no less than high-tier, with a few in the mid-tier.
”This is almost at the True-rank.” Courage picked up a sword and muttered, her eyes full of shock. ”Is this truly his creation? Why the sudden leap in proficiency?”
Arthur didn't tell anyone but Gala, Dia, and Rosa that Gruen was a Seika, so it came as a surprise for the Titled Knight. She studied Gruen's creation with increasing shock.
”I gave him a few pointers,”
”You?” Courage asked with suspicion. ”Do you even know anything about smithing?”
”I'd surprise you.” Arthur smiled and didn't say anything anymore. ”Wait here.” He told the knight before walking into the forge. As soon as he walked in, a heatwave fluttered his robes and hair.
In the middle of the forge stood Gruen, hammering away another perfect item. The moment his hammer touched the metal, it drained all the impurities away from it.
Arthur didn't interrupt him in his focused state and watched from the side. The hammering continued until the metal molded easily into the shape of a curved sword. The impurities of the blade were all taken out, producing a sharp sword.
”Just one round of hammering?” Arthur muttered with amazement as he looked at the sword. Gruen took off his glove and wiped away the sweat with a grin.
”I only need to think about it, and the impurities would leave the weapon as it takes its final form. This isn't smithing anymore, but direct creation.” Gruen said with a triumphant smile.