Chapter 26
As I gazed at the three artifacts, my Heart Eye activated. The first one I examined was a dark, vintage sword.
[Mighty’s Sword]
[One of the artifacts crafted from the solid bones of the mighty and a special metal.]
[Special Effects]
[Mighty’s Power (C) – Increases strength by 10%.]
[Solid Blade (D) – Has significantly higher durability than a typical weapon.]
“Hoora.”
Mighty’s Sword.
This was an artifact that could be quite useful in the early stages. Not only was its durability extremely high, but the constant effect of Mighty’s Power was also a very good special effect.
The effect could be applied simply by picking up the sword, without any cost.
Looking at the mighty emblem engraved on the blade, a smile involuntarily appeared on my face.
“This would be perfect for Leonhardt.”
Although Leonhardt was already using a pretty good sword, it was not an artifact. If it had been an artifact, my Heart Eye would have analyzed it automatically.
With a sword like Mighty’s Sword, it would be highly useful. After examining the sword, I checked the information on the other two items.
[Staff of Bravery]
[A staff that seems to exude a bold energy. It allows you to cast magic a bit faster.]
[Special Effects]
[Memorize (C+) – Can store up to three spells. Stored spells can be used without consuming mana. The maximum spell level that can be stored is up to 2nd circle.]
[Luwell’s Necklace]
[A necklace infused with the energy of nature. Spirits would likely appreciate it.]
[Special Effects]
[Natural Bond (C) – Can store the energy of nature separately.]
[Clear Mind (D) – Allows for slightly faster gathering of energy in daily life.]
The other two items were artifacts that did not fall behind Mighty’s Sword.
“Nice loot.”
It was as if the items had been predetermined, perfectly matching my needs. Holding the sword, I looked at my escort knight.
“This is for you.”
As I handed over Mighty’s Sword, a gleam appeared in Leonhardt’s eyes. Having held a sword for so long, he seemed to recognize at a glance that it was an artifact.
“It looks like a very good sword… Is it alright with you?”
“You need to get stronger to protect me well, right? Moreover, you contributed greatly when we took down the Minotaur, so you should definitely take it.”
“Thank you.”
If it weren’t for his efforts, we wouldn’t have been able to take down the bull-headed creature.
“Impressive indeed.”
Seeing that, I was somewhat moved as a knight.
Unfortunately, I had already advanced as a mage.
Aura. Mana. Spirit Power. Divine Power, etc.
These individual energies usually could only be accepted in one form by a body.
It was no wonder that there were hardly any Sword Mages on the continent.
Such details were typically found only in historical texts narrating events from a long time ago.
“Well, my current abilities are sufficient.”
For now, since I was in a hurry to learn magic, I didn’t have any regrets.
After handing over the sword, I presented Luwell’s Necklace to Erciel.
“I see this is a necklace that can hold the energy of nature. It should be helpful.”
After I briefly recited the explanation related to the artifact, she began to fidget with her hands.
“Then is it something you use, young master…?”
“I already have a staff. Besides, you contributed sufficiently while exploring this dungeon. So just take it already. It’s heavy.”
“…Thank you.”
With that, the distribution of the necklace was complete.
She would be able to store her Spirit Power in the necklace during normal times, and use it in critical moments to instantly recharge her energy. It was as if she gained a savings account.
Naturally, the remaining staff came into my hands.
“If it can store up to three spells…”
While the traits attached to my body weakened, the speed at which my mana moved increased, but there was no comparison to storing and using spells like with the staff’s Memorize.
The activation speed was practically negligible, and as long as they were stored, spells could be used without consuming mana.
If I stored decent spells, they would provide significant help in crucial moments.
Power enhancement through artifacts.
Having achieved that goal, it was time to move toward my destination again.
Exiting the dungeon was not difficult.
There was a portal activated behind where the rewards were placed, allowing us to exit.
This was quite convenient.
As I traveled through the portal, the flower field I had seen earlier reappeared.
It seemed worthwhile to have hidden it in a corner, as the carriage was also intact.
Except for a bit of dust, of course.
After boarding the carriage, I designated the route toward my destination, Enfelrum.
Soon, the mana engine began to ignite.
***
Two days had passed since I had been running across the plains.
Finally, Enfelrum began to come into view.
Perhaps because it was one of the few prosperous fiefs in the east, the outer castle of Enfelrum looked quite impressive. Of course, compared to the Seltarion family, it did seem somewhat shabby.
“Well, I suppose even something like this counts as a well-off place.”
Even if the marquis family was excessively wealthy, it didn’t change the fact that they were wealthy.
As the mana carriage approached the castle gate, I could hear the voices of the knights.
“Please hold for a moment. Could you present your identification?”
A mana carriage.
Given that it was an incredibly expensive means of transportation, the attitude of the knights conducting the inspection was imbued with respect.
After all, there is a saying that objects define a person’s dignity.
In this place, the mana carriage was indeed a symbol of prestige.
I presented the gold plate with my identification engraved on it.
The golden plate bore the image of the eagle, the emblem of the Seltarion family. The expressions of the knights became even more courteous upon seeing the plate.
“… So, you are Kyle Seltarion, the fourth son of the Seltarion family. Your identity has been verified.”
The inspection process was swift.
After slowly driving through the main road, we approached the inner castle of Enfelrum.
Soon after, the knights standing at the inner castle stopped the carriage.
“Do you have business here?”
“I’ve come to meet Count Frantel.”
“Did you perhaps have an appointment made in advance?”
Of course, I had arranged an appointment using a crystal ball before departing.
It would have been quite rude to suddenly arrive without prior notice to meet a high-ranking noble like a count.
After showing my identification plate, I replied to the knight.
“I believe you know who Kyle Seltarion is.”
“Ah… Yes. Understood.”
As soon as I spoke, the knight seemed to recognize me, nodding his head.
“Oh, by the way, could you store this mana carriage for me?”
“Yes, of course. I will keep it at the mana charging station. Please follow me.”
Thus, my party and I began to follow the knight deeper into the inner castle.
The interior of the inner castle had quite a vintage appearance. From the art pieces hanging on the walls to various antiques.
It was a sight that clearly flaunted wealth.
Given that a count like Frantel could be counted among the prominent nobles in the vast empire, this level of display could be considered standard.
“I need to make as many purchases as possible.”
Over the past ten years, while the harvest hadn’t been abundant, the production of grains had been reasonably good.
As a result, grain prices weren’t overly high.
They were at a market price slightly below average. The count’s territory likely had an enormous stockpile of grains.
Just thinking about that brought a smile to my face.
There was no way the count could be aware that a famine was approaching, so I could say that I held the upper hand in this negotiation.
This is why information is crucial.
If you don’t know, you can’t respond even when you’re being taken advantage of.
As I sipped tea while waiting, one of the knights approached.
“Count Frantel is ready for you.”
I nodded, then looked back at my party.
“Wait here for a moment. I’ll have a chat and be right back.”
Since they were not enemies, there was no need to bring my escort knight along.
Of course, it went without saying that my personal maid wouldn’t accompany me either.
With that, I arrived at the count’s office with the knight.
“This is Kyle Seltarion. May I enter, Count?”
“Of course. Please come in.”
As I opened the door and stepped inside, I saw the count.
“Ah, it’s good to see you. I hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long.”
Count Frantel was quite a stout-looking man. Since he was more talented in commerce than in martial arts, it might have been expected.
“No, not at all. Thanks to the fine tea you provided, I lost track of time while drinking it.”
“Is the marquis still in good health?”
“My father is as vigorous as ever. He also asked me to send his regards to you.”
“Is that so? That is truly kind of him. By the way, it has been a long time since we last met. I believe it was… almost five years ago?”
As the count looked over my face, he began to smile.
“I never imagined you would change so much in that time. Indeed, there’s a saying that men become different as they age.”
“Haha. Thank you.”
“Right. I’ve heard rumors about you from afar. They say you’ve overcome Hermemu?”
“Not entirely yet. I’m improving little by little.”
“That’s still remarkable. The fact that you’re overcoming that incurable disease already indicates immense potential. Aren’t you only twelve now?”
“Yes.”
“Yet your eyes are so mature… I wonder if you are really the Fourth Prince I once knew.”
“You’re flattering me, Count. That’s too kind of you.”
“Flattery? Not at all. I genuinely believe that the future of the Seltarion family looks very bright with you around.”
Of course.
I would definitely walk a solid flower path.
Since this was the place that would support my background, I planned to help my family grow rapidly as well.
Life, after all, is about mutual support, isn’t it?
The introduction ended quickly.
The Count, sipping his tea, started asking questions in earnest.
“By the way, what brings you here? When I first received your message, I was quite surprised. What could possibly warrant a visit from you?”
“I was just about to get to the main point. I’d like to purchase some grain.”
“…Grain?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
At those words, Frantel’s expression shifted instantly.
He went from being a benevolent local elder to a shrewd merchant in an instant.
‘As expected.’
He wasn’t someone to be underestimated, especially since he managed a large and fertile territory.
“Haha… grain, huh? As far as I know, the Trastan Territory is quite fertile. Is there any particular reason you need extra grain? You already import regularly…”
He must be wondering what I’m trying to pull.
“It’s due to my personal curiosity. I want to research a certain type of magic.”
I had no intention of mentioning the impending famine that would sweep across the continent, so I thought it best to be somewhat vague.
Research was a good excuse.
After all, various materials are typically needed for research.
The remains of monsters were standard, and it was not uncommon for jewels or gold coins to be used as experimental materials. So, if grain was needed, it would just be accepted as part of the process.
Frantel’s eyes sparkled at my mention of magic.
“…Magic, you say?”
“Yes. I hope you understand that I can’t elaborate further on the specifics.”
“Ah, yes. I’m not so brazen as to inquire about a wizard’s research. Hmm, hmm. So, how much grain are you looking to buy?”
“I’d like to purchase about five platinum coins worth of wheat for now. I plan to continue purchasing in the future as well.”
Wheat.
It was a representative grain that was much more widely grown and harvested in this world than rice.
Naturally, it was the first crop I needed to secure, as rice had lower production rates.
“So, what kind of quantities are you considering for future purchases?”
“Well, I can’t say for sure. What I can confirm is that it will be significantly more than I’m buying now. I plan to continue experimenting until my research is successful.”
Eventually, I intended to persuade Abel to purchase wheat in bulk, so it would naturally be more.
Frantel’s eyes gleamed with certainty at my confident statement.
“Are you perhaps receiving support from your family for this research?”
“Yes. To be honest, that is the case. That’s why I brought up the prospect of future purchases.”
“Indeed. If it weren’t for that, you wouldn’t be making such an offer. Haha… it seems you’ve achieved some good results then. So, wheat…”
Frantel fell silent for a moment.
He seemed to be contemplating whether to sell or not.
‘Well, I don’t think he would refuse.’
Given the consistent production over the last ten years, his warehouses were likely filled with stockpiled grain, and selling to the Seltarion family, a very reliable business partner, was an excellent opportunity.
Crucially, the Count was completely unaware that a famine was on the horizon.
So he would likely sell.
I leisurely sipped my tea as I waited, and after a moment of resolution, the Count spoke.
“Is that so? Then, out of consideration for your face, I will supply it at a low price. One sack of wheat for 9 silver. Isn’t that quite a reasonable price?”
This old man is trying to pull something.
9 silver is not a price that can be brushed aside, but there is definitely room for negotiation. If I were to buy in bulk, I could probably get at least 2 silver off.
I glanced at the Count and then replied.
“Well, 9 silver… it’s a bit more expensive than I had in mind.”
“…”
The moment those words left my mouth.
The Count began to stare at me intently.
I did the same.
I met his gaze without avoiding it.
The real negotiation starts now.
—
Read More at – GENZNOVEL.COM!!
PLEASE JOIN OUR DISCORD AND SUBSCRIBE THE ROLE TO RECEIVE LATEST NOTIFICATIONS!!
Click here -> https://discord.gg/S8c2kGVr2g
Comment