Heaven's Greatest Professor

Warden was halfway through his Rune painting when the elder joined him. His proficiency in drawing indicated that he was not unfamiliar with this practice, even though he had chosen something easier to draw. Rune painting was a more artistic process compared to most runesmithing, which was why most runesmiths occasionally dabbled in it to synchronise their creative and logical faculties.

The image of the little ravenous bunny was forming clearly on the script paper, but Warden decided to set it aside for now. He couldn't keep the elder waiting, could he?

"I see you are quite skilled at painting as well," Elder Ming remarked as he joined Warden in his seat.

"Me?" Warden waved it off. "I'm absolutely abhorrent at it. Drawing in geometrical figures? How can anyone love this kind of torturous process?"

He glanced at Jenni in the corner of his eyes, but her expression and aura didn't give away anything.

"Since you called for this audience," Elder Ming said, redirecting his gaze from his daughter's obedient figure to Warden, "I assume you're prepared to take on high runesmithing jobs."

"That," Warden nodded, "and to confirm what you promised me."

Saying that, Warden brought out a few Tier-9 reinforced steel ingots and a few other expensive metals and ores, placing them on the table, even catching the attention of the obedient Jenni.

"That's some excellent resources for high runic equipment," Elder Ming remarked, narrowing his eyes. "Has someone else already asked you to make their equipment?"

"These are for me," Warden clarified. "If you don't remember, one of my conditions for joining the Artificer department was for you to use your blacksmithing expertise to make me a spear."

"Mhm? Are you sure?" Elder Ming arched his eyebrow. "I don't remember making any promises on that."

"Perhaps old age got to you," Warden snorted. "You clearly mentioned we could discuss this matter later."

"I did? Then let's discuss." Elder Ming settled comfortably into his seat, one leg above the other, studying the drawing his daughter was making. "You mentioned you can pay... Tell me, what can you afford to give away?"

"Essence gems, beast cores, arcane credits, or contribution points," Warden stated.

"Those work," the elder nodded. "Leave an advance and a note detailing the requirements for the weapon, and I'll put you in the queue."

"Queue?" Warden scratched his bushy chin. "How long is that going to take?"

"Months," Elder Ming said, picking up one of his daughter's paintings. "Years. I don't even know how many works I promised to all the people."

Warden groaned. "Elder Ming, is there any way for you to finish my work urgently?"

"I usually don't do that, and definitely not without any favour."

Warden didn't waste any moment. "What kind of favour do you need?" The way the elder pointed it out was clear; he wanted something. Warden just did not like to beat around the bush like the elderly. "I can do runesmithing work."

"You'll do that anyway in our department," Elder Ming said.

Warden narrowed his eyes. "Other than runesmithing, my other talents only amount to combat and cooking."

"You missed one great capability," the elder said, putting back the painting to continue. "The way you handled the adepts, making them work extra hard for the job, to complete the project in a week, has been quite brilliant. Your ability to command others has greatly impressed me."

"Well, thank you, I guess," Warden said stoically.

"How do you manage that without the adepts hating you for overworking them?"

"Oh, I do think they hate me for what I put them through," Warden admitted. His gaze turned to the girl. "Right, Jenni?"

"Yes, I hate you dearly," the girl answered without lifting her head.

"See?" Warden chuckled. "I think other than the raw hate, the adepts possess a deep level of respect for my work ethic and expertise in the business. For most of them, the respect outweighs the hatred, so they listen to me."

"And you have managed to gain more of their respect by throwing a party in their name, letting them win prizes in the competition."

"I just wanted to throw a barbecue," Warden said. "And they deserve some partying after the week of exhausting work."

"Whatever your reason, it doesn't matter; what matters is that it works," Elder Ming said. "Which brings me back to the adepts. You have met them; what do you think of them?"

"Good folks," Warden said, scratching his hair, still unsure where the elder was getting at. "Most of them are lacking in their skills, some even are subpar for an adept rank runesmith. I don't know how their life has been, but it's likely the combined effect of their complacency and sloth."

Jenni snorted. "Easy for you to say, Mr. Master Runesmith."

"Little Jen," Elder Ming scowled, "what did I say about disrespecting people higher than your station?"

"I should think twice about its implication and question if it's worth it, and stop myself most times," she said in a robotic voice. She turned to Warden. "I apologize, Mr. Master Runesmith. My skills are lacking compared to the efficient slaves you want."

In contrast to the scowl of Elder Ming, Warden had a smile on his lips. There was a certain charm to a woman's voice when she talked freely without caring about propriety and whatnot.

"What am I to do with you?" Elder Ming said. "Seeing you act like you please... I don't know how I can answer to your mother when I fail to raise you."

"She's dead; you don't have to answer to her."

"Jenni..."

"Here," the girl handed him all the drawings she made. "Can I leave now?"

"You remember your punishment?" Elder Ming suppressed his feelings to ask.

"That I'm not allowed to move out of the Artificer department or make a scene anywhere," she said, standing up. "Can I leave now?"

"Before you leave, you should know I'm putting you under Master Warden. You're to help him in whatever he asks of you."