CH 12

The kingdom that banished Liliana was looking for a new court blacksmith.

Most of the swords used in the royal castle were mass-produced. Although the need for blacksmiths was low, a blacksmith was still necessary to repair Allen’s holy sword along with the other special equipment.

The court blacksmith could be said to be exclusively for the hero.

“I wonder what kind of person the next blacksmith will be~?” Said Sercia.

“Oh? Have you already decided on a new person?” Asked Allen.

“No, I’m still recruiting.”

Princess Sercia spoke quietly to Allen.

Recalling the banished Liliana, she showed a sarcastic smile.

“Hopefully, the next one won’t misunderstand your kindness.”

“Hahaha, I’m sure that person won’t. That girl from before was a special case of buffoon. It’ll be hard to find another one like her.”

Laughing loudly, Allen sat down beside Sercia.

Placing his hand on her shoulder, their faces gradually approached each other.

“Anyone is fine as long as they don’t disturb us.”

“Allen…”

“Sercia…”

While exchanging sweet words, their lips overlapped.

After their lips touched, they began to forget about Liliana as they descended into passion.

***

A few days after Liliana was banished.

A new person was appointed as the court blacksmith.

Even in the royal capital, the shortage of blacksmiths was real and only few gathered during the recruitment.

The salary offered was large, even a civil officer would be green with envy.

On the first day of his inauguration, the new blacksmith was guided to the smithy after having greeted the king.

While walking down the corridor, he was accompanied not only by the king, but also the king’s aide.

“The smithy remains the same as it was when your predecessor was using it. If there’s anything you need, please speak up.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Because of the suddenness of all this, you don’t know how relieving it is that you came. Your predecessor suddenly vanished, after all.”

“No, it’s no big deal…”

The new blacksmith stopped and bowed to the king.

Based off what the king said, Liliana had mysteriously disappeared.

In reality, the king had banished her. However, only a small few knew of the truth, and they all decided to keep quiet to maintain the kingdom’s prestige.

“Don’t be afraid. You’re one of the future bearers of our kingdom. Act with more pride.”

“Yes! I will do my best!”

The three arrived at the smithy.

The smithy given to the new blacksmith was the one formerly used by Liliana.

The moment they opened the door, several swords made by Liliana could be seen lining the wall.

“As I’ve explained earlier, many things were left by your predecessor.”

The aide started explaining.

However, the attention of the new blacksmith was diverted to another place.

He was fascinated by the swords being displayed—the ones made by Liliana.

“If there’s anything you need—what’s wrong?”

“Oh, that, if I may, I’d like to ask if the swords being displayed here were also made by my predecessor…”

“Yes? What’s the problem?”

“…”

The new blacksmith was rendered speechless as he stared at the swords.

The aide and the king were confused. Finally, the king made a suggestion.

“Are they a hindrance? They will be disposed of later.”

“N, no! Don’t dispose them!”

Due to the blacksmith’s sudden outburst, the king trembled.

The blacksmith continued to talk with raging excitement.

“To dispose of such swords… no, to even think of disposing them—that’s just preposterous! I’ve been a blacksmith for thirty years… I’ve kept honing my skill. Hence why, I can tell with a glance, these swords… they are what every blacksmith strives for!”

“Th, they’re that great?”

“Yes… they were made through a sophisticated swing… these swords are already on the same level as the Holy Sword…”

“Then, are these are holy swords?”

The blacksmith quivered and answered the shocked king.

“Indeed. I’m sorry, but this level is just unattainable for me… If I could, I’d like to meet my predecessor, and talk with that person, even if only once…”

“I, I see…”

The king looked flustered. After all, he didn’t expect for that girl to be so talented.

To have disposed of someone with such potential… the king felt like he had done something regrettable.

“Well, that’s okay. It isn’t like I’m telling you to make a holy sword. You just need to mend the Holy Sword.”

“The Holy Sword? Mend…? What…?”

“Huh?”

“It’s impossible for me to restore the Holy Sword!!”

“What?! But that’s exactly why I hired you!”

“Even if you say that, it’s impossible! In the first place, that was never mentioned during the recruitment…”

The king glanced at his aide.

The terrified aide replied. “I, it certainly wasn’t…”

The king clenched his teeth.

“If I had known that was what being a court blacksmith entailed, I wouldn’t have even applied… Everyone would do the same, too. The only blacksmith who can repair the Holy Sword… that is probably my predecessor.”

The blacksmith’s firm words rendered the king and his aide speechless.

After saying that he’d decline the position, the blacksmith left the royal castle.

That was when the king realized how special and unique Liliana’s talent was.

It was only after he had lost her that he realized how beneficial she had been to the kingdom.

***T/N: That’s rather quick… and by rather quick, THERE IS NO SUFFERING. I’M NOT SATISFIED.