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🕑 Added 2025-05-04 01:48:28 +0000 UTCEP.78 [The Blacksmith Mina Suspects Eugene.]
"Ah, you've arrived, Captain Eugene! I thought you wouldn't make it today since you're late."
The man with a 190 cm long greatsword on his back was none other than Eugene Schneider, the assault captain of the Red Fox Mercenary Group. He wore the black armor crafted by Mina, the chief blacksmith of the Black-Haired Blacksmith. Mina, who had been sitting with Margaret, looked up at Eugene with wide eyes.
Eugene had been delayed due to his unexpected sex with Jeanne and the meat restaurant party. As a mercenary, he was accustomed to sudden events, and Mina, knowing this, had assumed he wouldn't show up. She was playing with Margaret when Kail burst in, prompting her to quickly hide Margaret in the office.
The chaotic situation that ensued was interrupted by Eugene's unexpected arrival. Mina's expression changed dramatically as she watched him.
"Ah, sir, you're here...?"
Margaret, who had been in Mina's arms, also noticed Eugene and looked at him with tears welling up in her eyes.
Kail, who had been about to strike Mina, froze upon seeing Eugene. He didn't even glance at Eugene, his eyes unfocused as if his mind had gone blank.
"What the...?"
"This timing is terrible... damn it."
Kail's subordinates also seemed uneasy. They had been with Kail at the mercenary tavern before and knew about Eugene's rise to being a sword user. They dared not intervene, fearing Eugene's power.
"Put your hand down, you idiot. I'll break it if you don't."
The atmosphere in the blacksmith changed completely as Eugene stepped forward. He once again subdued Kail.
"Ah... damn it..."
Kail slowly lowered his hand, muttering to himself and making slight gestures to salvage his pride.
With a loud thud, Eugene stood before Kail.
"I have an appointment with the chief blacksmith here. It seems you've been refused service. Perhaps you should leave?"
Eugene spoke politely, but his eyes gleamed with a fierce intent to kill. Normally, he would have cursed Kail, but with Margaret present, he restrained himself.
"Yanzen, what time is it? Is it time for our inspection?"
"Ah, yes! It's time, Deputy Commander."
Kail suddenly mentioned a schedule to his subordinate, Yanzen, trying to create an excuse to leave. Yanzen, realizing this belatedly, was scolded.
Kail and his group left the Black-Haired Blacksmith.
Eugene silently watched them depart.
"I'll keep an eye on you, you bastard..."
Kail vowed to take revenge.
"Ah, thank you so much, sir!!"
Margaret, who had been clinging to Eugene's leg, burst into tears of relief.
"Don't worry, Margaret. I'm here now."
Eugene comforted Margaret by stroking her head.
"I'm sorry to have involved you in this chaotic situation, Captain Eugene."
Mina approached Eugene, expressing her gratitude. She felt sorry for the trouble caused by Kail's behavior, which was both crude and despicable. Eugene, however, was pleased to have helped protect Mina's integrity.
"It's nothing. It's related to me, after all. I'm glad I could help uphold your principles."
Mina smiled, appreciative of Eugene's support.
"Look, sir! Isn't this pretty? I made it yesterday!"
Margaret, now cheerful, held out something in her hands and shyly offered it to Eugene.
"Wow! It's a huge wreath! Did you really make it this big?"
"Margaret never lies, sir!"
It was a wreath Margaret had promised to make for Eugene during their previous meeting. She had been eager to keep her promise and had even sung songs about Eugene to Mina.
"I see... You made it yesterday, and it still looks so fresh? The scent is amazing too!"
"The plants around our village have strong vitality, so they don't wilt easily."
Eugene's genuine reaction delighted Margaret, who explained with gestures and words. In areas rich in mana, plants often lived longer and didn't wilt easily. Margaret's slum was such a place.
"I'll live like those plants, persistently! I'll become a beautiful woman like Mina and a great person like you, sir!"
Margaret, born and raised in the slum, loved playing on those plants. She admired their resilience and beauty.
"I promise you, Margaret, you can definitely achieve that. I'll be by your side to help you, forever. I swear on my soul."
Eugene was touched by Margaret's pure dreams. He put on the wreath she made and hugged her tightly. Margaret smiled, her eyes shining, and buried her face in Eugene's chest.
"Sir, will you come with Mina to our village for volunteer work next month?"
Margaret hoped Eugene would visit her home. She wanted him to see her neighborhood.
"Yes, I'll go. Let's have fun together then, Margaret!"
Eugene agreed readily, already knowing about Mina's regular volunteer work in the slum. He had promised to join her.
"Wow! Bread! I'll eat it deliciously, sir!"
Margaret, now holding the bread Eugene had bought, ran into Mina's office, excited.
"Drink some water while eating, Margaret! Don't gobble it down."
"Okay, sister!"
Margaret understood and left, allowing Eugene and Mina to discuss work.
"Ah, I see you've installed a video recording magic stone."
Eugene asked about the stone, curious how Mina had detected Kail's previous intrusion.
Mina explained that she had used a video recording magic stone, which surprised Eugene. Such stones were rare and expensive, typically known only to wealthy merchants.
As they began discussing Eugene's armor, Mina examined it on a specialized inspection table. She let out a sigh.
"Look at this... The joints are already damaged. It's only been a month, and it's in this state."
Eugene's greatsword armor appeared intact at first glance, but it had suffered significant damage from his explosive movements.
"I guess it's because I became a sword user. The attacks are much more physically demanding now."
Eugene speculated that his new abilities had caused the damage.
"I heard rumors about your promotion to sword user from the blacksmiths at the mercenary association."
Mina pondered Eugene's words, stroking her chin.
"Damn it... Those idiots at the mercenary association are so careless. They're spreading confidential information like that?"
Eugene was frustrated with the association's lack of discretion.
"Initially, I designed this armor assuming you would become a sword user. However, even considering your growth potential, I didn't expect it to be affected this much."
Mina was confident that the damage wasn't due to external factors but rather Eugene's internal growth. She had crafted the armor with his abilities and potential in mind.
"This is concerning... The impact of your movements as a sword expert must be significant."
Eugene's expression turned thoughtful.
"Could it be... Captain Eugene, are you a sword expert?"
Mina's thoughts reached the possibility that Eugene might be more than just a sword user.
