Enchanting Embers: Dance with the Divine

Chapter 9: Elves

The celebration was still ongoing, and the town remained lively. Aurora headed straight to Mr. Daina's blacksmith shop. She pushed aside the curtain and walked in. Vivi was sitting at the table, lost in thought, with an unfolded blueprint on the table.

"Good morning," the young girl curiously approached. "What are you looking at?"

"Oh," Vivi pointed to the blueprint. "Take a look. This is Alkex's work."

It was a beautifully crafted double-edged sword, with exquisite detailing on the hilt—a delicate design of a pretty cornflower, the fringe zigzagging petals outlined meticulously. Though the artist wasn't too familiar with the sword's structure, the strokes were commendable.

"Nice artwork."

"That's what I thought too," Vivi rested her chin on her hand. "He wants to create a sword that can channel magic. He said there are many weapon forges in the Dark City, but the works of orcs lack aesthetics. They might not respect customers' wishes as much as we do, aiming to replicate every detail, unless it affects the functionality. You mentioned both your parents were skilled in forging?"

"Indeed," Aurora scrutinized the blueprint. "Elves and dwarves have long lifespans. They learn many technical skills as fundamental courses, like forging weapons or polishing gems. Most individuals from the clans are required to master these skills. This note here says the hilt is to be in white? How is your father planning to handle that? Marble is prone to getting dirty. Perhaps snow jade?"

"Mmm-hmm," Vivi said. "Alkex mentioned he'd provide all the materials. Not only that," Vivi paused for a moment. "To enchant the weapon, he needs cinnabar and meteoric iron, and he has enough reserves. You know, there are many precious ore veins nearby, but many areas are infested with monsters, so it's hard for humans to access."

"What's bothering you then?"

"I'm not bothered," the recently engaged girl sighed. "I'm just trying to deduce his preferences from this blueprint. He gave me a wind wolf's tooth. Any thoughts?"

Vivi cautiously brought out a massive animal tooth, incredibly sharp with serrated edges.

Her face tensed slightly. "This is from a fourth-rank monster that he hunted with his clan. My goodness, I'll join that group soon too. Creator, a fourth-rank monster! I only know that a single fourth-rank monster can destroy a town. I'm bound to mess everything up."

Aurora felt she might be pre-wedding nervous. Considering the girl was just seventeen, she changed the subject. "You could make a pendant with this tooth? Like a wolf's head in mithril with garnet eyes?"

"Mm, that sounds interesting," Vivi shifted her focus away from hunting. "But what about the specific design?"

"I have a bestiary of monsters. I can lend it to you to get some inspiration," Aurora offered, adding reluctantly, "Don't worry. Honestly, whatever you do, he'll be happy because he likes you a lot. I can tell. And you should have some confidence. You're the prettiest girl here."

"Thank you, but your credibility saying that is quite low. Look in the mirror, dear."

Aurora wanted to be modest, but Vivi playfully pinched her cheeks. "Do you need something from me?"

"Yes... I have magical talents," Aurora didn't know how to explain to her. As expected, Vivi looked at her with confusion, clearly not understanding what that meant. So she skipped the explanation, "I have some magic-related questions. If it's not too much trouble, can I meet the person who taught you levitation magic?"

Vivi finally got it this time, it was about magic. The girl looked puzzled, "After she got married, she moved to the south. It's been years since we've had any contact. Maybe I can ask Alkex. I remember there are some magic experts in the Crimson Moon clan—"

"It's okay, I'm not in a hurry," reluctantly said Aurora. Even though she was eager to find a mage to clear her doubts, these two were preparing for marriage, which would surely keep them busy. "When you sort out those things."

"Those things, like me turning into a blood clan and having to hunt in front of them. I already know the procedure, first, second, third-order monsters. Creator, a third-order monster," Vivi collapsed on the table, "I don't want to get married."

Alkex just entered and overheard her words, showing a wry smile. He greeted Aurora, "The people in the clan have already met her, and they all really like Vivi."

"It's not about that," Vivi grumbled. "They don't even care who you marry."

"Then what are you nervous about? Even if you mess up the hunting ritual, it won't be something they'll worry about."

"...That does make sense," Vivi thought for a moment. "By the way, do you know any mages?"

"Mages?" the vampire looked at the blonde girl next to him, guessing what was happening, "Are you looking for a registered mage from the magic guild? Or someone proficient in magic?"

Aurora hadn't intended to bother him immediately but couldn't help asking, "What's the difference?"

"The former is usually a mage educated in the Towering Empire or at least has passed the theoretical exams of the magic guild. I know some people who can do that, but they aren't nearby," Alkex explained patiently. "If it's the latter, then there are many. Every clan of blood clans and dark elves has such individuals."

"I have some questions," Aurora didn't know how to respond, and as expected, Vivi looked at her with confusion, not understanding what was going on. So she decided not to waste words, "I have some questions related to theory and practice... more or less?"

"The former is better," Alkex looked at her curiously. "Maybe you could go to the magical academy in the Towering Empire to study? If you're short on funds—"

"No, I have some savings. The tuition fee is indeed enough. It's just... I asked when I passed through the Towering Empire before," the young girl felt annoyed, "because I come from the Hayden Empire, those mages were suspicious. They thought I might be a spy for the Holy See or some similar reason. They rejected me without even testing my talent until I tried to create an ice crystal myself..."

Vivi was furious, "What's wrong with them?!"

"Some people are like that," Alkex understood. "There's a lot of... conflict between the mages of the Towering Empire and the Holy See. But you can learn to change your accent, then ask the mayor to make you a certificate, pretend you're a local here, and that'll do."

Aurora hadn't expected such a solution. "Is that possible?!"

"No problem," Alkes held Vivi's hand. "Vivi said you're picking up demon language quickly. After the ceremony, we can all take you to school together, pretend to be your relatives. Those mages won't have any doubts, don't worry."

"Creator!" Aurora was ecstatic. "If that's the case, it's amazing. I didn't mean to trouble you—"

"Not at all," Vivi embraced her tightly and kissed the girl's forehead. "You're like my sister, Aurora. So, we'll be your siblings. There won't be any trouble among family!"

Aurora was moved to the point of dizziness. As she walked out of the blacksmith's shop, her head felt light. She had more questions, but the couple clearly had things to discuss. She hesitated to bother them. She decided she'd better change her accent first, but that wasn't an easy task within just one or two months.

She walked aimlessly down the street, her mind filled with thoughts of learning magic. During her stroll, people tried to strike up conversations with her, asking where she lived or if she had recently moved to town. Aurora politely declined their invitations.

While passing a street corner, a jewelry store caught Aurora's eye.

She used to live in Yulan City, one of Hayden Empire's renowned major cities where auctions would showcase invaluable gemstones. In towns like Makas in the Eastern Continent, there were few humans who could afford extravagant expenses due to the absence of incredibly wealthy nobles and magnates, so the luxury industry wasn't thriving.

Of course, that was all relative.

She entered the store and looked around, eventually standing in front of a display counter, gazing intently at the gemstones in the glass case. It showcased colorful corundum and agate, but the most captivating was a flawless royal blue sapphire, faintly engraved with minuscule letters emitting a faint golden luster.

Seeing the price tag, Aurora dismissed the thought of buying it. The store owner, a local, only regarded her as a child who had come in for a casual browse and stopped speaking after asking if she needed any help.

Suddenly, the owner hastily stood up and spoke fluently in demon language, apparently greeting someone.

Aurora glanced up. Two dark elves walked in from outside. The owner walked over with the ledger, bowing respectfully to them. They briefly conversed in demon language, mainly about recent transactions.

While it might have been impolite to eavesdrop, Aurora noticed they didn't seem to mind. They didn't even lower their voices.

She observed them discreetly. Suddenly, without any warning, the left dark elf had a metal box in their arms as they spoke, handing something to the owner while conversing. The gist was to consign the gemstones inside—

However, Aurora was absolutely certain they had walked in empty-handed, and such a sizable box wouldn't fit into any pocket.

Startled by this, she glanced over, and the dark elf sensed her gaze, immediately turning back. Perhaps fearing their displeasure, the store owner hurriedly mentioned that she was just a child from a nearby village and not to mind her.

The dark elf shook their head slightly, their expression relaxed, showing no sign of displeasure.

They approached her. "Can I help you with something, miss?"