Chapter 21: Just Double Is Fine!

Intelligence Report Two: Today, a traveler returning from the Chaos Wastes will arrive at Baron Cain’s territory, bringing with him a batch of Green Spirit Fruits worth ten copper coins each—but that’s not the point.

The real point is that among these Green Spirit Fruits, two Life Fruits are hidden.

Although the Life Fruit has no connection to the Elves’ Fountain of Life, it dramatically slows the aging process of humans and is famously known as the “Beauty-Preserving Fruit.”

This traveler, named Baka, will remain at Cain Town Square for one day to sell these Green Spirit Fruits.

Intelligence Report Three: Today, a small herd of Flame Horses, which have wandered from the Chaos Wastes in search of food, will appear on the southwestern grasslands.

These Flame Horses carry an extremely faint trace of red dragon blood, granting them far superior speed and endurance compared to ordinary horses, making them among the most prized steeds favored by high nobility.

Additionally, due to their dragon bloodline, Flame Horses have a potential to level up and evolve into magical beasts.

A total of seven Flame Horses will appear, lingering on the grasslands for half a day before departing at dusk.

Intelligence Report Four: The Swan Lake’s beautiful environment is no accident—it’s favored by magical beasts for a reason. Today, a Magic Fragrant Fruit will ripen, and its fruit can greatly enhance a magical beast’s power.

Its location is within a bed of tulips at the southeast corner of Swan Lake.

Intelligence Report Five: Rumors of a dragon appearing in the Death Mountains may not be baseless; though few believe them, Dragonblood Stone has been discovered in the Blackrock Ridge near the edge of death.

Dragonblood Stone forms when a dragon’s blood splashes onto rock; prolonged wear enhances a creature’s vitality and physical constitution.

It is also one of the most important ingredients in alchemical potions, with extremely wide applications.

Ding! Today’s intelligence updates are complete…

“Flame Horses? Dragonblood Stone? Today’s treasures are plentiful indeed!”

Listening to today’s reports, Gaviss’s heart trembled.

Flame Horses need no explanation—they are true warhorses.

Though not quite worth a thousand gold pieces, seventy or eighty gold coins per horse is absolutely realistic.

These are the only mounts capable of supporting Title Knights in battle; their faint dragon blood ensures they won’t flinch even when facing magical beasts.

Dragonblood Stone is one of the primary ingredients in Dino’s Body-Refining Potion.

Once Gaviss gathers all the materials, he can attempt to brew it himself.

“My lord, are you alright?” Migen noticed Gaviss’s unusual expression.

The joy was overwhelming—Gaviss could barely suppress his grin.

Clearly, his “noble composure” still needed more refinement.

“Migen, take these five Body-Refining Potions—each of you gets one!”

“Body-Refining Potions? My lord, these are far too precious! Besides, we’re not even full knights—rumor says you must be a Grand Knight to consume them!”

“These are different—far more precious. Each bottle is worth three gold coins, and even knightly squires can use them!”

“Three gold coins per bottle?” Migen and the others gasped, their eyes trembling as they stared at the potions.

Knightly squires earn roughly the same as common servants; being allowed to learn combat techniques or knightly breathing methods from a full knight is already a privilege.

Their wages are nothing more than noble generosity.

Three gold coins equal at least six years’ total salary for them.

“Don’t you want to advance to full knight faster? If not, I’ll go ask Laurens and the others!”

“No, my lord!” Migen shuddered, and the others quickly spoke up.

Seeing Gaviss’s amused smile, the five knelt solemnly on one knee.

“We thank Lord Gaviss for this grace! By the Oath of the Glorious God, we swear eternal loyalty to Lord Gaviss!”

Previously, though they followed Gaviss, their loyalty was still to the entire Gail family.

Now, by re-swearing allegiance directly to Gaviss, they made a clear declaration.

“Rise.”

Gaviss then watched as the five drank the potions in front of him.

After they consumed the potions, he instructed them to return to their quarters and practice their breathing techniques—he eagerly anticipated the results.

As for Gaviss himself, he decided to take a short nap in his chamber.

After all, today was going to be a busy one.

……

When he awoke again, sunlight streamed through the window onto his bedside.

Checking the hourglass, he realized he’d slept only two hours.

Fortunately, a Grand Knight’s exceptional recovery meant occasional late nights had no effect on his physical condition.

After being dressed by his maid Carolyne, Gaviss prepared to leave his chamber.

But this time, Carolyne hesitated, lingering uncertainly.

As Gaviss puzzled over her behavior, Carolyne bit her red lips and whispered, “My lord… the punishment…”

Gaviss suddenly slapped his forehead—he’d completely forgotten, distracted by today’s intelligence.

But this maid had truly become obedient; clearly, his discipline had worked wonders.

“Hmm, get into position.”

Carolyne blushed and bent over the table.

Crack!

White ripples surged—Gaviss felt his pulse quicken.

But this was meat on the cutting board—he’d wait for the right moment to savor it properly.

Crack! Crack! Two more strikes, waves rippling—the day’s punishment was over.

……

Upon reaching the dining hall, Old John reported an important matter.

A visitor had arrived at the castle today—a messenger sent by Gaviss’s neighbor.

Not just one—four neighbors had each sent a representative.

Their purpose was simple: they wanted the ducks Gaviss had purchased.

Gaviss’s territory had nearly eradicated the locust plague, but the neighboring lands were still suffering terribly.

Given their restraint yesterday—choosing not to demand the ducks by force—Gaviss decided he should meet them.

Distant relatives are not as helpful as close neighbors; it’s better not to strain relations.

Soon, the four messengers were brought in—each was the steward of their respective castle.

Upon seeing Gaviss, the Lord of Stormhold, they offered respectful greetings while secretly studying the young lord.

Nobles willing to take up residence in Stormhold were rare indeed.

And this lord had coincidentally bought up every duck just before the locust plague struck.

“So, your lords all wish to repurchase the ducks you sold me two days ago?”

“Yes, honored lord. The locust plague is devastating—if not resolved soon, our lands may yield nothing this year. We humbly beg you, as neighbors, to allow us to buy back the ducks!”

“Of course, our lords have made it clear they won’t burden you—we’re willing to pay triple the original price!”

“Triple the price?” Gaviss had spent roughly fifteen gold coins on the ducks—now, in just two days, he stood to profit thirty gold coins outright.

Old John and Carolyne beside him were visibly excited.

This profit margin was astonishing.

But to everyone’s surprise, Gaviss shook his head.

The five stewards tensed, exchanging glances—they’d feared he’d demand an even higher price.

“No need for triple—double will suffice.”