Of course, Aslan had no idea about the rumors gradually spreading around him. After all, the protagonist of any rumor often doesn't learn its content until the very end. In a way, it was a kind of false truth.
Aslan and Melusine had arrived at the location Merlin had given them a few days ago, but those old magicians truly excelled at hiding. They left no traces for Aslan to find.
No wonder Merlin was so decisive in sharing information—he probably knew there was no way to master deeper magic in such a short time, so he urged Aslan to take a leap of faith.
According to the old nightmare's thinking, the weaker the ability to represent variables, the smaller the impact—almost like the old man was deliberately limiting Aslan's growth, in a roundabout way.
But Aslan was not helpless. If push came to shove, he could ask Melusine for a dragon tooth. He didn't believe such a tooth existed without a reason. It could be used as bait to catch a magician. But that came with a price—Melusine would need time to recover, and though dragons healed quickly, the damage would still be painful.
Though no clues surfaced about the magicians, Aslan heard about an intriguing event—the Famous Sword Appreciation Conference.
Knights from across Britain and anyone who possessed a notable ancestral sword were invited to gather at a certain castle for a grand event. They could compare swords, share stories, and list the most famous swords on the island.
Even if someone wasn't a knight but held a sword passed down through their family, they could attend.
The goal was to allow sword holders to network—and even trade swords. Transactions were overseen by the local lord to guarantee fairness.
This was a rare chance to become famous and to acquire a legendary sword.
The knights Aslan met along the way seemed curious about the conference; all wanted to attend and see what was happening.
After all, this was about the Sword of the King of Choice—an event unmatched in scale.
But Aslan's view was different.
This wasn't just a feast for knights—it was a paradise for blacksmiths.
It was a unique chance to see legendary swords, learn various forging techniques, and examine blessings and special stones from distant mountains that could rival jade.
It was an unparalleled opportunity to improve forging skills.
Indeed, in a land teeming with knights and frequent battles, who wouldn't crave the finest swords and weapons? Even women felt the same.
A lord's daughter had heard the rumor and, after careful thought, decided to host the event.
She wanted to attract a legendary blacksmith—not only out of curiosity, but because everyone wanted a sword uniquely their own.
If such a blacksmith truly existed, he would surely forge a sword exclusive to her.
Even if no blacksmith came, the chance to see all the famous swords was worthwhile. Plus, her father could charge a fee on all sword trades, adding income to their coffers.
This event caught Aslan's attention, but also that of Arturia, who was traveling across countries with Merlin and her foster-brother Kay.
Morgan, cloaked and veiled, watched with her own eyes how decadent the country had become. She wondered if her father's cheap child—Arthur—would be drawn to this event and change his path.
Even foreign magicians chasing magical challenges were intrigued by the island's activities.
Whether any island magicians would attend, it was a good chance for outsiders to learn more about the island, many of whom planned to settle here for long-term magical research.
Aslan sat in a tavern, listening to excited conversations about the appreciation conference, absentmindedly stroking his chin.
Melusine, sitting across from him, pouted. Though others might not notice, as a dragon who had lived with Aslan for years, she easily caught his hidden excitement flickering in his pale blue eyes.
"I'm really jealous. These days, Aslan cares more about this conference than about me."
Aslan was momentarily stunned, then smiled with a mix of affection and helplessness.
After he'd accidentally contracted Melusine, their relationship had not been smooth. For a long time, her dragon instincts dominated, especially since she had slept for so long.
It wasn't until Aslan promised to modify her—installing space-based cannons, machine spear missiles, and even special armor layers over her body—that Melusine began to willingly follow him.
From there, their closeness grew to the deep intimacy they now shared.
Originally, Aslan had never wanted to be a blacksmith; he'd dreamed of being a swordsman or magician—the kind who spoke but never acted.
But life's paths are shaped by chance.
Aslan reached out and gently stroked Melusine's hair.
"I'm doing this for you too. Human life is short. I'll do everything I can in this fleeting time to help you and give your body the makeover it deserves."
Melusine's playful pout vanished instantly, replaced by a serious gloom.
She was a dragon born from the fragments of an age long gone—the Age of Gods now ended.
She was destined to fade away in slumber, unnoticed and forgotten.
That was why she flew only for Aslan.
Melusine rarely showed such seriousness.
Standing, she leaned close to Aslan, her tone solemn.
"Aslan, I fly only for you. I will do everything to fly alongside you. On this journey, I promise to find a way to extend your life as long as possible."
Looking into Aslan's eyes, she swore like a sacred oath:
"A dragon without a home will eventually die. Aslan, from the moment of our contract, our fates are tied. If you die, I will carry your soul to the distant beyond."