"Stop doubting yourself so much. In the end, what matters is that you created something truly beautiful. Be a little more confident in yourself. I'm much younger than you, 'well, in this current body that is', and even though I'm my own harshest critic, I'm still confident in my abilities. That's not because I believe my skills are perfect, but because I'm always aware that there's room for improvement." Lucian said to Tetsu with a big smile and a motivating tone.
Tetsu looked a bit shocked to hear something so profound from a kid, but the words struck deep. He remembered his constant struggles when he first started blacksmithing. Quickly, he bowed and thanked Lucian for the wise words.
"I'm grateful for your encouragement. Somehow, in a strange way, you remind me of my big brother. It's a little embarrassing to say, considering you're so young, but your words feel as if they came directly from him." Tetsu said, smiling gratefully, his expression happier and more confident than before.
"If that's the case, you can call me 'big brother'." Lucian said jokingly.
"Really? I'll do just that then." Tetsu replied with a smile.
"HUH!? No, I was only joking! How can someone so much older than me call me 'big brother'?" Lucian said, sounding a bit concerned.
"Well, I don't think it's a big deal. Even though you're younger than me, I can feel a profound aura coming from you. To me, seniors aren't determined by age, but by talent and knowledge." Tetsu replied confidently, seeming quite set on calling Lucian 'big brother.'
"Fine, fine. But rather than 'big brother' just call me by my name, or maybe 'senior'" Lucian said, giving in, as he didn't want to take away the confidence Tetsu had just gained.
"But I don't want you to hand this dagger to me just because Gideon told you to." Lucian added. Hearing this, Tetsu smiled brightly.
"I was hesitant at first too, but after our conversation, I feel confident that this dagger belongs in your hands, not mine. I'd be proud if someone like you used it in the future," Tetsu replied, his voice filled with confidence.
"Well, if you're giving me this dagger of your own free will, then I'll gladly take it. I promise to use it in my future endeavors." Lucian said gratefully as he sheathed the dagger and secured it at his hip.
"If you don't mind, I have another request." Tetsu said hesitantly.
"Sure, what kind of request?" Lucian asked, noticing Tetsu's hesitation.
"Actually… I'd like to see you train with the dagger." Tetsu admitted nervously. Lucian looked at him and chuckled.
"Why are you laughing?" Tetsu asked, now more flustered.
"I'm not laughing at you! It's just that it seemed obvious a blacksmith would want to see his weapon in action." Lucian said, reassuring him.
"I suppose that is obvious," Tetsu replied, visibly relieved.
"How about this, are you free tomorrow?" Lucian asked, his tone suggesting he had more in mind than just a demonstration.
"I'll be free in the afternoon, but can't I just watch you train out back? Why do I need to be free?" Tetsu asked, curious.
"Actually, I want to visit the city library, but I'd rather not go with my dad. I don't want him watching me the whole time. So, could you come along? Are you familiar with the library?" Lucian asked.
"I don't mind at all, and yes, I know the library well. I visit often since they have so many books on weapon-smithing, tools, and working with different minerals." Tetsu replied confidently.
"Great, then. Tomorrow afternoon, I'll show you my training with the dagger, and then we'll go to the library together. Deal?" Lucian extended his hand for a handshake.
Tetsu took Lucian's hand with a smile. "It's a deal." he said, clearly excited about the plans for the next day.
"Okay then. I'll get permission from my dad, and he can take us to the library tomorrow." With that, both Lucian and Tetsu smiled at each other and returned to their tasks.