The Unpoetic Poet

Wake up, Mr. Navigator!

Didn't I say the route is fine...?

We just detected an unknown nomadic plate, when there shouldn't be any on our route.

We hailed them, and they're calling themselves Ognisko.

Ognisko... Isn't that a stationary city?

Did you check their call sign? Is it legal?

It is. The registered owner is...

Mr. McKee, of the Rose Paper Union.

Back for more of the same, Viviana? Soft bread and marjoram sausage?

Wow, you still remember? I haven't stopped by in quite a while.

Thanks. I'll be back next time I'm in Ognisko.

Well...

Sorry, but I'm about to close this shop down, maybe as early as next week. You'll have to go elsewhere next time.

What? Why, if you don't mind telling me?

Found a new job, that's all. I'll still be a shopkeep, but I'll be selling weird trinkets instead. And I'll be getting paid for it instead of putting my own money in.

I've got you to thank for it, actually. We've had more jobs opening up around here ever since those reporters came looking for you with their cameras.

Not that there's much I can do to thank you... how about we say this one's on me?

You're too kind. You don't owe me anything. In fact, there's something I want to ask you.

Do you know of any other shop on this street with food as good as yours? My master likes it the way you make them.

If you really want, you can come to my house and I'll make you some.

But I think you've got other things to worry about when it comes to your master...

Take good care of her, Viviana. She may have caused a bit of trouble, but nobody's really holding it against her.

She's the one who built a lot of our furnaces, after all.

Trouble?

Nothing serious. Guess it's just hard to accept change at that age, stubborn as she is.

...Huh?!

Viviana?

Oh, nothing. I just thought I saw someone I knew.

Do a lot of people wear suits in Ognisko these days?

I'm back, master. I put your food on the table.

I told you, just call me Obina.

What about the iron? The food I can live without, but not the iron.

Yes, but you can only have it after you've eaten.

If I let you light your furnace first, you'll forget to eat all day.

Hah! I'm tough, I can take it.

'Everyone breaks. The only thing that doesn't is iron.' You said that yourself.

I say a lot of things!

I also said, 'The first smith on the great plains caught the fire that fell from the sky, lifted the metal that grew from the ground, and hammered it for nine days and nights without rest.'

By comparison, I'm downright lazy. And that won't do. The fire in the furnace goes out quick if you're lazy.

Now where are the tongs? Fetch 'em for me.

You can't fool me that easily.

But you do seem like you're in good spirits today. I haven't heard you talk so much in a long time. I was worrying about you on the way back.

...Am I talking a lot today?

Normally, you'd just say 'Give me the tongs.'

......

Alright, I...

I just wanted to ask when you're leaving.

Tomorrow morning, at first light. You didn't have to be so roundabout about it.

You won't stay?

Huh?

Just another half a month... or even a few days?

I can put this workshop under your name. We can keep hammering iron together. I made the ceiling higher, so you won't keep hitting your antlers on it.

I... didn't expect you to want me to stay.

I'll be going, master.

It's your life. Just don't forget anything.

I'm saying goodbye now because the ride's really early tomorrow, and I don't want to wake you.

What am I, your mother? You don't my permission to leave. No need for goodbyes, either. Just go where you want—it's none of my business.

You don't need to tell me even if you become Grand Knight.

I know, you've never been concerned about those things.

Just like you've never cared who I am, or where I'm from.

Hah! You're you. Who else could you be?

Thank you. That means more to me than any words of praise.

How would you know? I haven't praised you before.

But you did do good work when you were hammering iron with me. You're got nimble hands and a calm heart. You've got potential.

As for whatever you do elsewhere, I'm not gonna poke my nose into that. Just don't get yourself killed.

I won't, master.

I'll be back to see you someday.

Candle Knight! Why have you chosen to leave Ognisko? Where are you going next?

What do you think about Moonlight Knight's performance this spring, after she replaced you in the Nova Knightclub?

Sorry, folks, but I have a ride to catch... It leaves in ten minutes.

You're avoiding the question, Madam Droste...

Candle Knight! One moment—

What are you taking all those photos for?

You never seen a human before?!

You like to talk, right? How about you tell me what makes Viviana different from anyone else?

How is where she's going any of your business?! Get lost.

...Thank you.

I... didn't expect you to want me to stay.

Tsk. Forget I said anything.

I must still be half-asleep... I'm heading out now.

Where to? I already bought everything.

Don't worry about it, Viviana.

And don't follow me.

Get the furnace lit. You can forge anything you want today. Then you can go wherever you want tomorrow.

......

Mr. McKee.

What are you doing here?

I just watched that blacksmith leave. Hard to imagine that I'd see an old woman with the same kind of aura I see in knights going to war.

She reminds me of a certain other stubborn person... someone who had a great influence on you.

Obina is just an ordinary blacksmith. She has nothing to do with anyone you know, and there's nothing worth digging into there.

Madam Droste... the last time I saw you take such a firm stance was when you refused to use extraordinary methods to defeat the Radiant Knight at the Major.

I had thought the Radiant Knight would look after you after you were 'reassigned' to Ognisko, but she has her own path to walk, and it's been hard for her to come see you.

So I was relieved to learn that you met someone in Ognisko who could take care of you... even if she's just an ordinary blacksmith.

Obina has nothing in common with the Radiant Knight, and the care she shows for me has nothing to do with her either.

She did, however, help me experience a sort of... peace, which I had never felt before.

I can only imagine how precious that peace is to you.

That's why I wanted to let you know that, whether it be that blacksmith or Ognisko itself, there is, in fact, something worth digging into here. Even if you'd rather not think so.

...How much do you know about the recent changes in Ognisko?

I know that the nomadic platforms parked outside the city belong to Glorious Shield Industries, and that they're being used to rebuild the city.

Those colorful ribbons on the houses, those plastic flowers on the branches, even the model weapons and knight emblems on the streets... they all came from Glorious Shield?

And those people pretending to hammer iron behind glass windows... they're on Glorious Shield's payroll, aren't they?

And Glorious Shield's partners.

A large Knightclub like Nova produces their stars in specific ways. Theme songs, slogans, ways of speaking, ways of fighting, outfits, backstories, ideologies...

A competition knight's career in the arena only lasts so long. No knight, no matter how professional, can ever fully fill the spiritual needs of the fans.

However, the gaps can be filled with exhibitions, concerts, talk shows, and books.

So, weapons manufacturers like Glorious Shield are trying to give their products 'story' and 'character', to fill these spiritual gaps of the fans, so to speak?

And they've selected Ognisko as the backdrop for it?

The ancient city of forests and craftsmen, with a proud heritage of forging dating back to the wild ages. Is there a better choice?

It will become a huge film studio, where all the inhabitants are actors performing legends of forging.

Smiths will be able to make a decent living without the sweat and toil of bending down in front of a furnace, and Glorious Shield will have access to 'divine weapons' that look just like the stuff of legend.

...At least, that's what was supposed to happen.

Then... I take it Obina was asked to join in on that 'performance'?

I don't know the details. But an old blacksmith who gave her whole life to crafting, and someone who's so closely connected to you of all people... Is there a better choice?

They may take... less accommodating measures with her.

If she's as stubborn as I imagine, then she may have already gotten a strong response from them, given what I know of Glorious Shield.

If so, I'd be just as angry as you. It would mean Glorious Shield is still lacking in consideration.

I have to find her!

Wait, Madam Droste...

Stop this foolishness, Obina.

You want to play along with them, let them shut you in a show window?

You know as well as I do that your actions are meaningless, ma'am. The glass that you broke today will be fixed by tomorrow.

The damages you'll be liable for are more than you can afford. All you're hurting is your own livelihood.

Unless, of course, you sign this agreement, in which case the damages will be deducted from your wages.

You say I'm hurting my own livelihood?

I didn't bring a stack of kurwa 'agreements' to ask for the privilege to close my own workshop and pretend hammer iron with a rubber hammer in a show window!

You know some of the apprentices don't really like hammering iron.

And not all of us old folks are as strong and healthy as you. In a couple of years, I'm not sure I'll be able to lift a real hammer myself.

But we need a way forward.

The smiths of Ognisko have lifted their hammers since before there were even any castles on the great plains.

Did you forget the meaning of the name 'Ognisko'?

'Furnace'. I've never forgotten.

Then you know that to forge was our way forward, is our way forward, and will always be our way forward.

Er, I apologize for interrupting, but the town council is also planning to rename the city.

Once Glorious Shield's branding experts arrive, the city will have a new name, one more suited for a new era.

You—!

Whaagh!

Ahem... you have that on camera? Please cut my reaction. But keep the segment of Madam Obina swinging her hammer at me.

Allowing you to deduct the damages from your wages after signing the agreement is a special exception we're willing to make just for you, ma'am.

Normally, we would simply call the police and deal with this properly.

Compared to prison, however, I'm sure you would—

I'm sure you would prefer to end this conflict and give yourself time to admire the sights of Ognisko—before it's destroyed by your company's engineering casters.

After all, until your company's experts arrive, none of your hard work here will be seen by your superiors.

Finally, the Candle Knight! Casters, zoom in on her, and get a few more drones on it...

What do you mean, the screen's all black? Did you forget to take off the lens cover?

Candle Knight... your Arts...

I've visited your headquarters before. Every reception room has thick curtains to block out the light.

You know as well as I do that some things are unsuited for being admired by everyone under the light.

I hope you understand that I'm simply defending my company's lawful interests.

Your losses will be reasonably compensated.

Thank you for your understanding. Now perhaps you would be interested in hearing our plans...

Maybe another day.

Let's go, Obina.

Viviana, I told you...

I told you not to follow me...

I'm sorry. You never asked about my situation, so it would be tactless of me to ask about yours.

However, in this case, your business is also mine.

......

...Your legs are shaking. Come, take my arm.

What are you just standing there for? Haven't you got any backup cameras? Go catch up to them!

Haven't you already gotten enough material for days worth of headlines?

I suggest you stop.

Unless you want to replace all your camera sensors.

......

Is this why you wanted me to stay, Obina?

You wanted me to protect the workshop.

May sparks burn my mouth, Viviana. I shouldn't have said anything about wanting you to stay, or gone to wreck their place before you left.

I'm too old, and I've gone soft, like a hunk of iron that's spent too long in the flames.

There isn't much difference between protecting the workshop and buying materials for you.

You could have told me directly. It's not a sign of weakness.

No, Viviana... I didn't plan on asking for your help at all.

I tried everything. But as you can see, it's no use, no matter how many of their windows I break.

What difference can one person make? They have hundreds, thousands of people...

But... but...

Someone told me that you're a noble, a knight. Your voice is worth a hundred, a thousand of us ordinary folk. Someone told me that if the workshop belonged to you, no one would dare mess with it.

I'm at the end of my wits here. Sorry, Viviana...

Help me, Candle Knight.

—!

I don't know any other way to apologize, but I want you to know...

I'm sorry.

I'll think of a way. I promise.

But I don't understand.

I just don't understand...

Why are you the one who has to feel guilty? Be it between friends, or between master and student, it's not at all unusual to need each other's help.

It's partly my fault that you're in such difficult straits. If I hadn't drawn so much attention to Ognisko...

I've never even repaid you for taking me in as your student, but I ended up causing you so much trouble. If anyone should feel guilty, it would be me.

It's not the same, Viviana.

But never mind. Thank you for being willing to help.

At least the workshop will still be there for you the next time you come back... If you still have a reason to.

...Do you want me to light the furnace for you?

No, I won't be smithing today.

'Dear Mr. Zamark. Concerning the rebuilding of Ognisko...'

You agreed to help the blacksmith.

Who will help YOU, then?

...What are you getting at?

You weren't this melancholic when you refused to use extraordinary methods to defeat the Radiant Knight.

The Viviana Droste I know has a light in her eyes when she decides to embark on a little rebellion.

You've always been so sensitive to subtle emotions.

Perhaps you could have been a poet, if the Rose Paper Union still published poems.

Nonsense. I should be thanking you for helping me understand the value of poetry.

And I should thank you for your concern.

I'm fine. It's just that I don't quite understand everything yet. First, I need to finish this letter.

There was no need for you to deal with them on your own... We could have saved this workshop, even all of Ognisko, together.

Glorious Shield is being short-sighted. It won't take long for people to start asking why all of these so-called legendary weapons are coming from the same city.

The fate of a city that fades back into obscurity is even darker than one that never had its day in the sun.

You appreciate Ognisko's beauty more than Glorious Shield's surveyors, and beauty is eternal... so long as you can bring it out.

You said you couldn't write poems in Kawalerielki, but Ognisko is the birthplace of freedom, the land of poets. Is it not?

Write a poem about Ognisko, and we can develop this place in a different manner.

Everyone will have better lives, without having to change their way of living.

And why are you doing this? You've only been here for a few days.

But you've lived in this city, and found a peace that you've never known before. Isn't that what you said?

I would think that would be reason enough.

Just because I find comfort here?

Of course, Madam Droste.

Most knights assigned to 'recuperate' in remote towns can't wait to leave them.

You, however, have repeatedly visited Ognisko. Is there another reason, other than this being a place of comfort for you?

A place of comfort...

But we need a way forward.

Then you know that to forge was our way forward, is our way forward, and will always be our way forward.

I'm at the end of my wits here. Help me, Candle Knight.

I'm sorry.

My place of comfort is a place of comfort for Viviana alone.

Just because I like the shade of the trees, and the songs of the fowlbeasts, the furnaces and the sparks, just because...

Just because I like how the people here don't care where I came from, who I am, and where I'm going.

You know this, and so does Obina.

That's why you proposed to protect Ognisko 'for me', and why she felt so guilty about asking for my help.

She feared that even saying the words 'Candle Knight' would destroy my place of comfort.

She didn't want to ruin my hopes for her because of her powerlessness.

Even if I'm the very cause of her dilemma.

Even if you never came to Ognisko, all of this would still have occurred eventually.

McKee...

Thank you for the kind offer.

But I can't accept it.

I, and only I, am responsible for Obina's changes.

She thought that seeking my help would ruin everything she meant to me. She was ashamed of it, and suffered so much from it...

...As if she weren't my master or my friend, but just a tool to give me comfort.

If so, is there really any difference between my poetry and Glorious Shield's film studio?

If that's what my poems are...

Then I will write no poems for Ognisko.

Henceforth, Viviana's poems shall only be of herself.

As always, your resolve is... surprising.

And there I was, thinking I'd finally come to know you after all these years.

You already know me quite well, McKee.

It's Obina whom you don't know, although even I've only started to know just her moments ago. Far too late.

...Hm. I guess even your thinking can change.

It's like chasing after the horizon. Every time I take a step forward, it takes a step back.

My thinking so far has mostly been naive, and not nearly worth the effort of understanding. I simply fear that what happened to Obina will happen to you too.

Maybe I just wanted some kind of salvation. I can't help but feel that I'm constantly sinking, even as the Rose Paper Union's stock prices continue to rise.

Well, if you're still seeking 'salvation' from me... then allow me to borrow your name.

My name?

Most of my assets in Kazimierz are frozen under the Nova Knightclub name, but there may still be enough to purchase a small nomadic platform.

So if you're willing to help, it may be more appropriate to make the purchase under your name.

What do you need a nomadic platform for?

To take Ognisko away, or at least the people who still see her as a furnace.

...Very well.

Let's go. The furnace that was born on the plains shall return to the plains.

Is everyone here?

Everyone who still wants to hammer iron rather than play along with that farce.

Good! There's hope for Ognisko yet. The flames yet burn in the furnace of the great plains.

We're about to sail, Master McKee! There's no issue, is there?

She's gone.

She'll be back.

Her outfit...

I had someone make it for her when she was living in Ognisko. A knight's garb isn't exactly for everyday use.

I thought she would disassociate herself completely from Ognisko.

Before she left, she asked me whether I truly felt happy when we were hammering iron together by the forge.

I was happy. Of course I was.

She said she was too. And she said that was enough.

Then, she asked me to take out that outfit and help her put it on.

'Henceforth, Viviana's poems shall only be of herself'...