“No, I do not plan on giving you this precious ingot that would normally not ever be in my hands. What I would ask of you is to turn it into a weapon that my second son who obtained it can use. He has proven himself worthy of a weapon belonging only to the elite of the elite. And more importantly, he wishes to have greater power in order to win the heart of the woman he has fallen for.”
Looking confused, Marcus had no idea how a powerful weapon was going to help Count Vendrick’s second son win over the woman he had fallen for.
Though as he asked for the man to elaborate, he was shocked to find out who the second son was pining for.
“Some years ago, at the royal academy my son had considered himself the rival of then third princess Frostine. In the end he was not able to score higher than her, and when he asked for her hand in marriage, she told him that he would have to be stronger than her before she even considered it. As I am sure you know. being close to her full blood sister Mrazivy, that now Crown Princess Frostine is yet to be wed. As the soon to be monarch she will naturally have to have at least one partner to leave progeny behind with. My son now that he has returned from his harrowing journey wishes to try courting her once more. But now that she is no longer just a princess but the future queen, the odds are stacked somewhat against him.” Count Vendrick said with a sad smile.
It seemed that he figured his second son’s love was never going to blossom but was still doing what he could to help out his son who was obviously a hard worker.
“Ah, but we have gotten a bit off topic. If you would forge a legendary blade for my son, I would be more than happy to pay you handsomely for your work.”
Sitting back in his seat, Marcus thought about what to do and decided to see what this was worth to the viceroy before he agreed.
“To start, let me tell you I have no interest in money. I have plenty of that after all the commissions I have done and can make more with ease thanks to my skills. No, what I really want are skill orbs. You said that your son recently got back from fighting in the Great Gome Woods Dungeon, so surely, he brought back some fairly rare and valuable skill orbs along with this ingot of Amethros.”
Taken aback, the viceroy had not expected Marcus to completely disregard money and instead ask only for very rare items such as skill orbs.
“Yes, my son and his party did say they secured some skills orbs from what I have heard. I believe they planned on disrupting them amongst themselves after picking out a few to give to me as thanks for funding the mission.” The viceroy said with a slightly worried expression.
He then had his butler Bastion go to fetch his son and bring him here for the discussion.
Of course, Count Vendrick was a prudent man, so his son had actually been waiting nearby and came walking in with a hopefully look on his face.
‘Level seventy-four. He is pretty strong. I can tell that he has worked hard for the power he has obtained.’ Marcus thought while appraising the man.
He had a strong build, crimson red hair, and a sharp glint in his eyes owing to his stalwart nature.
It was quite clear he had no markings of a politician just from one look, but as his father had said he seemed to be an exemplary knight.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Irene. I am Alard Vendrick. In the few weeks I have been back in the civilized world I have heard many great things about your skill and that you are likely to be the next head royal forgemaster, and the best since the time of the first king.” The viceroy’s second son said as he approached Marcus.
He was about to turn around and move over to his father, but Marcus stopped him to clear up a certain misunderstanding he had.
“Wait, I must inform you now that I am not a royal forgemaster, nor do I intend to become one. I have a somewhat complicated relationship with the royal family, but I am not their subordinate.” Marcus said, clarifying this misconception.
Certainly, he did jobs for them, and was in a way sort of under them due to the contract he signed, but honestly, he was at this point just helping out his new family since he was now set to marry Mrazivy.
Soon enough he planned on leaving Borealia behind for quite a while to explore the world. So, in no way could he be considered subservient to them.
“I see, forgive me for jumping to conclusions.” Alard said before going to sit next to his father.
For a few minutes the three of them exchanged a few pleasantries and Alard asked Marcus about certain things that had happened while he was gone. Showing great interest in the ice ant attack on River Landing, the recent demon attack, and of course the appearance of a doomsday monster.
In contrast Marcus asked Alard about the Great Gome Woods Dungeon. Which he was naturally interested in since it was the highest rated dungeon and the kingdom.
Alard frowned most of the time he talked about it, and the accounts Marcus had heard or read about before definitely seemed to be true.
“The place is truly as close to hell as one can get. The monsters and beasts are overly aggressive, and in every area, one must complete either a ludicrous or nearly impossible task to proceed or leave. To be honest in six years we only made it through five areas before heading back. That is just how brutal of a place it is. If you are simply looking for a high-level dungeon to train in, I would not recommend it.”
It was clear that in some regards Alard regretted going into the Great Gome Woods Dungeon, but it was also clear he had gotten stronger because of it.
Eventually their conversation of such matters wrapped up, and Count Vendrick got them back on topic.
“Now Alard, Lady Irene here has not rejected making a legendary sword for you, but for payment she wishes only for skill orbs. Would you please present her with the ones that you obtained in the Great Gome Woods Dungeon.”
Nodding his head, Alard did just this and brought out a dozen and a half skill orbs.
Looking at them, Marcus saw that none of them were golden, indicating that they were unique skills. Though he never expected any to be offered up to begin with.
“May I pick them up and check what skills are within? I promise not to learn any while doing so.” Marcus said, wanting permission to examine the skill orbs.
“Sure, go ahead. I can tell by your eyes that you are a trustworthy person.” Alard said with a smile on his face.
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