[[[CP|W:228|H:218|A:C|U:http://file1.qidian.com/chapters/20131/2/2563969634927068660176818129294.jpg]]]The meticulously prepared red tea filled the room with a pleasant fragrance, and a newly placed pot of narcissus sat in the middle of the wooden table – constructing a unique, cosy atmosphere. André Relan took a sip of the tea as he entered, closed his eyes as a show of pretentiousness and shook his head, a disbelieving expression on his face.
As the servant responsible for purchasing items on behalf of Knight Resavi Manor, André was unlikely to frequent high-class establishments. In contrast, he was well-acquainted with Alberish's workshop, as his numerous business discussions were largely conducted there. The present clean, spacious, relaxing and somewhat... tasteful living room was a far cry from what André remembered: a cramped, dark, damp 'den'. The stark difference between reality and expectation left André feeling a sense of surrealism, generating doubts about his tasks' successful completion.
Could it be that Mother Goddess Mafa, somehow awakened from her slumber, used her powers to change the greedy and lazy dwarf? It's seems way too miraculous, absurd, and even laughable.
"Mr. Relan, do you enjoy the taste of the red tea? You may also wish to try some refreshments."
Enticingly presented, the heart-shaped cookies and cake looked irresistible, despite being served on rough wooden trays – considered to be luxury items for ordinary peasants, yet trash among the nobles. Still, when paired with a warm, friendly smile, they exhibited a relaxing effect. André turned to appraise the newest addition at the workshop's scenery.
André noted a roughly sewn short coat made from coarse linen, complete with exposed skin, several patches, and many holes in it. The dirt-stained face and hands, and the messy nest-like hairstyle coupled with the amber-colored shining eyes, all sat on a rather incongruous face.
Just an ordinary countryside youth – nothing noteworthy. André confirmed this impression before posing a question with feigned interest.
"Are you a servant hired by Alberish?"
"In response to your question, I am a new apprentice recently taken in by Master Alberish."
The youth lowered his head and responded with a smile, adopting a submissive demeanor. Content with the familiar smile, André leaned back against his chair, his face bearing a seemingly friendly grin.
"Where are you from, and what made you want to work under Alberish?"
"I'm from Black Forest, outside Ratatostk Valley. Last month, I was faced with droughts and forest fires, making it impossible for my younger brother and me to get by. We had to leave, and when we arrived at the swamp, kind Master Alberish took us in. He not only fed us but also took me in as an apprentice with meals and lodgings included... Thanks to the gospel of Mother Goddess Mafa, there are kind souls everywhere."
[So this is just a simple-minded boy who fled hardship.]
André suddenly burst into laughter, with a trace of disdain. Kind Master Alberish? Meals and lodging included for the apprentice? That joke was simply the best joke of the year. From his several past encounters with Alberish, André had developed a deep understanding of the miserly dwarf. Unless he had lost his wits, that scoundrel certainly would not kindly offer anything gratuitously. Believing the boy's claim seemed as far-fetched as trying to trust the notion that the demonic Beast of the East truly desired peace. Naturally, neither possibility could exist.
Alberish merely wanted a servant for which he wouldn't have to pay a salary. To André, it was clear that the dwarf had sent out this naïve lad to entertain guests while he hid in his workshop, fiddling about with techniques he didn't wish his "apprentice" to learn— unmistakably validating André's deductions.
Seeing the dwarf's subtle manipulation, André let out a laugh, and, imitating the Viscount as he sipped his tea, awkwardly lifted his cup. The scarlet liquid smeared his parched lips, flowed past his whitened tongue, and poured into his stomach filled with oats.
"Sir Salvie Knight requires a pair of rings that can fully reflect his status... Frankly speaking, it is hard to imagine that such a rural workshop can produce anything that meets our demands. We know there are many more experienced and talented stores, but due to our longstanding business relations, the Knight eventually decided to entrust this important task to you. As a repayment for his kindness, you must give your all to crafting the perfect rings. Understand that these rings hold great significance for the Knight, and no mistakes can be made."
Affecting a haughty air reinforced the exaggerations and intimidation undertones in his speech, while André's gleeful expression belied the joke's crude nature.
Despite André's cloudy demeanor, nothing seemed to deter the youth, still sporting a smile as pure and genuine as ever. Flustered, André couldn't help but be drawn towards the boy's endearing grin.
"We are already honored that Sir Salvie Knight placed his faith in us to craft these significant rings, and the chance to make them is our utmost privilege. Rest assured, we will utilize our best techniques and materials as a token of gratitude. However, we must inquire: what kind of rings does Sir Salvie Knight desire?"
The humble tone of the practical question pulled André out of his self-congratulatory reverie.
Design? The word struck a sore spot with André – should he recite his master's exact words as requested?