Eventually, Selene and Edifice arrive at the Peerless Smith Workshop.
Greatest workshop of the Great River Bank Settlement, claims Edifice.
Regardless, this was where Selene was to commission her equipment.
Entering the workshop, they are greeted by a peculiar-looking junior smith.
"Miss Edifice! How could we service you?"
"Hello, Copper Junior, is the Head Smith in today?"
"He is in the back, but is busy handling another commission. Might I bring another smithy to handle your order?"
"Hmm. Would Iron Senior be in today?"
Listening to this conversation, Selene couldn't help but notice the odd names.
This Copper Junior, standing in front of her, had a shiny tan, a plain-looking face, and fitting attire for a smithy.
She could see the world distorted in its reflective skin.
'Iron Senior... they're all named after metals, because their skin is made of metal?'
Selene assumed this to be the work of a Dao Art, one that transforms the skin into resilient metal.
"Miss Edifice, who might this be by your side?"
Copper Junior turned to face Selene's absentminded gaze.
Edifice also turned around and happily introduced Selene.
"This is my Junior Sister and the second Immortal Seed of Lord Immortal Adamant."
"..."
The shiny, reflective surface creased as Copper Junior's eyes widened in surprise.
"So this commission for weapons and armour is for her?"
"Indeed."
Copper Junior gave Selene an inquisitive look as he grabbed his smooth chin.
"A young lady of her size isn't fit to handle any great weapons."
A voice called from around the corner, it was a deep tone compared to Copper Junior's youthful voice.
Walking around, a tall, thick man appeared while stroking a thick beard.
Similar to Copper Junior, this man's skin was a smooth, shiny grey, although his hair was a darker shade.
He approached and greeted with a bow.
"Hello, young miss, I will be responsible for handling your commissions. It is an honour to serve the Young Lords of Lord Immortal Adamant."
Selene gave a nod to Iron Senior, Edifice stepped up and thanked him on Selene's behalf.
They were led to another area of the workshop, where a series of weapons were displayed on the wall.
"Peerless Smith Workshop offers a variety of standard weapons, blades and ranged, we even help create personal designs."
Gesturing at the various displays, Selene could help but notice that most of the weapons were awfully tall.
She noticed that Sun and Dawn wield polearms that match their height, but these weapons were taller than herself.
"Miss...?"
"Selene."
"Miss Selene, what experience do you have wielding a blade or a polearm?"
"...I don't have any experience."
"..."
Iron Senior's expression subtly faltered.
"You have not wielded a weapon before?"
Selene shook her head awkwardly in response.
His expression was stumped. Edifice stepped up again to explain their situation.
"Truthfully, I only propose a weapon for self-defence in dire times; Sister does not need a weapon for offensive battle."
"Hmm, that would match your circumstances. Forgive me, I was not expecting a Young Lord to not be... experienced with a weapon."
Iron Senior contemplated for another minute before offering two options.
"Miss Selene, for someone of your stature and inexperience, I can offer you one of two weapons that should satisfy this request."
"A common sword is utilised by many. It is not too difficult to wield one in self-defence, although proper swordsmanship might take months or years to refine."
"On the other hand, a polearm is a good choice, too. It provides ample range beyond one's own, but its handling is more intricate than a sword."
Selene analysed her options and eventually opted for the sword.
Edifice was also pleased with this option and pitched in her own idea.
"I suggest the blade be no longer than a meter, thick but not too heavy. A two-handed blade would also be more fitting."
Iron Senior nodded and listed down the details, and waved his hand.
A sword flew into his hand. Gripping the handle, he held it up and inspected its size and weight, eventually offering it to Selene.
"We will use this sword as a reference. Miss Selene, what do you think of this sword?"
She accepted the blade and gripped the handle with both hands, it was almost half her height.
It didn't feel too heavy in her hands, but she would not risk swinging the blade in here.
"It feels alright."
"...Would you like anything changed about its weight or length...?"
"No..."
Selene paused. It felt usable, nothing needed to be changed, but she couldn't help but ask.
"Can you add something to the design?"
"Yes, I can, were you thinking something practical or ornamental?"
"A lotus flower. I would appreciate it if you could apply it as a symbol to the design."
"We can add the lotus flower at the base of the blade. Might I ask the inspiration behind this choice?"
"Just... something about my home..."
Iron Senior nodded as he added to his notes, taking the sword back from Selene before placing it back on display.
"That settles the weapon, you mentioned armour too, Miss Edifice?"
"Yes. I recommend something lightweight but protective."
"Should I create the design similar to the armour you commissioned before?"
Edifice nodded. Iron Senior scribbled down some more notes.
Selene looked at her senior Sister and questioned.
"Do I really need armour?"
"It is mostly for protection against the terrain. I will help you learn other Dao Arts for greater defence."
Despite having access to all those books in her room, Selene wasn't able to find many that she was fond of.
She had practised Dao Arts back at Union Settlement.
There was a defensive Dao Art she learned with Sun, and another was to boost physical endurance.
She wasn't too focused on offensive ability, which was her main concern.
The sword she had commissioned was also only for defensive purposes.
The more Selence thought about her current situation, the more complicated her feelings became.
'So far, I have no fighting ability. Should I be wasting my time focusing on these menial.?
'Truly, I wish to stand on my own, but solely defending myself proves nothing but fragility.'
'If I can't strike back, how could I stand on my own?'
Sensing the subtle unrest in Selene, Edifice finishes the commission with Iron Senior and pays a handful of silver tablets.
"We will have you commission ready in three nights!"
"We will see you then, soon."
Copper Junior waved them off with a smile as they left the workshop.
The streets of the marketplace were still bustling, a minor annoyance to Selene but nothing to Edifice.
Once again, they became the subject of stares and comments.
"Are we returning to the monastery?"
"Hmm. There are a few places I still wish to take you. Just follow behind me, okay?"
The crowd would part before the two as they travelled along the stone roads.
...
After travelling for a while, they would find a quieter place than the bustling streets.
It was a cosy store that served various cakes.
Selene was confused as she questioned her senior Sister.
"What are we doing here? When you said you wished to take me to a few places, I thought it would be important to my cultivation."
"I can help you cultivate back at the monastery, but this is no less important. I merely wish to enjoy the moment."
Edifice happily dismissed Selene's confusion and dragged her to order cakes.
Their orders were served on ornate paper. The pastries had a beautiful golden crust, but were otherwise plain, like a toasted loaf of bread.
As they walked away, Edifice happily took a bite and savoured the mouthful.
"Did you not eat back at the monastery? Why must we get food now?"
Swallowing the food, she encouraged Selene to take of bite of her own pastry.
She looked over it for a moment before biting through the brittle crust and into the fluffy mass.
'It really does taste like bread."
The texture was soft, while the taste wasn't anything special.
After a moment, she felt an intense sweetness assault her tongue.
Surprised, Selene looked down at her pastry and noticed a crimson filling oozing from the centre.
"Good, isn't it?"
Edifice was already enjoying another bite. Selene was hesitant before replying.
"It is..."
"..."
"Why did you bring me here?"
Edifice turned and raised a brow.
"Why not?"
"Should I not be focusing on cultivation, or the upcoming competition between the Immortal Seeds?"
"Well... yes, you should. But you should also have a little more time to yourself."
Selene didn't understand and beckoned Edifice to continue.
"You are worrying too much about the future and focusing too much on cultivation. You are missing all the little things in life."
"Like those storybooks I left behind. It would not do you any harm to read those books every once in a while."
"Keeping in touch with certain things, no matter how small or menial they may seem, is a good thing."
"Talking a little more to people would also do some good. Not just in the political sense, but personal sense."
"You seem to be losing yourself to all things bad. You seem to see only the ugly in the world, which will eventually reflect onto yourself."
"The Immortal road is difficult, but simply cultivating will lead you on the wrong path."
"Take some time and enjoy the little things in life."
...