KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

  "Coming!" The blacksmith removed her protective mask before heading to the door and opening it.

  The trio looked slightly less worn out compared to yesterday as Ryder handed her the container. "We weren't caught by the crabs today, but we had to look around for a while before we found a rich spot. So, that's another quarter down."

  "Thank you." Her big hands took over the container. "How's the gadget? Did it work well?"

  Green growled happily. A metallic box tied to his back was generating a thin layer of reddish barrier around his entire body.

   "Yep. How's your legs coming along?"

  "It's... coming along well. I just... need the rest of the Camptosium and it'll be done. Yeah." The blacksmith squeezed a smile.

  "Alright. Honestly, I'm quite excited to see it. The people back in my hometown have prosthetic legs, but those aren't as awesome as yours. Does it do anything special? Or is it just... legs?"

  "Hmm, I'll... show it to you once I'm done. It's cooler to see it in action than hear what it can do from me, right?"

  "That it does. Well, see you tomorrow then."

  "See you. Thank you all again." Her tone ring a little hollow.

                    X

  KNOCK.... KNOCK.... KNOCK...

  Estria anxiously and reluctantly peeled herself away from her worktable to open the door. When she did, she saw the gang lying on the snow with the container next to them.

  "Oh my gosh, are you three okay? Should I call the doctor?" The demon speedily put the container inside and rolled down the slope in front of the door to check on them.

  "We're... fine... Just... tired...." Ryder spoke as she helped him sit up.

  "What happened?"

  "We... hit the jackpot. But... we were ambushed. Had to make another route out... We only got... a little bit. Don't worry, we'll... have the rest for you... tomorrow..."

  "I'm, I'm sorry, Ryder. I knew it was dangerous, but I didn't expect it to be-"

  The human shook his head. "We're fine... Just..." He stood up with considerable effort. "We just need rest. How's the... progress?"

  "It's..." She bit her lips. "It's going well. Just some unexpected issues I need to deal with."

  "I hope the issues aren't serious." The rider patted his dragons with fatigue. "Alright, let's go. See you tomorrow, Estria."

  Green groaned and stood up while Brown did so silently.

  "...See you all tomorrow. Thank you for your hard work."

                    X

                   SLAM!

  The blacksmith's heart almost leaped out of her chest. She removed her mask sluggishly and headed to the door. Upon opening it, she saw a smug look on Ryder and Green's face as they presented the container.

  "We managed to get it half full~"

  "Wow! That's incredible. Thank you all so much." Estria gave them a strained smile.

  His grin withdrew. "Are you alright? You looked stressed."

  "I... It's..." She looked down.

  Just as he was about to speak again, a growl was heard from her stomach. She immediately blushed.

  "How about we have dinner together? Do you know any good restaurants in the city? We're getting a little tired of the lodging's food, anyway." Ryder gave her a comforting smirk.

  "Sure." She returned with a drained smile. "Wait for me at the front. I'll be with you all after I take care of some stuff."

  "Alrighty."

  Estria returned to her worktable, sighed, and covered it with the blanket. After she absentmindedly picked up her magic keycard and opened the door wide, she rolled down the slope and let the door slowly close itself.

  Right as she turned the corner and as the door was about to shut tight, a foot was shoved in front of the doorframe.

                    X

  The demon chewed her food unenthusiastically, despite the cheery atmosphere of the restaurant. They were sitting on the bar right next to an opened window. Outside the window was, of course, a disappointed Green. He kept staring into the window enviously.

  "How's the legs coming along? Did you fix the issues?" Ryder asked before drinking the soup in his hands. He placed the half-empty bowl down, licked his lips delightfully, and praised, "This soup is incredible, Ma'am."

  "Glad you liked it, dear." The middle-aged woman behind the bar smiled as she skillfully prepared a dish.

  Estria gulped and replied hollowly, "It's... more serious than I expected. It'll take a few more days before I can complete it."

  "Ah, I see. Hopefully, we can see you with your legs before we leave, since we only have three days left? I think."

  "Yeah..."

  All of a sudden, a small plate slid into her vision. When she raised her head, she saw it was the middle-aged woman.

  "Mrs. Leim, I can't-" The demon tried to return the dish, but the middle-aged woman stopped her.

  "I can tell you've been working hard again, Estria. It's on the house, so just enjoy your favorite dish, okay?" The owner smiled warmly.

  "...Thank you." The young woman sniffed a little.

  Right as she took the first bite, the middle-aged woman started coughing violently, causing her helper to rush toward her with a bottle in his hand. She only stopped coughing after taking her medicine and drinking some water. Minutes later, she resumed her cooking like nothing happened.

  "Is your body acting up again, Mrs. Leim?" Estria asked.

  "Sadly." Mrs. Leim sighed. "By the way, I heard my son harassed you a few days ago with his new gang. I'm so sorry my boy did that. I would've punished him and made him apologize to you, but I can't seem to find him at his usual spots. Next time, don't hesitate to call an officer for help. He needs to have some sense beaten into him."

  "I'll keep that in mind, Mrs. Leim." The blacksmith nodded.

  The dragon rider gang spent another 30 minutes there enjoying their meal before escorting their friend back to her shop. Upon reaching their destination, they saw multiple fresh footsteps leading from the back of the building. Ryder and Estria swiftly exchanged a grim look before bolting into the workshop. When they entered the room, they saw the blanket was thrown to the side, and the container was gone. The mechanical legs on the table were smashed to pieces and there was no sign of the pink metal anywhere.

  "Brown! Green! Track the footsteps or any lingering scent! Don't let the thieves escape!"

  The dragons nodded before leaving.

  "I'll go and call an officer. Check if there's anything else missing. Those bastards won't get away with this." Ryder gritted his teeth, patted the demon's stiff shoulder, and dashed out of the door.

  The golden wheelchair ferried its owner to the front of the worktable. The blacksmith, with her slightly trembling fingers, caressed the remains of her life's work in silence. Only the mild crackling sound of the forge fire was audible in the room, and nothing else.