Chapter 59: The Farenhald Forest
Axelius leaned his small head against the window, his eyes wide with quiet wonder. The town looked like something from an old storybook—stone buildings with wooden beams, tall chimneys, and colorful flags waving in the breeze.
But mixed in were things that felt oddly modern: glowing crystal lamps on iron posts, clean signs written with flowing letters, and even a few children playing with toy drones shaped like birds.
"See that bakery?" Adelheida pointed excitedly, hugging Axelius a little tighter. "They make honey-cinnamon rolls so soft they melt in your mouth!"
"And over there!" Liselotte added, almost leaning over him. "That’s the ink shop I told you about! They sell enchanted quills that never run out of ink!"
The girls were lively, excited to show off their favorite parts of the town. Axelius blinked and looked around as they passed a wide open space filled with fire and smoke. A strong, metallic scent filled the air.
"That’s the Eisenbach Foundry," Adelheida said, pointing again. "Theo’s family runs it. Look at those towers!"
The blacksmith workshop was massive. Dozens of furnaces and steel frames lined the yard, with workers moving heavy carts of glowing iron back and forth. Unlike the polished look of noble manors, this place was alive with grit, sweat, and power.
Axelius glanced toward Theobald, who was sitting silently now, his arms crossed as he looked away from the window. His face was stiff.
"They don’t act like nobles," Liselotte whispered with a teasing smile. "But the Eisenbachs are richer than most of us."
"They were offered a noble title long ago," Wilmar muttered. "But they turned it down. Said they only serve iron, not crowns."
Axelius tilted his head slightly, watching Theo’s expression. He looked a little embarrassed but didn’t say anything.