By the ti Blake Morrison and Paige Sumrs erged from the workshop, more than two hours had passed.
Seeing Zephyr rcer waiting outside—along with Zachary rcer, who claid he’d just finished so business and was stopping by—Paige Sumrs tactfully cut Blake Morrison off mid-discussion. "Brother Abe, I really should get going. Let’s save this topic for next ti."
Upon hearing her call him that, Zephyr rcer’s jaw dropped. ’He could feel the profound malice radiating from one of his own relatives!’
’Paige Sumrs is his fiancée!’
’And she’s calling his uncle "Brother"!’
’And his uncle actually looked thrilled about it!’
’Is... is there no justice in this world?!’
In contrast to his son’s inner turmoil, Zachary rcer’s reaction was far calr. He, too, had noticed the generational mix-up, but he could also see that his son’s affection for Paige Sumrs was completely one-sided. That being the case, a few obstacles might be a good thing. If his feelings were genuine, he would strive to overco them. If it was just a passing fancy, it would be best to let it go sooner rather than later.
The rcer Family had no need for a marriage alliance. He only wanted his children to be happy.
’As for this youngest son of his... he still has a lot to learn.’
Paige Sumrs had anticipated their reactions, so she remained perfectly calm.
Blake Morrison, however, was overly enthusiastic. As a tech geek who had survived the apocalypse, he felt it was incredibly rare to et a kindred spirit, especially one who could provide so much inspiration. He imdiately offered to let Paige Sumrs stay the night at the rcer estate.
Of course, she refused almost instantly.
After leaving her contact information, Paige Sumrs briskly headed ho.
Blake Morrison watched as she and Zephyr rcer drove away. Then, his expression grew serious, and he went to Zachary rcer’s study.
Zachary rcer looked at him and asked, "What do you think of this young woman?"
Blake Morrison smiled. This ti, the open cheerfulness in his eyes was gone, replaced by a hint of cunning. "Honestly, as an Artifact Maker, she’s exceptional. Aside from a slight lack of knowledge about materials, I can’t find much else to fault. In fact, there’s quite a lot I could learn from her. However..." His tone shifted. "As a wife or daughter-in-law for the rcer Family, I’m afraid she’s not a good fit. Her personality is too strong, too individualistic for a family like ours. Not only would she have trouble getting along with Finn in the future, but I doubt she could ever develop a strong sense of belonging to the rcer Family."
Zachary rcer fell silent for a mont before giving a slight nod of agreent.
"Then have Finn take a step back from this for now. From here on, you can be the one to get to know her."
"I understand." Blake Morrison paused, then added, "I’ll keep an eye on her. If she proves to be trustworthy, the rcer Family could consider collaborating with her. After all, her level of skill in Artifact Making is among the best not just in Central City, but likely in all of Astoria."
"Hmm. I’ll leave this matter to you, then."
"Don’t worry."
While they were setting the tone for how to approach Paige Sumrs, Paige herself, the subject of their discussion, was having similar thoughts.
She gazed out the car window at the passing streets, her mind racing. The materials she had on hand were far too limited. If she could collaborate with the rcer Family, it would be a fantastic opportunity.
In truth, she didn’t mind others learning the theoretical side of things from her, and from Blake Morrison’s attitude, he didn’t seem to care either. It would be mutually beneficial.
They both knew in their hearts that theory was only a small part of Artifact Making. The ability to craft a truly legendary weapon ultimately ca down to the Artifact Maker’s hands and eyes.
So, an exchange of knowledge was an excellent option.
With this unspoken agreent between them, she and Blake Morrison quickly grew close.
Sotis they would et up to discuss blueprints, other tis they would head straight to The rcer Workshop for so hands-on practice. In any case, when it ca to Artifact Making, the two shared a mindset of seeking common ground while respecting their differences, leaving them with endless topics for discussion.
However, these frequent etings were making Marcus Monroe increasingly unsettled.
One day, Paige Sumrs got a call from Blake Morrison inviting her to the rcer estate to see a sword he’d just finished. She accepted, but as she was about to head to her room to change, Marcus Monroe suddenly grabbed her arm.
"Can I go with you?"
He phrased it as a question, but his tone was firm, conveying a clear ’I’m not letting go until you say yes’ ultimatum.
’It was the first ti she’d seen him act this way, and she was both surprised and amused. He was a grown man, yet he reminded her of a pouting child who wouldn’t let go until he got so candy... But seeing him like this, even his perpetually serious face seed to co alive.’
She had to suppress a laugh, clearing her throat to cover her amusent.
Shooting Marcus Monroe a sidelong glance, she used her free hand to call Blake Morrison.
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