Here it is~ Please let me know of any typos or any missing word and the like~

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the chapter~

Chapter 11: Fairy's Tear

“What do you think about this place?”

Gordon asked, while showing me around the smithy.

“Its surprisingly clean…”

The smithy was surprisingly well kept contrast to what I’ve seen at the front door. Various types of blueprints and designs on top of his workbench, his smithing tools that were carefully organized on the wall, an opened wooden crate filled with various minerals, and a stone kiln on one edge of the room besides the anvil and the furnace.

The smithy further leads to an open space of his house that leads to his backyard.

Just like a man cave.

“Indeed it is! You caught me at a bad time really, I’ve been so busy with request I have very little time to clean.”

Gordon proudly declared such words while he shyly scratched the back of his head. Quite a childish reaction coming from an old man

Strangely enough, I immediately felt a strong connection forming between the two of us. More like kids talking among themselves with similar hobbies.

“Alright, how would you like me to help?”

“Simple, wear this first and let me test your endurance to see how long you last, kiddo.”

“Bring it!”

Gordon gave me a pair of gloves made of leather, thick enough to resist the the heat coming from the forge. He started the fire on the furnace and immediately set it ablaze using a magic spell.

“Amazing…”

I couldn’t stop the words of praise to unconsciously escape my mouth. There’s a certain complexity in his work and details that would probably be revealed to me as we go by.

“Grab this hammer and strike the side of metal after me.”

Gordon then handed me a sledgehammer used for striking. Its head that was constructed from hard steel was really huge, and the wooden handle was at least 130 cm long. One word to describe this thing is that its very heavy. This hammer is more on the lines of a weapon instead of a tool, but I didn’t question Gordon. He’s the pro and I'm the apprentice. That’s how it works.

“Seems simple enough… For starters, I guess it’s not too bad.”

Although I’m still adjusting to the weight, much more to actually hammer something accurately, excitement had already blockaded my thoughts from thinking rationally. Eager to use the hammer he just gave me, I started to bash the side of metal that Gordon ordered me to.

*Klang! Clang! Klang! Clang!*

“Use your arms properly or it won’t mold into shape!!”

“Yes sir!”

The heat is slowly getting into me and my exhaustion is making me tap out.

Persevere! Persevere!

“Put more strength into it!!”

“Yes sir!!”

*Klang! Clang! Klang! Clang!*

Because of the weight that I wasn’t use to carrying, my arms are really starting to give out. Think of Emi’s smiling face!! Think of Emi’s smiling face!!

“Hit it accurately!!!”

“Yes sir!!!”

*Klang! Clang! Klang! Clang!*

The blade was repeatedly struck on the anvil and heated in the furnace till we finally achieved the shape that Gordon desired.

“Isn’t smithing a manly job?”

“It…sure…is…”

Once the desired shape is acquired, the blade was stored inside the kiln to allow the blade to heat and cool down very, very slowly.

“You passed my test lad. Not many kids your age has the perseverance to survive this battlefield.”

“Haaaaa…n. Is this the reason why this quest was ignored for a long time now?”

I used the sledgehammer to keep me on my toes. My clothes are drenched in sweat and I stink! My legs are numb and both of my arms are sore. Never once in my life that I’ve felt so worn out.

“Gahaha! Most of them young’uns gave up midway. Seriously, kids these days.”

Gordon gave me a light tap in the back that almost made me fall over.

“But you did good, I’m sure I can safely leave this dangerous quest in your capable hands. What’s your name?”

“Kansouke… Yarou Kansouke.”

“Kansouke, eh? Let me show you what Fairy’s Tear is all about. Follow me.”

So I followed behind him as instructed. We walked outside to his grassy backyard and entered a cramped storage shed. Inside however, is a steep staircase leading downwards.

“Blaze.”

He grabbed a torch and lightened it accordingly using a fire-based spell. Seems like Gordon’s affinity to the fire element is quite high. Quite a useful combination when it comes to working under a steamy workshop that heavily relies on the usage of fire.

Immediately, we continued going down the level.

At the very bottom of that staircase leads to a small open room, and magnificently displayed on top of a wooden table was a sword and its luxurious sheath.

“Is this what you wanted to show me?”

I asked, while my gaze is fixated at this fabulous looking weapon.

“Beautiful, huh?”

“Indeed.”

The length and width is comparable to that of noble’s rapier, yet the sword was designed to be used for slashing instead of piercing. The tint of the blade is somewhat close to verdant green and the sheath was embedded with polished jewels.

It is a remarkable piece of art and as if the blade itself was forged to represent the hidden beauties inside the deep forests.

The name Fairy’s Tear truly does justice to this piece of art.

“Forged under the ancient wisdom of the Elves and steel that was blessed and quenched under the Fairies guidance.”

“How did you come across this sword then?”

“I got it as a gift…”

There was an obvious glimmer of sorrow mixed in with his deep voice. Judging from Gordon’s reaction, the person who probably gave him this sword had long passed away.

Maybe an old friend, maybe an old lover, who knows?

“So, what’s that person doing now?”

“She passed away.”

Just what I had predicted.

“I see. And you’re planning to give this to me? Doesn’t this sword contain a huge emotional attachment to you?”

Gordon just looked down and smiled bitterly.

“I’ll be more than happy to give it to you, if you could just fulfill a silly request coming from this senile old man.”

“Alright, count me intrigued. What is it that you want me to do?”

Then, he lifted his head and stare at me.

“Purify her soul. She died in the war, yet her soul kept lingering in that place because of our promise.”

“………Is there something preventing you from doing it yourself?”

“Gahaha, I’m old and grey now, she probably wouldn’t recognize me. The last time we met was back when I was around your age, fifty three years ago.”

Holy hell, that’s some gap right there.

I’m surprised he’s kept onto his feelings for so long though. And it explains why he needed an able bodied young man.

Will I be able to do the same with Emi?

“Alright, for the sake of your love old man, I’ll do it!”

Feeling more excited than usual, I jerked my fist. To fulfill the old man’s wish, I will be an agent of love!

Seeing my reaction, Gordon threw an unbiased laugh, loud enough to irritate my ears.

“GAHAHAHA!! You’re a good kid! Now take the sword, it’s yours.”

I solemnly reached towards the blade, my hands are shaking in pure excitement.

I lifted the sword, slid it inside its sheath, and weighed it into my hands!

“Fairy’s Tear, eh? Nice to meet you, I’m Kansouke, your new partner!”

Gordon pulled a map and showed me the route I needed to take to complete his request. My destination is a cave northwest of town, approximately four days if I travel by foot.

“That cave was once known as Nymphs Bath, but ever since her death, it turned into a monster infested den. Make sure you’re prepared, it will be a very tough journey. Also—”

I crossed my arms and paid heavy attention to the instructions that left Gordon’s mouth.

Seems like my first real job as an adventurer would be an exciting one. Still, I really am lucky to find a good paying job while obtaining a first class sword at the same time.

After our long conversation, I excused myself out of the forge. I find myself lazing on one of the benches scattered around the circular fountain in the central plaza.

It had long turned dark, yet Meles and Remi still hasn’t returned.

Where have those two been?

As long as they’re not involve into something disastrous, I could sigh in relief. Well, with Remi around, I’m sure they’re just fine. And Meles should be strong enough to defend the two of them anyways. I’d be more worried to the clueless attacker that would be foolish enough to mess with the two of them.

I stare upward at the moon.

Ever since I came to Zarc, there hasn’t been much time for me to have some alone time by myself. I feel like I’ve been dragged around way too much.

But my goal hasn’t changed.

Hesitantly, my thoughts drifted away from that time eight years ago. It’s still clear in my mind. No matter how many moons passed, I can never forget. Her visage illuminated by the red moon.

Thinking about Emi, my chest began to pound.

“Emi, I missed you.”

While watching the blue moon, I muttered those words to myself.

Damn, acting melancholy doesn’t really suit me.

“Well, time for me to go…”

“Hold it!”

“Huh?”

Mr. Pervert suddenly appeared and sat timidly on my side.

What is it now? I’m tired, I want to sleep. I don’t have any spare energy left to argue with this guy. I’ll just let him win and hopefully, that would end his stalkerish behavior.

Mhm-mhm. I nodded to myself.

“There’s something I’d like to discuss.”

“Hurry it up then…”

He darted around nervously and his ass wouldn’t stop jiggling the bench.

“Stop moving your ass so much! You’re making it uncomfortable for me too, dammit!”

I better move away from this guy, before I start having any weird impressions.

“How cruel of you… To play with a maiden’s heart. How cruel…”

The moment I heard his words, my brains were blown into pieces. My tongue burned in disgust.

“Shut up! You’re a guy! A guy!”

“And so? What’s the difference? I was raised as a girl anyways.”

He said on a deeply aching voice. Again, he started to sob. While rubbing his eyelids, he looks up to me with teary eyes.

“Oh my lord, spare me…”

“You won’t even change your mind after seeing me cry? How heartless can you be!?”

Indeed, my actions could be described as cruel.

“Look you haven’t even told me your name. Shouldn’t a proper noble lady introduce herself first?”

He pulled a handkerchief from his breast pocket,—underneath his silver breastplate—and wiped his running snot and tears with it.

“My name is Roxiliarez Ordinuz Elseria, daughter to the house of Ordinuz, the Count of Margueth. A knight in training under Lord Gilbert’s guidance. I hope you forgive my tardiness, but I am pleased to make your acquaintance, sir.”

He took my words too seriously! It made me blew a sigh.

The situation had turned hideous, but I figured, perhaps satisfying his feminine heart could absolve this misunderstanding between the two of us, so I played along.

I placed my hand on top of hers.

“Forgive my impudence milady, for I do not know how nobles act. I am but a mere farmer from a humble farming village. Yet I still wonder, is it possible for me to take milady for a dance?”

“I… In such a place without a single instrument to play? Not to mention, dressed like this? You must be quite the joker, kind sir.”

“The humming of this fountain shall be our orchestra. Please, a single tune under this starry sky is all I ask.”

“If… If such a fine gentlemen bows himself to me so keenly, how can I refuse sir’s humble act?”

“Then shall I interpret those words as a yes, milady?”

“Y-yes you may.”

Gently, I pulled him up and placed my other hand on his waist. A closed position. Under the solemn moonlight, we waltzed to the splash of water, sometimes stepping onto each other’s feet, but our clumsy movements also felt natural.

Provided by the coolness of the night, his unwashed tears were soon replaced by a smile.

“Well, why did milady chose to be a knight instead?”

“Please, just Roxis is fine. And I chose to be a knight for I want obtain the power to protect my citizens. I want to be there for our people when they need us. My dream is to become a reliable ruler just like my father.”

“I see, that is a fine dream…”

That's all we said, and as if I was sucked in by the situation, I ended up enjoying it as well.

“Well, it had gone late. I shall see to it myself that lady Roxis gets home safe, neh?”

“Please, you do not have to trouble yourself, kind sir.”

“Pardon me, but how can I call myself a gentleman if I can’t even properly see a lady home?"

“Then I shall take your offer.”

Roxis beamed me a smile. An honest smile free of judgement and deceit.

I just walked alongside him, enjoying the lacked of noise except for the loud clattering of his silver leggings. It did not take us that long to reach his barracks, which is located just a few blocks away from the guild.

“I’ll be excusing myself then……”

As I was about to stroll away, he faintly calls out to me.

“Umm, Kansouke… Thanks for playing along with me. I know everything was caused by my own rashness and horrible misunderstanding, and for that, I deeply apologize. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

It would seem like his delicate body would break after saying those words. No doubt my answer here would leave a great impact on his life.

“It’s fine and I was equally rude to you anyways. Although, if it will make you feel better, can you do me a favor?”

“A favor? Just state your request and if it’s within my capabilities, I would do my utmost to help.”

“Thank you. I know this is not the time and place to ask, but can I borrow a horse?”

“Pardon my nosiness, but where will you be going?”

He inquired with a worried face, yet after he spoke, he quickly retracted his words.

“Actually, that’s fine. I shall have one prepared and sent to your inn tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you… and goodnight.”

He look up to me with upturned eyes, implying that he’s expecting me to do something.

Deep in my mind, I sighed.

I lifted my hand and patted his head, enjoying the fine silkiness of his hair beneath my palm.

“I should be going, it’s late already.”

“Mhm… Goodnight.”

Roxis preens a bit, then flushes as I continue to pat his head.

When I realized he was standing too close, I swiftly moved away and escaped. I did not look back. I just went straight to the inn.

On the dark streets void of souls, I unsheathed the sword I got from the old man and took a stance.

I firmly held the sword forward.

How did I do it again?

Hold the sword high up, and then swing it down. Lift it up with your left hand, just a little bit above your forehead. Use your wrist to flick the sword out naturally. Make large steps as you swing the sword while keeping your posture as firm as possible.

Keeping all of those in mind, I swung!

*Vooom!*

With a simple swipe of this sword, the wind howls sharply. What a deadly weapon.

Satisfied with the results, I slid the sword back to its sheath and went upstairs to my room.

That night, I slept by myself.

Oh wait, let me close my eyes and type a name.....

Roxiliarez Ordinuz Elseria

There you go, our next tongue twister, lol.

And I don't know how nobles talk so let me know if you have a better structure for those "fine" sentences :cool:

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