Volume 3 Chapter 6 Auction
Auction.
A sale event where buyers place bids on items being sold, specializing in weapons and armor.
I had no idea such an event was happening in the town of Pailight.
Was Ms. Fran being told to showcase her crafted weapons at this auction, which serves as a grand stage for blacksmiths?
"You have more talent as a blacksmith than I do, right? Then prove it there. If your weapon sells for a higher price than mine, I'll acknowledge your skills and take back what I said about you leaving. You can make whatever you want in this workshop."
"..."
Brue continued with a confident smile.
"Also, even after I become the head of the workshop, I'll allow you to keep working here. If you want, I can send requests your way. If you can beat me, you deserve that kind of treatment."
The auction would be bustling with customers.
If her crafted weapon fetches a high price, it would mean her skills as a blacksmith were recognized by the public.
There would be no reason to kick her out of the workshop.
But...
"However, if I win, you better leave gracefully this time. A truly incompetent blacksmith has no place here."
Brue had proposed this as an exchange to Ms. Fran.
If she entered the auction and her weapon sold for a higher price than Brue's, she could stay in the workshop.
But if she lost, she would officially be kicked out this time.
This life-or-death proposal left Ms. Fran confused, her light brown eyes darting around.
In contrast, Brue maintained his relaxed expression.
"You don't have to accept this challenge if you don't want to. You're just being hired as a helper out of the old lady's goodwill, and once I become the head, you'll be the first to go. So, in other words, this is your 'last chance,' right?"
"..."
"Since someone as useless as you has shown up, I might as well show you a bit of mercy. If you win in the Auction, you can stay. What will you do, Flux Ran?"
Ms. Fran, who had been asked, fell silent, deep in thought.
At first glance, it seemed like a favorable proposal for Ms. Fran.
After all, Ms. Fran was going to be kicked out anyway.
But if he could win against Brue in the Auction, he could remain here.
Plus, he would be prioritized for future requests.
The penalty for losing was just leaving, so on the surface, it seemed like a win-win situation.
However, upon closer inspection, it was a huge "trap."
The Auction specialized in weapons and armor, a grand stage for many blacksmiths.
If Ms. Fran's self-made weapon was deemed worthless in front of everyone, it would completely end his blacksmith career.
Brue wanted to humiliate Ms. Fran in front of a crowd, ensuring he could never work as a blacksmith again, which is why he made such a proposal.
Brue seemed confident that Ms. Fran's weapon would be worthless.
Ms. Fran, realizing the danger of this, bit his lip in hesitation.
Meanwhile, Brue wore a quiet, confident smile.
"Hah! You don't have the guts for this! You're just a coward, like your third-rate blacksmith dad, who nobody recognizes!"
"──!"
Clearly provoked by those words, Ms. Fran's eyes glistened as he glared at Brue.
Then, as if responding to the challenge, Ms. Fran's voice trembled as he spoke.
"I-I'll do it! I'll enter the Auction!"
"Ms. Fran..."
"I'll make a weapon that will get proper value, and I'll earn recognition for my skills! If I don't, I can't hold my head high as a blacksmith and take on requests from these people!"
A child who seemed obviously timid was now mustering the courage to defy Brue.
Furthermore, Ms. Fran's voice, more resolute than ever, echoed through the industrial district.
"Above all, I will prove at the Auction that my dad, who taught me the basics of blacksmithing, is not useless!"
That declaration was so powerful that I couldn't help but feel fired up too.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)