Chapter 119: Learning Blacksmithing
Duke Valiard’s face froze, his smile becoming rigid as he looked at Aldrian.
"Excuse me?" he asked, incredulously.
"Yes," Aldrian replied. "Teach me how to be a blacksmith. I want to learn, and maybe—just maybe—I can also create my own weapon."
It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over Duke Valiard. His face, which had been full of excitement moments ago, now reflected pure disbelief as he stared at Aldrian like he was mad.
"Are you serious, young master? We’re talking about blacksmithing here—one of the most demanding professions. It requires years of training and commitment! You want to become a blacksmith? If you’re only interested because you want to create your own sword, then forget it. Blacksmithing isn’t something you choose on a whim. It’s a lifetime commitment," Duke Valiard said, his voice solemn.
Aldrian smiled slightly. "I think you misunderstand me. I’m not interested in blacksmithing because of some passing fancy. I’m genuinely fascinated by the craft. I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but I have a knack for absorbing knowledge quickly and applying it almost instantly. I don’t want you to feel insulted—I know blacksmithing is no easy profession. Quite the opposite, actually. It’s a complex and intricate field of study, which is exactly why I’m interested."
What he said was half true. While Aldrian was indeed curious about blacksmithing, the frustration of being unable to obtain a Divine-grade sword had sparked this idea in his mind. If they lacked the help to create the sword, perhaps he could be that help. And where better to learn the craft than in this very city? Of course the duke himself!
But Aldrian’s desire to learn blacksmithing wasn’t solely due to his frustration. He truly had a thirst for new knowledge. His curiosity was never satisfied, always seeking out something new to learn. He wasn’t lying when he said he was genuinely interested in the blacksmithing profession.
Duke Valiard looked into Aldrian’s eyes and saw no hint of doubt or jest.