After dealing with the gang, everyone was visibly relieved. The tension had finally eased, and the threat from the thugs was gone. Yet Valis himself had mixed feelings. Reggie turned out to be far too trusting, too gullible in believing that scolding the two thugs was enough. That they had promised to behave from now on, and quietly left the town. Such naivety could one day prove costly. If Reggie kept trusting people like that, he would have to keep an even closer eye on him.

He had already decided he needed to hire blacksmiths as soon as possible and start smelting steel to send weapons back to Avene. There was no shortage of steel there, but skilled blacksmiths were only a few, barely enough to count on one hand. The region needed weapons urgently; Avene lacked both swords and shields, and its technology was underdeveloped.

Together with Adam, they set out to visit several blacksmith guilds.

They were welcomed in the first guild, "Sword Brotherhood," by a tall, broad-shouldered blacksmith who looked as if he truly knew his craft. He was showcasing his work to them both, clearly proud of their craftsmanship.

"We are experienced blacksmiths with a long tradition, we've been in the business for over twenty years..." he started the conversation. "Unfortunately, the number of orders has dropped in recent months due to steel shortages. But we plan to get back on track as soon as possible."

The swords were indeed beautiful; polished to a mirror finish, with richly encrusted hilts.

Valis's gaze swept over the collection without a hint of awe. "Your name is James, correct?" he asked, stepping closer. "May I examine your products?"

The blacksmith nodded and handed them a sword and a shield.

"To be honest, I expected something more... ordinary. The time and cost of producing pieces like these would be too high," Valis said, weighing the sword in his hand.

"That won't be a problem, we can—" the blacksmith began.

"Hold on," Valis cut him off. "The edge isn't sharp enough."

He returned the sword. Silence fell. The blacksmith grimaced but didn't try to defend himself, as if he already knew about the flaw.

Finally, Valis spoke again:

"But we can order four hundred shields. Nothing ornamental, no gemstones. We want them light but strong."

When Valis named the price, the blacksmith's eyes lit up. The first sign of hope, or perhaps excitement, was breaking through his professional composure. "Of course, Master Valen. Four weeks, and we can have them ready," he said, voice steady but betraying a hint of eagerness.

"Two," Valis replied.

"Two what?"

"Two weeks."

For a brief moment, time seemed to hold its breath, but then the blacksmith's face split into a wide smile. He extended his hand, gripping Valis's firmly. "Deal," he said, with the relief and thrill of the challenge clear in his voice.

They stopped at the second guild "Blade and Blade" which looked even more promising. Dozens of swords in various styles were stored in crates. 'Such a lame name, though,' Valid thought to himself.

"Valen, look how sharp these blades are," Adam said, handing him one, disturbing his thoughts.

Valis touched the edge lightly with his fingertip, but then frowned as he felt a tiny chip in the metal.

"I want to test this sword."

They bought one and returned to the port. Adam stacked four crates at the back of the building, and Valis was preparing himself for the test, swinging the blade in the air.

When the tower of crates was ready, Adam stepped back. Valis swung, and when he struck the stack of crates, each crate crumbled under the force, scattering into a shower of splintered wood.

"I told you. We should place an order," Adam said, smiling.

"No. Look..." Valis showed him the blade with the chipped tip "Just as I suspected, the steel wasn't properly hardened. The sword is way too brittle."

"Are there any other blacksmiths in this city worth checking?" Adam asked.

"Hmm... I've heard of one more guild. Let's go."

The third guild was called "Steel Dahlias", and unlike the previous two, it was run entirely by women. The exterior of the building didn't look particularly unusual, a modest stone façade with a hanging sign shaped like a blooming metal flower, but the moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.

A young blonde with a floor-length braid sat across from them on the chair by the low table, and hot steam was curling softly from the cup of tea she held. Her posture was elegant yet somehow confident, as if she was used to commanding attention without raising her voice.

"How can we help you?" she asked calmly, setting her cup down with precise grace.

Valis blinked once, still unsure about this place. 'Women, blacksmiths? Really?' Everything he had seen in Avene, and most of the cities and towns he had passed through, painted smithing as a craft dominated by men. Yet nothing about the woman in front of him suggested she felt out of place.

"We'd like to buy weapons. We can provide the steel. May we see your products?" he said, skipping the formalities.

"Please, follow me." She rose to her feet and headed towards the end of the room.

Adam raised an eyebrow at Valis, who only shrugged as they followed her to the back of the hall. She pushed open a pair of heavy double doors, and the moment they stepped through, the smell of hot metal and burning coal surrounded them.

The room was vast. A dozen women worked at full speed, shaping steel into weapons. Their every movement seemed disciplined and practiced. Sparks flew from anvils in clean, controlled bursts and hammers fell with perfect timing, as if the entire workshop moved to a coordinated rythm known only to them.

Some women forged blades; their arms were strong and steady. Others quenched glowing metal with great care. And a few stood at long benches, inspecting weapons under bright lamps, discarding any piece that wasn't flawless. Not one sword or arrow left the line without passing through at least three sets of scrutinizing eyes.

Valis watched, startled despite himself. Their craftsmanship was efficient, refined, and professional.

"May we test your products?" Valis asked, gently touching one of the swords. She nodded.

"Adam, I need to check the blade's quality," Valis said quietly, but Adam was already gone. He stood on the opposite side of the workshop, holding a perfectly sharpened arrow.

"We'll take some of those as well," Valis added, pointing to the arrows. The blonde nodded.

The sword was perfect; wonderfully balanced, with an ideal blade length, and with a hilt that fit his hand flawlessly.

Adam was even more impressed. He had been testing arrows for two hours and found no flaws.
He nocked each arrow, drew the string smoothly, and released it in a fluid motion that sent the shaft singing through the air. Each shot struck its mark with pinpoint precision, even as he tested the flex of the shafts and the balance of the fletching; the arrows seemed perfect. Watching him was like watching a dance; it was somehow graceful and effortless, a real proof that his skill with a bow went far beyond simple aim; every arrow seemed to be an extension of his own body.

Valis decided to place an order with Steel Dahlias the very same day: four hundred swords and six hundred arrows.

But a moment later, the doors leading to the yard burst open, and Reggie stepped inside.

"Sir Valen... you have a visitor."

"Hm? Who is it?"

Reggie hesitated.

"...Raven of House Ladven."