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EP.79 [The Blacksmith Woman Mina Discovers Eugene's Nobility.]
"Ah, it's impossible. Captain Eugene is only 21 years old, and if he's a user at that level, becoming an expert is too much..."
Mina had considered the possibility of Eugene being a sword expert based on the evidence, but she quickly dismissed the idea. It was unthinkable for a commoner to become a sword expert at 21, a feat even among nobles would be considered extraordinary.
"I need to rethink this... Maybe I overestimated my skills. This is the first time I've made a greatsword armor since I was under my mentor. It's affected not just by mana but also by physical strength."
Mina's thoughts turned inward, focusing on her own abilities. Asking if someone might be a sword expert was absurd, and attributing her lack of skill to Eugene's abilities could be seen as shifting blame.
Mina began re-examining her knowledge of greatsword armor and inspecting Eugene's armor accordingly.
"It seems like Mina is blaming herself. Realistically, that's the right reaction. Without absolute confidence in one's abilities..."
Eugene noticed Mina's demeanor and behavior.
"Perhaps I should tell Mina about my expert awakening. Otherwise, I won't be able to get a proper armor at my current level. If I deceive her, it will break again soon. That's a common practice in knight orders with experts."
Among nobles, even becoming a sword user often means having a dedicated blacksmith. The reason is that even at the user level, mana manifestation is significant, and the difference in detail depends on how well the blacksmith understands the user's abilities. In the realm of mana, these details create a huge gap in practical applications.
Therefore, for experts, it's even more crucial. The relationship between an expert and their dedicated blacksmith is built on deep trust. This means experts often seek out trustworthy blacksmiths.
"I can't judge my skills as a blacksmith, but in terms of trust, Mina's is overflowing."
Eugene knew he had achieved a second awakening as an expert but lacked deep knowledge of swordsmanship and awakening abilities. For him, the only aspect he could evaluate in a blacksmith partner was trust.
From his perspective, Mina was a trustworthy blacksmith due to her exceptional craftsmanship, her efforts to live a virtuous life, and her unwavering stance against Kail's threats.
"Perhaps I should be honest with Mina about a significant change that's happened to me recently."
Eugene decided to reveal his second awakening to Mina.
"What kind of change? Besides becoming a user?"
Mina responded, but her expression suggested she was considering other personal changes Eugene might have undergone, rather than focusing on his potential as a sword expert.
"Actually, I achieved a second awakening during this quest. I became a sword expert. That's why my armor is damaged. I've been using my expert abilities in combat and training for days."
Eugene openly shared his expert awakening with Mina.
"Really? You're a sword expert? Is that true?"
Mina's eyes widened in shock at the revelation.
"Yes, it just happened. Officially, I'm still registered as a user, except to the guild leader. The association also lists me as a user."
Eugene explained why he was registered as a user instead of an expert.
"Ah, that's understandable... Naturally, if you're a sword expert, it would be chaotic."
Mina nodded slowly, seemingly uninterested in the association records.
"Really, at 21, you're an expert?"
Mina's mind was filled with the fact that Eugene was a genius expert at such a young age.
"And why are you telling me this?"
Mina couldn't understand why Eugene would share such a significant secret with her.
"It's because Mina is responsible for my greatsword armor. I know that from the expert level onwards, it's customary to have deep conversations with one's blacksmith."
Eugene provided a standard response.
"No, you should find a more skilled and renowned blacksmith. Equipment is crucial for experts."
However, Mina's concern wasn't about finding another blacksmith but why Eugene wouldn't switch to a better one. When one's abilities are average, relying on an average blacksmith is understandable, but once they become exceptional, like a swan, it's natural to seek a blacksmith who matches their level.
Thus, Eugene's decision to confide in Mina, a common blacksmith, didn't make sense to her.
For a moment, Eugene silently watched Mina.
Then, he smiled warmly.
"I trust Mina, not just as a blacksmith but as a person. I believe she embodies the trust required between an expert and their dedicated blacksmith 200%."
Mina thought it was natural for Eugene to leave her for a better blacksmith, but Eugene didn't see it that way. His journey as a swordsman wasn't just about strength or efficiency; he wanted to overcome past traumas and become a better person. He couldn't leave Mina's side, given her kind heart.
"To be trusted as a person? By someone like you, when I'm from the slums?"
For Mina, being trusted by someone like Eugene was unimaginable. People from the slums were often seen as disposable.
Eugene had shared his crucial secret with her, something she had never experienced before.
Mina pondered Eugene's words, finding them hard to accept.
"This time, our mercenary group will be upgraded to a higher rank, and our quests will become more challenging. My role will also increase. So, Mina, please believe in my sincerity and stay with me."
Eugene knew Mina's self-esteem was low due to her slum background. He encouraged her to join him, connecting her current state to her past.
"For me, rejecting this and finding a better blacksmith would be the right thing to do."
Mina's reaction was realistic, given her low self-esteem. If she hadn't been cautious, she might have fallen back into her old life.
"Whenever I'm with Eugene, I get greedy..."
Mina couldn't help but feel drawn to Eugene. She desired his affection, beyond logic or societal norms.
"Yes, I'll take responsibility for Eugene's armor and fully respond to that trust."
Mina decided to stand up for herself for the first time since leaving the slums. She would become Eugene's dedicated blacksmith, ensuring his trust wasn't misplaced.
Mina's determined acceptance surprised Eugene, who noticed she had started calling him "Eugene" instead of "Captain Eugene."
Previously, Mina had been cautious around Eugene, maintaining a distance due to her slum background. However, now she naturally used a more familiar address.
"Let's shake on it, Mina. We were already allies, but now we'll be partners who share our true feelings."
Eugene smiled warmly and offered his hand for a handshake, marking the beginning of a new relationship between him and Mina as sword expert and dedicated blacksmith.
"Yes, please take care of me, Eugene. I'll make sure to create and maintain armor that won't tarnish your reputation as a sword expert."
Mina blushed, nodded slightly, and accepted Eugene's hand.
"Sir, will you keep your promise and come to our village with Mina next time?"
As Eugene left, Margaret waved happily from Mina's arms.
"I'll definitely keep my promise, Margaret. See you then!"
Eugene smiled brightly and responded to Margaret's greeting.
The beautiful sunset illuminated Eugene as he departed.
Mina, who had previously looked down, now lifted her head and realized something.
"Eugene is a noble."
His refined demeanor, mannerisms, and undeniable beauty, combined with being a 21-year-old sword expert, made Mina realize Eugene's nobility.
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