Conquering His Cold Heart

Despite the stampede being effectively over dozens if not hundreds of men and women were gathered both inside and outside Borris' weapon shop, each keen to meet with the newly crowned 4-star smith and place a personal order no matter the price. A 4-star weapon truly divided the amateurs from the professionals.

An opportunity no one wanted to miss especially given that they'd be flush with cash from the stampede rewards.

The line outside the shop went so far back that Frost and Maya couldn't see the end. It would take a very long time for it to be their turn. Well only if they queued up of course.

Frost was still in a certain mindset that caused his royal aura to permeate his surroundings and along with his rather cold expression people naturally parted as he walked by. Add on the fact that he was the local hero and wielder of Borris' first 4 star weapon the men and women waiting allowed him to enter ahead without any fuss.

Frost gave a curt nod in thanks but nothing more, he was in no mood to waste pleasantries.

The bell that usually chimed when a customer entered the shop was gone, thus Frost silently walked passed the threshold without much fanfare. The inside of the shop was actually far less cramped that he imagined. It was clear that Borris or whoever was currently managing the shop floor enacted some rules in light of his ascension.

Only 8 people were allowed in the store at one time and had to be quick with their requests.

Frost quickly spotted two of Borris' grandchildren manning the counters with exhausted and stressed expressions.

"I'm sorry sir as I've previously stated my grandfather has no intention of taking any orders for 4 star equipment nor will he accept any personal forging requests.

He'll only guarantee that any equipment forged within our workshop will have to meet his approval before being sold." The young dwarf reiterated the same phrase over and over to everyone who entered regardless of their station and willingness to pay exorbitant amounts of coin. The young dwarf couldn't fully understand his grandfather's reasoning but followed through, nonetheless.

His words always frustrated the would-be customers to no end. Many of which stormed out in anger cursing Borris' arrogance as they stomped passed the still queuing customers whereas others simply lamented the lost opportunity before placing a regular order.

Just having the approval of a 4-star smith meant the equipment would be a notch above its usual quality, a lesser win but still a win I their minds.

"Is Borris available for a private chat?" Frost, as if taking no notice to the current atmosphere spoke up shortly after entering the shop. His words were quickly met with eye rolls and an even more frustrated look from the two grandchildren. One of the two replied rather curtly, annoyed by this whole ordeal.

Frost wasn't the first one to try and throw his weight around, hoping to skip procedures and get special treatment.

"I'm only going to say this once, my grandfather is…."

"He is and he's been expecting you sir Frost." Before the grandson at the counter could finish speaking Dean -another of Borris' grandsons- walked out from the back of the shop and cut him off.

"Perfect, lead the way then Dean." Frost nodded and smiled in a slightly gentle manner but retained his rather cold demeanour. Those still waiting and the two grandchildren at the counters stood with their jaws agape, not expecting such treatment.

The waiting customers instinctively wanted to complain but held their tongues the moment they saw and recognised Frost. He was the hero of the stampede and the wielder of Borris' first 4-star weapon.

"This way please." Dean gestured for Frost and Maya to follow him into the back of the shop. The young dwarf carried himself with a fair bit of confidence after assisting his grandfather in forging the [Wolf howling at the moon]. Of course he only played a very small part in the process but just being in the same room while the forging was happening allowed his skills to deepen.

He could now see the path he needed to take.

Dean quickly led Frost and Maya to workshop where Borris could be seen monitoring the forging process of his progeny, making comments and guiding them in the right direction as they forged. The old smith looked rejuvenated, the fire in his eyes blazing like an inferno and his back that had begun slouching naturally from his age was ramrod straight.

New life had been infused into him the moment he broke through the barrier, his potential hadn't run out yet. A notion that filled the old man with sheer joy. For the first time in years he felt ambitious in regards to his own achievements instead of the future of his talented offspring.

"You're certainly looking fired up." Frost couldn't help but comment with a wild smile forming on his lips. Borris being in such a state was only good news for him.

Borris turned around at his words, replying with a wild smile of his own. "Of course, the ideas are just flowing through me, how can I not be pumped up." Borris made a fist and grasped his bicep in a pumped-up gesture.

"let's head to my office." Borris said as his apprentices and progeny grew distracted by both Frost's presence as well as the one following silently behind him. Even him given his advanced age and experience couldn't help but double take as he took in Maya's beauty. He gave Frost a knowing look and a discrete thumbs up before leading them into his office.

"A drink?" Borris asked while revealing a few hidden bottles of alcohol.

"I'm good thanks, Maya?" Frost waved his hand, not in the mood for any alcohol.

Maya surprisingly shook her head, denying a glass, she too wasn't in the mood for a drink.

"More for me then." Borris placed two glasses back before pouring himself an amber coloured whiskey.

"Ahhhhh good stuff. I've kept these bottles here for so long that dust has started accumulating. I'm glad I finally earned the right to partake." Borris relished in the smooth, rich flavour of the B-rank whiskey.

"You seem a little off Frost, everything alright?" Borris asked rather awkwardly, finding the mood around the young man rather chilling.

"Just a little issue that has unfortunately changed my perspective." Frost didn't bother explaining the event, not keen to rehash it with Borris.

"Fair enough. Though I expected you to come at some point what's the prime reason for this visit." Borris understood from Frost's words that he didn't want to talk about it so he changed the topic.

Frost smiled gently before speaking about his intentions. "Obviously I want to officially thank you for the [Wolf howling at the moon] but the main reason is in regards to what I mentioned previously."

"….Are you referring to your territory and my wish to possibly foray into the glacial mountains." Borris leaned back on his chair, his mind pondering on the discussion the two of them had several weeks ago.

"Yes. I've already informed the Furanos and the guilds about my territory and have gotten their permission to solicit aid from those living in the territory, you included."

"So you're here to poach me from Furano." Borris replied with a chilling tone. He was very fond of his hometown and didn't like the idea of switching allegiances.

"Not exactly." Frost then explained the details in regards to his territory, the benefits in moving as well as his discussion with Cassandra.

"Don't think of it as poaching especially since you yourself mentioned your wish to travel. I'm just offering you a place to start your journey. There you can solidify your rank without being pressured by outside influences and I'll guarantee you an endless supply of materials to work with as well as the chance to interact with a smith from the glacial mountains."

"That girlfriend of yours that forged your armour."

"That's the one." Maya trembled slightly upon hearing his words but quickly readjusted her composure.

"...…" Borris silently pondered the issue. To be honest Frost's terms were very, very tempting. Add on the fact that the Furanos supported his actions the offer posed little risk.

"I'll also promise to help you get to the inner regions if that's what you wish." Frost threw out his last benefit. Though he'd wish to keep someone as skilled as Borris within the confines of his own territory, he knew that the old smith's ambitions would lead him in search of any opportunity to improve his craft.

".... I'll have to tie up a few things first but you've got yourself a deal." Borris nodded his head in acceptance. Frost's terms were just too appealing to his current state and all he asked in return was for him to teach his subordinates some smithing basics and interact frequently with Daki so she could improve her craft.

"That's perfect, I look forward to working with you Borris." Frost smiled from ear to ear as he leaned over the desk and shook Borris' hand. His territory would now have an expert smith on hand.

"I'll need around a month to finish setting everything up but after that you'll be golden." Frost then stood up with Maya and went to leave, their business was now done.

Borris had all the information he needed and now with his decision made he walked the two out of the shop personally before heading back into the workshop. He'd teach his progeny as much as he could and finish off the official handover during the coming weeks before embarking to Frost's territory. The very thought filled him with excitement as well as anxiety.

It would be his first time visiting the glacial mountains.

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