Dark Fairy Tale: Tyrant, Conquered Cinderella at the Beginning

Chapter 29 Magical Blacksmith Shop

Richard mounted his horse and, accompanied by several knights, quickly arrived at the entrance of the blacksmith’s workshop. A guard assigned to guide the blacksmiths was already waiting outside.

“Greetings, Lord!” the knights at the entrance bowed in respect.

“Greetings, Lord!” the blacksmiths followed suit, their faces a mix of apprehension and determination. They knew well that their skills were basic, mostly used for crafting everyday tools for the villagers, often lacking in quality. Now that they were summoned by their lord, whom they revered like a deity, they weren’t sure if their skills would meet his expectations.

But the mention of wages and food allowances made them envious and determined. They decided to be extra cautious and put forth their best efforts.

Richard nodded, dismounting and heading straight into the building. The workshop was a large stone structure, designed to prevent fires, equipped with forges, quenching tanks, furnaces, coal, pig iron, and all kinds of tools.

Richard opened the system panel and designated this place as the official blacksmith shop. Much like the militia training ground, the real world around him remained unchanged. Soon, the system gave its confirmation:

[Blacksmith shop site successfully set! Note, if the host wishes, you can change the designated site by consuming lord points in the future.] [You have unlocked the blacksmith shop! Use it to strengthen your territory! Whether in war or in daily life, this shop will bring your land into the iron age, greatly enhancing its strength!]

Richard’s lips curved into a smile as he examined the description:

[Blacksmith shop functions activated!] [Forging Bonus: With craftsmen settled here, their skill level will greatly improve, allowing for more efficient and higher-quality production of iron goods!] [Supernatural Bonus: With a master craftsman present, there is a chance to forge beginner-level supernatural equipment!]

Richard, having already unlocked the blacksmith shop and drawing on his prior experience with the militia training camp, was not surprised by these updates. The next step was to set the craftsmen to work.

“Bring them in!” Richard ordered, and the knights led the blacksmiths inside. Among them, only two had recently been practicing the trade; the rest had not worked in blacksmithing for some time.

This was partly due to the chaotic management before Richard’s arrival. The tax officer, Harvey, had been arbitrary in his taxation—sometimes collecting lightly, other times emptying entire blacksmith shops, driving these craftsmen to the brink.

Moreover, this town was small, rarely engaged in warfare, and thus had no need for armaments. Even if a conflict arose, they relied on weapons provided by the higher authorities, not locally made ones. The townspeople’s demand for iron goods was limited, leaving the blacksmiths with little business.

Eventually, only two blacksmiths remained working in Long Eagle territory. Only then did Harvey ease up, as the town still needed at least some blacksmiths to keep the economy running.

The tax officer had claimed to have found only one blacksmith in his investigation, likely because he underestimated Richard and thought he could cover up part of the town’s income to embezzle more taxes. He hid some of the business to pocket extra revenue, which explains how his house was found with two pieces of supernatural materials.

Seeing everyone in place, Richard wasted no time and announced, “Now that you’re all here, let’s get to work! I need you to craft spearheads, plowshares, sickles, hoes, and a few other items. My knights will give you the detailed specifications shortly. If you require any materials or equipment within reason, inform them, and I will make arrangements.”

“If any of you can come up with better methods or techniques to increase production, you may inform my attendants. If it’s viable, I will reward you with more than just your wage, possibly even meat provisions!”

“And even if you don’t have any new techniques, as long as you complete my tasks on time, you will have a guaranteed salary and meat rations.”

The craftsmen’s faces lit up with joy at the prospect of such rewards.

“You can count on us, my lord!”

“Good,” Richard said, smirking slightly. “But if any of you mess up, then you’ll go back to tilling the fields, and your food rations will be cut in half!”

The threat startled the group, and they quickly assured, “We won’t! We definitely won’t!”

Richard waved them off and left the blacksmith shop. Inside, the knights distributed the tasks according to the blueprints Richard had provided, as most of the craftsmen were illiterate and needed the instructions verbally conveyed.

Soon, the forges were lit, and the sound of metal striking metal filled the shop. As the work began, one young blacksmith suddenly paused, surprised. Despite not having handled a hammer in years, he found that it now felt like an extension of his own body. He could control the strength and precision of each strike effortlessly, and his work was even better than before!

It was as if he could visualize the exact shapes and standards that the lord had specified, guiding each blow perfectly.

The older blacksmiths had a similar experience. Despite never having forged weapons before, they managed to produce spearheads with ease, matching the lord’s specifications to perfection.

Other blacksmiths, who used to struggle with simple tasks like making kitchen knives, were now efficiently crafting complex tools with surprising speed and quality. They marveled at their sudden improvement, not knowing what had caused it, but were grateful for the change.

Back at the castle, Richard had just settled in when he received a request for an audience from his scribe.

Richard smiled slightly. “It seems the investigation into the Swamp Witch’s details has finally been completed. Let him in!”