Bit shorter than intended, this chapter. I'd had another whole section but it's getting moved to the next entry since it flows a bit better with what else I've got planned. Just some shenanigans this week then!

*Insert obligatory thanks, feedback, offer cookies rant here*

And with that out of the way, take it away Weiss!

Completing their training was enthralling, empowering beyond all belief. Nobles could say whatever they wanted now: Weiss had become a Hunter and no absurd bias would change that fact. Something that was intrinsically her own, achieved through effort and with no personal allowances due to her heritage. She had every right to her status as a Hunter and took no small pride in achieving it.

Which was why, when it came time to present the newly minted warriors of Grimm their monetary gifts for achieving their rank she couldn't help but feel slighted once more.

The awards ceremony was something that should take place behind closed doors, away from prying eyes. Instead the Church and nobility wanted to make a show of it. A 'display of cooperation between those in positions of influence' as Ozpin had so thoughtfully put it. Normally Weiss would accept her Archbishop's explanation and leave it at that. Not when she was being so blatantly cheated.

A smaller affair than their commencement, the six of them had been gathered into one of the Cathedral's lesser halls. Nobles of import - or ones local and readily available, had gathered to present funds to each of them, as well as impart blessings. As far as events went it was humdrum, the lone color in the hall belonging to the banners held aloft along the walls, sheets of yellow, green, gray, brown and red motionless in the absence of any breeze.

Servants and guards for each noble gathered beneath the banners, the latter of which bore the same crests emblazoned on the towering posts. Weiss recognized a few, hardly cared for any, and wondered why one or two were even there. Lesser nobles usually weren't invited to such an event as far as she was aware. Had the others, more influential wanted nothing to do with their tainted appointment? The noble who had cried foul of her nomination was notably absent.

Pyrrha, Ren, Nora and Jaune received their awards first, each handed a burgeoning satchel of Lien as large as their heads. By custom each Hunter was given five thousand Lien by the noble houses as a gift. A paltry sum for those who possessed millions and a small fortune for those who lived day-to-day on a handful of coin, it was enough for a Hunter to repair their weapon, purchase new clothing or armor and buy supplies. From there on a Hunter was expected to earn coin through work and provide for themselves.

Weiss stood just a bit taller and stared straight ahead, focusing not on the noble and Ruby to her left but a small stain on the stone wall ahead of them. What made the mark, she wondered? It almost looked like a burn mark, a black splotch that marred an otherwise impeccable chiseled wall. Why not clean it or replace the stone? Everything else in the Cathedral's grounds was spotless, or close enough.

"Thank you, sir!" Ruby exclaimed. The dolt practically squealed her thanks, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Weiss' fingers clenched harder around her wrists, her jaw following suit. They were dealing with nobles, not family friends; where was Ruby's restraint? You know she doesn't have any. This is her being restrained!

Speaking of restraint, Weiss took a deep breath and made a smile come to the fore when the nobleman stood before her. She wasn't certain which smile was more forced: the gentleman's or her own. At least hers reached her eyes.

Hallis O'Rourke, a man made fabulously wealthy for dealing in exotic furs and cloth, and who wore his wealth on his sleeve… And just about everywhere else one might fit clothing. Despite the early summer heat a fur sash draped across his chest, the odd speckled garment undoubtedly distressingly hot. The rest of his outfit was the typical finery of noblemen, cloth with exuberant coloring and pricing, shoes so polished that Weiss suspected they'd been newly crafted solely for today's event and would be discarded soon thereafter. To have that kind of Lien…

"Ah… Miss Schnee. How pleased we all were to see that you completed your training. Commendable, truly!"

The incredulity that leapt to Weiss' face was hidden a second later and she hoped O'Rourke hadn't noticed. Pleased? Is that what they called decrying her accomplishments? Nobles had a peculiar sense of pleasure then.

As custom dictated she shook the man's hand, making a mental note later to wash it in scalding water. Being shorter than most everyone meant she needed to crane her neck and look up to see eye to eye, both a necessity and an infuriating display of deference. Nobles liked to think themselves important and imagine everyone looked up to them. So, when someone had to literally gaze up? How it must tickle their egos.

"I trust that you'll perform your duties admirably? We all have expectations for you, Miss Schnee."

Weiss smiled tightly and bowed her head. "I intend to exceed expectations, sir. Perhaps I'll even accomplish more than any Schnee before me."

O'Rourke's smile broke and he snorted. "We shall see about that, won't we…?" She narrowed her eyes as the man planted a suspiciously light satchel in her outstretched hand, stepping back and smiling tauntingly. "Congratulations once again, Miss Schnee. Perhaps you'll become a Hunter yet."

Was the oaf blind or just trying to incense her? Probably the latter, and for that reason Weiss managed to bite her tongue and not take the bait, smiling up at the man instead. What a shame it would be if that russet beard streaked with gray were to catch fire. Sadly no one else among them could even use fire, meaning the culprit would be obvious.

A girl can dream, can't she?

"Well, aren't you going to check your Lien…?"

She didn't need to. One glance down the line to her left told her exactly what the petty fools that fancied themselves nobles had done to her. Still trying to maintain some semblance of civility Weiss nodded and pulled back the drawstring, confirming what the weight of her gift suggested already: she'd been slighted. At best there was half the Lien of a normal award within: two and a half thousand Lien compared to the typical five.

"As a Schnee we're aware of your exceptional talent, both as a Magi and with a sword." O'Rourke grinned. "And as you're well aware, those of noble birth are often given smaller awards, if any at all. After all, it would be redundant to give the wealthy even more Lien, don't you agree?" Did the man realize the irony of his statement? "Regardless, a Schnee shouldn't need tremendous funds to be successful."

"Are you suggesting my friend's incapable then?" Weiss hissed accusingly.

"Gods no, I'm suggesting we're aware of your talent, young lady. It's a compliment!" A backhanded compliment if she'd ever been given one. Was she supposed to believe that the nobles were short on coin? They supported the entire city financially, how was a single satchel of coin going to break any one of them?

What few other nobles were in attendance shuffled where they stood, a few coughed, and none dared meet her gaze as she glared out at the crowd. Ruby touched her arm and Weiss shook it off, forcing a smile once more.

Fine, if they wanted to continue playing this game of theirs then she'd play along. She would play along and excel despite their efforts. "Thank you for your generosity, Sir O'Rourke. It's an honor," she allowed sarcasm to stain the word. "To serve noble men such as yourselves. I'm certain the king is grateful to have men like you in his employ."

The nobleman's face reddened to match his hair and he leaned forward, hands folded at his back. Through a strained smile he whispered, voice just loud enough for her enhanced ears to hear. "Careful, bastard. Remember your place and who you work for."

"The people of Remnant," Weiss answered easily, meeting angry hazel eyes with a smirk. Her hands were behind her back once again, fingers clenched around her wrists to hide her shaking. "How could I ever forget my generous benefactors?"

O'Rourke sniffed and stepped back. How she was certain he wished he could scream at her, call her all the names under the sun and even deny her the fraction of wealth they'd afforded her. For as mulish as nobles could be though they still honored customs and tradition. Usually. Some had voiced displeasure at their graduation, but none would dare openly refuse her, not with the king's people in attendance.

Nothing would keep Ruby from stepping in however, and much to Weiss' chagrin her equally demure partner placed herself between Weiss and the nobleman. "Problem, sir? Weiss seems upset, was it bad news?"

The nobleman cleared his throat, standing back and adjusting his collar. "Er, no, just an exchange between myself and Miss Schnee. Nothing you need to trouble yourself with young lady." He stepped back again and gasped when he bumped into Pyrrha, stepping away with a nervous smile. "Ah, pardon me, Miss Nikos."

"Oh no, excuse me, Sir O'Rourke. I was under the impression men of class and culture joined us today." Pyrrha smiled sweetly as she folded her hands at her waist. "It seems however we're in company of men who make sport of attacking young women."

"Why you insolent…"

"Not for nothing, sir," Jaune chimed in, taking a place beside his partner. "But we are all kind of Hunters now."

"Is that a threat?!" O'Rourke snapped.

"No, it's a promise," Nora answered with a toothy grin. "I didn't get to break any legs back in Lima. Maybe I can make up for it now? Can I, Renny?!"

Ren sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Nora, assaulting a nobleman will hardly solve our problems. Besides, I'm certain the poor gentleman has already soiled himself. That's punishment enough."

Weiss suppressed a laugh, turning her head away as O'Rourke grimaced and shielded himself. Puzzled murmurs stirred in the crowd and he glanced back at his peers, growing redder by the second. "Ah… If you'll e-excuse me, I have a prior engagement. Congratulations again!"

There was something beautifully poetic about watching the man rush off stage and past his servants, head down and face alight. Were she a lesser woman Weiss might have called after him, consequences be damned. She'd settle for his humiliation though, smiling wide as she heard nobles breaking out into stifled fits of laughter.

Other nobles, confused by the sudden departure of their spokesman, settled for polite applause. None seemed certain as what to do with themselves, not that Weiss could care. Moment of levity passed she glanced at the sparse Lien given to her, jingling its contents and sighing. Why had she expected anything less? She belonged to a noble house, did she? Funny, not a moment earlier she was positive she was a bastard.

Another occasion meant to be joyous, ruined by someone who thought themselves above her. Maybe O'Rourke and other nobles were, depending on one's measure of a man. In terms of wealth they were by far and away better people. In terms of character?

Weiss scoffed under her breath. She'd met Grimm with better character than some of the cretins she'd dealt with recently.

"Weiss! Weiss!" Ruby tugged on her sleeve until Weiss finally looked her way. "I can share some Lien if you want! I don't need this much, and… And dad said he'd help pay for whatever I need!" Silver eyes shone as Ruby thrust her award out.

It would have been easy to take the Lien and Weiss almost did. Instead, she placed a hand on Ruby's and shook her head. "Thank you, but no. I'll do quite alright with what was given to me."

"You shouldn't have to, though," Pyrrha interjected, standing a head taller behind Ruby. "That was a despicable display by them. How do they think they can get away with it?"

"Because they can. They hold the wealth, Pyrrha, they make the rules. And as loath as I am to say this, Sir O'Rourke was technically in the right. Members of noble houses who become Hunters are given less, or sometimes none. Why provide monetary gifts when we already have a fortune?"

"You don't have that money though!" Jaune paled a bit when his exclamation turned heads. Smiling nervously, he lowered his head and cupped a hand by his mouth. "I mean, you're… You know…"

"I am well aware of my circumstances," Weiss snapped. Her expression softened when her friends collectively cringed, and she raised her hand, eyes closed. "I'm sorry, I'm just… Exhausted. It's been a busy few days, for all of us. I think I'm ready to relax for a while."

Ren nodded in agreement and held Nora's shoulder, keeping her back from the nobles. "I think we could all use some time to rest and recuperate. It's fortunate that Veneration Week always follows graduation."

Fortunate certainly. Weiss wasn't sure she had the patience for another ceremony, not if it meant playing the nobles' silly games. Even if the awards service lacked the pomp and circumstance of their convocation it still proved trying.

With the services concluded there was little to keep Weiss from leaving. She had no family waiting for her outside, no home to return to besides the residential wing that every Hunter was given as a formality. Faced with the men who did everything in their power to undermine her she had no desire to remain, and even her friends' presence did little to change that.

"If you'll all excuse me…" She fixed her Lien to her belt and straightened her tunic. "I'm going to pay Roderick a visit and commission a new rapier."

"We were thinking of going out to celebrate, actually…" Pyrrha shifted her weight with a nervousness unbecoming of the top graduate. "If you're worried about Lien then we don't mind covering for you! I'm sure Monty and Eileen might even give us a discount to celebrate!"

Hunger clawed at her stomach and the promise of good company and food made Weiss smile. "Thank you, honestly, but I think I'd rather be alone right now. I have a lot to do before the week is over." And less Lien than usual to accomplish it all. Weiss turned to leave and made it one step before someone seized her sleeve.

"We don't mind, Weiss! We can even all pitch in and split the bill!" Ruby smiled imploringly. "Please come join us? It'll be fun!"

"Yeah, Ruby and I can have a pancake eating contest!" Nora exclaimed, flexing before patting her stomach. "I've got to defend my title!"

"Last time you 'defended your title' you ended up sick," Ren pointed out.

"But did I lose?"

Ren sighed, seeing the futility in his argument. Jaune chuckled nervously and itched the stubble sprouting on his young face. "Uh… What about seeing a show? There's going to be a lot of minstrels in the city right? We could go and…"

"No, thank you," Weiss asserted as gently as she could. Easing her arm from Ruby's grasp she smiled at her friends, concealing the angry twisting of her heart within. "I appreciate your offers, but I really would prefer to be alone right now." She smiled gently and drew up the hood of her tunic. "Don't let me keep you from having fun, however. I'll see you all tonight, I promise."

Not that she assumed her friends expected her to do anything extreme, but she felt it necessary to say as much. It was… Upsetting that her assurances made them all visibly relax yet she took it in stride, smiling and waving to them. Ruby's pleading eyes were the last thing she saw as she turned and left the hall, giving wide berth to the nobles and exhaling loudly as she doors slammed shut behind her.

/+/+/+/+/+/

Roderick's forge rarely bustled with the activity of some of the more prolific businesses. It struck Weiss as odd considering he was officially employed by the Church. As she browsed the weapons on display, short swords, staves, lances and maces hung from the wall, she reminded herself that the man was one of many such blacksmiths the Church commissioned for its recruits. The only one she had found that would provide his services to someone like herself. Weiss reached out and ran her finger absently along the haft of a spear, smiling as she listened to a newly initiated Squire argue with the man over cost. It might have been a convincing argument on the boy's behalf if Ruby's voice wasn't deeper than his own or if he had an idea of what he even wanted.

The smith didn't do it for the coin. Roderick owned his own shop and as such had no landlord to pay which was perhaps why he could afford to serve so few customers. Weiss rolled her eyes and turned from the weapons to watch the young Kanin boy argue, again, over why he needed steel bracers when he fought with a bow. For his part the smith explained for the umpteenth time why heavy armor was counterintuitive for an archer.

Eventually the boy gave in and relented, leaving with a quiver of fresh arrows, sent on his way to a tanner better suited for his needs. Weiss giggled once the boy had gone and stepped away from the display she'd been hovering by, tilting her head in amusement at the man's exhausted expression. "Having a nice day?"

"Ralthor's balls…" Roderick cursed, running his hands over his rough beard and groaning into them. "The lad's worried if someone gets into close, whether or not he's safe. I told 'him that any archer worth his salt won't let anyone get to close to him!"

"And if they do…?" she asked, repeating the boy's own query. The blacksmith narrowed his eyes then snorted after catching on.

"Then he's got the dagger I made him. Honestly, what's hard to understand? The lad's going to be yards and yards away from the action! Plate armor's only gonna make firin' his bow harder!"

How easy it would be to patronize. Weiss smiled and politely kept her mouth closed as Roderick paced. Bars of various metals reflected midday light pouring in from the windows at the front of the shop, bronze and steel the most plentiful. She didn't recognize the ice blue ingot, nor the green or red. What kinds of ores were those? Pyrrha might know, but she wasn't here to answer her whimsical observations.

"Right… Enough of that," Roderick chuckled, stopping and leaning across his counter. "I'm guessin' you're here for a new weapon?"

"How'd you know…?"

"Because you never go anywhere without that rapier of yours, lass. I'd sooner expect you to trot through that door drunk than without your weapon." Weiss smiled sheepishly, and the smith shook his head. "Let me guess…" he mused, raising an eyebrow. "It broke on you?"

"To be fair…" Weiss began.

"A rapier is narrow, aye, but it's not weak. Any weapon of decent make can withstand a handful of blows," Roderick said. "That reinforcing I did was nothing more than a patchwork job, girl, I told you that. I insisted that you buy a new weapon, even a temporary one. Hells, I would have given you a damn weapon to borrow if I thought you'd take it!"

After the day she'd had Weiss couldn't stand to be admonished, even if she knew Roderick meant well. "It wasn't my intention to have it break in combat!"

"And I'm not sayin' it was, Weiss. And I know you ain't here for an 'I told you so', but you need to listen to your smithy when he tells you somethin'. My forge might blow hot air out its arse but I sure as hell don't."

"Worried about losing your best customer?" Weiss asked through a bitter smile.

"Customer nothin'! I'm worried about a young lady getting herself killed because of her pride!" Oh, well that was touching. His genuine concern made Weiss immediately regret her biting remark, lowering her head shamefully. Strong hands clasped her shoulders and she forced herself to look up again.

"There's nothin' wrong with a warrior trusting their weapon, but even the best of blades breaks in time. There's no shame in needing a new one. I've seen too many a good man and woman die because their weapons failed." Roderick sighed and used his sullied apron to wipe soot and sweat from his face, streaks of moisture staining tanned skin. "I'd hate to see you go their way."

Weiss rolled her tongue before releasing a heavy sigh and nursing her temples. "I'm sorry, I've just had a very difficult past few days."

"Aye? Didn't you just graduate?"

"Much to the chagrin of the noble houses, yes." she lamented.

Roderick scowled and swat at the empty air. "Bah! Bunch of posturing bastards! Don't they realize it's fine folk like you who are the reason they can even get fat and wealthy to begin with? They ought to be groveling at your feet!"

"Yes, well… I think they were too busy groveling at Ozpin's to pay me any mind."

"You sound disappointed. Want them kissing your boots?" Roderick asked with a teasing smirk.

"Hardly! I'd just like to be treated with the respect I deserve! I've worked hard to get where I am and they try to ruin me at every possible turn!"

The blacksmith stroked his ashen beard for a moment in silence. Weiss drew a sharp breath and clasped her hands together, thumbs rubbing together. Someone outside shouted to another and a brief heated exchange ended with a procession of guards separating them. Weiss glanced through the window and saw a man led away from the shop, and another guard speaking to someone just out of view.

"You're still a Hunter, aren't ya?" Weiss nodded. "Then damn them. Their words only mean as much as you give em worth, Weiss. Do you know what the others call me? The other smiths in the city?" Roderick scoffed and leaned forward, hands spread on the countertop. "White Fang sympathizer, animal lover, heathen. And those are just the ones I'll repeat in polite company."

"Why would they call you such a thing? You abide by the laws! You hardly make a living out of outfitting criminals."

"True, but the nobles see anyone who ain't pure blood Muran as lowly. I don't need to tell you that," Roderick explained. "I'm a lesser man for serving anyone who wants to fight for what's right in the world? Fine, call me what you will, but I've got a good conscience knowin' I proudly serve anyone and everyone. And I'd do that with or without the Church's contract."

"My point is, don't let their opinions matter. They can't keep you from being a Hunter, Weiss, and they sure as shit can't keep you from being a damn good one either. Do your job and do it so well that they look like the fools they are when they call you rubbish!"

Weiss smiled, clearing her throat and blinking twice. "Speaking from experience, are we…?"

Roderick's booming laughter filled the small shop as he swept a hand across the space before him. "You think I've kept open by sellin' junk? Like I said, do good enough work and most folk will recognize ya. Everyone's got naysayers, lass. It's how you deal with 'em that matters."

Well, obviously, although if it was so obvious though why did it feel like a sudden revelation? Weiss had tried to practice as much but it was easier said than done when undeserved hatred was thrown on your plate at every conceivable chance. With a guilty realization she reminded herself others had it far worse. At least Ydrans are treated with respect, mostly. Some people are denied before they even have a chance to plead their case.

O'Rourke could give her whatever he wanted. He could have given her nothing at all and she'd find a way to get what she needed. She'd have to do a better job of not letting them get to her in the future. True, she'd had the last laugh with O'Rourke, but he'd still managed to rile her up, which was exactly what he'd wanted. Next time she wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

"Now… If we're through with our little heart-to-heart, I'm assumin' you didn't come here for a chat. As witty and charming as I am," Roderick paused when Weiss laughed. "Oi! I give you a life lesson and you pay me by laughing at me?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Weiss snickered, covering her mouth and waving a hand for the smith to continue.

Roderick wasn't bothered in the least and smiled easily. "Let's get to business, hm? What sorta weapon can I make for you? I'm guessing another rapier?"

As if that wasn't obvious. Her entire fighting style, from weaving runes to her swordplay was predicated on using a rapier. "If you could make one similar enough to Myrtenaster's design I'd love it."

"I'd guessed as much!" Weiss flushed and smiled, shrugging as though to suggest 'What can I say?' Roderick grinned, stepped back and gestured to the wall of ingots and ores behind him. "What do you want to use? Bronze is the cheapest, obviously, but it ain't too durable or reliable if I'm honest. Better suited for arrowheads or a cookin' knife than any blade."

"Steel would be good, though it's heavier than I'd like…" Weiss' eyes drifted along the wall as she examined the selection. "Iron is cheaper, though weight would still be an issue. Quicksilver would be ideal for Grimm, but then there's the issue of price."

"It's expensive, aye, but it is Veneration Week, lass. That means I slash prices for any Hunters that come into my shop, and last I checked you're a Hunter, ain't you?"

A smile split her face and Weiss moved closer to the counter. Quicksilver was within her price range then, though there would still be the matter of buying the materials for the grip and the labor itself. "Give me a sales pitch. Why should I buy Quicksilver?"

"Playin' that game, eh? Fine, I'll bite!" An ingot was handed over and Weiss marveled at how easily she held it in her hands. "Lightweight first, but it's got good tensile strength to it, and the shear strength ain't half bad either. Unlike iron or steel, it's a good conductor of magic too, makin' it a good choice for Hunters and Magi. Plus, it's pretty," Roderick added with a grin. "And ladies like pretty things, don't ya?"

Weiss rolled her eyes, smiling as her fingertips glazed over the ingot whimsically. It was certainly light enough that she could easily wield a blade forged from it. Magical conductivity was a bonus too.

Rather than go in on the idea however she looked again to the selection, eyes settling on an ingot to the far right. Blue as her eyes yet a paler shade, she could see streaks within the ingot itself resembling the rings of an aged tree. Drawn to it, Weiss set down the Quicksilver bar and pointed. "What's that…?"

"Ah, someone's got a good eye! Expensive tastes too. Gods help whichever poor soul wins your heart." Weiss stuck out her tongue and smiled as Roderick laughed. "This here is Everfrost, imported all the way from Atlas. Came in on a recent shipment, and it's the only ingot I've got smelted so far."

"Did you say Everfrost…?"

"Aye. Got somethin' in your ear?"

Weiss' hands trembled as she reached for the ingot. Roderick was puzzled but handed it over and watched as she drew it closer, turning over the bar and running her hand over it. The ingot was cold to the touch, cold as snow, yet her skin didn't prickle as it might otherwise. Quicksilver might boast moderate conductivity but Everfrost… Everfrost was one of the best. Much better than a small shop in Vale ought to have access to even. No offense, Roderick, but this belongs in a far greater shop.

"Well, are you just gonna gawk all day or are you going to fill me in?" Weiss glanced away from her treasure and flushed. "Gods, girl, what's got you so smitten? You're staring at it like you've found your soulmate!"

She hadn't, she'd found something far, far better. Weiss set the ingot down as calmly as she could, revering the slab as a priceless artifact. "That's the very same metal that Myrtenaster is crafted from. The original one," she elaborated. "Well, to be precise it's Everfrost ore with a bit of Mistralian Feril Ore as its core."

Roderick whistled and rubbed his forehead. "Feril Ore eh? Never had the chance, but I figured this stuff was special."

"How much?"

"Er… I don't have much of it, and the merchant I bought it off charged -"

"How much, Roderick?" Weiss asked again, halfway to throwing her Lien and whatever else she could part with onto the counter.

"Easy lass, easy. The merchant charged me eight-thousand per ore. If I were to make it a rapier - and I obviously can't be usin' no Mistralian whosy-whatsits, not when I don't have none…" Roderick tapped a finger on his chin. "I'd guess it'd be at least seven-thousand Lien for the rapier, labor and all."

"Oh."

Nothing quite like having the wind torn from your sails in an instant. Weiss' heart dropped so hard she swore it could be heart, feeling as though the very shop floor itself had been pulled from under her. The actual, authentic Myrtenaster might be out of her reach but she had a chance of making the next best thing. Still an imitation, sure, but a blessed good one at that. She gazed again at the chilled metal and bit her lip, arms hanging limp at her sides.

"I could haggle a bit, though that seven-thousands already marked down with the holiday and all." Roderick smiled at her encouragingly. "How's six and a half thousand fancy you? I could even go low as six and a quarter if that's easier."

Weiss appreciated the man's willingness to help but everyone's generosity had their limits. She pushed her satchel across the counter and drew a sharp breath. "Two and a half thousand Lien," she stated miserably. "I might have another four hundred set aside elsewhere…" Less than three thousand and not even half of Roderick's lowest price.

The blacksmith winced and slid the satchel back her way. "I'd love to help you, Weiss, I really would, but this material's expensive. I can't eat three-thousand Lien and hope to turn a profit. I'm sorry."

Weiss shook her head and blinked a few times before smiling at the man. "No, no it's hardly your fault. I shouldn't be trying to buy top-tier materials when I haven't the coin for it."

At best she could afford steel, which again was too heavy. Even Quicksilver was likely going to be too expensive, all of her money pooled, and she doubted anything else she owned was of much value. She couldn't take up any jobs either to earn Lien to pay Roderick, not without a weapon. Maybe an iron rapier, an alloy of bronze and iron, or… Something.

No money for a weapon, no weapon to take on jobs to earn money from. What was she supposed to do? She had her magic, sure, but too many spells and she'd be defenseless. Without a blade she was a bird with clipped wings.

The shop's bell chimed as the door swung open. Weiss didn't pay it any mind, straining to not panic as she weighed her options. She could perhaps ask Ozpin for more Lien? It would be unorthodox, but she could try. There were her friends too and… No, they had their own costs, she wasn't going to stifle them for her own sake. Nails dug into her palms as she closed her eyes and focused on breathing. She wasn't going to panic, she refused to panic. That's what O'Rourke and the other damned men wanted her to do.

"Oh my, is someone giving you trouble?"

Roderick stood a bit taller and Weiss furrowed her brow. What was he so surprised for? Weiss turned, tilting her head at the unfamiliar man and his young companion. Daughter? They looked similar enough.

"Lord Bisset! What… How may I help you…?"

Bisset? Weiss forwent her usual respectful air and looked the man over. A finely tailored if plain white, double-breasted long coat and pair of black trousers and polished shoes with not a single scuff on either. The man before her smiled and tipped his wide brimmed hat, brilliant orange hair poking out beneath. Not a man she was familiar with, although her smithy plainly was.

"I'm in the city for some business and thought I might stop by and say hello, old friend."

Weiss didn't mean to look so incredulous as she stared at Roderick in disbelief. The man was much too focused on the noble to pay her any mind, and despite being twice as wide and every bit as tall he seemed skittish. "Ah… Well thank you kindly for your visit! If you're here for a commission I'm afraid I'm currently busy…"

Lord Bisset shook his head and waved a hand. "Not at all. The dagger you made my daughter is proving to be more than suitable for her needs." A short girl, shorter than Weiss, peered around the nobleman's back. Brown eyes sparkled with a nervous excitement and she waved to Weiss before hiding again.

"I see…?" Roderick didn't and neither did Weiss. "Well, if you don't mind, sir, I need to finish with this young lady…"

Weiss stepped back on reflex when the towering noble looked down at her. Rather than the scorn or disdain she was used to, or even the put-upon smiles, he gave her a genuinely warm greeting and bowed his head. "Ah, Miss Weiss Schnee, correct? I've heard much about you, it's so good to finally meet face to face." He took her hand and Weiss felt heat creep to her cheeks when he kissed the back of it. "Lord Alexandre Bisset, at your service."

"Ah…" she said dumbly. Well this was weird. A noble that wasn't outwardly repulsed by her? For once Weiss found herself at a complete loss. Thankfully the man didn't seem to mind, bypassing her entirely as he picked up the Everfrost ingot.

"What a fine piece of metal! I'm astonished that you've been able to procure it, my good man. No offense intended, of course!"

"None taken, my lord. It's fresh in as of this week, right from Atlas."

Lord Bisset nodded, holding the metal up to the light. Weiss' breath caught as she saw rays pierce the outer shell, sparkling blue metal within dancing whimsically, flashing as countless torchlights in the night. The nobleman rasped his knuckles on the bar and hummed thoughtfully before setting it back down.

"I apologize for interrupting, I'm simply taken aback by such a brilliant piece. So rare, and renowned for its worth to Hunters. I daresay this is quite a treat for you, Miss Schnee."

Weiss almost didn't realize she was addressed until Roderick meaningfully cleared his throat. Bolting upright she smiled, still not quite comfortable, and met Bisset's playful green eyes. "Ah, yes sir, it's… Amazing. Breathtaking even." And far out of her price range.

"Do you intend to purchase it? It would make a fine weapon I would think."

Weiss' smile vanished as quickly as it appeared, her eyes drifting off to the side. "I… Cannot afford it, sir."

"Is that so? Well that just won't do! The future of Remnant rests in the hands of our brave, fearless Hunters, and I should think nothing, but the best would suffice!" Lord Bisset stamped his cane on the floor, startling Weiss, not realizing he'd even had one until now. "Roderick, how much?"

"Er… The lowest I can go is six and a quarter, sir. Thousand Lien that is."

"Will you have to compromise on its quality?"

Roderick, earnestly taken aback, frowned and leaned forward. "I never cut corners on my work, sir! I only put out the best quality!" Realizing he was too close and his voice louder than intended the smith moved back and cleared his throat again. "Er… That is ta say no, it'd still be top shelf."

Weiss watched the enigmatic noble as he stroked his nonexistent beard. At some point is daughter had wandered away and begun playing with knives and swords, her back partially obscured by long brown hair. If Lord Bisset didn't seem bothered, then Weiss wasn't going to say anything about it either.

"If I were to pay you ten could you have it done quickly? Say… The end of the week?"

Roderick's jaw dropped and for a long moment he stared. Weiss did too, watching in silent awe as the noble produced a satchel easily five times larger than her own, setting it on the counter with a resounding thud. How easily a man could part with a fortune like that…

"It would be for Miss Schnee of course. I've no use for a weapon like that, lacking any magic proclivity," Bisset gestured to himself, interrupting the stunned silence. "That is assuming the young lady will allow me this kindness?"

In the face of such overwhelming generosity she should be flustered, perhaps even bowing to the man before her. Part of her wanted to, yet an overwhelming part, one filled with skepticism, kept her from even meeting the man's gaze. There had to be a catch, a stipulation for this. No nobleman would be so altruistic to buy her anything even a quarter as expensive, so why? What did Lord Bisset have to gain?

She needed to know, and so Weiss decided to be as blunt as the mallets on Roderick's shop floor. "What do I give you in exchange? That's perhaps a small sum for you but it's more Lien than I've earned in my entire life." Weiss looked to the man for an answer, hands on her hips. "Forgive me, Lord Bisset, but I'm not inclined to believe that a man will part so willingly with his coin without a catch."

"What a prudent woman you are! I'll concede that I have a stipulation, though it's nothing so unsavory as you might think." She'd believe that once she heard the condition. Lord Bisset smiled and held up a finger. "All I ask is this: Should my holdings ever encounter Grimm I should like to call upon you for aid. Only once. I assure you I am not buying your loyalty, nor would I pretend to. Think of it as an… Investment for the future."

That was it? Weiss let her posture relax and stared at the man before looking to Roderick. The smith helpfully shrugged, mouthing 'I don't know' and leaving the decision to her. It was hers to make, and really, she didn't seem to have anything to lose by agreeing. She'd likely be dispatched to Lord Bisset's holdings at one point or another…

"Hunters aren't meant to take personal jobs, sir," Weiss pointed out. Hunters worked for the Church, took jobs by request. "I'm afraid accepting your proposal would be against the rules. I will have to respectfully decline," she added with no small reluctance, words dying on her lips with a wistful sigh.

The nobleman sighed and relented, nodding as he leaned on his cane. "Prudent and insightful, a wonderfully dangerous combination. I admit I was trying to bend the rules a little, and I apologize for thinking I could deceive you." His arm crossed his chest and he bowed at the waist. "Please, take the Lien then as my apology, and should we have the chance to work together in the future, through proper channels," he added. "Then I would be most grateful for it."

"As long as you realize I can make no promises…?"

"Of course, of course!" Lord Bisset chuckled and rested his hands on his cane. "As I said, take this as an apology. I've insulted your intelligence and morals, it's the least I can do."

Weiss smiled, relieved the man hadn't become angry for calling his ploy. It was still strange that any noble would go out of his way to help her, not to mention incredibly convenient. Roderick seemed to know the man though and she needed the Lien desperately. If he was willing to part with it and for so little, a chance encounter in the future? She'd be an utter dunderhead to say no.

"I appreciate your generosity, sir. Truly I do." If she'd had a skirt she'd have curtsied for the man, then and there. Instead Weiss placed her hand over her heart and bowed, keeping the position until Lord Bisset tapped her gently with his cane.

"None of that! I'm investing in Remnant's future, as any sane man should! I am not a gambling man after all," the noble laughed, then smiled as he twirled his cane and pointed to Weiss with it. "But I will wager you'll become a splendid Hunter, Weiss Schnee. Let this gift be a show of my good faith, and perhaps that not all of us in Vale wish to see you fail."

Not for the first time today Weiss smiled and bowed her head. "I'll do my best to surpass your expectations, sir."

"Wonderful, wonderful! That's what I like to hear. I can rest a bit easier knowing that we have youths like yourself paving the way for Remnant's future!" Lord Bisset turned and snapped his fingers, pointing to his side. "Emilia, come. We've more meetings and you haven't time for browsing, dear."

Weiss took the brief reprieve to marvel at the ingot once more, placing her hand delicately over it. Everfrost would make a wonderful weapon, comparable to the genuine article even. Suddenly the nonsense with O'Rourke, and even the debacle that was her graduation, all of it seemed so insignificant. She'd have a blade befitting not only a Hunter but a Schnee, one she could be truly proud to wield.

"Thank you again, sir!" Weiss called earnestly. Lord Bisset stopped at the door and smiled, tipping his cap to her.

"Think nothing of it, Miss Schnee. Just do remember that you have friends in the world, hm? And best of luck in the future."

Friends indeed. Weiss intended never to see the man again if it could be helped, not trusting him whatsoever. Still, if his Lien was good and she'd obtained a new weapon for it then she'd play his game. Someone else could answer his summons in the future, should it ever happen. If he was so content to let her take his money, then she'd do so. After how the nobles had tried to cheat her it was only time she got something in return.

Weiss giggled, giddy as she ran a hand over the ingot once more. "You'll have it done by the end of the week…?" she asked, near vibrating as she stood still.

Roderick smiled and nodded, taking the satchel and peering inside. "Crazy fool's really paying so much… Aye, aye, it'll be done before the week's out. I'll get started on it today even! You're my priority job, Weiss."

"Wonderful! Thank you so much, Roderick!"

The blacksmith laughed, shaking his head and patting his most recent earnings. "No, thank you,Weiss. Just earned me a month's pay with this job, you did. I'll be able to take it a bit easier after this."

It was hardly her Lien but if he wanted to thank her she wouldn't turn it down. Fastening her own satchel to her belt once more she moved for the door, having to catch herself and keep from skipping. Maybe she would go join her friends now, assuming they were still at Monty's. Even if they weren't she needed to go have some fun and share the good news with someone, anyone who would listen.

Is this how Nora feels? I want to run up and hug the nearest stranger!

Weiss stepped onto the road and wrinkled her nose as a drunken mill worker staggered past, singing to himself with a mug of mead in hand. Maybe not the nearest, maybe she'd wait until she saw her friends.

A new weapon, becoming a recognized Hunter, and now an entire week to relax and enjoy herself. What more could she need? Weiss smiled and jogged away from Roderick's shop, keen on meeting her friends and sharing the good news.

Lord Bisset seems like a nice guy. Deeeeefinitely trustworthy.

As far as Weiss is concerned 'If this dunce wants to buy me a weapon then so be it!'

She knows there's no strings attached, she called him out on as much, so no harm no foul, right?