The King proceeded to explain the key differences between the items with amazing detail, each of his words was well said and the trio of brothers could simply not refute him.
Not just because he was the King, but because he made sense.
"To resume things up, I would say that while your equipment is alright, it is mediocre when compared to what a warrior will end in the long term." Said the King. "Your armor has mid durability and okay abilities, but it feels to have been made with cheap materials, not good to last for more than a couple battles. Feels like you purposely made them this way so they could keep buying equipment out of you more quickly."
"W-What…?! That's…"
"Ugh…"
"W-We would never… hahah…"
The trio was already caught. It seemed they weren't just mass-producing things, they were purposely making them weaker while still making them look sturdy, just to trick the buyers.
"I possess the ability to Appraise all things." The King said. "Your tricks will never slip pass my eyes! And above all else, even your best works such as this sword and this staff are mediocre. Their abilities barely do much, and their magic conductivity is bad despite using expensive materials. You are talented at making things look fancy and expensive though, you are good artists… However, in the practical use and efficiency, Ambil is superior to you, the difference is like heaven and earth!"
"EH?!"
The trio was even more speechless after hearing that, as the King continued.
"M-My king…" Ambil felt moved by his words.
"Where do I even start?" Laughed the King. "First of all, while your equipment uses rather expensive materials mixed with cheap ones, Ambil only uses the cheapest materials, yet his items manage to achieve not only incredible durability, but also swiftness, weightlessness, and amazing magic conductivity. His Blacksmith Skills and above all, Runic Engravement, are simply in another level completely."
"R-Runic Engravement?! He knows how to do that?!"
The brothers glanced at Ambil in utter disbelief, it seemed they had no idea how to engrave runes or magic effects on equipment yet…
"And this one… Above all else, I think this his best creation, and he only used cheap materials mined in the nearby dungeons." The King said, taking out a pair of gauntlets.
"T-Those are just some gauntlets!"
"There's no way that can be better than what we can make, our majesty!"
"You're being tricked! Those items must have been enchanted with the magic of those disgusting demi-humans!"
The trio started talking nonsense, the King sighed as he continued speaking, he had a lot of patience.
Camilla didn't have that much though, she was gritting her teeth and making them sound very loudly as she saw their insolent behavior in front of her beloved husband.
Little Gustav must be used to his mother's Aura because he didn't even feel scared about it.
"As I said earlier, these gauntlets are finely grafted and imbued with fine Runic Carvings. They also possess Monster's Magic Crystal Dust that enhanced the runic engravings, and even fragments of them fused into the metal. Can you even do that yourselves?" The King asked. "Lastly, it has been imbued with his very soul and mana, giving it a special ability. I see, these gauntlets give a good boost to defense and attack power and could serve as top-tier items, but are specifically made for a friend, someone Ambil appreciates their friendship. They're specifically made to protect her delicate hands while she forges her creations."
The King then smiled back at me.
"Planta, I assume these are for you."
"E-Eh? Me?"
I looked back at Ambil, as the old man blushed a bit as he stroked his beard.
"It's nothing, really! It is just so you don't have to burn yourself as much, you're so reckless when forging!" Ambil angrily said, trying to pretend he wasn't embarrassed.
"Hahah! Ambil! Thank you so much!" I smiled, giving him a hug.
"Hmm…" Ambil simply groaned, as he tried to free himself from my embrace and finally escaped. "Ahem! Anyways, your majesty. What is your final verdict?"
"Isn't it obvious? You win this match without a doubt, Ambil. Your creations are humble yet filled with expertise and majesty to them! I don't know why you've been so depressed this entire time, if you worked harder, you might be already within the position of a Royal Blacksmith." The King admitted. "Meanwhile, this trio… I do admit they're smart and hardworking, but ill-intentioned and scheming. I do not like them, but I will not punish you, out of mercy. Go away now, before my wife loses her patience."
"Eep!"
The needles were still floating in midair, as the trio ran outside of the castle while being guided by a few knights.
I thought he would at least reveal their little scheme with the equipment they made with low durability, but I guess that's not necessarily illegal, simply very scummy.
"I've already contacted the guild masters of the Merchant and the Blacksmith Guild." The King spoke after that. "I've told them to drop their little scheme altogether, if they didn't want my forces to close their guilds permanently."
"You did that already?!" I asked.
"My wife is not the only one with Telepathy." The King suddenly spoke to my mind, while nodding. "Now, Ambil, you're free of any allegiances, and I've made sure to get a deal with them. They said that as long as you participate and win at the very least third place in the Crafting Contest that is coming this weekend, they'll let you keep your licenses without any issue. I could had forced them to do it but… Do you want a challenge?"
"Ohh…" Ambil suddenly got excited. "I see, a contest of that magnitude, where many people appear at once… With that, a lot of people will see what I am capable of! And I can gain my reputation again even more than before."
"You've earned some among the adventurers." Said the King. "You've been selling a lot lately, haven't you? However, this reputation you'll get will get you once more in better terms with the two guilds that you were having problems with, and it'll be the perfect opportunity for your disciple to make her official debut among the populace."
"Disciple?" I asked. "Wait, me?!"
"Of course, aren't you Ambil's disciple at the end of the day? He has taught you many things, right?" The King wondered.
"I-I guess he is kind of my Blacksmith Teacher, yeah…" I nodded. "He did teach me several techniques, and how to use my skills."
"Hmph, did you thought you were just someone hanging around my shop?!" Ambil got a bit offended. "You're my disciple, Planta! You're joining that contest, and you better get first place!"
"Y-Yes, teacher!" I nodded, feeling a bit of pressure, but also looking forward to that too. "Ah, your Majesty, you can also check my equipment."
I showed him what I had, as he nodded after appraising it…
"There are some things you still lack, but Ambil has taught you well. However, your biggest strength is your unique methods, items imbued with spiritual energy is something incredibly unique! Especially the abilities they possess… Excellently done. May I buy these too?"
"S-Sure! They're yours, your majesty!" I said happily. "That rapier I made, and the armor pieces are small enough for your son too."
"Oho, I see! Thank you!" The King seemed happy. "Gustav, I've got you your first knight armor!"
"Yaaay!"
