Durin's Diary

Durin returned to Lublin and wanted to head home for some rest and catch up on sleep.

But Elder Yishu and Elder Philo insisted it was out of the question, "Today you've accomplished a great deed for the Elders' Council, and your reward has been discussed during your return journey. We must give it to you today, or else the whole world will think the Grassland Elves' Elders' Council employs child labor, a practice that would be deemed utterly despicable; thus, you are not allowed to sleep."

Durin argued back that they were the ones mistreating child labor, "I, Durin, am only twelve years old, a minor in any courthouse across the multiverse."

"You'll get your coveted special general gun permit," Elder Yishu coaxed gently.

"You'll receive your long-awaited universal craftsmen's certificate," Elder Philo added fuel to the fire.

"Come, and I'll introduce you to my granddaughter," Elder Enrique said with a smile.

Pushing aside Elder Enrique's sinister intentions, Durin suddenly lost all trace of sleepiness, donned his beloved custom outfit, buttoned up the front, draped the ornamental shawl over his shoulders, and happily followed the old men onto the back of the Silver Dragon.

At first, Durin was quite excited; after all, he could now call himself a dragon-mounted knight, something he didn't dare to dream of when he wielded his lightsaber in battle.

Then he squinted and realized this young female dragon had more than just a casual relationship with his Elder Yishu.

It turns out Elder Yishu was indeed the heartthrob of the Ailish household.

.........

The Silver Dragon species was a common sight in the Eastern Elven Territory, symbolizing justice and goodness. This young Silver Dragon named Vilanda also seemed to be quite famous. The Elder Assembly Hall was at the city's core, with no flight permitted in the inner circle, so they had to walk all the way.

Along the way, passersby greeted the three elders and her with friendliness.

Three out of ten addressed her as "Madam Vilanda," with her smiling in response; seven out of ten called her "Madam Yishu," with her responding in great delight.

Ah, it turns out she's still a little fangirl of her own grandpa.

Of course, Durin wasn't forgotten by Elder Philo either. A mention of "young friend Durin" often already represented the elder's friendly stance towards him.

As they ascended the steps, it was already noon, and the remaining ten out of eleven elders waited at the top.

Elder Philo took his place, and the elder Grassland Elf wearing a thorny circle walked towards Durin. By now, Durin was used to it, "You old folks never told me how I'm supposed to render my thanks for this award."

"This time, the Slaver Squad has taken a severe beating in Lublin. Hundreds of slavers have been killed, and under the insistence of Mr. Dulin Aiersh and Protector Yishu Aiersh, the decisive action against the Salik family, the masterminds behind the slavers, has proven phenomenally effective. The entire slaver family has been annihilated, leaving only seven married-off females. For your resolute actions, we give you this commendation," said the elder Grassland Elf, seemingly noticing Durin's embarrassment; he patted Durin's shoulder, smiling, "Don't overthink it, child. We are but deputies for the flock of the Mother Goddess. Keep your reverence and love for them, and that will be enough." With that, he handed the two documents to Durin.

"Earning a special gun permit at twelve, you're even more impressive than your Elder Yishu, child," Elder Philo commented with a smile.

Durin took the two certificates.

The special gun permit is the ultimate proof of a Grassland Elf's loyalty. With it, Durin could legally enter the Elders' Council Hall with a pistol—in its holster and visibly carried at his waist. The word "universal" implied that Durin would be legally allowed to bear arms in all nations that issue gun permits, including the Eastern Elven Territory—essentially confirming his right to bear arms throughout the Human World.

Durin accepted the documents and, after a moment's thought, bowed his head and placed a hand over his heart, "I vow to fight for the innocent."

This was the phrase he'd heard most from his mentor, a belief he trusted. Durin believed that to fight for the innocent was the greatest vow and assurance a kindred spirit could offer, more genuine than gold.

As he stood up, Durin noticed the elders' smiling faces. The Grand Elder nodded approvingly, then took off a round ring from his left index finger and presented it to Durin, "This is just a small gift, with no strings attached."

As he said this, his gaze was on Elder Yishu.

Durin glanced at Elder Yishu, who nodded in response.

So, with a happy face, Durin took the ring with both hands and tried it for size; in the end, it only fit on his thumb.

The elders clapped their hands and began congratulating Elder Yishu.

Durin stood to the side, examining the two certificates in his hands and looking at his own photo inside them, he remembered—right, he had indeed taken a photo at the beginning of the year, but that was for making his gunsmith certificate.

The new gunsmith certificate now confirmed Durin's identity and was recognized nationwide—meaning that in all places with a Craftsmen's Guild, Durin could legally manufacture and possess firearms. These two certificates might seem unremarkable, but Durin understood that many gunsmiths never received both specialty certificates in their lifetimes, yet he had obtained them at the tail end of his twelfth year.

It was certainly a grace, but also a testament to his own efforts.

Durin suddenly felt that the Grassland Elves' society was truly fair and peaceful, and he began to truly like his new life.

With this thought, Durin's eyes narrowed.

The curtain fell, revealing only one line of text.

·Stop looking, the old guys here are all about the same level as your grandpa.

Well, this was the day Durin's legendary status was the least valuable since his reincarnation.

...........

After saying goodbye to each member of the Elder Assembly, Durin followed Elder Yishu down the steps. Before he could speak, he heard Elder Yishu's sigh.

"Child, remember the oath you took today in the Circle of Truth."

Upon hearing this, Durin knew Elder Yishu must be referring to the six words about the willingness to fight for the innocent, and Durin naturally responded with a sound of agreement.

"I know, I will keep my oath until the end comes for me or the world," Durin said.

That was the most revered oath among the apprentices at the High Tower.

Elder Yishu was taken aback, perhaps not expecting his grandson to make such a solemn vow, but in the end, he nodded with relief.

Lady Verdant smiled at Durin, "It's really great that young Durin has such a spirit, and I hope you grow up quickly."

Durin smiled, nodded, and showed his respect.

"Now that this is over, I have matters to attend to in the capital. What about you, Durin?" Elder Yishu asked, turning towards him.

"I'd like to return to the manor. Anta must be eager to hear my stories, and we agreed to dance together on the last day of the Harvest Festival."

Elder Yishu smiled, looking at Verdant: "Would you mind taking this child back, Verdant?"

"Remember, if a police force from the Human World arrives in Lublin Town, call me immediately, and I will deal with them," Elder Yishu said before leaving.

Durin nodded to show there was no problem—it wasn't really his place to deal with human police, let the old fox handle those old foxes.