Chapter 56

Seeing the new employee dive straight into work talk on his first day, Aristine's lips curled into a smile.

"I've also given it some thought. Since your physique is clearly different from the people of Ailugo, we should create new accessories specifically for you..."

Lithren continued his explanation enthusiastically.

In his mind, a vivid image of Aristine wearing the accessories formed.

She was incredibly beautiful. No, the word 'beautiful' was insufficient to describe her.

It would require a rather intricate process, but Lithren was confident he could do it.

However,

'...What I really want to make is...'

A strange stirring rose in his chest.

Why did a sword come to mind whenever he looked at Aristine?

While all blacksmiths in Ailugo revered and aspired to make swords, Lithren was different.

He wasn't particularly obsessed with swords and instead focused on bringing out the things within him.

But this time, he was inspired by something external—Aristine.

As he gazed at her, the genius blacksmith spirit within him kept whispering, urging him to make a sword.

Was it because her silver hair reminded him of the color of a sword?

'But a blade wouldn't suit Her Highness.'

A symbol of peace, the goddess who brought an end to the long war, the angel of hope—these were the adjectives that described Aristine.

Lithren deeply agreed with these descriptions.

It wasn't because of the political marriage between Tarkan and Aristine.

It was the moment Aristine saved him from the depths of despair.

In that moment, Lithren realized that she was the one who could save him.

'How can I think of a weapon that can harm people when I look at someone like her?'

It just didn't make sense.

Of course, in Ailugo, a land of warriors, swords were revered.

But ultimately, the essence of a sword was to cut and take life.

"...So, what about something like this?"

Despite his complex feelings, Lithren calmly explained the design of the accessory for Aristine.

But even now, whenever their eyes met, a sword still came to mind.

A blade sharper and more precise than any other.

Like the small dagger Aristine had praised.

"Wow, you must have put a lot of thought into this. It looks both beautiful and comfortable. You really are amazing."

Aristine marveled as she examined the blueprint.

Lithren scratched the back of his head, a bit embarrassed.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"But, no."

Aristine said firmly.

Lithren's face fell instantly.

Had he forced something that didn't match Aristine's taste?

He felt bad for the long explanation.

"I didn't bring you here to make something for me to wear. If that were the case, I wouldn't have brought you from Catalaman."

I could have just placed an order.

"Then, what...?"

"Swords are often debated. Some say they are tools to protect people, while others see them as weapons to kill."

Lithren nodded.

In Ailugo, the focus was mainly on the former.

"But even a protective sword is ultimately made to kill, which is undeniable."

That's why Ailugo was often labeled as barbaric.

When people thought of Ailugo, they imagined swords and the warriors who wielded them.

Lithren bowed his head.

He felt guilty for even thinking of a sword when he looked at Aristine.

"Lithren."

A calm voice called out to him.

Lithren looked up to meet Aristine's gaze.

"Would you like to make a sword that saves lives with me?"

And make a fortune.

Aristine smiled brightly.

* * *

Tarkan walked down the corridor with an unpleasant expression.

"Then, we'll discuss business."

Aristine waved her hand dismissively.

He wanted to stay, but he had no reason to.

Tarkan had no choice but to leave the forge.

'Lithren... It's definitely the same guy from the welcome party.'

"Hey, Tarkan. Who's that man?"

Aristine's eyes had sparkled when she asked about a man at the welcome party.

Lithren's report didn't reveal anything special about him.

In fact, he was so incompetent that it was hard to understand why Aristine had taken an interest in him.

As a child, he had been recognized for his talent and caught the eye of Bolarten, the head of Catalaman's forge.

But that was the end of it.

Over the years, he lost his talent and became a disgrace to Catalaman.

Tarkan, being a warrior, had seen many talented children crumble as they grew up—

Talent could fade away, reach its limits quickly, and be hard to cultivate.

Lithren was one such case.

'He's not the type to be noticed like that.'

Upon reflection, Aristine's interest in Lithren had started at the welcome party, not the forge.

At that time, Lithren wasn't working as a blacksmith.

'...Could it be that she likes his looks?'

Tarkan's eyes narrowed, though he didn't think it was the case.

Golden-brown hair, slightly drooping eyes that looked gentle, olive-colored eyes.

A face that seemed gentle but a physique that was strong and muscular.

'Does she have a thing for that kind of look?'

Tarkan snorted at the thought.

It was a silly idea.

Aristine was a smart woman.

She wouldn't choose someone based on such trivial things, especially when she was so focused on business.

Or, what did it matter to him what Aristine's taste was?

"......"

Tarkan paused for a moment. Swish.

The sword blade emerged halfway from its scabbard, humming softly.

Tarkan looked at his reflection in the pristine blade.

He had never paid attention to his appearance.

Even when he looked in a mirror, he never examined his features closely.

But now, he was doing something he had never done before.

'...We look completely different.'

Lithren and Tarkan had different features.

Tarkan had a sharp, intimidating look, like a honed sword.

In contrast, Lithren had a soft, pleasant appearance.

And beneath his clothes, his chest was firm and well-built.

The sword slid back into its scabbard.

Tarkan resumed walking as if nothing had happened.

But his movements were rougher than before.

His hand subtly rested on his chest.

The sensation of heat, firmness, and elasticity was unmistakable.

A well-developed pectoral muscle like that was rare.

But Lithren wasn't to be underestimated.

He needed to check on the warriors' training—more like to scold them.

As he headed to the training ground, a sweet voice reached his ears.

"Your Highness Tarkan."

The sound of heels and the rustling of a luxurious dress, rare in Ailugo, caught his attention.

Tarkan's brow furrowed.

It was Aristine's maids.

"Where are you going, Your Highness?"

"The sun is nice today. How about a cup of tea?"

"We can serve you tea."

The maids approached, fluttering their eyelashes.

"......"

Tarkan said nothing, just looking down at them.

Brodie, one of the maids, smiled seductively and moved closer to Tarkan.

She found him both frightening and attractive.

A deep sigh escaped her lips just from Tarkan's gaze.

"Your Highness."

Brodie placed her hand on Tarkan's arm.

The firm, warm sensation made her fingers move involuntarily, tracing his muscles.

"Ah, Your Highness. Come here. I want to serve you tea."

Tarkan's golden eyes fixed on Brodie's face.

* * *

"......A sword that saves lives?"

Lithren repeated.

He had never heard of such a thing. Where in the world would such a sword exist?

"Why, of course."

Aristine shrugged, looking at him as if he should know.

Lithren thought for a moment and then exclaimed, "Ah! Do you mean a surgical scalpel?"

"Exactly."

Aristine smiled.

"But why a surgical scalpel all of a sudden...?"

It wasn't a field Aristine would typically be interested in.

In fact, surgical scalpels weren't highly regarded.

While there was a steady demand for them in surgical procedures, blacksmiths in Ailugo often looked down on them, considering them inferior to proper swords.

The situation was similar in other countries.

While they weren't looked down upon, some doctors blamed the scalpels when surgeries failed.

This led to unnecessary criticism and responsibility, causing the industry to shrink.

"As you know, there are many problems in that field. Most people avoid it..."

"Exactly, that's why."

Aristine nodded.

'A blue ocean market.'

A market ripe for entry.

The blacksmiths who currently make scalpels aren't particularly interested in selling them aggressively.

Most of them make scalpels out of necessity because other items don't sell well.

If someone with the right motivation enters the market, there will be no competition.

Of course, things don't always go smoothly just because you have the motivation.

'But I have my past life to guide me, thanks to the Emperor's Eye.'

Aristine smiled.

Lithren looked at her, confused.

'So that's it? Ah!'

Realization dawned on him.

"Of course, Your Highness! You're truly visionary!"

"Yes, I see you recognize the potential!"

The potential to make a fortune!

Aristine nodded.

But Lithren's reaction was a bit strange.

"If the quality of the scalpels improves, medical accidents will decrease, and surgical failures will be reduced. Then, people will regain their health!"

Indeed, the guardian of peace and the angel of hope!

Lithren's eyes sparkled with emotion.

"The heart of Your Highness, who wants to save people suffering from illness and despair..."

Aristine looked at Lithren, bewildered.

'No... I just want to make money.'

Why did the conversation take this turn?

"I was foolish. I was talking about the problems and how everyone avoids it."

"Um, Lithren..."

"Your Highness is willing to enter such a difficult field to save people, even at a loss."

"Er, um..."

No, that's not it.

While it's true that the field has problems and is avoided, he definitely wasn't planning to take a loss.

Aristine's lips moved, but no words came out.

There was a huge misunderstanding.

'While I do hope people's illnesses will be better treated...'

That was a secondary consideration.

The most important thing was the gold that would be his.

"You've reminded me again. Thank you."

"Um, yes..."

It was too late to correct the misunderstanding now.

"Your Highness's heart, which cares for the people, is truly admirable. I will always stand by Your Highness."

"Um, yes..."

Aristine nodded, looking uneasy.

It felt like she had taken a step back and only increased his loyalty.

It was good that he was motivated.

'But why is this so awkward...'

"Shall we make a sample scalpel? I've never made one, but I have a general idea of what it looks like."

Lithren looked around the forge.

The forge in Tarkan's palace was well-equipped.

While it wasn't a large-scale workshop like in Catalaman, it was sufficient for Lithren.

He hadn't expected much since it was mainly used for repairing the warriors' swords, but the magical bellows were the latest model.

With this, they shouldn't need additional help to make a prototype.

As Lithren picked up a piece of steel, Aristine shook her head.

"No, the scalpel I want is a bit different."

"Different?"

"Yes, a completely new type of scalpel."

Lithren looked at Aristine.

Aristine pulled out a piece of paper from her robes.

"I want it made like this."

"This is..."

Lithren's eyes widened in surprise as he looked at the drawing on the paper.

The Emperor's Eye.

The supreme eye that could see the past, present, and future.

But Aristine's Emperor's Eye had gone a step further.

In her childhood, the emperor had continuously abused her to force the manifestation of the Emperor's Eye.

It was a futile effort.

Aristine had already opened her Emperor's Eye by then.

But there was one thing that helped enhance her potential.

At just six years old, she was almost abandoned and confined deep within the palace.

At that age, she couldn't survive alone.

Her husband was irrelevant; she just wanted to make money.