Chapter 271: Magical Herb Fruits and Seedlings!

"What? Do you have something else?" Gervas turned around in confusion.

Originally, after completing the transaction, But had to first meet up with several other companions outside the town.

Then inform everyone of the payment and the details of the deal.

After that, they would collectively assess the safety and decide whether to bring out all their goods for trade.

But in a moment of excitement, But couldn't hold back.

Now, But regretted it too late; he gritted his teeth and said, "Lord Gervas, I also have some magical herb plants this time!"

"Oh? Where are they?" Gervas blinked, though his heart was bursting with joy.

Little fool!

Under my flawless mastery of "Nobility's Self-Cultivation," few can resist.

Especially with so many stooges by my side.

"My lord, they're all with my companions—they're outside the town. I can lead you there!"

"Is that so? That's excellent."

About ten minutes later, Gervas and his party met several panicked refugee adventurers in a small grove outside the town.

"Don't be afraid—Lord Gervas is a benevolent noble!"

Seeing his companions panic and try to flee, But quickly called out to calm them.

But the men couldn't run, for flying cavalry had appeared overhead.

They were smart enough to stop reluctantly.

They turned back, glaring resentfully at But.

"W-we salute you, noble lord!"

"You're But's companions? You have more magical herb plants and seeds?"

Their faces stiffened, eyes filled with anguish. "Yes, noble lord. We brought one Red Spirit Fruit, three Bloodline Fruits, one Red Spirit Fruit seedling, and seven Bloodline Fruit seedlings."

"Oh? Red Spirit Fruit? Very good. How much?"

The Red Spirit Fruit was the first magical herb fruit Gervas obtained after binding his daily intelligence system.

This fruit was extremely precious—it instantly propelled him from a common knight to a great knight.

As for Bloodline Fruits, they aren't meant for human consumption, but can be made into potions to be given to beasts or demons, awakening their bloodlines and triggering evolution.

Though less valuable than the Red Spirit Fruit, each potion made from one can sell for five gold coins.

One Bloodline Fruit can produce at least one potion; with high skill, two are possible.

The men exchanged glances and reluctantly gave their price.

Red Spirit Fruit: eight gold coins per fruit. Bloodline Fruit: one gold coin per fruit.

Seedlings are half the price of the fruits.

Because planting conditions are demanding, risky, and even if they survive, they require long growth to mature.

So naturally, the price can't be high.

But this posed no problem for Gervas.

He had the overseas spiritual spring, and a Druid agricultural minister—these seedlings, once brought back, would be guaranteed to grow and thrive.

"The price is cheap. Then I'll buy all these magical herb fruits and seedlings!"

"R-really?" The refugee adventurers were stunned, doubting they'd heard correctly.

"Lord Gervas's word is truth! Do you dare question it?" Thomas snapped immediately.

The adventurers jumped, quickly apologizing. "Forgive us, my lord—we didn't mean it. We were just… too overwhelmed!"

"Enough, Thomas!" Gervas waved his hand at Thomas.

"One Red Spirit Fruit at eight gold coins, three Bloodline Fruits at three gold coins. The seedlings get half-price."

"So, eleven gold coins for the fruits, plus seven gold coins and fifty silver coins for the seedlings—total eighteen gold coins and fifty silver coins."

"Minus twenty percent tax, so I owe you fourteen gold coins and eighty silver coins. Is that correct?"

"Y-yes!" They had calculated the price before coming; with twenty percent tax, it was indeed correct.

Gervas waved his hand as before, and Old John stepped forward.

Moments later, golden coins and gleaming silver coins were placed in the adventurers' hands.

"Count them carefully. Confirm the amount. These magical herb fruits and seedlings now belong to Lord Gervas!"

The adventurers were as excited as But had been.

As expected, they quickly confirmed the payment was correct.

Gervas didn't waste time—he ordered the fruits and seedlings taken away immediately.

"I repeat: if you ever find more magical herb fruits or seedlings, bring them to Stormhold. I, Gervas, will buy them at fair prices!"

With that, Gervas and his men left.

Only when Gervas vanished beyond the town gate did the refugee adventurers stare blankly. "Was that… really over?"

In the past, Viscount Parker always haggled for ages.

One moment he'd complain about spots on the fruit, the next about wilted seedling leaves.

Always trying to shave off a few silver coins, satisfied with any savings.

Who would be as swift as Viscount Gervas, not even haggling over price?

"Still blaming me now?" But relaxed as he saw the deal completed.

Of course, he remembered the resentful glares from his companions.

He had to reclaim his dignity.

"But, we misunderstood you! We've never met such a kind and generous noble!"

"Yes! He didn't even try to lowball us—and the tax was so low!"

"Ha! This deal gives us at least thirty percent more profit than usual."

"Exactly! Tax cut by twenty percent, and Lord Gervas didn't pressure us on price. Now we can buy more grain—our children and families will eat well!"

"Let's go back—right now!"

They chose not to continue shopping in town.

It wasn't suspicion of Gervas.

It was a habit long ingrained.

Carrying large sums made them uneasy.

Even if their lord wouldn't covet it,

what if the soldiers—or other refugees—did?

So better to take the gold home first; buy supplies later.

…

After returning to town, Gervas summoned his agricultural minister.

Upon learning Gervas had purchased magical herb seedlings, the Druid minister was overjoyed.

Especially upon hearing about the Red Spirit Fruit: "My lord, these Red Spirit Fruit seedlings are exceedingly rare!"

"Yes, so my agricultural minister, I entrust these seedlings to you."

"My lord, rest assured—I will ensure they thrive!"

The minister departed.

Gervas returned to the castle and ordered Old John to deliver the three Bloodline Fruits to Wizard Isabella.

"Lei Meng, prepare yourself and the knights. Also notify Captain Lawrence—he must assemble three hundred Stormguard soldiers!"

"My lord, is there a battle coming?" the knights asked immediately.

"Yes. There may be two. Prepare thoroughly."

The pirate invasion was inevitable.

Even if they didn't attack Sugarcane Island or Black Goat Island, once they discovered Stormhold's coastline held valuable resources, they'd inevitably target it.

So Gervas must eliminate them entirely.

As for the refugee group led by Mi Ke on the border—if intimidation could save them, no battle would be needed.

After all, killing these refugees brings no honor.