Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 111: Mining District

Grim’s party departed the capital, riding southeast toward the mining district.

Huangyan rode at his side, with Kali and Vera following closely behind. The small escort was sufficient for the half-day journey.

"The Empress granted approval easier than i thought she would." Huangyan said.

"The Empress recognizes the benefit of a sect."

The road climbed steadily as they proceeded. The occasional merchant caravans passed in the opposite direction, heavily laden with metals and crafted goods bound for the capital.

"Lady Mei’s report suggests Master Silverscale possesses exceptional ability with fire mana," Huangyan noted, changing the subject. "Why would such a skilled craftsman remain in relative obscurity?"

"That," Grim replied, "is what we’re going to discover."

By midday, they had reached the final ridge overlooking the mining district. The view from the summit provided their first glimpse of the sprawling industrial center nestled in the valley below. Dozens of smoke plumes rose from forges and smelting operations, creating a perpetual haze that hung over the settlement like a gray canopy.

The rhythmic clanging of hammers on metal carried far enough that it could be heard from the top of the valley. A constant percussion that formed the district’s distinctive heartbeat. Mine entrances dotted the surrounding hillsides, with ore carts moving along tracks.

"Not the most appealing destination," Kali commented, wrinkling her nose at the acrid smell carried on the wind.

"It serves its purpose," Grim responded. "The Empire’s military strength and economic prosperity rest largely on what’s produced here."

They descended into the valley, following the main road that wound between warehouses, worker housing, and specialized production areas. As they entered the district proper, the diverse nature of its population became apparent. Humans worked alongside stocky dwarves, whose natural affinity for stone and metal made them valued master smiths. Earth elementals bound to physical forms hauled raw materials, while the occasional salamander-folk—their skin naturally resistant to extreme heat—tended furnaces too hot for others to approach.

In this environment, someone of mixed heritage like Korin Silverscale wouldn’t attract much attention. The mining district valued skill and production over appearance or bloodline.

They passed through the central market area, where finished goods were displayed for visiting merchants. The quality and variety were impressive—everything from ornate weapons and armor to practical tools and building materials. Several larger forges had prominent showrooms facing the main thoroughfare, their displays carefully arranged to attract wealthy clients.

Following Lady Mei’s directions, however, they turned away from this commercial center into narrower side streets. The buildings here were smaller, the equipment visibly older, and the clientele primarily local rather than visitors from the capital.

"This is the address," Vera confirmed, checking Lady Mei’s notes against a weathered wooden sign that hung above a modest workshop entrance. The sign read simply: "K. Silverscale, Metalwork & Repairs."

The establishment was notably humble compared to the operations they had passed earlier. A single-story structure with an attached forge. It occupied a corner location on a quiet street well removed from the district’s main activity. Outside, a small rack displayed samples of available work—hinges, lock plates, horseshoes, and basic tools. Nothing suggested exceptional craftsmanship or specialized mana

"Wait here," Grim instructed Kali and Vera, who positioned themselves near their horses. "Huangyan, with me."

They approached the workshop entrance, passing the display of ordinary metalwork. Through the front window, Grim could see a small reception area with additional samples arranged on shelves. Again, everything visible appeared to be practical, everyday items rather than the specialized work that Lady Mei had described.

A bell jingled softly as they entered. The front room was neat but sparsely furnished, with a counter separating the customer area from the workshop beyond. The smell of hot metal and coal filled the space.

"One moment, please," called a deep voice from the back, followed by the sound of something heavy being set down.

Seconds later, Korin Silverscale emerged from the workshop, wiping his hands on a leather apron. His appearance immediately made clear why Lady Mei had been so specific in her description.

The half-dragon blacksmith stood taller than an average human, with broad shoulders and muscular arms developed through years of being a blacksmith. His skin had a reddish hue, with scales covering portions of his face, neck, and forearms. Small horns protruded from his forehead, curving slightly backward. A tail that was covered in the same red scales as his exposed skin.

When he spoke, a forked tongue flicked briefly between sharp teeth. "Welcome to my shop. How may I assist you today?"

Despite his imposing draconic features, he was very respectful. His amber eyes were vertical slits.

"Master Silverscale," Grim greeted him. "I am Lord Grim Van Ambrose. I’ve come to request your specific talents."

"I’m honored by your visit, though surprised. Nobles of your standing typically commission the larger establishments in the central district."

"I seek quality," Grim replied. "And according to my information, your work with fire mana infusion is unmatched in the Empire." freёweɓnovel.com

Korin glanced briefly toward the door, as if checking whether anyone might have overheard. When he spoke again, his voice was quieter.

"You’re well-informed, my lord," he said carefully. "Though I haven’t done specialized services in... some time."

"Yet you possess the ability," Grim noted.

Korin hesitated, his tail tightening slightly around his waist—a gesture Grim suspected was him being uneasy.

"Perhaps we should discuss your requirements more privately," the blacksmith suggested, gesturing toward a side room.

The small office he led them to contained a desk covered with design sketches and a few chairs. Korin closed the door behind them before speaking again.

"May I ask how you learned of my work with fire mana? It’s not something I’ve done openly for several years."

"I make it my business to know where exceptional talent exists in the Empire," Grim replied.

Korin nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "What kind of commission did you have in mind, my lord?"

"Before discussing specifics, I’d like to see examples of your fire infusion work," Grim said. "To confirm the reports I’ve received."

For a moment, Korin appeared conflicted, his tail unwrapping from his waist to twitch slightly behind him. Then, apparently reaching a decision, he moved to a cabinet in the corner of the room. From a hidden compartment secured with both lock and what appeared to be a mana seal, he retrieved a small wooden box.

"These are personal projects," he explained, placing the box on the desk. "Not commissioned work."

He opened the box to reveal a set of small items—a dagger with a blade that glowed with a reddish light, a medallion etched with flames, and several metal tokens that were marked, but Grim didn’t understand.

Grim picked up the dagger, immediately sensing the fire mana contained within the metal. Unlike crude enchantments that simply added elemental effects to finished items, this blade had been infused during the forging process itself, making the mana an integral part of the metal’s structure.

"This blade is impressive. I can feel the mana inside of the blade." Grim observed.

Korin’s eyes widened slightly at Grim’s knowledgeable assessment. "Yes, my lord. The technique requires introducing mana during multiple stages of the forging process, not merely as a final enhancement."

"And these?" Grim asked, indicating the tokens.

"Mana catalysts," Korin explained. "They can amplify existing fire magic or temporarily grant someone the ability to control fire without natural affinity. Their effects are limited but reliable."

Grim examined each piece carefully. The quality was exceptional—far beyond what most imperial craftsmen could produce, even those with formal Academy training in enchantment.

"These are masterworks," he stated finally. "Yet you display horseshoes and hinges in your shop window."

Korin’s expression closed slightly, his earlier enthusiasm fading. "I focus on practical items that have steady demand, my lord. They provide reliable income."

"Even though pieces like these would command prices hundreds of times higher?"

The half-dragon’s discomfort was now evident. His tail wrapped tightly around his waist once more, and his gaze dropped to the floor.

"My circumstances are... complicated," he said after a moment. "I’m not currently in a position to pursue more ambitious work."

Grim returned the dagger to its case, studying Korin with increased interest. The disconnect between the blacksmith’s exceptional talent and his humble operation suggested constraints beyond the obvious.

"Master Silverscale," Grim said, "Your work exceeds my expectations. Yet you hide your greatest talents and instead produce common goods that any ordinary smith could make. I’m looking for a private blacksmith."

Korin remained silent, though his tail flicked once in evident agitation.

"I would understand the full nature of your situation before proposing the commission I have in mind," Grim continued.

The half-dragon raised his eyes to meet Grim’s, seeming to weigh his options. Finally, he sighed, a puff of warm air escaping his nostrils.

"Perhaps it would be easier to show you," he said. "If you’ll permit me a brief absence, my lord, there’s someone you should meet."

At Grim’s nod, Korin departed through a back door. In the minutes that followed, Huangyan moved to the window, watching the street outside.

"His reaction suggests he’s being controlled." Huangyan said.

"Indeed," Grim agreed. "And I suspect we’re about to discover exactly who."

A few minutes later, the back door opened again. Korin returned, but he wasn’t alone. Supporting his arm was a slender woman whose mixed heritage was evident in the faint blue tint to her skin and the delicate, fin-like structures where human ears would normally be. Her movements were clearly labored, and her breathing audible even from across the room.

"My lord, this is my wife, Naia," Korin said with gentle pride despite her evident illness. "Naia, this is Lord Ambrose, who has expressed interest in my fire infusion work."

The woman attempted a formal greeting, but a coughing fit interrupted her effort. Korin helped her to a chair, his concern was obvious.

"Please forgive my weakness, Lord Ambrose," she said when she could speak again. "The air here isn’t good for my health."

Looking at her more closely, Grim noticed the subtle gills at the sides of her neck—nearly invisible when closed. Her heritage appeared to be part merfolk or similar aquatic race, explaining both her distinctive features and clear incompatibility with the smoky, dry environment of the mining district.

"Why remain in a place so clearly harmful to your health?" Grim asked directly.

Husband and wife exchanged glances before Korin answered.

"We have no choice, my lord," he said simply. "We are bound here by debt and circumstance."

And with those few words, the final piece of the puzzle fell into place. The reason a master craftsman of exceptional talent remained in obscurity, producing work far beneath his abilities, was now clear.

Someone held power over Korin Silverscale—power exercised through his wife’s vulnerability and financial obligation.