Blacksmith – Part 02
To recount the intricate details of the matter would likely lead to misunderstandings. She had ended up here because she feared running into her colleagues while wandering around the city. She chose her destination through a process of elimination, not because she was following her mother’s wishes. That is to say, she didn’t admire the master of this forge or whatever; in fact, she harbored no special emotions for him. Sure, she recognized his skill in smithing and he had helped her multiple times, for which she was grateful. However, that didn’t equate to anything special. Her relationship with him, both subjective and objectively, was merely one of acquaintanceship. Since he was an acquaintance, there was nothing wrong with stopping by for a visit. Besides, while the master was just an acquaintance, his assistant was a true friend. Therefore, her feet had guided her here without any particularly deep reason!
Cecily had come up with a reasonable excuse along the way, but upon arriving at Atelier Liza, she was greeted by Lisa, who was still wearing her soot-stained work clothes from the morning’s smithing.
“Wow! You look beautiful today!”
The sky was split into shades of blue and gray. The sun was warm, and a gentle breeze rustled the grass, creating ripples on this peaceful afternoon.
Lisa almost always set up tables and chairs outside for lunch on nice days. She was currently in the midst of cleaning up.
Flustered, Cecily came up with an excuse, “I-I can’t wear my uniform since I’m suspended, and F-Fio washed all my usual clothes. So, um, I borrowed some clothes from my mother.”
“You look great,” Lisa said with a bright smile.
What a good girl, Cecily thought.
Cecily’s outfit was neither extravagant nor unusual. It was a simple dress, a single piece combining an upper garment and a skirt. Designed with shorter sleeves for the warm season, it was belted at the waist, where she hung a leather wallet from a cord. She wore buckled leather shoes with wooden soles to keep out the mud. It was the typical attire for women living in the city. However, she had a short sword at her waist, which she couldn’t part with—even though, with her dominant hand fractured, she wouldn’t be able to wield a sword for a while.
The waistcloth she wore with her uniform was similar to a skirt, but for some reason, she felt it was not quite the same, like the apron dress she was forced to wear before. The slight difference in how her legs felt more exposed made her feel somewhat embarrassed.
“I’ll have to show Luke. I’ll go get him!”
“Wait! I’m not ready!”
Before Cecily could stop her, Lisa was already darting toward the forge.
Aria, who had been quietly watching the whole scene, let out a sigh. “You really need to get a grip.”
“Wh-Wh-What are you talking about?” Cecily stammered.
“See, you’re getting all flustered. If it’s really nothing, fine, but at least pull yourself together. You’re acting weird, and it’s suspicious.”
“Ugh.”
“Oh, here they come.”
Standing stiff as a board, Cecily nervously glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, Lisa was heading back with Luke in tow. Cecily let out a small yelp and instinctively hid behind Aria.
“Hey, Cecily!” Aria admonished.
“What are you two doing?” Luke asked, raising an eyebrow as he approached. His right eye narrowed. “From dressing up like a servant to dressing up as a girl?”
“Wh-What’s that supposed to mean?!”
“Exactly what it sounds like, you tomboy. Don’t hit me this time.”
“I won’t!” Cecily snapped, still hiding behind Aria.
“So, what’s this about? Come to ask for a katana like usual, or you want some advice on how to raise money? You’re quite diligent for someone suspended.”
“Uh, no…”
Normally, she’d demand for a katana, but right now it just didn’t seem right. Him dismissing her outfit casually felt… disappointing. Not that she cared, not in any real way.
“Do you not have a man you admire?”
“No! That’s not it!”
“Huh?”
“Ah, no, I mean… It’s nothing.”
Her mind raced. What was she supposed to say? In her panic, she blurted, “I want you to check Aria!”
Aria gave Cecily a confused look, and she met her gaze with teary eyes. Please, just go along with it. I’m begging you, for the love of everything. Aria sighed and reluctantly gave a small nod. That’s my buddy.
Sensing her chance, Cecily continued, “I pushed Aria pretty hard during the last battle, so I wanted to thank her for all her help. Even the best swords wear down, right? That includes Infernal Blades. So, I thought you could inspect her, maybe sharpen the blade, polish it—you know, that sort of stuff. I’m not an expert, so I want a specialist to handle whatever needs doing. That’s all.”
“All right, all right, I’ll take care of it,” Luke said, waving her off. “Why do you always sound like you’re making excuses?”
“It’s not an excuse! Wh-What would I even be making excuses for?”
“Yeah, yeah. So, where’s the money?”
Cecily froze. “Is it gonna be expensive?”
Luke sighed. She wondered if she was wearing such a pitiful look on her face.
“Fine. I’ll do it for free this time,” he said. “But—Lisa.”
“Ah, yes?”
“You handle it.”
“What?!”
“Lisa’s still learning, but I’ve taught her the basics. She can take care of the maintenance. If that’s good enough for you, it’s on the house.”
“That’s perfectly fine.” Cecily blinked. “But what about you?”
“I’m heading out. I’ve got some business to take care of.”
Huh?
Something about his response felt off. Luke’s voice was casual, but Cecily noted how Lisa had her head slightly lowered, her hair hiding her face as if she were trying to conceal her expression.
“Where are you going?” Cecily asked.
Luke opened his mouth to answer, then hesitated, narrowing his right eye as though weighing something.
“Do you want to come along?”
What?
Aria watched curiously as Luke and Cecily left.
“Where is he going?” Aria asked.
“Who knows?” Lisa said.
“Well, whatever. This works out for me.”
“Hmm?”
Aria’s eyes met Lisa’s, her expression suddenly serious. Lisa flinched under her gaze.
“I’ve got a question for you. From one demon to another.”
“Wh-What?”
“Do you remember that day? When the three of us were walking through the city, right after we met? You mentioned Luke was searching for a sword that could kill God.”
“Uh…”
Back then, Lisa was feeling so relaxed after eating that she let it slip. Luke Ainsworth was looking for a sword that could kill God.
“I want to know more about this God.”
“Oh, uh, it was just a figure of speech.” Lisa chuckled awkwardly.
“Then let me put it differently. What is Valbanill?”
Lisa let out a small gasp, her forced smile stiffening. Aria’s suspicions deepened.
“Tell me. This is important.” Aria grabbed Lisa’s small shoulders firmly. “I know Luke told you not to say anything, but I need to know. It’s connected to my birth. Please.”
“Aria…” Lisa hesitated, but after a tense moment, she sighed in resignation. “Don’t tell Luke.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
Aria took her hand, eyes sparkling. Lisa sighed again, this time more heavily.
“This might take a while.”
“I don’t mind.”
“Then… I’ll have to start with how this city came to be.”
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