Arthur let her linger in the silence, the orb cradled between them like a promise waiting to be claimed. He watched the way the artifact's glow reflected in her eyes, and for a few a few seconds, he said nothing, He wanted the offer to pull her, he want her to inspect for herself.
Some more seconds passed, Arthur decided to speak and, in a voice quiet but certain, he said. "This would sharpen your fire magic beyond what your peers at the academy can defend against. And with your family's smithing expertise? You could forge weapons layered with fire-channeling cores—gear tailored to your exact strengths. You'd move to the top of the rankings before the semester's end.
You would be able to compete with those that have an S-rank talent."
He paused, measuring her silence. "But if your family's forge is unavailable, give me three weeks. I'll commission the best crafter to bind the orb's energy into a weapon worthy of you. All I need is your agreement."
