Free Web NovelChapter 62: A Blacksmith’s Natural Habitat (1)
Selena and Shinon walked side by side through the hallways of the Phoenix settlement, heading towards the infirmary to fetch Kira.
The conversation was light, and Shinon couldn’t help but feel like there was something off about Selena’s behaviour. Perhaps it was the way she avoided eye contact, or her voice lacked its usual cheerfulness.
"So, Shinon, I need to inform you about the job the Phoenixes have given you," Selena finally spoke up.
"What is it this time?" Shinon raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Another recon mission for me to fail?"
"Nope, it’s more suited to your expertise," Selena replied. "They want you to create a hundred combat knives in two days."
Shinon let out a chuckle. "Is that all? If given the right tools, I can create a hundred knives in a day or less."
Selena raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by his confidence. "Don’t underestimate the precision and quality we expect."
"I never underestimate myself," Shinon replied, a touch of arrogance in his tone. "You’ll have your hundred knives, and they’ll be flawless."
Selena was surprised to hear him. Tom, their resident blacksmith, had been given the same task but wanted at least a week. The Phoenix didn’t like that, and since they happened to recruit Shinon, they gave him the same job as which blacksmith did they need to retire.
If Tom failed, he’d be forced to retire and live off his ’pension’, but if Shinon failed, the Phoenixes would assign him a combat role instead.
For similar reasons, the Phoenixes sent Shinon on a recon mission the last time as they hoped he’d either fail and they’ll throw him out, or he’d die. In either case, they wouldn’t have to deal with him. But if he was successful, they’d have employed Shinon.
But once Marcus learned about the budding romance between Selena and Shinon, he took it upon himself to have him thrown out of the settlement. Although, he’ll never admit his jealousy was the reason behind his irrational decision.
"Are... you sure?" Selena asked Shinon. "Tom said he’d need at least a week to produce a decent quality set."
"Well, he’s quite old, so it wouldn’t surprise me if it takes him longer," Shinon nodded, understanding the situation Tom was in. "Apart from that, I’m sure about it. Creating knives is something I’m good at, and a hundred should be a piece of cake."
Selena smiled, looking relieved. "That’s great to hear. I was worried it would be too much for you."
Shinon didn’t say anything as they silently walked the rest of the path to the infirmary. Soon they arrived at the infirmary, and Kira was sitting next to Rico, who was still out cold.
Shinon didn’t feel right watching a brawny man like Rico lying helplessly on a bed with bandages wrapped around his chest.
"Hey, guys," Kira greeted them.
"Hey, Kira," Selena replied, walking over to her. "How are you feeling?"
"I’m better, thanks," Kira answered, glancing at Shinon. "What’s going on?"
Shinon explained the job the Phoenixes had given him, and Kira looked surprised.
"A hundred knives in two days? That’s a lot."
"It’s easy. I can do it." Shinon smirked.
"Of course, you can." Kira rolled her eyes. "There’s little you can’t do- you got a tattoo on your chest?"
Without waiting for confirmation, Kira casually pushed aside Shinon’s shirt, revealing the intricate design of an aberrant snake winding up his chest.
"Wow, Shinon, it’s beautiful," Kira said in awe, tracing her finger along the tattoo and, by extension, his chest. "It matches the colour of your eyes perfectly."
"Now that you’ve mentioned it, it does." Shinon playfully replied. ƒгeewebnovёl.com
Selena, standing nearby, spoke up before showing her the spider tattoo. "You know, Kira, if you like, I can take you to see Mei and get one for yourself."
By looking at Kira’s eyes, Shinon knew she was thinking about it, but before she could respond, he cut in.
"No need for that, Selena. Kira is perfect just the way she is," he said, placing a protective arm around Kira’s shoulders.
Shinon interjected because he thought Selena was trying to recruit Kira to work for the Phoenixes like him. Something which Shinon didn’t want. What would’ve been the point of him selling his loyalty to the Phoenixes if Selena could so easily get Kira to join them?
Kira blushed at Shinon’s words, feeling grateful for his affection. Selena, on the other hand, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy at Shinon’s attention towards Kira.
"Well, suit yourself," Selena said, trying to hide her disappointment. "But if you ever change your mind, the offer still stands."
Shinon shrugged, not caring much about Selena’s offer. "I doubt Kira will ever want a tattoo, but thanks for the offer. Isn’t that right?"
"Come, Shinon, Kira," Selena spoke up. "I’ll show you to the workshop, Shinon. It’s next to your shared room, and you can start working on the knives immediately."
"Lead the way." Shinon nodded.
Selena led Shinon and Kira through the dimly lit hallway, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the stone walls.
They arrived at a metal door at the end of the hall, which Selena opened with a key. She gestured for them to enter, and they stepped inside a surprisingly spacious room.
The walls were lined with wooden shelves filled with various tools, materials, and finished products. The centre of the room was dominated by a large workbench cluttered with tools, scraps of metal, and half-finished projects. The room was dimly lit, with a few lamps providing light.
"This is your room," Selena said, gesturing towards the back of the room, where two cots were situated against the wall. "It’s not much, but it’s comfortable enough."
Shinon and Kira looked around the room, enjoying the cluttered but cosy atmosphere.
"It’s perfect," Kira said with a smile. "It’s better than the tent we lived in."
"And this," Selena said, gesturing towards the workbench, "is where you’ll be spending most of your time."
Shinon walked over to the workbench and examined the various scattered tools and materials. He picked up a hammer and gave it an experimental swing, feeling the weight and balance of the tool in his hand.
The hammer was nowhere close to the Mastersmith’s hammer Shinon had in possession but was reasonably good. But tools aside, the workbench was much better than what he had been using thus far.
"You’ve got some good tools here," Shinon remarked.
Selena nodded. "We take our work seriously. And we have a reputation to maintain." freeωebnovēl.c૦m
Shinon looked up at her. "What kind of reputation?"
"The kind that keeps us in power," Selena said, her voice cold and businesslike.
Shinon nodded, understanding the implications. He turned back to the workbench, his mind already working on how to create a hundred combat knives in such a short amount of time.
"I’ll start working on the knives first thing tomorrow," he said. "You can leave if you want to, as I assume you have many more duties to handle and people to check in with."
"That... you’re right about," Selena nodded. "I’ll leave you two to take ample rest. You never know when you might need it."
