"Um... Su Li."
That was a quick change of address.
"You see, you don't have anywhere to go right now, and it's chaos out there. With your build, going out there would be a death sentence."
"Since you said you want to learn a trade..."
Aunt Martha glanced at Old Buck beside her.
Old Buck's heart gave a thump. He had a bad feeling about this.
"Old Buck's work may be rough, but here in Wading Village, he's one of a kind."
"Shoeing a horse, repairing a plow, even making a kitchen knife—all of those are skills that can earn you money."
"If you don't mind, you can stay and apprentice under Old Buck, helping him out."
"There won't be any wages, but you'll get food and lodging."
"What do you think?"
Old Buck's mouth fell open.
"What? You want him to be a blacksmith?"
He pointed at Su Li's arms, which were as thin as sticks.
"Have you lost your mind, woman? Does this kid look like he can swing a hammer? I bet he'd struggle to hold a fork!"
"He's only like that because he's starving!"
Aunt Martha shot him a glare, cutting him off.
"A couple of meals with meat and he'll fill out!"
"Besides, I'm finding you a helper, not a strongman!"
"Can he work the bellows? Hand you your tongs? Even just watching the fire would be better than you fumbling around by yourself!"
Old Buck started to argue, but when he saw the murderous look in his wife's eyes, he swallowed his words.
Fine. You're the boss.
It's not me who'll be collapsing from exhaustion later, anyway.
Sitting there and listening to the couple bicker, Su Li was overjoyed.
That's it? I've got a long-term meal ticket?
And it was a blacksmith's shop, no less.
It might be tiring and dirty.
But it was a good profession.
He wouldn't have to deal with nobles or go off to die on the battlefield.
He'd be around a furnace all day, so he wouldn't be cold in winter.
And he'd get to build up his body, too.
Su Li stood up.
This time, he was genuinely respectful.
They were the ones keeping him fed and clothed.
"Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, sir."
"I don't mind hard work."
"As long as I get a meal, I'll do any job."
His attitude was impeccable.
Aunt Martha nodded in satisfaction.
The more she looked at him, the more she liked him.
"Enough standing around."
Aunt Martha waved her wooden spoon.
"Sena, go get your... get your big brother Su a bowl of porridge. Give him extra of the thick stuff."
"After he eats, he'll have work to do."
"Sure!"
Sena answered at once.
She turned and ran into the house, her thick braid swinging behind her.
Old Buck sighed and fished the red-hot iron tongs out of the water.
"Boy."
Old Buck looked at Su Li.
"Since you're staying, I'll make a few things clear first."
"Blacksmithing isn't embroidery."
"If you can't take the hardship, get out early. Don't waste my food."
"And another thing."
Old Buck lowered his voice, speaking so only the two of them could hear:
"Stay away from my daughter."
"If I find out you've got any funny ideas..."
He raised the heavy hammer in his hand and swung it through the air.
"Don't worry, sir."
"I have nothing but respect for Miss Sena."
He meant it.
Breakfast was simple.
A bowl of rye porridge with a little chopped wild greens mixed in, and a small piece of salted meat.
But to Su Li, it was heavenly.
He held the bowl and squatted on the threshold, shoveling the food into his mouth with loud gulps.
The warm porridge slid down his throat and into his stomach. The feeling of contentment nearly brought him to tears.
It's good to be alive.
Even if I'm a blacksmith now.
After eating, Su Li washed his bowl without being asked.
Then he went over to the furnace and looked at Old Buck.
"What should I do, sir?"
Old Buck didn't bother being polite.
If Su Li was going to eat his food, he had to earn it.
He pointed to the enormous bellows beside them.
They were made of old cowhide, and their handle had been worn smooth and shiny.
"Work the bellows."
"Watch the color of the fire."
"If I want it red, it can't be white."
"If I want it white, it can't be yellow."
"Understand?"
Su Li nodded.
The job looked simple, but it actually took skill.
Controlling the heat.
He walked over to the bellows and gripped the handle.
It was a little heavy.
"Get started!"
Old Buck picked up a piece of iron and set it on the anvil.
Su Li took a deep breath and began working the bellows.
Whoosh-clunk, whoosh-clunk—
The bellows groaned.
The flames in the furnace leaped up, licking at the dark piece of iron.
A wave of heat washed over him.
His face burned.
Sweat quickly ran down his forehead.
Su Li didn't stop.
He gritted his teeth and pumped again and again.
This body really was too weak.
After only a few dozen strokes, his arms began to ache, and his lungs felt as if they were on fire.
But he couldn't stop.
For that bowl of rye porridge.
For that stable where he could shelter from the wind and rain.
For the chance to survive in this damn world.
As Old Buck hammered the iron, he watched Su Li out of the corner of his eye.
He'd thought the kid would collapse after a dozen strokes.
But somehow, he kept going.
His form was starting to falter, and his face was pale.
Still, that grit of his was a surprise.
"Not bad."
Old Buck muttered to himself.
He's not just a pretty face, after all.
Clang, clang—
The sound of hammer striking iron rang out once more.
On this morning in Wading Village,
Su Li began the first job of his third life.
Blacksmith's apprentice.
The whole thing felt a little out of place.
But it gave him a sense of security.
At least it felt far more secure than selling his looks to the pack of ravenous noblewomen at Red Maple Manor.
"Put your back into it!"
Old Buck shouted.
"Didn't you eat?"
"Coming!"
Su Li shouted back, putting every ounce of strength he had into it.
Sparks flew everywhere.
They lit up his face, streaked with sweat and coal dust.
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