The people of Mondstadt had always been prejudiced against Eula.
The fruit shop owner refused to sell fruit to Eula, and restaurants would churn out shoddy orders for her.
Whenever Eula appeared, everyone's faces coldly spelled out 'unwelcome'.
Only Makoto would treat Eula without prejudice.
He would smile at Eula and patiently teach her how to use a Bone Whistle.
Makoto's appearance made Eula suddenly feel that the world wasn't so cold and heartless.
At the very least, there was still a little warmth.
"Big Brother, I can't just take your Bone Whistle for free."
"In exchange, I'll pawn my weapon to you. Please note, it's a pawn, okay?"
"When I have money, I'm going to redeem my weapon. You're not allowed to sell it!"
Little Eula had her own principles and pride; she wasn't willing to take Makoto's things for free.
So she chose to pawn her most valuable weapon to Makoto.
As she spoke, Little Eula extended her palm, and a golden light converged in her hand.
Once the light solidified, a Claymore stood upright, plunged into the ground.
Its blade was composed of bronzed and sky-blue colors, inlaid with several gems, and the top of the hilt even had a lyre string pattern.
At first glance, this Claymore looked like the five-star weapon 'song of broken pines'.
But if one looked closely, they would realize it was only very similar.
The blacksmith who forged this sword had ordinary skill, and the sword blank used was also very common.
There was no divine power within it, making this Claymore appear somewhat dim.
It should only be Eula's training sword, at most a three-star weapon.
But even a three-star Claymore was more than enough for collateral.
"I can't take this Claymore of yours."
Makoto shook his head, not agreeing to Eula's trade request.
"Why? Don't look at how old this sword is; it cuts iron like mud and is very easy to use!"
Eula thought Makoto disliked the Claymore because it wasn't worth much and couldn't be used as collateral.
Little One immediately picked up the Claymore to prove herself.
Although Eula was small, her strength far surpassed that of her peers.
The Claymore was taller than Eula, yet she could lift it effortlessly.
To possess such great strength at such a young age, perhaps only Beidou could compare.
Immediately after, Eula used her sword skills to slice through Hilichurl targets one after another.
And indeed, as she said, although the Claymore looked old, it still exuded sharpness.
All the targets that were cut showed smooth, clean cuts.
This indicated that the sword was fast and sharp, a good weapon.
"Big Brother, I didn't lie, okay?"
"This Claymore can be used as collateral!"
Eula put down the Claymore in her hand, looked up at Makoto, her eyes filled with confidence.
"I know your sword is good, but I can't accept it."
"Why?"
"I just took a look; the surface of this sword is pitted. It must have been with you for some years, right? It should hold a different meaning for you, shouldn't it?"
Eula froze for a moment, then nodded.
Makoto guessed correctly; this sword had been with Eula since she could remember.
If she hadn't been truly unable to produce money, Eula wouldn't have been willing to pawn the Claymore.
This was also why she kept emphasizing to Makoto that she would redeem the Claymore when she had money and that he wasn't allowed to sell it.
"Since I'm right, then let this sword stay with you. It doesn't mean much if it stays with me."
"When you have money later, just give me the money for the Bone Whistle."
Actually, Makoto didn't intend to take Eula's money, but he knew very well that Eula had her own persistence.
Since that was the case, he would just let the little girl be.
Hearing Makoto's words, a warm current rose in Eula's heart.
Makoto said, 'when you have money later,' without any specific time constraint.
This gave Eula the feeling that the duration didn't matter; Makoto trusted that she would make up the payment.
This heavy trust deeply moved Eula.
Makoto paused, then continued, "I just observed your sword skills and found a significant problem."
"For example, your swinging posture; your previous movements weren't smooth and effortless. They were somewhat strenuous and unproductive, which unnecessarily drains your own strength."
Because Makoto possessed the Talents of Anemo Sword Art: Royal, he could instantly spot Eula's problem.
Although Eula was recognized by the 'ice seal', she was still young and had many shortcomings.
Eula had always felt there was a problem with her sword skills, but she couldn't pinpoint what it was.
Now, hearing Makoto's words, Eula suddenly felt a sense of enlightenment.
Seeing Eula seriously contemplating and not refuting, Makoto smiled and asked, "Do you want to know how to improve?"
"Yes."
Eula nodded without hesitation, because she wanted to become stronger.
As for the reason for wanting to become stronger, Eula didn't know what it was.
Perhaps she wanted to seek justice for herself, or perhaps to break free from the heavy burden of her bloodline...
In short, she wanted to become stronger.
Looking at Eula's serious expression, Makoto reached out and ruffled Eula's hair: "Then I can't teach you for free, can I?"
Eula didn't resist Makoto's head-patting; she focused on Makoto's question.
"But, but I don't have anything valuable left on me."
Little Eula looked somewhat helpless, her expression a little dejected and sad.
"I was thinking, I didn't say I was going to charge you money."
Looking at Eula's little expression, Makoto couldn't help but laugh.
Little One was simply too cute.
Her tender cheeks paired with a wronged expression made her look explosively adorable.
Uncle An, since you don't want to take on disciples, then I'll help you lighten your burden.
"Achoo! Achoo! Who's talking bad about me behind my back?"
Amber's Grandfather rubbed his nose, muttering.
....
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