The Blacksmith's Life

"Um... little Su."

The way she addressed him changed even faster than before.

"Look, you don't have anywhere to go right now, and with the world in such chaos, someone with your physique would just be walking to their death out there."

"Since you said you wanted to learn a trade..."

Aunt Martha glanced at Old Buck beside her.

Old Buck's heart skipped a beat, a sense of foreboding washing over him.

"Old Buck's craft might be crude, but here in our Wading Village, it's one of a kind."

"Shoeing a horse, repairing a plow, or even forging a kitchen knife—those are all skills that can earn money."

"If you don't mind, just stay here, become Old Buck's apprentice, and help him out."

"There's no wages, but we'll provide food and lodging."

"What do you think?"

Old Buck's mouth fell open.

"What? Make him do blacksmithing?"

He pointed at Su Li's arms, which looked like nothing more than hemp stalks.

"Old woman, have you lost your mind? Is this kid's hand made for swinging a sledgehammer? I reckon he'd struggle just to hold a pitchfork!"

"That's just because he's starving right now!"

Aunt Martha glared, cutting Old Buck's protest short.

"A couple of meat-filled meals and he'll be back in shape!"

"Besides, I'm finding you a helper, not a strongman!"

"Can he work the bellows? Can he hand you the tongs? Even if he just watches the fire for you, it's better than you running around like a headless chicken all by yourself!"

Old Buck wanted to retort, but seeing the murderous look in his wife's eyes, he could only swallow his words.

Fine. You're the boss.

It's not like I'm the one who's going to end up exhausted anyway.

Su Li sat there, listening to the couple bicker, his heart blooming with joy.

It was really that easy?

He'd found a long-term meal ticket just like that?

And a blacksmith shop, at that.

Though it might be tiring and dirty.

It was a good profession.

No need to deal with nobles, no need to go to the battlefield to die.

He'd be around the furnace every day, so he wouldn't be cold in the winter.

Plus, he could build up this body of his.

Su Li stood up.

This time, he was truly respectful.

These were his bread and butter, after all.

"Thank you, Madam. Thank you, Uncle."

"I'm not afraid of hard work."

"As long as there's food to eat, 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.

"Alright, don't just stand there like a post."

Aunt Martha waved the wooden spoon in her hand.

"Sena, go get your... get your brother Su a bowl of porridge, and make sure there's plenty of the thick stuff."

"He has work to do after he eats."

"Coming!"

Sena's response was lightning fast.

She turned and ran into the house, her thick braid flying behind her.

Old Buck sighed and pulled the red-hot iron tongs out of the water.

"Kid."

Old Buck looked at Su Li.

"Since you're staying, I'll say the ugly part first."

"Blacksmithing isn't embroidery."

"If you can't take the hardship, get lost early. Don't waste my food."

"Also."

Old Buck lowered his voice, speaking at a volume only the two of them could hear:

"Stay away from my daughter."

"If I find out you have any funny ideas..."

He raised the heavy iron hammer in his hand and swung it through the air.

"Don't worry, Uncle."

"I have nothing but respect for Miss Sena."

That was the truth.

Breakfast was simple.

A bowl of rye porridge mixed with chopped wild vegetables and a small piece of salted meat.

But to Su Li, it was practically a delicacy.

He held the bowl, squatted on the threshold, and shoveled it into his mouth with loud slurps.

The hot porridge flowed down his esophagus into his stomach, and the sense of satisfaction made him want to cry.

It was good to be alive.

Even if it meant being a blacksmith.

After finishing his meal, Su Li conscientiously washed the bowl.

Then he walked over to the furnace and looked at Old Buck.

"Uncle, what should I do?"

Old Buck didn't stand on ceremony.

Since he wanted to earn his keep, he had to do the work.

He pointed to the massive bellows nearby.

It was made of old oxhide, and the handle had been polished to a greasy sheen.

"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 was actually a technical skill.

Controlling the heat.

He walked to the bellows and gripped the handle.

It was quite heavy.

"Start!"

Old Buck picked up a piece of iron and placed it on the anvil.

Su Li took a deep breath and began to pull the bellows.

Whoosh-thump—whoosh-thump—

The bellows emitted a dull, rhythmic sound.

The flames in the furnace surged, licking at the dark, heavy iron.

A wave of heat hit his face.

It scorched his skin.

Sweat soon began to stream down his forehead.

Su Li didn't stop.

He gritted his teeth and pulled, stroke after stroke.

This body was truly too weak.

After only a few dozen pulls, his arms began to ache, and his lungs felt like they were on fire.

But he could not stop.

For that bowl of rye porridge.

For that stable that could shield him from the wind and rain.

For the sake of surviving in this godforsaken world.

Old Buck hammered at the iron, casting glances at Su Li from the corner of his eye.

He had expected the kid to collapse after a dozen strikes or so.

He hadn't expected him to actually hold on.

Although his form was slipping and his face had turned pale.

That tenacity was, quite unexpectedly, impressive.

"Not bad."

Old Buck muttered to himself.

"Not just a useless pretty boy after all."

Clang—clang—

The sound of the 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 vibe was a bit off, certainly.

But he felt quite grounded.

At least it was far more grounded than selling his looks to that pack of ravenous noblewomen back at Red Maple Manor.

"Put your back into it!"

Old Buck roared.

"Did you not eat breakfast!"

"Coming!"

Su Li shouted back, putting every ounce of strength he possessed into the swing.

Sparks flew in every direction.

Illuminating a face already streaked with sweat and coal dust.