"They are a people with a strong affinity for earth and fire. They made their home in this lair during the war and have been living together with me ever since."
Although he didnāt say much, Rune was also feeling amazed.
From their rugged, sturdy faces and sharp, piercing gazes, one could sense their stubbornness.
Most of them had thick beards and robust arms and legs, typical of dwarves.
Some dwarves even carried battle axes on their backs.
Bakuya tilted his head, then landed on the head of Heukmi.
Rune, confirming the presence of the two, followed Ferdikion.
The wide street made it quite enjoyable to look around.
It was unclear whether this was the original route or if Ferdikion was intentionally showing off the area.
'I have a rough idea of the atmosphere.'
Shops that specialized in making weapons, accessories, and armor.
Specialty stores with signs that read 'Custom-made orders.'
The shops that were not related to blacksmithing were mostly restaurants, taverns, and general stores.
'There are more practical items than decorative ones. Weapons, for example, or pommels that serve as weights.'
The residents' clothing emphasized comfort and ease of movement over beauty, made from inexpensive monster leather.
'But they are well-made.'
Despite the material being leather, the craftsmanship was anything but ordinary.
However, before he could calmly observe his surroundings, the dwarves' gazes began to focus on the group.
It was only natural, given their striking appearances.
'No, itās not just because of that.'
The reactions of those who recognized Ferdikion were like those of startled rabbits.
They were all startled, averting their gazes or bowing their heads deeply.
'They are afraid of this guy.'
Looking at Ferdikion's expression, he had a rock-hard, expressionless face.
At that moment, a dwarf carrying a load of materials approached them.
He had a blunt nose and a face etched with wrinkles.
The burly dwarf set his load down beside him.
"Hehe. Isnāt that Lord Ferdikion!"
Ferdikion nodded slightly.
The rather elderly-looking dwarf, with calloused short hands, bowed deeply in front of his belly.
"Even though I am now in the royal palace, Berdin is also an excellent blacksmith. Especially the earth-splitting spear, <Vladimere>, that he made was very impressive."
"Hehe, itās an honor that you remember! I poured my soul into making it!"
Berdin, who clasped his hands and smiled happily, then carefully examined Rune.
"I havenāt seen you before. Who is this gentleman?"
"He is the black dragon hatchling I mentioned earlier. His name is Rune."
"! So, you are... the one who is practically a brother to Lord Ferdikion?"
Berdinās eyes widened as if he had suddenly realized something.
Then he hurriedly bowed deeply to Rune.
"I apologize. I should have recognized you immediately, being a brother in fire to Lord Ferdikion."
'I see, he knows about the mark of fire.'
Although he didnāt know how, he could ask later.
Rune first accepted Berdinās greeting.
Runeās response prompted Berdin to bow respectfully.
"I am Berdin, who works in the royal blacksmithās forge. Itās an honor to meet you."
Berdin showed the same attitude to Rune as he did to Ferdikion.
Ferdikion then gestured to Berdin.
"He is one of the dwarves who can produce high-quality weapons. Since he is also the royal blacksmith, it would be good to entrust any items you need to him."
At those words, Rune looked at Berdin again, who then patted his chest firmly with his strong hands.
"Anything you need! It would be an honor to serve you."
'The royal blacksmith. I can entrust my weapons to this great forge.'
After a brief moment of thought, Rune spread his hands to gauge the size.
"I need a kitchen knife of this size."
"A kitchen knife! ...A kitchen knife?"
Berdin, taken aback, repeated the words without realizing it.
Ferdikion then stared at him intently.
Berdin, suddenly coming to his senses, bowed deeply.
"I will prepare it immediately. Is there anything else you need?"
"A cutting board and a rolling pin. The material should not cause any loss of magic power."
Berdin swallowed hard, gulping.
After asking Rune a few more questions, Berdin bowed and muttered something.
His eyes, now raised, were filled with curiosity and seriousness.
"I understand. I will visit as soon as itās ready."
Ferdikion, sensing the question in Runeās gaze, shrugged.
"There happens to be a great contest to select the finest blacksmiths this time. And just now, I decided that the final task for this contest would be 'equipment for a black dragon hatchling.'"
The situation became clear.
From Berdinās reaction, it seemed that the original final task was 'equipment for Ferdikion.'
Given that this was a contest to select the greatest blacksmiths, the skills of the remaining finalists were undoubtedly top-notch.
With their competitive spirit ignited, they would undoubtedly put their all into creating the best works.
Rune, understanding the situation, shrugged.
"Then, Iād like to add Byakuya and Heukmi to the 'tasks.'"
Byakuya and Heukmi tilted their heads in unison.
Rune, who had brought up the topic, remained calm.
'It would be good for them to have good equipment too.'
Ferdikion also nodded readily.
"I heard clearly. I will inform the participating blacksmiths."
The opportunity to wield weapons crafted by the continentās most skilled blacksmiths.
It would be a waste to miss it.
Although he could almost hear the groans of the blacksmiths who would receive the sudden change in the final task, it wasnāt Runeās concern.
On the other hand, Berdin had many regrets.
'I wonder what the tastes of these new final task subjects are. And what they need...'
Trying to pry for detailed information about Rune would likely offend Ferdikion.
'As this is still confidential information, privately investigating it would be against the fairness of the contest.'
"I will at least provide some basic external information, so I will make a quick sketch."
He sought their understanding and quickly sketched Rune, Heukmi, and Byakuya.
Then, he cautiously suggested, while gauging Ferdikionās mood.
"I hope to have the opportunity to meet you soon. Both the reformist and traditionalist blacksmiths are eagerly awaiting it."
At those words, Ferdikionās eyes twitched, and Berdin cleared his throat in embarrassment.
There was a brief awkward silence.
Fortunately, the atmosphere was settled when Ferdikion responded.
"Iāll arrange a meal soon."
Fortunately, Berdin was quite perceptive.
He didnāt try anything further and finished with a clean bow.
"Have a peaceful afternoon."
Berdin picked up the materials he had brought and quickly moved on.
'The atmosphere with the dwarves isnāt very friendly. I know the reason, but...'
Ferdikion was also the lord of the land where the dwarves lived, but even considering that, the attitude of this burly man was more than just awkward; it was tense.
"Letās go. The forge is nearby."
Rune, nodding, took care of Heukmi and Byakuya.
As they started walking together, Rune asked a question he was curious about.
"By the way, what were those 'reformists' and 'traditionalists' you mentioned earlier?"
"Letās call it the stubbornness of the blacksmiths."
"Those who want to share the dwarvesā craftsmanship and technology with the outside world, and those who argue that it shouldnāt be leaked."
It meant that the two factions with opposing ideologies were clashing.
'Itās hard to say which is better. This is ultimately...'
Rune muttered the thought that came to his mind.
Ferdikion looked at him steadily.
'Maybe thatās not a statement fitting my age.'
Realizing his mistake, Rune quickly recovered.
"...Thatās what Christina said."
Fortunately, he managed to change the subject quickly.
Ferdikion nodded, saying, "I see. Lady Christina would say something like that."
Rune sighed in relief, brushing his chest.
On the other hand, he found it a bit amusing.
'Am I starting to feel comfortable around this little red dragon?'
They had taken classes together and taught each other, so it was understandable.
'But I canāt let him know about my past life. I need to be more careful.'
With renewed resolve, Rune listened as Ferdikion spoke.
"By the way, thereās some information you should know in advance."
"The <Blacksmith Contest> is an official event Iāve been hosting for the past ten years."
Ten years ago was when Rune had just entered his hibernation period.
The timing seemed coincidental, but Ferdikion brought up an unexpected story.
"Actually, itās thanks to you."
"Hmm, it might be a bit of a long story."