Riley, however, didn't retract his hand. He merely chuckled, his voice calm, confident, almost disarming.
"You deserve it," he said, his tone leaving no room for refusal.
Koel froze, his heart trembling at the words.
Riley's gaze softened only slightly, though his aura remained sharp, resolute.
"I'll be counting on you in the future for more…" His words trailed as he turned, his cloak brushing lightly against the stone floor.
He lifted a hand and waved dismissively as he walked away, his back toward the stunned young blacksmith.
Koel's jaw nearly dropped to the floor. He stood frozen, unable to fully process what had just transpired.
"Y-Yes… you can," he muttered weakly, his voice almost reverent, though Riley had already turned away and was leaving the shop.
At his feet, his dog—Rusty—ran up and tugged lightly at his worn trousers, as if to bring him back to reality, to remind him of the present.
