Chapter 53: The Blacksmith’s Instinct

Chapter 53: The Blacksmith’s Instinct

Although Airael had inevitably picked up some little quirks, she could still manage them quite well.

Thus, she didn’t express her dissatisfaction about it.

As for Anas, she only glanced at him quickly before averting her gaze.

Though it was just a fleeting look, Airael had already committed Anas’s appearance to memory.

The burly man in front of her had a full beard, but it was clear he was quite young and didn’t look half bad.

Anas didn’t pay much attention to Airael’s scrutiny.

Just a moment ago, his daughter Alice had already informed him.

His client was this male figure.

So, after stepping out, his focus was directed on Axi.

Once he stood in front of Axi, he asked, “Esteemed guest, where are the weapon and armor you wish to maintain? Is it what you have on you?”

After speaking, Anas took a good look at Axi from top to bottom.

“It’s what I have, but not all of it.”

Axi replied, first unclipping the sword from his waist and handing it to Anas.

Upon receiving it, Anas drew the long sword from its sheath.

With a sound of “whoosh,” the sword came out, and Anas squinted at the glinting blade: “This is a fine sword!”

After a moment of admiration, he began to examine it closely.

Axi said nothing, simply watching Anas in silence.

At first glance, the sword might seem unremarkable, but upon closer inspection, it revealed several issues—minor nicks and dull spots were beginning to form.

Seeing that Anas had noticed these flaws, Axi asked, “Can it be repaired?”

“No problem.”

Anas confidently placed the sword back in its sheath and replied while looking at Axi.

“When can you fix it for me?”

As Axi posed this question, Wol beside him quickly gestured to Anas.

Anas caught Wol’s expression and frowned slightly, responding, “Tomorrow! You can come by in the afternoon to pick it up.”

“Alright.”

Axi said as he retrieved a sword wrapped in cloth from his back.

As he moved, the nearby people’s gazes shifted toward this rather “mysterious” sword.

Especially Airael, who couldn’t help but stretch her neck to get a better look.

“This sword doesn’t need repairs.”

Seeing everyone staring at his sword, Axi explained, “Next, I need you to help me maintain this set of armor.”

With that, he set the long sword aside and began to remove his armor.

“Mm!”

Anas nodded as he watched Axi.

However, his gaze immediately returned to the long sword Axi had placed to the side.

As a blacksmith, he had a strong instinct—this sword was not ordinary.

And this young man was also quite impressive.

Including his companions.

Thinking of Axi’s companions, Anas finally directed his attention to Airael.

He had completely overlooked her until now.

At that moment, Airael’s gaze was shifting back and forth between the long sword and Axi.

She felt both seemed to attract her.

Was it because they had been together for so long that they inadvertently picked up some of each other’s aura?

After pondering for a long time, Airael bestowed herself a reason that seemed reasonably logical.

If it weren’t the case, Airael genuinely didn’t know how to explain her current feelings.

The developments were certainly beyond her expectations.

Anas noticed Airael’s somewhat strange behavior and asked, “Esteemed guest, is there something you need?”

“Are you talking to me?”

Airael was suddenly jolted back to reality, looking up at Anas and asking.

Despite the discomfort, it was just a reflex to look directly at someone while speaking.

At that moment, Anas realized the proximity between him and Airael was somewhat inappropriate, and he took a few steps back, saying, “Yes.”

“I don’t really need your help.”

Airael quickly replied.

She didn’t believe this blacksmith could repair the things of the Elven Race.

Besides, weapons and armor from the Elven Race were typically quite durable—they could withstand the test of time.

You see, over time, a bond would form between the master and their weapon.

Thus, Elven weapons are concerned primarily with longevity.

They didn’t need constant repairs.

At this moment, Axi had swiftly removed his armor, revealing a tight-fitting gray combat suit underneath.

With this appearance, he looked even more handsome.

“Master Anas, here’s my armor.”

With that, Axi handed the armor to Anas.

Anas first set the long sword aside and then received the armor in his hands.

With his hands freed, Axi grabbed the long sword he had set aside and slung it back over his shoulder.

All the while, Airael’s gaze followed him intently.

Her target was established—the long sword behind Axi.

Once she eliminated that from her thoughts, she would think of ways to understand Axi better.

After taking possession of the armor, Anas began to scrutinize it.

With a keen eye, he noticed several spots of wear and tear.

Watching Anas, Axi asked, “Can I pick up the sword and armor together tomorrow?”

Glancing again at the expressive Wol, Anas replied, “Sure!”

“Thanks a lot.”

“You don’t need to thank me; we’re conducting business here. Just make sure to pay me a fair amount.”

Regarding Axi’s polite gratitude, Anas responded.

“I’ll certainly pay you properly.”

Axi smiled as he spoke.

With that, he took out his coin pouch and pulled out a gold coin to hand to Anas, saying, “This gold coin should suffice as a deposit, right?”

Anas accepted the coin and replied, “That’s enough.”

After wrapping up business at the blacksmith’s shop, Airael and Axi set off on their journey home.

On the way back, Airael looked at the sword on Axi’s back and then at his now-empty waist.

After a moment of contemplation, she voiced her curiosity, “Axi, how about we continue our earlier discussion?”

She thought that since Axi currently only had this single sword, he would surely use it.

This way, she could take a sneak peek at the true nature of this sword.

“Let’s do it tomorrow; I’m not available today.”

However, Axi frowned slightly and replied.

“Hey! What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well? But you were just fine earlier, right?”

Airael asked, surprised.