"If you have a moment… I would like to speak with you alone," Emanual said, lowering his voice.
"Of course," Edward replied.
After giving a few crisp orders to nearby servants, Edward guided the Duke away from the noise of the hall into his private study.
Rows of books lined the room from floor to ceiling, tomes on metallurgy, scrolls about ancient forging techniques, and leather-bound journals filled with Edward's own views and remarks were everywhere. The air smelled faintly of iron and old parchment.
Emanual's brows rose.
"Edward… I didn't expect a weapon Refiner to collect this many books."
Edward smiled, not the least bit embarrassed.
"Knowledge shapes the man not to mention we mages rely on It to improve and make breakthroughs. These techniques, histories, spells are the reason my weapons hold when others broke."
Emanual nodded thoughtfully, running his hand along a shelf of weathered manuals. But then his expression shifted from casual curiosity to business. He folded his hands behind his back while fixing Edward with a sharp gaze, and spoke plainly.
"I'll come straight to the point. I need you to craft a weapon unlike anything you've ever crafted before. Something beyond your current rank."
Edward blinked, stunned.
"you mean....spellbinder…? Sir, I'm honored, truly. But you know my standing. I've reached the peak grade mana weapon. Spellbinder weapons are a different art entirely. They stand above mana weapons. I still have much to learn to successfully forge a spellbinder."
Emanual leaned forward, hands on Edward's shoulders, his voice low and persuasive.
"Exactly why I sought you out tonight. I want to invest in you."
Edward stiffened slightly.
"The time to select the crown prince is approaching, in less than fifteen years ," Emanual continued. "The crown needs loyal craftsmen. Lives will depend on the blades forged in by skilled master. I need someone I can trust. You are not the most polished name in the Capital, Edward… but you are from the bottom. You know loyalty. You know Endurance. And now you've become a father."
His eyes softened.
"That alone should be persuasive enough. Not to mention… I am the godfather of your child. Also, in this crown prince selection, there will also be space for a new marque family to rise, and I want you to hold that position."
Edward was stunned hearing this all. The offer glittered before him like a rare ore pulled from deep earth as a refiner.
"There are many smiths more qualified than I," he said quietly. "and you have already helped us on different occasion, if not for your interference back than me and Jonny would have died long ago."
"Those matters were nothing to me, could be solved with a single command, even than I have seen the potential in you, and you have proven me right, yes there are many more qualified," Emanual agreed, "and many less faithful."
Edward looked up sharply.
"You know the value of hard work," Emanual continued. "You know what it means to honour a debt. Think on my offer. I'm not promising you the title of Marquis, your work must earn that. But I will provide resources, materials, and patronage."
He placed a firm hand on Edward's shoulder.
"Consider it an investment in your future… and Kelvin."
With that, the Duke turned and left the mansion quietly.
Edward remained frozen for a moment, the weight of Emanual's words pressing heavily on him. For a brief second, he allowed himself to imagine the future the Duke had painted, the forge expanded, apprentices learning under him, and weapons crafted by his hands carried into war by royal knights as he command them as marquis to battlefield.
His dream was interrupted by a sudden shout from outside.
A deep drumbeat vibrated through the hall.
"His Majesty's envoy!" a servant announced loudly.
All nobles instantly bowed their heads as the king's messenger entered. A tall man with polished boots and a shining royal medal gleaming on his chest.
"His Majesty offers his blessing," the envoy declared in an arrogant manner, opening a small ceremonial case.
Inside rested a fire crystal, rare, radiant, and powerful. Its inner fire flickered like a living flame trapped within the gem, this can be used in crafting some weapon which will increase their affinity to that element and can help wilder more attuned to it.
A wave of astonishment swept through the hall. For the royal family to bestow such a gift meant only one thing, the Everlong family had drawn the king's attention.
Edward stepped forward quickly and bowed.
"This humble servant is honored that His Majesty remembered us. Please convey my deepest gratitude."
His voice was steady, but inside he felt a swell of pride.
As the night continued, Guests came forward to offer congratulations as the event gradually drew to its close. Carriages gathered outside once more, and nobles stepped out of the mansion, returning the night to its usual calm.
......
Weapon Ranks
-mana weapon (from low to peak, could help increase attack, defence power when injecting mana inside)
-spellbinder (from low to peak, a refiner could etch any spell which could be used)
-awakening weapon( from low to peak, can have some awareness )