After a far too depressing night with the gods, spent trying to ignore the constant feeling of impending doom that every piece of information about the oncoming invasion filled him with, Ben got up for the day, preparing not only his regular meals for Thera and Sonya, but packing some to bring for Delair, Fontesh, Sachel, and Ralia too, the first two as a treat and the latters both because he did feel slightly bad about dropping guests on them, even if they didn’t seem to mind, as well as because neither seemed to do any cooking themselves, or at the very least didn’t put enough effort in to get the actual skill for it.

He handed it off as soon as he got there, with Delair’s meal being eaten on the way as he led her through town, with the girl practically buzzing with excitement the entire time and only being elevated after arriving at the shop as she ran around, looking at the various items on display while Ben let her have her fun exploring everything until she calmed down enough to start the day.

Since he’d have her for a few days, he decided that he wouldn’t introduce the clones he’d work through immediately, instead choosing to leave that for the next day as he instead focused on setting her up. He was constantly being told he worked too hard after all, having an easy day for once was a good way to make sure nobody felt the need to force him onto any more disastrous vacations and with that frame of mind he began to demonstrate what she’d be doing that day, getting her started in much the same way Falk had started him, by having her make her own tongs and hammer first.

Unlike his own teacher though, after giving the initial demonstration he stuck around to watch her progress, giving pointers and advice where he saw fit as she did her best until the tongs at least were complete, with the hammer being put on hold with the sound of the door opening.

“Hey Falk, ready for a brand new day of fun?”

“As ever I suppose. And who’s this?”

Delair had already moved in front of Ben’s teacher, staring up at him in awe before not answering his question.

“You’re so tall!”

With Delair standing at just barely four and a half feet while Falk was a little over eight, it wasn’t an incorrect statement by any stretch, making Ben quietly laugh to the side as his teacher looked at him helplessly.

“Delair, this is Falk, my teacher. Falk, this is Delair, my student.”

“Ah, the one you said you’d take in,” His teacher nodded. “Good to meet ya, though the timing’s a bit…”

“She’s only going to be here for a couple days, I just thought it would be fun to show her some things,” He explained, leaving it implied that he was doing it while he knew he still could with his teacher catching on and nodding.

“Alright, I’ll be around a bit today so if you need anything just let me know.”This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

The offer genuinely surprised Ben a bit. He knew his teacher hadn’t actually wanted to take in any students of his own originally, he hadn’t been expecting to be offered any help while she was there.

Of course, now that he’s completed his goal I guess he’s more flexible. Plus he’s had years to see how wonderful I am to have around, no way that my lovely presence hasn’t been able to open him up to the joys of having students.

“Boy, why does it look like you’re thinking something stupid?”

“Because you’re judging my pretty face way too harshly, but more importantly, I actually was going to ask you for a small favour for her if you don’t mind?”

“Let’s hear it at least.”

“I was hoping you’d make her a bracelet,” He asked, holding up his wrist to show off the one Falk had made him, the same one that gave him bonuses equivalent to a completed job.

“So you really wanna spoil her, huh?” His teacher sighed, even as he gave in to the small request, holding out a hand for some metals as Ben materialized them before they were shaped and enchanted under the yeti’s power and fitted around Delair’s wrist. “Not going into the details but make sure you keep that on and don’t lose it, alright?”

“Alright, but what’s it do?” She asked him as she eyed the enchantment with her limited mana sense, trying to understand the point of it.

“It will help you grow your attributes a bit faster,” Ben said before holding a finger to his lips. “But keep that a secret. If people find out then they’d never stop bothering him about it.”

“Mmh, you’re just getting one as a favour to the boy so make sure you work hard while you’re around.”

“And don’t mind Falk’s tone so much. He’s really a big softy.”

“Boy-”

“You are, Sonya agrees so if you don’t like it complain to her.”

“Mmh, maybe I will,” He grumbled before going to the side to do some of his own work, leaving the two to focus on Delair’s projects.

“He’s funny.”

“And an excellent teacher, if we have some time later I’ll get you to look at him work a bit but for now let's get back to it. You still have a hammer to make after all.”

She nodded at that, going back to the area Ben had set up for her and watched as she began, following along with the things he told her until her most important tools were ready for use.

None of it was quick, but then, she was just starting. She needed time and guidance to grow, even if she’d been properly reading everything he’d been sending her and Ben felt a bit of excitement about getting to watch it happen. At the very least, it was obvious that she wanted to learn from him, making the entire process significantly more worthwhile compared to helping his last batch of students and it seemed like she enjoyed the process of it too.

Which means I’ve just gotta keep nurturing from there. Let’s see, a bit more time at the forge today and then onto potions like I’d planned, plus some time watching Falk work since there’s not going to be many opportunities to see a third-tier crafting skill in action, followed by a few more advanced enchanting techniques since she’s skilled enough at this point that she can probably do a bit more than just laying a skill down, and from there maybe pull her into my head for a bit if she doesn’t seem too tired. Okay, looks like it’s going to be a full day.

He didn’t immediately outline all of that though, instead just patting her head before outlining what was to come next.

“So now that you’ve got a hammer and tongs, it looks like it’s time to get you onto making some J-hooks.”