Chapter 38: The Hidden Master Blacksmith in the Town

“I think you might have heard of me. My name is Draxel,” he said, continuing the conversation.

“Oh, you’re that count, the one who just won a big battle in Uxkhal.” The bandit’s eyes began to betray a hint of fear.

“Yes, you’re quite well-informed. Now that we understand each other, let’s make a deal. Hand over the woman and the child to me, and you can avoid any bloodshed.”

“Alright, Count, we’ll show you some respect. But even for you,we still want a ransom of 1700 Denars.”

“Is my reputation only worth 300 Denars? Fine, fine. I know robbery isn’t easy, here’s the money.”

To ensure the hostages’ safety, Draxel feigned compliance, handing over 1700 Denars to the bandits.

“Good, they’re yours now. If they’re captured again, that’s on you, Count.” The bandits released the woman and child.

Draxel signaled for the woman and child to move behind him. As the bandits prepared to leave, Draxel stopped them.

“Wait, leaving just like that? We haven’t finished our business.”

“What else is there? We’ve given you the hostages.”

“You passed through my territory to get here. There’s a toll for crossing through Ibiran Village, part of my domain, Draxel’s land.”

This tactic left the bandits bewildered, uncertain who the real robber was.

Before the bandits could react, Draxel added, “I’ll extend the same courtesy to you. Each of you pays 100, making a total of 2000.”

“Count, my advice to you is to get medical help if you’re ill. Don’t waste our time here—”

Before the bandit could finish speaking, Draxel acted swiftly. With a swift motion of his sword, he decapitated the bandit leader in a flash. The overwhelming disparity in their strengths left the remaining 19 bandits paralyzed with fear, shaking uncontrollably on the spot.

Draxel retrieved the 1700 Denars he had just handed over and demanded, “You still owe me 300 Denars. Choose now. Your money or your lives?”

The terrified bandits quickly gathered the remaining 300 Denars and handed them over to Draxel.

“Good, now get out of here. And remember, don’t ever trouble anyone in my territory again. Next time, your luck won’t spare you, and there won’t be any choice to make.”

The bandits hastily agreed and scampered off. Content with the resolution, Draxel escorted the woman and child back to Ibiran Village.

Ibiran Village was bustling with life, its inhabitants striving towards a peaceful and happy existence. Draxel saw nothing amiss there. He purchased an ox for 200 Denars and used it to pull a makeshift wooden cart, making the journey back more comfortable for the woman and child. It was a thoughtful gesture to ease their hardship of the long walk.

The journey back was uneventful, and they soon returned to Uxkhal. Draxel, smiling, accompanied the woman and child to the village head.

“Thank you! Our esteemed lord, you have successfully brought them back! Here is your reward of 500 Denars.”

“There’s no need for a reward. This family has already paid a hefty ransom of 2000 Denars. Keep the 500 to better your lives.”

Overwhelmed with gratitude, the woman knelt down, tears streaming down her face, and said through sobs, “You are truly our family’s benefactor. With you in Uxkhal, we are indeed blessed.”

[Favorability of Uxkhal Town +5.]

[Mission Completed]

[You have successfully rescued the villager’s wife and child.]

[Evaluation: Surprisingly, you’re quite generous and kind-hearted, even going the extra mile by spending an additional 200 to ensure the comfort of the rescued on their journey home. Keep up such commendable actions.]

Hearing the rare compliments from the system, Draxel felt a bit of joy.

As he was about to leave to update Safiya and the others at the lord’s hall, the woman spoke up, “My esteemed lord, may I keep the ox?”

“Of course, it’s yours to take,” Draxel responded.

“Thank you, my lord. I’m quite adept at cooking beef dishes. I hope to contribute an extra dish to your dinner tonight. I’ll prepare it and wait at the entrance of the lord’s hall for someone to collect it.”

“Why go through all that trouble? I can simply join you for dinner at your place.”

The woman looked hesitant and explained, “Well… My lord, you are a noble leader, a Count. We commoners would never dare to dine with you.”

Draxel replied with a smile, “Don’t fret about formalities, I’ll have dinner at your place tonight. I’ll bring Safiya and the rest with me, we’ll see you in a bit.”

After returning to the lord’s hall and discussing the plan, Safiya happily agreed to join. Once they freshened up, Draxel, along with Safiya and the young dragon Lein, headed to the woman’s house.

Her home was spacious, suggesting her husband must have been reasonably successful to have raised the 2000 Denars ransom.

“Good evening, my noble lord, and this must be Miss Safiya. You are very beautiful.”

Safiya beamed with a smile, softly saying, “You’ve got quite an eye. Hear that, Count? She thinks I’m beautiful~”

“Yes, yes, Princess Safiya, you are indeed extremely beautiful.”

[Your friendliness with Safiya has increased by 2, current level of friendliness: 50.]

Draxel glanced around and inquired, “Where’s the man of the house?”

“He’ll be back soon. He’s a blacksmith specializing in sword-making and often works late.”

This revelation immediately intrigued Draxel. “Oh? A swordsmith, you say? How good is he?”

The woman responded, “I’m not very knowledgeable about these things, but my husband once crafted a ceremonial sword for Swadia’s King Harlaus X.”

“That certainly speaks volumes about his skill and expertise in sword-making.”

“My noble lord, you’re too kind…”

Their conversation was interrupted as the blacksmith himself arrived home. He had already been briefed on everything by the town mayor.

Once inside, the blacksmith was moved to tears and embraced his wife and child in a heartfelt reunion.

Then, turning to Draxel, he knelt down gratefully: “My esteemed lord, thank you! I also heard about the ox cart you hired for their journey and that you declined any reward. You are truly our family’s savior!”

Draxel was struck by the similarity of their expressions; the phrase ‘our family’s savior’ etched firmly in his mind.

Helping the man up, Draxel asked, “What’s your name?”

“I’m Aubrey Jesteriman, a blacksmith by trade.”

“That’s quite a name! I’ll just call you Old Aubrey, if that’s alright. So, Old Aubrey, I hear you’re a master of sword forging.”

“You flatter me, sir. I just practice my craft as best I can.”

“Humble, I like that. It’s getting late. Let’s eat first and talk more over dinner.”