Eric has many strengths, one of them being how fast he could get his job done. This was the reason Ludwig chose him as one of his trusted assets for the years to come.

Using Elene’s nemesis’ ally sure sounded strange, but he helped her a lot in the past. Moreover, the blacksmith was yet to be a pawn of the Valramian prince. 

Not even three days had passed since the payment of her special commission when three knocks echoed in her room. It was the signal the mage had been expecting from the metalworker for their rendez-vous. This time there was no secret room, no narrow tunnels—  only the lively smithy which was filled with metals that clunk here and there. Customers chatted while their children ran around with their new wooden toys.

“Miss Lena Vangard, here you are! I have finished working on your dagger. I noticed that you had forgotten your identification card last time here!” uttered the old man.

“Oh my, oh my! Thank you so much I was scared to have lost it outside. You truly are my saviour; Mister Eric!” replied the mage with a fake smile.

“Not to worry, it’s in my office. Please follow me!”

In his office, huh? It was unlike the man to invite someone in his office for such a simple mission. Whether it was a trap or not, Elene had no choice but to follow the man. They were alone in this room which meant she could overpower him with ease but not without her cover being blown. After all, Eric did yell her made up name as an insurance. That smart old fart. 

What waited for Elene behind the office’s door was a plain room– it had one plant with barely any colour and had a bit of furniture. ‘Why have an office in a Smithy?’ she wondered, scanning the room with her eyes. This did not exist in the future that’s for sure.

“I am also a mayor for this town,” added the old man, chuckling.

“Do not worry, I have not read your mind. I get asked that question a lot.” He waved his hands in embarrassment.

“Oh, I see. Well, l you read me like a book.” Elene smiled.

“Yes Princess Elene. I did.”

Princess Elene? That was her actual name and title. Was it a trap? Ludwig’s gentle facial expressions came back to her mind in flashes causing the woman to tremble in fear. Power began surging from her body unconsciously. 

“Oye, oye! I am not here to hurt ya, Princess! Our countries are enemies; aren't you banned from entering your own land because of the regicide? Getting rid of that asshole king sounds like a great achievement, and would earn you a medal of honour in many countries!” pursued Eric.

It appeared that the voice of this gentle old man managed to calm Elene. It did not seem like he was lying. That was not Eric’s type after all. Crisis might be averted for now but it served to make the archmage not forget her place in this world. She had to stay alert at all times. Just. In. Case. 

“Eric, may I call you that? Do you know what people say of me?” replied the Elene sighing,

“Yes. I’ve heard rumours about a scary merciless white witch– rumours about the royal family being actual Vhamfers.”

“Truth is, I do not remember why I killed him. I stored that memory in an artefact but its location is unknown.”

The old man didn’t answer this time. Of course there were rumours about what had transpired, but it wasn’t the best thing to tell them right to the kingslayer herself. The rumours about mind controlling, devils and dark arts. No matter how little Eric believed those rumours, the statement definitely shook the blacksmith’s soul. A finger in the air but no spoken words. He was thinking about what would be the best next action to take in this scenario. The old man’s green eyes shone at the thought of an idea, Eric had found the perfect way to forge a great business plan. 

“Miss, I actually have an offer. As you can guess I do not ask for money.” Eric spoke, taking out a money pouch given to him a day prior, sliding it across the table. 

“Let’s hear it.” responded Elene.

“I need someone powerful as an ally, not to protect me but this town. I know you have a goal and no time, but I’ve had this crazy idea that could replace manual labour that can be of help to this world.”

“I’ll do it.”

Princess Elene did not hesitate to protect the town, and besides, she needed an ally of her own; she saw this as a perfect opportunity to get one. Hopefully, she would have captured the old man’s heart before that trash prince could. A smirk spread across Elene’s lips to Eric’s confusion.The old man blinked as he tried to process what had happened, when the thought of their collaboration settled Erick struck his office’s desk in enthusiasm.

“HAHAHA! I LIKE YOU ALREADY! Next time, please listen to what I have to say first, I could've asked for something greedy!” said the old man as he laughed cheerfully.

This time the one without a response was Elene because she knew what the geezer wanted. She knew deep down he was a good person.

After hours of business talk, setting boundaries and future plans, an agreement was made.

The mage would get a custom made identification card which allowed access to many services across the continent. 

As for the blacksmith, he would get instructions on how to manufacture the best possible magic gemstones and a map with some locations.

This deal meant that Elene would stay for five extra days at the old geezer's place. After that, she made a reservation on a magical train that would go from Mehnstir to Valramy's borders. This was the only transportation that could allow Elene to arrive in time for the entrance exam.

Going back to Valramy was not a choice, but the only way to attend Halvahir's Lagoon school was to take a test that only happens on the fifth Wednesday of the Roscitan calendar. It was two weeks away and about seven thousand miles to her destination.

The odds of meeting an unwanted person were low but never zero. Now her objective had never been this clear– Elene knew she'd find that Ceglar dog, and when she meets him, she will finally be free from the shackles.

Ludwig had better be ready, it was but a matter of time now.