One-Eyed Monster

In the tavern opposite the iron forge of Gaga County, Kadi, who wore a mask, was giggling foolishly at a bottle of fruit wine. Sitting across from him were Igor and Master Lao, while curious glances from many patrons were directed at them. It was evident Kadi’s outfit had successfully captured the attention of these tavern-goers.

”See, this is what I was talking about, good thing he’s wearing a mask,” Igor muttered to Master Lao beside him, as if he had foreseen this, and everything was under his expectations.

”This is something I really didn’t anticipate. I didn’t expect that even now, someone would point fingers at unusual appearances,” Master Lao was clearly a bit surprised.

What they were discussing were the expressions of those in the tavern as they looked at Kadi. The people were curious but with a hint of fear, as if Kadi was hiding something terrible beneath that mask, which was a bit different from what Master Lao had previously said. Master Lao had once told Igor that there was no need to wear a mask; nowadays, faces are so strange that no one would notice. But here we are, not even a day later, faced with living proof against his words. Kadi, sitting here with a mask, was pointed at by several patrons. If he took the mask off, well... it would be unimaginable!

”Perhaps it’s because this isn’t the Imperial Capital, and people here haven’t seen much strange stuff, living in a relatively peaceful environment.”

”Maybe,” Igor echoed Master Lao’s explanation.

For Master Lao, unexpected things were far too many; now there was one right before his eyes.

He was happy with crafting a weapon today and came to the tavern across to have a drink and celebrate. But before he could even sit comfortably, he saw a familiar figure burst into the tavern.

It’s no exaggeration to say ”burst into the tavern.” A young man carrying a sword entered, followed by someone dressed in bizarre clothing, wearing a mask as if not wanting to show the true face to people.

Master Lao fixed his eyes on the young man, realizing it was the same young man who had crafted something at his forge. How come he was there again so soon!

But the young man was clearly prepared. His eyes wandered around until they landed on Master Lao, then he grinned.

After some pleasantries, Igor and Kadi sat down with Master Lao under the amazed gaze of the crowd.

The tavern was not big, catering to the regulars of Gaga County. Most were people who came to relax after a day of work, including small clerks working at the Gaga County County Administrative Office, and young apprentices learning tailoring at the seamstress shop. Everyone knew each other and saw each other frequently. Seeing a foreign blacksmith with two strangely dressed young men sitting next to him suddenly, naturally prompted whispered discussions.

”See, that’s the blacksmith from the Imperial Capital.”

”I know, isn’t it? He’s been here for a year. What’s up?”

”Haven’t you seen those two strange young men next to him? One’s carrying a sword and the other’s wearing a mask. They don’t look like good people!”

”I’ve always said this blacksmith isn’t a good sort, but you never believed me.”

”Anyway, better be careful, everyone...”

”Who knows what big secret this guy has on him today!”

With one remark from here and another from there, the people of Gaga County retained a natural suspicion towards outsiders, always feeling these outsiders were dangerous elements.

This perception was mainly because of the significant changes in Gaga County after Elder Rostellum left. When Elder Rostellum was here, Gaga County never feared the arrival of outsiders because those people came to bring gold coins. But now that Elder Rostellum has left for the Imperial Capital, taking all the gold coins with him, it hasn’t ended; outsiders continue to take gold coins from them. Luckily they have Guru Village, this priceless land, or else they’d have become paupers. Since Elder Rostellum’s departure, scarcely anyone from outside visits Gaga County anymore. Those who do come to collect gold coins. Either it’s the imposing Thunder Army soldiers or the mysterious Wizard Alliance wizards. There is no one who does not appear odd upon coming here. This gave the residents of Gaga County a very subjective impression that those coming to collect gold coins were certainly menacing.

Thus, it was only natural for them to assume Igor and Kadi were the same kind of people because they now sat with that blacksmith, who was from the Imperial Capital. People from the Imperial Capital were nothing good; not only did they take Elder Rostellum away, they also took their gold coins!

”When you come for a drink, do they also look at you and discuss you like this?” Igor scanned around cautiously and asked Master Lao.

”It was like this when I first arrived, but not later. Today, it’s mainly because of you two.” Master Lao took a sip of his drink, not expecting Igor to come back so soon, much less with that masked friend of his.

”Oh, aren’t we a burden on you then, making you bear so many strange glances.”

”Not really. Just didn’t expect you to come back...”

At this point, Igor realized why he had returned, but he felt it inappropriate to bluntly tell Master Lao he came to protect him or the like, as it was too abrupt and disrespectful...

”Well, I came back because...” Igor tried to think of a reason Master Lao would accept.

”He came back to prove to me that this sword was given to him by you, not something he wanted to make himself.” Before Igor could finish, Kadi spoke up.

Kadi’s words allowed Igor to breathe a sigh of relief. He hadn’t thought of that point, and often when he was busy, he felt his mind got a little muddled.

”Oh, just for this!” Master Lao appeared incredulous.

”Yes, this is very important, both for me and for him!”

Master Lao looked at Kadi, laughing, ”Oh hahaha, this is somewhat my fault. Didn’t think to forge you a weapon, now seeing your partner with a sword makes you uncomfortable, doesn’t it?”

”Uh...” Igor scratched his head, not expecting Master Lao to think like that. He stared blankly at Kadi only to find Kadi staring blankly back at him.

It was clear Kadi hadn’t expected the master to say such things either!