The Herb King

161 Smithing

Aethelwolf introduced the group to Jade Kristine and she immediately sized them up. ‘Other than Janrose and that girl, the other three are Level 3 Espers...’ She thought.

“Everyone, this is Miss Jade Kristine, an Administrator of the Alchemy Tower.” Everyone stared at Jade in shock when they heard her identity. Her authority was second only to the Supreme Director!

Jade Kristine was delighted when she heard him calling her miss instead of madam. It sounded a lot closer and more intimate.

The group chatted all the way until the banquet ended.

The second prince and some other nobles also joined their conversation and even Julie who was still reading earlier decided to join them.

Soon, a new clique was formed with Aethelwolf as their central figure. It was comprised of the Lassiter Household, Singler Household, Urgel Household, Reynolds Household, and some other noble households.

When the banquet ended, Hyacinth left together with Henry since she still has to deal with the clothing shop. Aethelwolf sent Ramiel and the three idle Level 3 guards to go with her. She was only a normal human so Aethelwolf sent those four to ensure her safety.

It was already nighttime when the banquet ended.

Aethelwolf was mentally exhausted, but since his ‘weakened state’ was already gone, he felt much better. He could already sense his vigorous world essence inside his Hegel and this made him feel comfortable.

.....

He went to the open field to search for Oliva, but he found her sleeping under a tree. She looked intimidating even in her sleep and her loud snores shook the earth.

Seeing this, he smiled and sat on a bench. He didn’t wake her up since she looked tired. She must have been bored after waiting the entire day.

He smoked while waiting for the materials that would be sent by Brian to arrive.

Soon, a guard walked up to him and reported. “Sir Aethelwolf, a man is on his way here. He said that he has a package for you. According to him, it is from Sir Brian Linaza. We didn’t stop him from entering, but there are ten guards silently following him.”

Aethelwolf nodded his head. “Alright. Good job. Send the guards away and bring that man here.”

The guard bowed his head. “Yes, Sir Aethelwolf.”

After about ten minutes, the guard returned with a bespectacled man dressed in fancy clothing.

“Sir Aethelwolf, I was sent here by Sir Brian to deliver this to you. He said that you can pay him in person when you two meet again.” The bespectacled man handed a storage ring to him. “I won’t stay for long, Sir Aethelwolf. Farewell.”

Aethelwolf took the storage ring and inspected the contents before he waved his hand at the man. “Alright. You may leave.”

After they left, Aethelwolf found a secluded spot and began his preparations.

He closed his eyes and focused on the knowledge about smithing. He was already a Level 4 Blacksmith and all sorts of information about smithing entered his head.

Heating...

Holding...

Hitting...

Shaping...

He opened his eyes after sorting out his thoughts. He then organized the materials and started the smithing process.

He was planning to make a necklace for Olivia and making a piece of jewelry requires intricate and delicate control of world essence so he has to be careful in handling the materials.

***

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Olivia who was sleeping under a tree was startled awake by the hammering sounds. She glared at the origin of the noise and spotted a person who seemed to be hitting something using a normal-looking hammer. “Aethelwolf?” She tilted her bird head in confusion after identifying the person.

“What is he making?” She muttered to herself as she sneakily watched his actions. She sensed the powerful fluctuations of world essence around Aethelwolf so she was immediately able to tell that he was making something extraordinary!

‘Could it be the thing that he promised me?’ Her large pair of bird eyes lit up as she thought of this. She then silently watched the smithing process with anticipation. Aethelwolf’s creation could change her fate so she was eager to find out what it was.

Three hours later, Aethelwolf used a clean cloth to wipe the necklace he had created. The thin platinum-colored chains glittered under the moonlight and the Soul Jade emitted a hazy illusionary luster that made the necklace appear extremely appealing and artistic.

Aethelwolf let out a satisfied smile as he admired his final product. It was the first piece of jewelry he had ever created. He felt proud of his own creation.

He muttered. “A beautiful piece of jewelry should have a name to make it even more valuable...” While he was thinking about a suitable name for the necklace, he suddenly noticed a large bird head anxiously looking in his direction.

Aethelwolf smiled as he glanced at Olivia. “Come here.” He beckoned to her.

The giant bird immediately appeared in front of him in a flash.

“This is a Unique-Rated necklace with Level 4 Runes. It can adjust its size according to its wearer.” He tossed the necklace to her and a bright ray of blinding light enveloped her massive figure as soon as the necklace touched her.

Aethelwolf closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them, he could no longer see a giant bird in front of him. He glanced to his left and right, but he found no one in sight. “Eh? Where is she?”

“Oy? Aethelwolf, I’m here!” A voice came from beneath his feet and he immediately lowered his gaze and spotted a red-haired little girl with a pair of adorable golden eyes. She was pouting as she glared at Aethelwolf.

“Olivia?” Aethelwolf crouched and stared at the cute little girl in confusion.

How did that intimidating eagle turn into such an adorable little angel? He couldn’t resist the urge and he unconsciously pinched her chubby cheeks.

Ow! Ow! Ow!

Aethelwolf giggled as he continued to pinch her cheeks.

The little girl swatted his evil hands and roared angrily at him, but it sounded like the meowing of a kitten to his ears.