"I don't mean to offend, but most hedge knights do have a bad reputation." Eton shook his head. He always insisted on using the term hedge knight instead of the more contemptuous title of beggar knight. "You are still so young I believe there are still opportunities."
"No." Ethan was a little confused as to why the old blacksmith ignored the good business opportunity and instead began enlightening him, but he didn't want to get entangled with the man, so he interrupted him directly.
"I've decided that I will go to the Wall and join the Night's Watch. That is the only place where I can gain honor. Becoming a brother in black is my destiny."
"Destined destination..." The old blacksmith seemed to recall something. Tears welled at the corners of his eyes. He no longer tried to persuade Ethan, but said, "Good boy, may the Seven Gods bless you."
"The Seven bless us all," Ethan replied.
Old Eton brought up Ethan's armor again. "This armor can be sold for 450 silver stags."
"And this sword this sword can be sold for 180 silver stags, but…" The old blacksmith picked up Ethan's sword again and checked its wear and tear. "In fact, I don't recommend that you sell the sword as well. Although the Night's Watch provides all the equipment, it's still not as good as your own weapon. What do you think?"
I think you're really too lenient!
"I think you misunderstood," Ethan quickly came up with a new reason. "I'm not selling the equipment just because the Night's Watch will provide it, so I can take advantage of that. The main reason is, once I join the Night's Watch, I can't stay and be filial to my parents. I want to leave them as much money as possible so I can go with peace of mind."
"Your parents aren't nobles?"
"It's obvious, isn't it?"
"I don't mean to offend," the old blacksmith shook his head. "Since this is money you plan to leave for your parents out of filial duty, then I won't short you. I can give you 550 silver stags for the armor, and 200 for the sword."
"Thank you, old sir." Ethan was inevitably a little pleased he hadn't expected his excuse would help him earn half a gold dragon more.
"And..." The old blacksmith paused, as if hesitating, but soon made up his mind. "Since you're short on money, I have a job I can offer you."
Ethan was a little surprised. He didn't expect that a blacksmith from Harrenhal would ask a strange mercenary knight for help.
Of course, regardless of the task, he had no interest in it.
But since he had just benefited from the man's generosity, it would be too blunt to refuse him outright. So, he reminded tactfully, "I'm no longer a hedge knight."
"Of course, I know," the old blacksmith nodded quickly. Because of Ethan's refusal, he believed Ethan's story about joining the Night's Watch even more. "I'm not hiring you to fight for me. But since you're going to the Wall to join the Night's Watch, why not do me a favor and deliver something?"
What? You want to give me something? Ethan's eyes lit up immediately.
He was currently busy with plans to suppress squatters in the salt fields and wasn't interested in various tasks.
But giving something away that was different. Once it went into his pocket, it became his.
"Can you tell me more?" Ethan replied with interest.
"After you go to the Wall, I hope you can stop at the Shadow Tower and find a ranger named Dovill. Give him a heraldic sword."
So you're going to give me a heraldic sword. You are such a good person. Ethan nodded quickly.
"So you agree?"
"Of course. Since I'll be passing through anyway, I have no problem."
The old blacksmith nodded and went behind a door.
Ding! Optional mission update. Annie's voice rang in his mind. Ethan quickly closed his eyes and logged into the system interface.
[New Triggered Mission: Shadow Lion]
Mission Description: The old blacksmith has a heraldic sword. He wants you to bring it to Ranger Dovill at the Shadow Tower.
Mission Reward: Unknown
Additional Reward: Unknown
[Accept (Consumes 1 Point)] [Reject]
Seeing the task, Ethan almost instinctively wanted to click "Accept."
After all, a player's initial point could only buy 300 silver stags if exchanged for a purse in the points mall, and the minimum value of a heraldic sword was over three gold dragons. Being able to exchange one point for such a sword? Clearly a good deal.
But just as he was about to click on it, a bold idea struck him.
What happens if I click "Reject" during a mission?
After all, according to the organizers, this was a real world. So, this old blacksmith was a real living person. Whether or not he gave Ethan the task shouldn't be affected by the system at all.
If the old blacksmith suddenly turned against him because he refused the task in the system, then he wasn't a real person he was an Annie controlled NPC!
Thinking this through, Ethan moved his cursor away from [Accept] and clicked [Reject].
After a short while, the old blacksmith emerged, holding the heraldic sword.
"This sword is made of fine steel, and the craftsmanship is excellent," Eton said as he handed the sword to Ethan. "It belonged to a friend of mine in my younger days. Let's not talk about him." The old blacksmith shook his head.
Sure enough, he didn't turn on me! Ethan was thrilled. Although he hadn't broken the game, he'd still saved a point.
When Ethan took the sword from the old blacksmith, his first impression was that it was heavy. It was the same length as his own sword but slightly heavier.
He drew the blade from the leather scabbard. The steel was darker, with many small chips along the edge though they were much smaller than those on his own half hand sword. He gently touched the blade with his fingers and could clearly feel its sharpness.
"Remember give this sword to Ranger Dovill from the Shadow Tower," the old blacksmith said. "He has blond hair like you and is about thirty five." The old man paused and added with a sarcastic smile, "Considering he's been on the Wall for over a decade, he might look older."
"In any case, you must give it to him personally. If he's out on a ranging when you arrive, bring the sword back and wait for another opportunity. Don't hand it off to just any Night's Watchman," the blacksmith emphasized.
"May I ask why?" Ethan felt a hint of suspicion. "Is there something you want me to say that can't be overheard?"
The old blacksmith clearly didn't expect Ethan to ask. He gave Ethan a surprised look, then shook his head. "No need. He'll understand everything when he sees the sword."
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