Chapter 226: A Unique Idea??? (1/2)

Since there was nothing to do in the blacksmith's shop, Pedro looked around and glanced at some of the finished products that Old man Olan had created. Most of the swords are two-handed and are dual-edge swords—which was similar to a Knight's sword.

Most of them are made of slightly grayish metal, consequently giving off a lackluster appeal to the common people. Even Pedro could not help but frown and thought, 'Why are the swords being sold in this shop is of the same quality with the newbie swords? No wonder he called himself unsuccessful! Blacksmith Olan must have been using an Ordinary Metal Ore in crafting these weapons!'

Pedro forced out a smile as he glanced to Blacksmith Olan and thought, 'Don't tell me… He is focusing more on profit, that is why he is using the cheapest metal ore in creating weapons! By only having a small capital… These cheap swords were the ones that provide the second-highest profit for blacksmiths. However… Selling cheap swords was difficult! They lack appeal no matter what their design was, so… it won't even be ideal as ceremonial swords. Thus, most of the time, they are only used as practice swords… Well… It's not my problem! It's not my shop after all!'

”Is there a problem?” Blacksmith Olan asked Pedro with a troubled expression.

Pedro simply shook his head in response and said, ”There's none… But, I wonder… why are there only swords made out of Ordinary Metal Ore in your shop?”

Blacksmith Olan could not help but sigh and said, ”Young man… You are trying to earn some money by trying to become a blacksmith like everyone else, right? Then, you must know that the metal ores cost around a silver coin or more, other than Ordinary Metal Ores that are easily found in mines and caves! Besides… It's not like there's absolutely no one buying low-grade swords. With the monster waves, the weapons of the soldiers wear out fast and break oftentimes. Thus, it is normal for them to purchase low-grade swords, rather than spend a larger sum of money in rush repairing their medium grade swords.”

”I see…” Pedro rubbed his chin as he pondered for a few seconds. Then, he said, ”It's true that I want to learn how to create a sword, but… I am not doing it for money! Anyway… I'll tell you more about it after I learn the basics of forging a weapon. I hope that it is alright with you, Blacksmith Olan.”

Blacksmith Olan simply nodded his head in satisfaction with a smile on his face, and said, ”It's great to know that someone was into forging weapons other than the reason of money. I can't help but be curious about the reason why you want to learn the basics of forging… But, it does not matter! I won't pry to whatever reason you have. As long as you would respect the art of forging a weapon and, at the same time, watch properly the methods… Then, I am alright with showing you the basics and, at the same time, giving you a few advice along the way.”

”Then, I would be in your care…” Pedro bowed slightly towards Blacksmith Olan—grateful for the kindness given by the old man.

Well… Truth be told, the Blacksmiths had a tight competition against each other. There were even criteria including originality in some cases. However, due to the increased demand for weapons caused by the monster waves, and the urgent need for work of the poor people in the Kingdom, the Expert Blacksmiths in the Kingdom had no choice but to teach anyone the basics of forging weapons and equipment.

Thus, even Blacksmith Olan had casually allowed Pedro to observe him forge a weapon and even give him a few tips or so. Well… Blacksmith Olan's working area must have been small—which was why only one person was allowed to observe his work. Else, he could have even allowed Ragas to join them.

That said, after a few minutes, Blacksmith Olan's grandson had returned with a few chunks of Ordinary Metal Ores with him. The first thing that caught his attention as soon as he entered the room was Pedro, and consequently asked Blacksmith Olan, ”Who are they, grandpa? Another new apprentice of yours?”

Blacksmith Olan could not help but force out a smile while rubbing the back of his head, and said, ”No, Iyola! They have simply come to observe me do my work. Nothing more… Anyway… Since you are already here, go place the metal ores at the workshop! I would start forging in a few minutes! Watch the shop in my stead, while I am crafting weapons. You can do that at the least, right?”

”Of course!” Iyola proudly said. ”You don't have to worry about the shop while you are forging weapons. I can manage the shop at the least! Besides… The next shift of the soldiers would be by night. There's several more hours before that, so you don't have to worry about having many customers stopping by.”