vvana

A large Knightclub like Nova produces their stars in specific ways. Theme songs, slogans, ways of speaking, ways of fighting, outfits, backstories, ideologies...

A competition knight's career in the arena only lasts so long. No knight, no matter how professional, can ever fully fill the spiritual needs of the fans.

However, the gaps can be filled with exhibitions, concerts, talk shows, and books.

So, weapons manufacturers like Glorious Shield are trying to give their products 'story' and 'character', to fill these spiritual gaps of the fans, so to speak?

And they've selected Ognisko as the backdrop for it?

The ancient city of forests and craftsmen, with a proud heritage of forging dating back to the wild ages. Is there a better choice?

It will become a huge film studio, where all the inhabitants are actors performing legends of forging.

Smiths will be able to make a decent living without the sweat and toil of bending down in front of a furnace, and Glorious Shield will have access to 'divine weapons' that look just like the stuff of legend.

...At least, that's what was supposed to happen.

Then... I take it Obina was asked to join in on that 'performance'?

I don't know the details. But an old blacksmith who gave her whole life to crafting, and someone who's so closely connected to you of all people... Is there a better choice?

They may take... less accommodating measures with her.

If she's as stubborn as I imagine, then she may have already gotten a strong response from them, given what I know of Glorious Shield.

If so, I'd be just as angry as you. It would mean Glorious Shield is still lacking in consideration.

I have to find her!

Wait, Madam Droste...

Stop this foolishness, Obina.

You want to play along with them, let them shut you in a show window?

You know as well as I do that your actions are meaningless, ma'am. The glass that you broke today will be fixed by tomorrow.

The damages you'll be liable for are more than you can afford. All you're hurting is your own livelihood.

Unless, of course, you sign this agreement, in which case the damages will be deducted from your wages.

You say I'm hurting my own livelihood?

I didn't bring a stack of kurwa 'agreements' to ask for the privilege to close my own workshop and pretend hammer iron with a rubber hammer in a show window!

You know some of the apprentices don't really like hammering iron.

And not all of us old folks are as strong and healthy as you. In a couple of years, I'm not sure I'll be able to lift a real hammer myself.

But we need a way forward.

The smiths of Ognisko have lifted their hammers since before there were even any castles on the great plains.

Did you forget the meaning of the name 'Ognisko'?

'Furnace'. I've never forgotten.

Then you know that to forge <i>was</i> our way forward, <i>is</i> our way forward, and will always be our way forward.

Er, I apologize for interrupting, but the town council is also planning to rename the city.

Once Glorious Shield's branding experts arrive, the city will have a new name, one more suited for a new era.

You—!

Whaagh!

Ahem... you have that on camera? Please cut my reaction. But keep the segment of Madam Obina swinging her hammer at me.

Allowing you to deduct the damages from your wages after signing the agreement is a special exception we're willing to make just for you, ma'am.

Normally, we would simply call the police and deal with this properly.

Compared to prison, however, I'm sure you would—

I'm sure you would prefer to end this conflict and give yourself time to admire the sights of Ognisko—before it's destroyed by your company's engineering casters.

After all, until your company's experts arrive, none of your hard work here will be seen by your superiors.

Finally, the Candle Knight! Casters, zoom in on her, and get a few more drones on it...

What do you mean, the screen's all black? Did you forget to take off the lens cover?

Candle Knight... your Arts...

I've visited your headquarters before. Every reception room has thick curtains to block out the light.

You know as well as I do that some things are unsuited for being admired by everyone under the light.

I hope you understand that I'm simply defending my company's lawful interests.

Your losses will be reasonably compensated.

Thank you for your understanding. Now perhaps you would be interested in hearing our plans...

Maybe another day.

Let's go, Obina.

Viviana, I told you...

I told you not to follow me...

I'm sorry. You never asked about my situation, so it would be tactless of me to ask about yours.

However, in this case, your business is also mine.

...Your legs are shaking. Come, take my arm.

What are you just standing there for? Haven't you got any backup cameras? Go catch up to them!

Haven't you already gotten enough material for days worth of headlines?

I suggest you stop.

Unless you want to replace all your camera sensors.

Is this why you wanted me to stay, Obina?

You wanted me to protect the workshop.

May sparks burn my mouth, Viviana. I shouldn't have said anything about wanting you to stay, or gone to wreck their place before you left.

I'm too old, and I've gone soft, like a hunk of iron that's spent too long in the flames.

There isn't much difference between protecting the workshop and buying materials for you.

You could have told me directly. It's not a sign of weakness.

No, Viviana... I didn't plan on asking for your help at all.

I tried everything. But as you can see, it's no use, no matter how many of their windows I break.

What difference can one person make? They have hundreds, thousands of people...

But... but...

Someone told me that you're a noble, a knight. Your voice is worth a hundred, a thousand of us ordinary folk. Someone told me that if the workshop belonged to you, no one would dare mess with it.

I'm at the end of my wits here. Sorry, Viviana...

Help me, Candle Knight.

The Candle Knight. How many have called her by that name?

Viviana has long since lost count. When she hears the title, she reflexively turns around and bows, just as a light turns on when the switch is flipped.

An instinctive numbness, a numb instinct.

Right now, however, Obina calling her by that title sends a shiver up her spine.

I don't know any other way to apologize, but I want you to know...

I'm sorry.

I'll think of a way. I promise.

But I don't understand.

I just don't understand...

Why are you the one who has to feel guilty? Be it between friends, or between master and student, it's not at all unusual to need each other's help.

It's partly my fault that you're in such difficult straits. If I hadn't drawn so much attention to Ognisko...

I've never even repaid you for taking me in as your student, but I ended up causing you so much trouble. If anyone should feel guilty, it would be me.

It's not the same, Viviana.

But never mind. Thank you for being willing to help.

At least the workshop will still be there for you the next time you come back... If you still have a reason to.

...Do you want me to light the furnace for you?

No, I won't be smithing today.

Ognisko seems to have become awfully quiet.

In the past, the sound of metal banging on metal would be echoing through the city at this hour, and Obina would be humming a random tune to match the rhythm of it. It was a reassuring kind of noise.

Now, however, the only thing she hears is the rustling of leaves.

Is it because all the smiths have agreed to close their shops? But why are even the fowlbeasts silent?

Suddenly, Viviana hears a familiar voice in the distance—

'Glorious Shield Industries military products, guaranteed to help you conquer the wilderness and repel any Catastrophes!'

'Dear Mr. Zamark. Concerning the rebuilding of Ognisko...'

You agreed to help the blacksmith.

Who will help YOU, then?

...What are you getting at?

You weren't this melancholic when you refused to use extraordinary methods to defeat the Radiant Knight.