Rock Hammer Blacksmith was open for business as usual.
But when Xia Nan walked into the shop, the man standing behind the counter was not the brawny fellow named Barn.
Instead, it was a young man whose features bore some resemblance to his.
Unlike that big, burly man, the youth's features were much softer, and his air was far quieter.
Though under the influence of his father's Dwarf bloodline, he still had a rather tall build—standing there, he was a head taller than Xia Nan, who was nearly one meter ninety—but the muscle mass across his body was much leaner and smoother due to his maternal inheritance.
"Welcome to Rock Hammer Blacksmith!"
"Please take a look and see what you need, sir. If you aren't satisfied with the equipment in the shop, we also offer custom services here. The prices are absolutely fair!"
The young man was extremely enthusiastic. The moment Xia Nan entered the shop, he took the initiative to come forward and greet him.
After working with Barn so many times and hearing him mention it in casual conversation, plus the odd bits of gossip circulating among the Adventurers at the tavern, Xia Nan had a rough idea of the man's family situation.
His wife had died young, leaving him with one son, who was studying in Newm and only came back to help watch the shop during the occasional holiday.
Clearly, this young man before him, whose facial features resembled Barn's, should be the rumored heir to the blacksmith.
Xia Nan looked him over, gave a slight nod, and said, "Hello. Is Barn in the shop?"
"I have an equipment order that needs to be delivered."
At that, the young man's expression froze slightly.
Then the smile on his face grew even warmer, and he hurriedly answered,