Alix inclines his head. "Until now."
Xansen turns away, staring into the embers of the forge. He breathes in the heat, then out with a slow sigh. "Damn you, kid. You make it sound so easy."
He glances back, eyes hard. "But… if you truly have the means to take me the rest of the way—if you can give me access to the materials, all the knowledge I've been missing—then maybe it's worth it."
Alix offers a faint smile. "I'll send my best resources. You'll never want for ore, runes, or recipes again."
Xansen's lip quirks into a grudging grin. "Fine. I'll join your… kingdom. But don't think I owe you loyalty beyond my craft."
Alix nods. "Understood."
Xansen grunts and scratches at his beard. "So then… what's the name of this mysterious kingdom of yours, Your Majesty?"
He says it with a half-scoff, half-smirk.
