Kane was examining the sword before him.
[Mikhail's Experimental Work]
Category: One-Handed Weapon
Grade: ★★★☆☆
Description: A sword created using the design given by Kane Rehinar. It is imbued with the breath of a true dragon, making it impossible to melt in an ordinary forge.
Effects: Water attribute attack power +40%, Fire attribute attack power +70%, All attribute attack power increase +100% when dual-wielding, Agility fixed at B-grade or higher.
"These effects are insane."
Even among three-star weapons, this was top-tier.
Blata seemed to recognize Mikhail's abilities at a glance.
"Well, for a human, it's quite impressive. I suppose I should honor you with my noble name."
Blata's eyes sparkled.
He expected the recipient to faint upon hearing his name.
But Mikhail didn't even look at Blata.
Instead, he looked at Kane, feeling embarrassed.
"I haven't held a hammer in a long time, so I couldn't make it properly."
Despite Mikhail's disregard, Blata wasn't bothered.
"Aren't you curious about my name?"
Blata liked outstanding humans.
Especially those who were stoic and handsome like Mikhail.
"You must be flustered upon seeing my noble self. I understand. As a human with great potential, you must have recognized my overwhelming presence."
Blata's mouth stretched into a grin.
It resembled a dog's smile.
While he was lost in his own delusions, Kane's voice interrupted.
"To produce a weapon of this caliber with a mere three-star mana stone is excessively modest."
The sword design given to Mikhail was something that couldn't be made with a mana stone.
It was the design of a demon sword.
It could only be crafted with bloodstone.
Creating a sword of this quality with a three-star mana stone was solely due to Mikhail's skill.
Most blacksmiths would struggle just to understand it.
"The truth is, I didn't ask you to make this sword for use."
"What do you mean?"
"It was practice to make a proper sword."
Mikhail frowned.
"It seems the sword doesn't please you."
"Do you know a material called 'bloodstone'?"
"Bloodstone…?"
"It's also called the Blood Star."
"Ah, the Star of Blood! I know it."
"Blata knows it too. It's a legendary ore."
Blata was trying to insert himself into the conversation somehow.
It was a very fascinating topic, after all.
"To make that sword, bloodstone is necessary."
"Is that true?"
Mikhail, who had been frowning, couldn't hide his excitement.
Bloodstone.
The Blood Star was the most noble stone on the continent.
A legendary stone said to contain the power of the stars.
It possessed value beyond comparison with any other mineral.
For a blacksmith, it was nothing short of a dream material.
"I'm planning to set out to find bloodstone soon."
"Take me with you!"
"I, the Legendary Blata, will follow even without permission."
Mikhail couldn't contain his excitement.
The idea of searching for his dream material thrilled him as a blacksmith.
"Don't you want to make a sword using bloodstone?"
"I absolutely want to!"
"I want to eat it."
"Then stay here and further hone your blacksmithing skills with the mana stones."
"Ah."
"Hehe. When we find bloodstone, I'll be the one to swallow it whole."
Although Blata interjected, Mikhail didn't hear him.
From the moment he heard the word bloodstone, he was entranced.
Most blacksmiths couldn't even forge using bloodstone.
Only the best skills could refine that material.
"I believe you can create the finest sword with bloodstone."
"Nooo, I'm telling you I'm going to eat it."
Kane trusted Mikhail.
He was not only the leader of Ray Hatzfeld's elite unit, the Blood Riders, but also the continent's greatest blacksmith.
The Blood Riders were equipped with the best gear thanks to Mikhail.
"But with your current skills, you can't perfectly handle bloodstone."
"Kane, are you listening to me?" Blata kept trying to distract Kane.
[A/N: Guys, I know some of you might find Blata annoying, but keep in mind he's just like a newborn kitten right now. A Fat Chonky Kitten.]
Mikhail hadn't held a hammer in a long time.
If he tried to work with bloodstone in his current state, he would certainly fail.
"Hmm…"
"You have at most a month. Prepare to showcase your maximum ability by then."
Mikhail nodded at Kane's words.
"I will do so."
"I won't speak anymore!"
After being ignored continuously, Blata finally sulked.
Nevertheless, the conversation between Kane and Mikhail continued.
"If you need three-star mana stones, I'll get them right away."
"It's fine. I need to practice with two-star stones to improve my skills."
Mikhail's face was filled with expectation.
He looked brighter than ever.
"Make sure to bring back the bloodstone."
"I will."
"Then I'll head to the forge and start practicing."
"You can rest a little."
"To refine bloodstone, I can't waste a single day."
Mikhail bowed and left the room.
Left alone, Kane muttered softly.
"I need to send a letter to the capital."
"Blata is still sulking."
As Kane didn't acknowledge his feelings, Blata voiced his displeasure himself.
"If you eat the bloodstone, you'll get even fatter."
"Hmph, this is baby fat!"
"You'll probably just roll around on the floor, unable to walk."
"No, I won't!"
Blata was deeply sulking.
He went to a corner of the sofa and buried his head.
He probably thought he was invisible if he just hid his face.
"Hey."
Kane nudged Blata's rear.
Blata kicked the air with his short fluffy cat hind paws.
"Don't touch me!"
The scene was incredibly cute.
If Camilla or Sara had seen it, they would have fainted.
"Oh shit, I forgot about Sara."
Kane got up and headed towards Sara's room.
Blata remained with his head buried in the corner of the sofa.
"I'm still really mad!"
Blata's hollow cry echoed through the room.
* * *
Meanwhile,
In a spacious cavern, a young man with red hair was receiving a report.
"Any word from the assassination units?"
"…No, sir."
"Is it that there's none, or it's just not possible?"
"I have no excuse…"
The kneeling man trembled slightly with his head bowed.
The one before him was his master.
The person who would lead the Hatzfeld family in the future.
"Failure isn't always bad."
"Pardon?"
"Aren, that guy is Dirk's dog, isn't he?"
"You knew?"
"I've known from the beginning."
"Then why did you send Aren? If this mission fails, the king will be furious…"
The red-haired young man laughed coldly.
"The conquest of Rehinar will fail time and time again."
"But the coup attempts have been successful until now, haven't they…?" The subordinate asked trembling.
"Yes, but someone like me has awakened."
"Pardon?"
The man tilted his head in confusion.
The red-haired young man just laughed it off.
"Just talking to myself. Don't worry about it. Hand over all matters regarding Rehinar to Dirk."
"If Prince Dirk takes all the credit, you'll be in danger, my lord."
"It'll be the opposite. Dirk will gain nothing but our father's wrath."
The man stared at the young master.
Something had changed in his behavior.
It had been strange ever since 'that moment'.
It was as if he knew the future.
Everything was moving according to his will.
"We'll withdraw from the Fresia Empire and contact the barbarians."
"I'll send the children."
The man who responded disappeared without a trace.
"Old Ray Hatzfeld… or should I say, Kane Rehinar… Enjoy the early stages. This time, it's your turn to suffer."
The red-haired young man's name was Ray Hatzfeld.
An illegitimate son of the Hatzfeld king, and a tragic genius destined for greatness.
He was plotting against Kane.
* * *
Sara, who was locked in her room, crossed her arms and didn't even glance at Anna.
"My lady."
Anna called out once more, but Sara remained silent.
"My lady, please eat something. You haven't eaten for days."
Ever since she was forcibly brought back from the north gate, Sara hadn't touched any food.
She only wore a look of resentment.
"My lady, this is really serious."
"..."
Anna gently coaxed Sara, but it was no use.
"Haaah."
Anna sighed deeply.
"Are you going to keep this up?"
She placed her hands on her hips, pretending to be angry.
Finally, Sara spoke.
"…How could you do that to me, Anna?"
"It was the young master's order."
"You've been with me longer than with that man!"
"I serve everyone in the Rehinar household."
Sara felt a pang of sadness at Anna's words.
"Are you saying you'll do the same if this happens again?"
"If necessary."
Sara glared at Anna, but Anna continued speaking.
"My lady, your reckless behavior is too dangerous. You don't have the skills to handle situations head-on. If I hadn't intervened, you wouldn't even be here to be angry at me."
Sara heard Anna's cutting words.
Hearing that she wasn't skilled enough stung.
She thought that if she had trained under someone or had a teacher to instruct her in swordsmanship, she would be much stronger now.
"I know… I know I'm weak."
But this was from Anna's perspective as someone at the 7th class level.
Sara was a genius Mid-Tier 3rd class Knight, who commanded a bond (3 Runes).
Reaching Mid-Tier 3rd class at the age of 18 was no small feat, especially without a teacher.
As Sara was about to vent her frustration, there was a click.
The door opened, and Kane walked in.
Sara threw a cushion from the sofa at him.
"Get out now!"
But Kane easily dodged the cushion.
"You're still angry."
"You're not my brother anymore. Get out."
"That's a harsh thing to say."
Kane's gaze shifted to Anna in response to Sara's intense reaction.
"She hasn't eaten for days."
"Aren't you going to leave?"
Sara looked ready to draw the sword abandoned in her room.
"Every decision I made was for Rehinar and for you."
"I don't want to hear it."
[Sara Rehinar's favorability has decreased by -1.]
[Sara Rehinar's favorability has decreased by -1.]
[Sara Rehinar's favorability has decreased by -1.]
This won't do.
It's time to use my secret weapon.
"I have something to show you, but if you want me to leave, I will."
Kane turned away without hesitation.
As he reached the door, he heard her.
"…What is it?"
Sara reluctantly asked.
Kane had always tried to cheer her up when she was upset.
It seemed like he had prepared something again this time.
"It's something you'll like."
Kane pulled Blata out of the cloth he was carrying.
Blata, who was squished like a piece of paper, emerged.
"Phew!"
As the chubby tiger cub appeared, Sara's eyes lit up involuntarily.
"Oh, I thought I was going to suffocate, Kane."
The little creature even spoke.
Sara, forgetting her anger, asked about the cute being.
"What's with this chubby kitty?"
"It's not a cat, it's a tiger. A Blood Tiger cub. His name is Blata. He likes people and is quite clever."
Kane handed Blata to Sara.
As she held the chubby creature, her eyes turned to hearts.
'Nothing beats a cute animal to melt away anger.'
In both the real world and this game world, it worked like a charm.
Scratch, scratch, scratch!
Sara vigorously petted Blata's head.
"If you think this makes up for everything, you're mistaken."
But her anger had long melted away.
She was completely enamored with Blata.
"Hehe. How dare you, human girl! To touch the head of the mighty guardian spirit… Hmm?"
However, it seemed Blata enjoyed Sara's touch as he started wagging his tail.
"Since you're Kane's sister, I'll make an exception. You may pet me."
Blata rolled onto his back in Sara's arms, showing his belly.
Seeing the playful creature, Kane looked at him with an exasperated expression.
"A fearsome Evil breed? The Seed of Evil? More like a mutt."