Chapter 9

On that day, Androw forged his very first perfected iron sword, drawing inspiration from the design of a Witcher's sword Zireael. A smile graced his face as he marveled at how far he had come in this new world. The old man overseeing his progress nodded in approval, acknowledging the quality of Androw's work.

He complimented Androw, saying, "Not bad at all. It's time for you to learn how to make steel." Androw couldn't help but smile, already having a good grasp of the steel-making process from his previous life, thanks to countless YouTube videos. He was eager to put his knowledge into practice.

As night fell, Androw returned to the castle, only to be met by guards who informed him that Princess Rhaena was waiting for him. Androw didn't pay much attention to their words and made his way to the castle.

Upon his arrival, he found Rhaena and her friends enjoying wine and conversation. When he stepped forward to grab her attention, Rhaena turned to him and inquired about his whereabouts. Androw simply smiled in response, which seemed to irk her.

Rhaena asked, "Why are you smiling?" Androw replied casually, "No reason. I just find it amusing that even with your constant surveillance by your dogs, you still ask where I've been. Are you afraid I'll run away like my sister?" His words cast a pall over the hall, and Rhaena's expression turned cold.

She warned him, "If you want to keep your tongue, you'd better not speak of that traitor. Now, get out." Androw didn't show much emotion and turned to leave, making his way back to his room.

When Androw returned to his room, he found Aerea fast asleep in his bed, looking like a mischievous little imp who had tired herself out boasting about her dragon ride. He took a seat by his table and picked up a book he had borrowed from the library. Maester Culiper, though on the older side, had been a great help to Androw. Despite nearing ninety, his mind was sharp, and he filled in the gaps in Androw's knowledge. They often shared hearty laughter together, and Maester Culiper once remarked, "Androw, I never knew you had such a good memory. Perhaps the maesters were mistaken about you."

As the hours passed, Aerea stirred, waking up with a bit of drool at the corner of her lips, looking all sleepy-eyed. She immediately asked, "Androw, where were you? I'm starving." Androw set aside his book and tossed an apple from the table to her, saying, "Aerea, it's impolite to sleep in someone else's room without their permission."

Between bites, Aerea explained, "I know, I know. I just got tired of waiting for you. I couldn't resist getting into your bed." Androw smiled and advised, "Take it slow, Aerea."

After finishing the apple, Aerea suggested, "Androw, how about another trip inside the cave?" Androw replied, "Not today, and promise me you won't go in without me." When she pressed him with a suspicious look, Androw simply stated, "I'm exhausted." Aerea wasn't fully convinced, but Androw shook his head, dismissing her doubts. She kept on, until Androw finally relented, saying, "Alright, we'll ride my dragon once the saddle is ready. I'll take you to King's Landing if you'd like."

Teasingly, Aerea asked, "Oh, 'my' dragon?" Androw couldn't help but smile. Satisfied, Aerea left the room.