Chapter 29: Tutoring the Guild Master

The morning inside the guild was filled with the sound of tools hitting metal. I was already awake hours before the sun came up. The metallic sound still continued to echo on the street in front of the nearby blacksmith guild.

Clink.

Clink.

Clink.

I sat on the wooden stool near my workbench, sipping a cup of fresh milk and biting into bread. My body still needed nutritious food because it was underdeveloped. I would gladly get drunk on wine and beer and puff cigars when I reached the right age.

The workshop was quiet. Usually, the guild was already full at this hour. Locksmith trainees would argue over broken picks, and senior locksmiths would complain about customer tips. There should be the sound of dropped metal pins and a person shouting about missing lock picks.

But today seemed unusual and strangely peaceful.

I had no complaints, though. Being alone was useful, especially when I had to think a lot.

The agreement between Patricia and me and the Space Crystals were still lingering in my mind. Patricia already had my request. Whether she could actually obtain the materials was another matter.

I placed the brass lock on the table and picked up a small iron pick. I just saw this earlier in the stockroom where some old locks that were damaged were stored.

Monday night was still a few days away. There was nothing I could do except prepare.

Click.

The first pin was lifted.

Click.

The second pin pulled up.

My eyes narrowed at the next pin. "The third pin is damaged."

Most locksmiths would continue applying pressure to force the mechanism open. It was fast, but a very unwise decision to make. A damaged pin could bend the inside lock and destroy the entire mechanism.

I slowly released the tension wrench.

"Too much pressure, my little lamb~" A seductive voice came from behind me. I didn’t turn around because it was really familiar.

"I know."

"Then why did you do it?"

"I didn’t," I replied flatly. The person behind me became silent.

That made me smile for a bit. I could already imagine the expression on her face.

Master Victoria stood behind me with both arms crossed. Her sharp red eyes were fixed on the lock sitting on the table. She was gloomy yet looked fresh. Her garden scent filled my workshop.

"You’ve been standing there for two minutes. Are you planning to rob me or be my audience?" I asked.

Victoria raised an eyebrow.

"Rob? Silvester, I already have enough gold coins in the bank to support myself even without working." She walked in front of me.

"It’s human nature to be blinded by gold. You never know."

"Silvester, I am the Guild Master."

"I am completely aware, but I am your tutor."

Victoria stared at me for several seconds and let out a long sigh.

"Sometimes, I honestly forget that you’re a child. You should at least play with some kids outside."

I turned back to the lock and tried to inspect it again.

"That sounds like a compliment. Thanks," I muttered, turning my eyes back onto the lock to try and inspect again.

"It wasn’t, little lamb."

"Then I’ll pretend it was."

Victoria walked closer and placed both hands on my workbench. The small lock immediately caught her attention.

"That lock was broken. Where did you get that?" she asked curiously while taking a seat beside me.

"The stockroom was open, so I let myself get in and found this."

Victoria narrowed her eyes. "It’s already fixed."

"That’s obvious." I smiled and looked at her confused face. "By the way, it’s your first day as my student. But before we proceed, I want to set a few rules."

"Alright. Spill it, little lamb." Victoria slowly took a deep breath.

I smiled and continued. "First, you call me ’Silvester’ during lessons. Second, do not touch any tools unless I say so. Lastly, do not complain and just follow my words. It’s so easy, right?"

Victoria chuckled and fixed her posture. "Fine... Silvester. But I really like ’little lamb’ because you’re cute and handsome."

"I’m already aware of my looks. Now, sit properly and let’s start," I announced as I pushed the iron lock in front of her. She gazed at me with a question mark in her expression.

"Now, what do you observe about that lock?" I asked.

"It is a fixed lock and can be used again, Silvester dear. It’s just a brass lock, nothing special."

"That’s not what I asked, Victoria. Try again," I commanded. I freely admit that I am not a good teacher. My patience is too short, especially if someone doesn’t get my point. I’m just holding back because Victoria is the guild master who supports me. "Tell me what you see."

She turned her gaze onto the lock and became focused.

"The outer lock is made of iron. The keyway is narrow. The pins are arranged vertically..." She paused for a second and gently touched the lock.

"Anything else?" I waited for her to speak.

"There are five pins and a scratch on the point... which means someone forced it before."

"Good point. Tell me more, Victoria," I said strictly as she continued to inspect the lock.

"The third pin... it was slightly lower than the others."

I smiled. "Now you’re looking."

"What do you mean?" Victoria looked at me with a puzzled face.

"Most locksmiths see a lock." I picked up the iron lock and turned it slowly. "A good locksmith sees a mechanism, but a great locksmith sees a story."

Victoria’s eyes remained fixed on me.

I pointed at the scratch. "Someone tried to force this lock, and the third pin was damaged because of too much pressure being applied."

Then I pointed at the keyway. "The keyway is narrow because the maker didn’t want common picks to enter easily."

Victoria slowly nodded.

"And the brass lock?" I continued asking.

Victoria immediately answered, "Cheap material."

"Correct. It means that whoever made this lock meant it to be temporary and not last for a long time." I smiled as she pinpointed the material used.

"You look different when you smile, Silvester."

I frowned. "Continue."

"Brass is softer than steel, and it can damage easily."

"Then?"

"Why would someone use a soft material?" Victoria questioned herself while I smiled, seeing her start to analyze things.

"Because it’s cheaper? Or maybe easier to work with?" Victoria continued.

"Maybe?" I answered as I let out a smirk.

Victoria looked annoyed. "Stop saying maybe."

"Hahaha. Fine." I couldn’t contain my amusement. I cleared my throat and made a serious expression again. "Continue."