The wind was fresh and clean, the sky was a blue canvas painted with patches of white and gray, and the plains were as green as one could be, littered with trees and grass all over the place. Such beautiful scenery was served on a lovely afternoon.
Clip Clop Clip Clop
In such breathtaking scenery, a peculiar sound danced along the wind as the hooves of horses hit the hard ground. It was one accompanied by neighing of horses and the merry chattering of people.
Within the green plains which stretched as far as the eye can see, one could see a road, small yet plainly visible. It was the highway which many carriages take in order to get to villages, towns, and cities alike.
"By the way, Chief, how long would this journey be?" ［Grey］
"Hm... Not long at all. Three... maybe four hours...? Don't worry about it, we'll arrive there before you notice it." ［Chief］
The Chief ended his statement with a bright smile as he once again looked back at the scenery unfolding before him. He was humming to himself as looked left and right, watching the small critters across the road.
After Grey and Yuna bought the potatoes from the villagers, the both of them had been invited over for lunch and the whole village ate happily like one big family. It was a fun time where people just enjoyed their lives, living at the moment.
It was only after lunch that the escort quest had officially started. Grey and Yuna's task was to guard the carriage along the journey to another village. Of course, what they were guarding were none other than potatoes, two whole carriages worth of potatoes to be exact.
Since the village has grown, it has been selling bulk amounts of potatoes in the nearby villages, and to ensure their safety, they had been hiring adventurers to escort them along the way. It was a common practice in Merusia.
"Right, right, I should probably tell you young'uns about this beforehand... Mmm... Don't be too surprised when we arrive there, got it?" ［Chief］
The Chief issued a warning to Grey and Yuna, making the latter tilt their heads in confusion. They didn't know what the Chief was talking about nor did they know where they were heading to.
As the sun slowly descended from the sky, the journey continued on smoothly. There weren't any bandits nor monsters to be seen on the road, only the occasional small critters at the sides of the road.
It was already late afternoon, the sky was still blue and in the horizon, a village slowly came into view. Compared to the Balta village just a while ago, the village in front of them looked relatively new, or rather, made with relatively new materials.
Just a few distance away from the village, a large broken up wasteland could be seen spanning a couple hundred meters across. It was a familiar place neither Grey nor Yuna could forget even if they wanted to.
"Hm...? Grey, isn't this..." ［Yuna］
"Hahahaha, that's right, young miss. It's the Feros village!" ［Chief］
The Chief announced boisterously as the carriages stopped at the entrance. Although the name was unfamiliar, the location, the ruins, and everything else was a perfect match. It was the same village they saved from the Orc Horde.
Although it hasn't even been half a year since Grey and Yuna saved the village, the village had already recovered to the point where it would seem they haven't even received a disaster in the first place.
"Your IDs, please."
"Ohoho, here you go." ［Chief］
The guard looked at the Chief's ID for a hot moment before giving it back to him. After the Chief, everyone else also gave their IDs to be inspected.... Well, almost everyone was able to hand out their IDs.
"Here you gー"
As the guard returned one of the villagers' ID, his eyes managed to catch Grey and Yuna. The very moment he saw the two of them, he immediately froze in place as if he just saw a couple of ghosts.
The other guards, seeing him tense up, also looked at the direction the guard's eyes were fixated on. They had the very same reaction as soon as Grey and Yuna entered their view.
"I-It's Lord Grey and Lady Yuna!"
"Hurry, call the Chief over! Tell him Lord Grey and Lady Yuna are here!"
They didn't even check their IDs, just their faces were enough for them to recognize who they were. The guards were quickly dropped into a state of panic as they tried to organize themselves.
Hurriedly, one of the guards headed inside the village, running towards the Chief's house's direction. The others who remained fixed themselves for a short while before paying respects to the two youths before them.
"Your Excellencies, we welcome you to the Feros village!"
Leading the other guards, the head guard greeted Grey and Yuna politely, bowing his head as respectfully as he could. The ones beside and behind them followed suit and also bowed their heads afterwards.
Grey and Yuna, who were on the receiving end of such a stiff greeting, couldn't do anything but smile awkwardly. Meanwhile, the Chief's face was plastered with a big grin, clearly enjoying the situation.
"Uh... Umm... Please raise your heads." ［Grey］
"A-As you wish!"
It only took a single statement from Grey for the guards to raise their heads. As soon as they stood upright, one could clearly see the shining expressions on their faces as if they were looking like some sort of God or something.
Only after the eye-catching demonstration of the guards did Grey and Yuna understand what the Chief meant when he said not to be too surprised. Well, rather than surprised, it would be more appropriate to say they were baffled.
While Grey and Yuna had experienced and dealt with many formalities, it was the first time it has been so intense. Rather than simple respect the others had shown, it was more like the guards are revering them,
"Now, now, why don't we head inside first. I'm sure Chief Regas is waiting for us. Why don't you king guards lead the way?" ［Chief］
"Ah, how rude of me! Let me escort all of you inside."
Politely as one can be, the head guard led everyone inside the village. The carriages were also let in and were parked in the village center, successfully garnering the attention of the villagers.
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna! And Chief Klaus too! It's good to see you again. How have you all been?" ［Regas］
Shortly after the carriages were parked, an elderly man, about the same age as the Barta village Chief, Klaus, came out and greeted all of them. An even more delighted expression was plastered on his face.
"Hahaha, I'm still in good health. These old bones are still fine and dandy!" ［Klaus］
"We're also fine. Thank you for asking." ［Yuna］
"We're glad to see you again too, Chief Regas. It seems like the village restoration has come along well," ［Grey］
"Hohoho, you can say that again. It was all thanks to Lord Grey and Lady Yuna's help that we could return to our daily lives." ［Regas］
Regas said as he silently looked at the village he so dearly loves. The happy faces of the villagers and the beauty of the village itself, all of which were engraved into his aged mind.
The money which Grey and Yuna donated to the village restoration has been in good hands. With it, not only was the village restored, there have also been many improvements made all across the village.
Just like Barta village, Feros village's living conditions have also improved after Grey and Yuna's help. It was because they were both helped by Grey and Yuna that they were able to connect with one another and form a partnership.
If Barta village grows tons and tons of potatoes to be made into chips and fries, then Feros village was to grow tomatoes for the ketchup. Not only tomatoes, they also grow various crops for the sauces Grey provided the recipes for.
"Oh, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna. If you would like, do you want to have a tour around the village?" ［Regas］
Regas offered as he looked back at Grey and Yuna. He wanted to show their saviors around to see what kind of improvements they have made and also have the villagers thank him as they go around.
"Umm... We'd love to, but we're on a quest right nowー" ［Grey］
"Hahaha, don't worry about it, young man. Your quest was only to escort us from and to our village. Now that we're here, you can take your time and have your lovely stroll around." ［Klaus］
"Hohoho, then shall we?" ［Regas］
With no other choices left, Grey and Yuna were led around by Regas to explore the village. Compared to the ruined village they remembered, it was a much better place where the people's smiles were all over the place,
Every time the villagers met Grey and Yuna, they always bowed their heads slightly to greet them. Some villagers talked to them and offered them some gifts, which they accepted politely in return.
"Big Bro! Big Sis! Do you want to play?"
Innocently, a child approached Grey and Yuna and asked such a question. Behind the child were other children in the village who were playing tag before they spotted the two walking by.
"Now, now, children, don't disturb Their Excellenciesー" ［Regas］
"No, it's alright, Chief. We'll play with them." ［Yuna］
Regas tried calmly to stop the children from bothering Grey and Yuna, but contrary to his expectations, the two were actually quite fond of playing with children. After all, they have handled Eliza, Elnart, and Galvin in the past.
Yuna was especially excited to play with the children. It has been a while since she played with children and was looking forward to it.
"Now, who would like to play with Big Sis and Big Bro here?" ［Yuna］
"Me! Me!"
"Me too!"
The children quickly raised their hands as they responded to Yuna's question with faces filled with excitement and happiness. Grey also joined in on the fun and played tag with the village children.
For minutes to pass, Grey and Yuna ran around the village with the children along them. Sometimes they were "it" and sometimes they would be the ones chased. Of course, they made it so that their speeds match the children.
As they played, Regas and the villagers couldn't help but look at them with warm eyes. The hearts of the villagers have grown closer to them. They looked up to them not only as heroes, but as good people as well.
Time passed and the sky started to change colors. It was only then that Grey and Yuna stopped playing with the children as they were called by their parents to rest and have their seats wiped.
"Aren't you tired, Your Excellencies?" ［Regas］
"No, not at all. Right, Yuna?" ［Grey］
"Un! We had a lot of fun!" ［Yuna］
"Hohoho, I'm very glad to hear that. It has been a while since the village has been this lively. It was quite a lovely sight." ［Regas］
Regas' eyes once again shifted away from Grey and Yuna to the children who were now with their parents, drenched in sweat after playing so much and wearing bright smiles on their faces.
"Then, shall we continue our stroll?" ［Regas］
"Yes." ［Grey］
"Un!" ［Yuna］
As the sky continued to change colors, Regas continued touring Grey and Yuna around the village as they chatted about many interesting topics. Just like before, they received countless gifts from the villagers as they passed by them.
With the sun nearing its sleep, the sky had started to turn amber and the smell of supper wafted throughout the whole village as each home started to cook their own dinner for their families.
Clang Clang Clang
But amongst the aromatic smells spreading around, one smell in particular stood out the most. It was the smell of sweat, metals, and fire, accompanied with loud clanging echoes and heat of flames emanating all throughout.
They were sensations Grey was too familiar with. The heat, the sounds, the smell, the sight, they were all familiar to him as if they were ingrained into his mind and body. A certain part of him was getting excited just by hearing the sound of hammers striking the metals.
"A smithy?" ［Grey］
It was a smithy, a place where blacksmiths pour their all into making the best works they can. From simple iron nails to magnificent weapons, they deal with all kinds of metal works, and even master leatherworking and tailoring if needed to. It was also the reason why high ranking blacksmiths are also called master craftsmen.
"Lord Grey, are you perhaps interested?" ［Regas］
"Oh, can I take a look inside?" ［Grey］
"Hohoho, sure, sure. Look as much as you can." ［Regas］
With Regas' permission, Grey entered the smithy with his eyes full of curiosity. The very moment he stepped inside, the magnitude of heat from the furnaces caressed his face as if welcoming him.
There were four people inside the smithy, all of which were men whose muscles were toned by the amount of heavy work they go through every day. The moment Grey, Yuna, and Regas entered the smithy, all four pairs of eyes quickly landed upon them.
"Chief! What brings you here?" ［Head Blacksmith］
One man in particular stopped his work and greeted Regas. He was in his late forties and was very muscular that one would mistake him for a knight if it wasn't for his outfit and the thick goggles he was wearing.
"Nothing much. Just touring Lord Grey and Lady Yuna around the village. Lord Grey said he wanted to take a look around the smithy." ［Regas］
"Wait! Lord Grey and Lady Yuna visited?! Where are they?!" ［Head Blacksmith］
"They just entered. Have your eyes gone blind already?" ［Regas］
Hearing Regas' words, the head blacksmith's head turned left and right in search of Grey and Yuna. He removed his thick goggles, rubbed his eyes over and over again and then searched around until he saw them.
"Ah! Your excellencies, there you are! It's been a long time!" ［Head Blacksmith］
A loud voice boomed all over the smithy the moment the head blacksmith found Grey and Yuna. He energetically gave the two of them a tight hug. It was fortunate that the two were high-rankers, otherwise, they would have been really hurt.
It wasn't the first time Grey and Yuna met the man. When the villagers were still seeking refuge in Galderia, they often visited the villagers to see how they were doing, providing as much aid as they could.
The last time they saw the head blacksmith, he was very downcast, barely showing any emotions on his face other than sadness. Compared to before, he was much happier and looked much healthier.
"Ram! Let go of Their Excellencies! Have you forgotten how sweaty and greasy you are right now?!" ［Regas］
"Ah! I apologize, Your Excellencies. I didn't realize!" ［Ram］
Hearing Regas' words, Ram, the head blacksmith, quickly let go of Grey and Yuna. The other blacksmiths behind him could only laugh wryly at his thoughtlessness.
"No, no, it's alright. This much is nothing." ［Grey］
"Un... Look... "Wash" "Dry"." ［Yuna］
With a quick demonstration from Yuna, her and Grey's clothes were quickly cleaned at a moment's notice. The eyes of the others present opened wide in amazement. They have never seen such useful magic before.
"A-Amazing! All the grime quickly disappeared!" ［Ram］
"Hehe, this much is nothing. There have been times when Grey was even dirtier after forging some things." ［Yuna］
"Oh?! Lord Grey knows smithing as well?!" ［Ram］
A surprised voice rang out of Ram's mouth as soon as he learnt such a fact. Not only his, the others' heads also looked at Grey as well as they scrutinized the latter's body. No matter how much they looked at him, Grey didn't look like one at all.
Compared to the muscular blacksmiths in the smithy, although well-built, Grey's body was on the leaner side. It wasn't that he couldn't grow any muscles, he just didn't choose to. His current figure was what he was most comfortable with, be it while fighting or just living his daily life.
"Is that the reason why you wanted to see the smithy, Lord Grey?" ［Regas］
"Well, yeah... It has been some time since I've forged something. I was just wondering whether I could try forging a little bit." ［Grey］
"Oh! Lord Grey is going to try forging?! Please show us your work!" ［Ram］
Ram was very enthusiastic upon hearing Grey's words. His eyes were brimming with curiosity as he looked at Grey like a toddler who just found a picture book full of dinosaurs.
"Then, can I borrow the furnace a little bit?" ［Grey］
"Sure! Sure! I also want to see Lord Grey in action!" ［Ram］
Everyone's eyes on him, Grey picked up a hammer from the smithy and grabbed a single iron ingot. He then headed to the smithy, grabbed a couple more tools, and then started to forge.
The light in Grey's eyes quickly changed as soon as he heated the iron in the furnace. With fire magic, he easily controlled the flames, heating the iron to the perfect temperature before taking it out.
As Grey placed the iron on the anvil, his right hand, bearing the hammer, quickly struck the iron with the perfect amount of force and speed unattainable by normal humans. He had entered blacksmith mode.
Each time Grey's hammer struck the hot iron, a clear resounding sound echoed throughout the smithy as the iron was bent into the shape Grey wanted. It didn't take too long for the simple piece of iron to start looking like a real sword.
Ram's eyes as he saw Grey striking the iron again and again were filled with flames of amazement as he continued to listen to the clear sounds the strikes made and watched the sparks fly out of it.
"No way... An expert...?" ［Ram］
Ram was in shock as soon as his realization hit him. The others who heard his words were shocked as well, but after seeing Grey's performance, there was no room for doubt inside their minds.
While Blacksmiths, Alchemists, and Enchanters alike are ranked from Tier 1 to Divine Tier, there are also other terms which are used as prefixes to determine their skills and tiers.
Tiers 1 and 2 are called "Novices". The next tiers, 3 and 4, are "Adepts" which are considered true practitioners of their professions. Then there's tiers 5 and 6 called "Experts". Following them are the tiers 7, 8, 9, 10, and Divine, which are hailed as "Masters", "Grandmasters", "Legendary", "Mythical", and "Divine", respectively.
Ram was a Tier 4 blacksmith, in other words, an adept, falling behind to Grey who was an expert at Tier 6. While Ram's skill was already amongst the best within those at Tier 4, it was nothing in comparison to Grey.
"Amazing..." ［Ram］
There was no frustration in Ram's voice as he saw Grey's beautiful form. He felt humbled seeing such a young man wield the hammer and striking the hot iron. All he had was awe.
Several minutes later, Grey had stopped hammering and tempering, proceeding to polishing and sharpening the sword. A couple more minutes later, a perfectly made iron sword was made.
While it takes days on medieval Earth to forge a sword, the process is sped up in Merusia where mana and magic was present. Even then, it takes a blacksmith of Ram's caliber a few hours to make one. It was much slower than Grey who didn't even take half an hour.
"Lord Grey! Please take me as your disciple!" ［Ram］
As soon as Grey finished, not only Ram, the other blacksmiths also kneeled before him asking him to take them as disciples. Of course, Grey refused as much as he could. It took him several minutes to convince them, even with the help of Regas.
After heading out of the smithy, Grey and Yuna, led by Regas, headed towards the village center where a lot of people were gathered, enjoying dinner together as if they were having a feast.
"Oh, young'uns! You're finally here! Come on, let's celebrate!" ［Klaus］
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, come join us!"
"Would you like some roast pork?"
"Big Sis, Big Bro, let's eat together!"
Prompted by Klaus' words, all heads turned towards Grey and Yuna's direction. One by one, the villagers offered them drinks and food to eat as if there was no tomorrow. It was a very happy celebration.
The feast in question was one made in a jiffy so that they could show Grey and Yuna their gratitude. While the two were surprised by the sudden feast, it was a pleasant one. Both of them were glad that the villagers were now wearing such happy faces.
The night grew deeper and deeper and with it, the celebration only grew louder as they danced the night away. It was the first time Grey and Yuna had experienced such a feast. It was a night where another unforgettable memory was born.
CHAPTER 116 END