“The dwarves cannot be bullied or forced. They may feel some obligation to you, but if you just try to force them, they will resent you for it.”

Those had been the words of advice given to me by Lapis. Lapis had only given me that advice because of her attachment to Sapphire, but it had ultimately lead me to go this length to bring the dwarves by my side. Once Gabbro conceded to my conditions, the entire atmosphere of the dungeon changed. They had build ten additional forges just in case, and immediately began production of weapons and armor, lead by Gabbro himself.

“I won’t take any slacking.” Gabbro walked up to Sapphire and declared. “If you’re going to learn, you can be wasting time playing around in some dungeon. Every blacksmith level earned by leveling is a blacksmith level wasted.”

“S-seriously?” I couldn’t help but cry out.

“Hmm…” His eyes narrowed on me. “You were sloppy! As an apprentice, your work was subpar!”

“Geh… but I kept the temperature perfect, and I did everything she asked…”

“And you were also a distraction! A good apprentice is a wallflower who only appears when needed. Her eyes kept darting to you like a schoolgirl in love.”

“L-l-love!” Sapphire cried out, her face turning red.

“A proper assistance doesn’t overshadow their blacksmith, especially when you lack the experience to do so!” He ignored the fidgeting Sapphire.

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“I understand,” I responded stiffly, not sure how I felt about that.

I was well aware that experience beat levels. My method of rapidly gaining jobs and lore without building it off my own experience was a problem. Unless I could learn to do what King Diorite suggested and merge with my lore, making it mine, I would always have that inherent weakness. I understood the principles behind it, but having them exposed so suddenly by this blacksmith didn’t feel great either. The last thing I wanted to do was hold Sapphire back from success.

“Since you understand,” He suddenly brought his hand up and gave my shoulder a single pat. “Then, how about you focus on what you’re best at for now, and let me worry about the blacksmithing.”

I looked up, a bit surprised at his words that had started out sounding harsh becoming so calm and encouraging.

“Uncle…” Sapphire was also looking at Gabbro with a bit of surprise.

“I’m interested in seeing this city you built, Chalm. It sounds like you’re in desperate need of smith production.” Gabbro stiffened as he noticed us looking at him with shock. “I may be a stubborn old drunk, but I’m not unreasonable! Girl! Let’s go!”

“Y-yes!” Sapphire shot me a smile, perhaps the most genuine smile I had ever seen on her face, and then she raced after Gabbro, who moved away like an unstoppable train.

I stared after them, still a bit stunned at the direction of events. I had hoped that through Sapphire, that I would have slowly tied Gabbro to Chalm, but even if I failed, at least I’d get the skilled Sapphire out of it. However, at that moment, he had all but admitted his intention to join Chalm, and that likely meant that would be the decision of the rest of the deep dwarves too.

“Congratulations.” Lapis’s light voice came from behind me. “You have managed to gain brother’s approval. That is the most you could ever hope from him.”

I nodded, feeling a bit relieved. “I see…”

“However.” She added. “If you plan to have further intentions with my daughter, you still have yet to earn my approval!”

“Geh!”

It looked like I had only defeated the miniboss, and I had still the dungeon master to face.