Inside the Blacksmith Shop at dawn, Hawke's booming voice echoed between the furnaces as usual.
"Alright, today..."
The old Blacksmith crossed his arms, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group of apprentices before him.
When his eyes passed over Roland's handsome face, he gave a subtle, almost imperceptible nod.
"...is the day of your assessment!"
Hawke raised his voice.
"In a little while, Lord Baron Fosling himself will be here to observe the assessment, so I want you all to give it one hundred and twenty percent! Do you hear me?"
"Yes, sir!"
Hearing that the Lord was about to arrive, the apprentices, led by Marco, showed expressions mixed with nervousness and excitement.
Although as sons of blacksmiths they already held a higher status among commoners, they were still worlds apart from a noble with a hereditary title.
Unlike the others, however, Roland remained calm, a flicker of curiosity stirring within him instead.
