Who Is This Gentleman?
Perdikion’s thoughts were easy to guess.
One day Rune would have to lead the clan of Darkness, and Heungmi would assist him.
He intended to have the finest craftsmen in the lair prepare equipment for them both.
‘Come to think of it, that was probably why Christina told us to look around the shops.’
Since this place housed the continent’s most renowned weaponsmiths, Rune would surely be able to find a good weapon as well.
Perdikion turned to Heungmi and Baekya.
“The owner of the forge we’re heading to now can craft weapons for these two as well. Don’t hold back—choose whatever you like.”
“Sounds good to me. Thanks, hyung.”
“Thank you!”
Heungmi, who had been watching Rune’s expression, quickly offered her thanks.
“Hmph. It’s nothing special.”
Perdikion looked rather pleased.
His spell began, and the scenery before them shifted once more.
They arrived in front of a fountain in a square paved with rough stone.
Clang! Clang!
Hiss.
The sound of metal being hammered rang out, accompanied by bursts of steam.
The thick scent of dark ale and greasy meat filled the air.
Everywhere molten metal bubbled and hammers struck in a lively rhythm.
The stone buildings and the various structures made of mud and dried straw all carried the distinctive smell of iron that was unique to forges.
The unusually short residents bustled about carrying materials or pickaxes.
It felt less like a square and more like an exhibition of craftsmen’s architecture.
“This is a nice village.”
The words carried genuine feeling.
The environment itself did not look especially abundant, yet the sturdy figures working diligently gave off an air of passion and vigor that transcended age.
They all looked robust, their muscles firm and healthy.
“Indeed. No one wanders in carelessly. It’s quite a pleasant place for them to live among themselves.”
‘Well, the entrance is shaped like that, after all.’
An entrance boiling with lava. Anyone trying to find a comfortable place to live there would be better off crossing over to the afterlife.
“Wow! Everyone’s as small as Heungmi!”
The person Heungmi pointed at was only half the height of an adult, yet possessed a fairly sturdy build and the face of someone who had just entered adolescence.
He was carrying a stone larger and heavier than himself, hurrying somewhere.
“Yes. All the residents of my lair belong to the dwarf race.”
“Dwarves?”
Perdikion nodded at the puzzled Heungmi.
“A race with strong affinity for earth and fire. They established their home in this lair during the war and have remained my people ever since.”
“Whoa!”
Though he said nothing aloud, Rune felt the same sense of wonder.
‘An intriguing race.’
Their bold, sturdy faces and sharp eyes conveyed stubbornness.
Most wore thick beards, and they were short of stature with thick arms and legs.
Some dwarves even carried battle-axes on their backs.
“This way.”
Baekya tilted its head and settled on top of Heungmi’s head.
Rune followed Perdikion while keeping track of the two’s presence.
The wide main street made for pleasant sightseeing.
Whether this was the original route or Perdikion had deliberately chosen it to show off the district was unclear.
‘I roughly understand the atmosphere.’
Shops with fixed specialties—weapons, accessories, armor.
Specialty stores displaying signs for custom commissions.
The only shops unrelated to blacksmithing were restaurants, taverns, and general stores.
‘There are more practical items than decorative crafts. Weapons, pommels that serve as counterweights, things like that.’
The residents’ clothing also prioritized ease of movement over beauty, made from inexpensive monster leather.
‘Still, the craftsmanship is excellent.’
Even though the material was only leather, the finishing work was far from ordinary.
Yet the moment of calmly observing the surroundings did not last long.
The dwarves’ gazes gradually began to focus on the group.
Given their conspicuous appearances, it was only natural.
‘No, that alone isn’t the only reason.’
Those who recognized Perdikion reacted like startled rabbits.
They flinched, lowered their eyes, or bowed their heads deeply.
‘They’re afraid of this guy.’
When Rune glanced at Perdikion’s expression, he saw a face as hard and expressionless as stone.
Just then, a dwarf carrying a full load of materials spotted the two and approached.
He had a blunt nose and a face lined with wrinkles.
The burly dwarf set his load down beside him.
“Hoho. If it isn’t Lord Perdikion!”
Perdikion gave a slight nod.
“So you were here, Verdin.”
The dwarf, who looked quite advanced in age, placed his callused hands in front of his stomach and bowed respectfully.
“He is currently in the royal palace, but Verdin is also an exceptionally skilled blacksmith. The spear he forged that cleaves the earth, Bladimeri, left quite an impression.”
“Hoho, I am honored that you remember! I poured my very soul into it!”
Verdin clasped his hands together and laughed pleasantly, then carefully studied Rune.
“I don’t believe I’ve seen this guest before. Who might this person be?”
“The Black Dragon hatchling I mentioned before. His name is Rune.”
“! Then…… is he the one you said was no different from a brother to you, Lord Perdikion?”
Verdin’s eyes widened as if he had suddenly realized something.
He quickly bowed his head toward Rune.
“My apologies. Since he is clearly Lord Perdikion’s brother who shares the flame with you, I failed to recognize him at once.”
‘He knows I received the Seal of Fire.’
Rune did not know how he had found out, but that was something he could ask about later.
For now, he accepted Verdin’s greeting.
“Nice to meet you.”
At Rune’s reply, Verdin offered a respectful bow.
“I am Verdin, who works at the royal palace forge of the dwarves.”
Verdin showed Rune the same attitude he had shown Perdikion.
Perdikion gave him a meaningful look.
“Among the dwarves, he is one who produces high-quality weapons. Since he is also the royal blacksmith, you may entrust him with anything you need.”
At those words, Rune looked at Verdin again.
The dwarf struck his solid chest with a thick hand.
“Please entrust me with anything! I will regard it as an honor.”
‘A royal palace blacksmith. I suppose I can leave the weapons to the great forge.’
After a brief moment of thought, Rune spread both hands to indicate a size.
“I need a kitchen knife about this big.”
“A kitchen knife……! ……A kitchen knife?”
Startled, Verdin repeated the words without thinking.
Perdikion fixed him with a steady gaze.
Verdin came to his senses and bowed deeply, exaggerating the motion.
“I will prepare it at once. Is there anything else you require?”
“A cutting board and a rolling pin. Use materials that won’t cause mana loss.”
“!?”
Gulp.
At the final words, Verdin swallowed hard, his throat bobbing.
After asking Rune a few more questions, Verdin lowered his head and muttered something to himself.
When he raised his head again, his eyes were filled with a mixture of curiosity and seriousness.
“Understood. I will come find you as soon as they are finished.”
“And Verdin.”
“Yes!”
At Verdin’s energetic reply, Perdikion merely tilted his chin slightly.
“This year’s Artisan Competition finals—this fellow will be the judge. Inform the participants.”
“……?”
Rune gave Perdikion a questioning look, but the two continued their conversation.
“Pardon me, but does this mean that this time it is not Lord Perdikion, but Lord Rune who has been chosen as the ‘task’?”
“Yes. This fellow is the final task to be submitted in the finals of this Artisan Competition.”
“!”
Verdin’s gaze changed.
His sharp eyes examined every inch of Rune’s body.
The intensity of his focus was so great that it was hard to believe he had been unable to meet Rune’s eyes until now.
“If it’s a sword, the length should match the body’s balance…… the weight around this much…… accessories shouldn’t be too large either……”
Leaving Verdin to mutter rapidly to himself, Rune turned his gaze to Perdikion.
Sensing the question in that gaze, Perdikion shrugged once.
“The competition to select the continent’s greatest artisan happens to be taking place right now. And just now, the final task for the finals was decided to be ‘equipment for the Black Dragon hatchling.’”
The situation was roughly clear.
From Verdin’s reaction, it seemed the original final theme had been “equipment for Perdikion.”
Since this was a competition to choose the continent’s greatest artisan, the skills of those who had reached the finals after fierce competition were guaranteed.
With their competitive spirit ignited as well, they would pour everything into creating their finest works.
Having grasped the situation, Rune shrugged.
“Then I’d like to add Baekya and Heungmi as tasks as well.”
“Pii……?”
“Me?”
Baekya and Heungmi tilted their heads in unison.
Rune, who had spoken, wore a nonchalant expression.
‘If possible, it would be good for these two to have good equipment as well.’
Perdikion readily nodded.
“Very well. Did you hear that, Verdin?”
“I heard it clearly. I will make sure to inform the participating artisans.”
‘That worked out well.’
The chance to wield weapons crafted by the continent’s finest artisans.
It would be a shame to miss it.
He could almost hear the lamentations of the artisans who would soon learn that the task had suddenly changed, but that was none of Rune’s concern.
Meanwhile, Verdin had many regrets of his own.
‘I wonder what the preferences of the new final task subjects are. I also want to know what they might need……’
If he greedily tried to extract detailed information about Rune, he would only offend Perdikion.
Verdin clicked his tongue.
‘Since it is still undisclosed information, attempting to learn it privately would violate the fairness of the competition.’
“Then, since I must at least convey simple external information, I will make a quick sketch.”
He asked for permission and rapidly sketched Rune, Heungmi, and Baekya.
Then, gauging Perdikion’s mood, he made his suggestion as smoothly as possible.
“I hope there will be an opportunity to pay my respects soon. Both the reformist artisans and the traditionalist artisans will be waiting in anticipation.”
At those words, Perdikion’s brow twitched and furrowed, and Verdin coughed awkwardly in embarrassment.
An uncomfortable atmosphere flowed for a moment.
Fortunately, Perdikion’s reply settled the mood.
“I will arrange a meal soon.”
“Thank you.”
Verdin was quite perceptive, fortunately.
He did not attempt anything further and offered a clean farewell.
“Then, have a pleasant afternoon.”
Verdin picked up the materials he had set down and quickly walked away.
‘Things aren’t exactly comfortable with the dwarves. I roughly know the story behind it.’
Although Perdikion was also the lord of the land where the dwarves lived, even taking that into account, the burly man’s attitude went beyond awkwardness into tension.
“Let’s go. The forge is just ahead.”
Rune nodded and gathered Heungmi and Baekya.
As they began walking together, Rune asked the question that had been on his mind.
“Come to think of it, how did that guy Verdin figure out I have the Seal of Fire?”
“It’s not just him. Most artisans with any real skill would likely notice. It seems that refining mana stones makes one naturally sensitive to the mana of fire.”
Perdikion cast his gaze toward the massive forge visible in the distance and concluded.