Chapter 63: Ice Element Magical Plants

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Upon entering the castle and walking toward the main hall, he caught sight of Eunice, the busy half-elf maiden, and offered her a few words of encouragement.

“How is Orlando’s situation?” Verin asked, settling into his chair and motioning for Baird to take a seat as well.

“The reclamation is going very well,” Baird replied as he sat down. “With most of the territory’s military strength, plus the slaves you sent back over two months ago, manpower is plentiful. Now, in the southern region of Lady Anasta’s personal icebound lands, we have cleared out all the monsters across six hundred square kilometers, just as planned. Meanwhile, Orlando and his team are working on establishing a buffer zone.”

Verin propped his chin on his hand, watching Baird with a smile. “So, how is it? Do you feel any pressure?”

“My lord, to say there is no pressure would be impossible,” Baird replied with a wry smile.

“Hahaha, pressure is good. It means you’ll all improve faster, and I’ll be able to take things easier in the future.” Seeing his chief steward show such an expression, Verin couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

“In that case, why don’t I let you keep all the supplies we traded for this time, and not give any to Orlando’s group?”

At these words, Baird immediately stood up and replied solemnly, “My lord, that must not be. I am confident that, relying on my own abilities, I can surpass Orlando.”

“All right then, we’ll split it fifty-fifty. You two can decide how to allocate the supplies.”

Relieved that his lord did not insist, Baird exhaled, grateful. To win using his lord’s favoritism would be disgraceful. Besides, if he agreed, what would his brothers think of him?

“Is there anything else you wish to report?”

“Yes.” Baird took a piece of parchment from his coat and handed it to Verin, explaining, “At the border of Lady Anasta’s personal icebound lands and Lake of Starlit Prayers, we’ve discovered a magical plant of considerable value.”

“A magical plant? Are you sure?” Verin took the parchment, studying the records intently.

As Verin read, Baird continued, “This ice-attributed magical plant grows in small quantities at only six specific sites along the border between the icebound lands and Lake of Starlit Prayers. Nowhere else has any been found. Our research suggests that these six locations have unique environments, likely the conditions necessary for the plant’s growth.”

Examining the data at the bottom of the parchment, Verin looked up and asked, “Did this magical plant appear only recently, or has it existed before and only now mutated?”

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“It seems to have mutated,” Baird replied after a moment’s thought, though somewhat uncertain. “We compared it to over a hundred common species in the area and found that, apart from its color, it is nearly identical to blue bramble grass.”

“What effects does it have? Have you conducted any experiments?” Verin pressed on, sensing this might be an opportunity to spur the territory’s commercial development.

“It rapidly staunches bleeding and has effects similar to diluted Water of Life.”

“Excellent.” Verin couldn’t help but pump his fist in excitement. “This could be the pillar for our next stage of development.”

“My lord, since this magical plant was found at the border of Lady Anasta’s icebound lands and Lake of Starlit Prayers, how should we handle matters with Lady Anasta?” Baird asked, broaching another important issue as Verin calmed down.

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle this myself,” Verin replied, his composure restored.

“Yes, then I will take my leave.”

“Go on.”

Once Baird had departed, Verin rose from his seat and turned to examine the newly updated map on the wall, studying it in silence.

Map of the Expanding Territory

As the core of the domain, Lake of Starlit Prayers now boasted a small town, three villages, three lumber camps, and a salt mine, with a population of about three thousand. The newly developed area had only a single pioneer town, with a population of around twenty-five hundred. As for the surrounding details, Verin would have to investigate personally.

Lake of Starlit Prayers covered one hundred and fifty square kilometers, with at least seventy percent of its land still undeveloped.

But those concerns now fell to Baird; Verin only needed to set the general direction.

“I’ll rest for two days, then go see Lady Shia to discuss the magical plant, and afterward, I’ll check on how young Orlando’s doing.”

For the next two days, Verin enjoyed the tranquility of his castle chambers, savoring the rare moments of leisure.

Meanwhile, Raimondo, the caravan leader, officially took charge of the caravan’s provisions, sorted the trade goods, and planned new routes.

At the same time, three knightly squires, acting as couriers, set out with their lord’s letters for the three baronies of the Province of Cadro.

On the morning of April 10th, Verin left his cozy quarters. After breakfast, he armed himself, mounted his beloved Redscale steed, and set off with his knight squire, Kael.

“Not bad, you’ve been diligent. You’ve reached the level of advanced apprentice.”

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“It is only by your grace, my lord, that I have achieved what I have today,” Kael replied, following half a step behind Verin with deference.

Sensing his first squire’s nervousness, Verin spoke kindly, “No need to be tense. I usually leave you with Orlando and the others, so I haven’t had much chance to get to know you. This is a good opportunity for us to talk.”

“My lord, without your favor, I’d still be a mere serf, living out a dull and insignificant life,” Kael said, his anxiety easing though his voice remained respectful. “Master Orlando and Master Hebra have treated me well. Their teaching was open and thorough—they never underestimated me because of my birth.”

“If you encounter any difficulties in your training, you may come to me for help.”

Hearing his lord speak in such a way for the first time, Kael was momentarily dazed. “My lord, you…”

“As my first knight squire, you are a special presence to me,” Verin said, sitting upright and turning to look at the slightly stunned Kael.

Meeting his lord’s gaze, Kael felt a surge of emotion within, deepening his understanding of his duty.

“To protect.”

“One day, I will stand as the other knights do, and, in the sight of the gods, become my lord’s sworn guardian.”

Verin, unaware of his squire’s inner transformation, slowed his Redscale mount to ride side by side with Kael.

“Today, it’s just the two of us. Tell me your concerns, and I’ll help resolve them.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Throughout the journey, Verin indulged his fondness for mentorship, not tiring until they reached the border of the icebound land.

As he glimpsed the ice spirits at the snow-covered edge, Kael knew the time had come. He fell back by a half-step, following quietly behind his lord.

At this, Verin too resumed his air of authority and slowly approached the ice spirits, hundreds of meters ahead.