Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 113: Master Blacksmith

Korin hesitated only briefly before nodding. "They’re not here. Lord Luminaris’s makes monthly inspections, they search the forge thoroughly. I keep my private work elsewhere."

"At our home," Naia explained. "It’s not far from here. If you’re willing to accompany us, my lord?"

"Lead the way," Grim agreed, signaling to Huangyan that they would be extending their visit.

The Silverscale residence proved to be a modest cottage on the outskirts of the mining district, where the dense industrial smoke thinned somewhat. Though small, it was meticulously maintained, with a small garden of plants that Grim recognized. Likely cultivated to provide some relief for Naia’s condition.

Inside, the contrast between their professional and personal spaces was striking. While the forge had been purely functional, their home contained carefully chosen decorative elements that reflected both their heritages—dragon-motif carvings alongside delicate coral. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

"This way," Korin said, leading them to what appeared to be a shrine in the corner of their main room. The altar held what seemed to be family mementos, including a large dragon scale that presumably had belonged to Korin’s father.

The half-dragon moved the altar aside, revealing a hidden compartment in the floor. From this concealed space, he retrieved a large wooden case, its surface carved with intricate flame patterns.

"These represent fifteen years of work," he explained, his hands resting protectively on the case. "Created in moments stolen between commissions, using materials I acquired a bit at a time to avoid notice."

He opened the case reverently. Inside, nested in velvet lining, lay seven distinct items: a sword with a crystal-clear blade, a set of gauntlets similar to those he’d described making for Julius, a circlet of red-gold metal, two identical daggers with matching sheaths, a medallion on a chain, and what appeared to be a small mechanical device.

"May I?" Grim asked, gesturing to the sword.

Korin nodded, carefully lifting the weapon and presenting it with both hands.

The moment Grim grasped the hilt, he understood why Korin had hidden these pieces away. The sword was extraordinary—lighter than seemed possible for its size, perfectly balanced. Unlike ordinary enchanted weapons that simply carried magical effects, this blade seemed alive with mana, responding to his touch with a subtle warming sensation.

"The flame is dormant until activated by the wielder’s intent," Korin explained. "Once awakened, it burns within the crystal matrix of the blade without consuming fuel or damaging the metal. It can cut through nearly any material."

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

"Personal protection against fire attacks," Korin replied. "The circlet enhances fire affinity for those who possess it naturally. The daggers ignite when drawn and extinguish when sheathed. The device..." he paused, seeming hesitant.

"The device is my own creation," Naia said softly from where she’d settled in a cushioned chair. "It purifies and enhances water mana, creating breathing medium for those with water affinity. It’s what allows me to survive here, though its effects are limited."

Examining each piece in turn, Grim recognized craftsmanship that surpassed anything available in the imperial markets—perhaps anything in the Empire itself. These weren’t merely well-made items with magical properties; they represented what was possible when someone who is gifted gives there all.

"You’ve been hiding a remarkable talent, Master Silverscale," Grim said finally. "One the Empire has been denied due to Lord Luminaris’s control."

"It seemed safer that way," Korin replied. "The more valuable my skills appeared, the tighter his grip would become."

Grim returned the sword to its place in the case. "I’m prepared to make a formal offer now."

The half-dragon carefully closed the case before responding. "I’m listening, my lord."

"House Ambrose will settle your debt to House Luminaris in full," Grim stated. "You and your wife will relocate to the Ambrose estate, where proper accommodations will be prepared. You’ll serve as master blacksmith for the Sect I’m creating for a minimum of five years, with fair compensation for each commission."

"A Sect?" Korin repeated, surprise evident in his voice. "A cultivation sect?"

"The first in generations." Grim confirmed.

Naia leaned forward despite her weakness. "A sect would have healing specialists, wouldn’t it?"

"It will. I will find a cure for your wife in that time. You will move to the sect when it’s finished being built."

Hope bloomed visibly on her face, bringing color to her pale blue cheeks. "Korin," she said softly, reaching for his hand.

The half-dragon’s tail swished in agitation—not from anger but from the sudden possibility of a future they had stopped allowing themselves to imagine.

"This offer is exceedingly generous, Lord Ambrose," he said carefully. "But Lord Luminaris isn’t known for releasing his claims easily, even when fully compensated. He values control as much as money."

"Let me worry about Lord Luminaris," Grim replied. "Do we have an agreement?"

Korin looked to his wife, who nodded without hesitation.

"We do, my lord," he said, extending his scaled hand. "House Silverscale pledges its service to House Ambrose."

As they clasped hands to seal the arrangement, Grim felt the natural heat of the half-dragon’s draconic heritage—a warmth that represented not just fire affinity but the passion of a master craftsman finally offered the chance to work without constraint.

"I’ll need one day to arrange the debt settlement and prepare transportation suitable for Naia’s condition," Grim informed them. "Be ready to depart for the capital by tomorrow afternoon."

"What about our possessions?" Naia asked, gesturing to their modest home.

"Pack what holds personal value," Grim instructed. "Furniture and common items can be replaced. Focus on what cannot—keepsakes, your private work, specialized tools."

As these arrangements were being finalized, Korin carefully rewrapped his masterpieces and returned them to their hiding place.

"We will be ready," Korin assured him, his vertical pupils wide with what appeared to be disbelief at their changing fortunes. "Though I must ask—why would House Ambrose extend itself for us this way? The debt is substantial."

"Because true talent deserves freedom to flourish," Grim replied. "And because the items you’ll create for the Sect will be worth far more than gold."

What went unspoken, but understood by Huangyan as she observed the exchange, was the additional benefit of removing a valuable asset from Julius Luminaris’s control.