After dinner, Cynthia joined the Marquess in his study to continue their conversation. "So, my dear, was that all you wanted from the Liangwei Chambers of Commerce?" the Marquess asked as he and Cynthia made their way to the study, Behind them walked the head butler, Jake, accompanied by Cynthia's maids, Opal and Jennifer.
"Yes, I do believe so… wait a minute, the only thing I paid attention to was the auction. I forgot to purchase supplies for the lab," Cynthia said, rolling her eyes and sighing deeply.
The Marquess chuckled. "That's hardly worth getting worked up about, my dear. Just go back tomorrow, or have someone from the estate handle it."
Cynthia thought for a moment before saying, "Opal, you'll be going to Liangwei tomorrow to purchase supplies for my lab." Opal nodded in acknowledgment.
As they reached the Marquess's study, the butler opened the door. The Marquess and his daughter entered, taking their seats, with Cynthia sitting across from her father.
"So, did anything exciting happen while you were at Liangwei?" the Marquess inquired, leaning back on the sofa.
"Nothing out of the ordinary. The usual banter at the monthly auction rivals bickering, a few useful items, and the auction department making a lot of money. All quite standard today," Cynthia replied with a nod.
"Who were the rivals this time? Because I know that always changes,"the Marquess asked with a smile, clearly entertained by the thought.
"Count Tobias and Baron Marcus," Cynthia replied.
"And what were they bidding on?" the Marquess asked, his smile widening with each passing minute.
"The Arcane Codex," Cynthia said. The Marquess's smile faltered.
"Would you not have liked to own that, my dear? Or did your member's card not have enough funds on it?" he asked.
Turning to his butler, the Marquess commanded, "Jake."
"Yes, sir," the butler immediately answered.
"See to it that you update my daughter's member's card. Add a hundred million to it so that she can hold her head high the next time she goes to one of these auctions," the Marquess commanded. The butler turned to Opal and Jennifer, outstretching his hand to Jennifer, who handed him a sleek black card with a golden phoenix on it. He placed it in his chest pocket.
"Father, you are over-exaggerating. I chose not to purchase the Arcane Codex due to the annoyances I would have to face if I had procured the item," Cynthia explained.
The Marquess slammed his fist on the marble center table between him and Cynthia. "Bold! Who would dare seek out my daughter and cause her problems?" he said, his face contorting with anger.
Seeing where the conversation was headed, Cynthia attempted to calm him. "Father, it's not that serious. I simply didn't see an immediate need for the Arcane Codex. Besides, another cursed weapon appeared at the auction."
The moment the Marquess heard that another cursed weapon had appeared, diverted the Marquess's attention. Clearing his throat, he began speaking, "Ehem, yes, well, you be fearless whenever you go to bid, my dear. Let your father see who believes their hands can cover the heavens. I'll show them that they are frogs at the bottom of a well."
Cynthia smiled and clasped her hands. "Yes, for my father is one of the strongest warlocks, only second to the Draethon Council."
The Marquess blushed slightly and laughed. "Yes, my daughter knows well," he said, still smiling. "Now then, tell me a little about that cursed weapon that appeared."
Cynthia placed her index finger on her chin and stared at the chandelier. After a moment, she said, "It was a sword called Harbinger."
Hearing the name, the Marquess had a look of shock on his face. "How did they find that sword?"
Intrigued, Cynthia pressed further, "Father, you seem shocked over this sword being on auction. What's the deal with the weapons in the first place?"
"Hmm, you usually don't show much interest in matters beyond your research," the Marquess observed.
"I've come to realize that exploring different topics might help in my pursuits," Cynthia explained.
The Marquess nodded at her reasoning and began, "First, I'll explain the caste system we use to classify weapons, from lowest to highest.
At the bottom, we have standard weapons. These are commonly used by beginning martial mystics and soldiers. While reliable and sometimes effective, they are nothing remarkable.
Next are master-crafted weapons, which are more detailed, durable, and effective than standard ones, though they still lack special attributes.
Cynthia then asked, "That seems a bit similar to the first why give them a whole new category if they sound like a slightly modified version of the first?"
The Marquess smiled and then said "Excellent observation my child they do sound entirely similar just with a few modifications however they do have one thing different their upgradability"
"Upgradability?" Cynthia asked while raising her right eyebrow.
"Yes upgradability standard weapons are more likely to fail to make the jump from standard to enchanted, however master-crafted have a more likely percentage to make the jump to enchanted because of what it took to make them" The Marquess explained.
"Ah I see so it comes down to how easily they can be upgraded" Cynthia then said while thinking about what she just heard the Marquess nodded in agreement.
Now then let`s continue, next up is enchanted weapons. These weapons were enhanced with mana essence, typically infused with a single element. They are the more commonly available higher-tier weapons.
Cynthia nodded in understanding.
Above these are legendary weapons, infused with two mana essences. They are highly sought after for their power.
"Dad again just a slight difference and it means it`s qualified for its own category?" Cynthia asked
"It might not sound like much of an improvement but I can guarantee that it is not a simple task to get a weapon to fuse two elements at once sometimes they break, others disintegrate and some make it out with two elements but the risks are there. you can lose a weapon that you probably had for years and when most look at it like that they don`t take that chance." the Marquess reasoned.
"Oh I see," Cynthia said acknowledging what her father had said.
To this, the Marquess smiled and continued speaking.
Spirit weapons are next. As the name suggests, these contain powerful spirits that judge the worthiness of their wielder, offering guidance and strength. Spirit weapons are rare and elusive.
"Ah, so that`s what Field Marshall Ironcrest`s spear and Countess Alexandria`s sword is," Cynthia's face lit up as she clapped her hands loudly as if she had finally found the last puzzle piece. She then immediately turned to Jennifer and asked "Jennifer would you want a spirit weapon"
Jennifer shook her head"No young miss I used fist techniques there are no current spirit weapons suited for my fighting style"
"Oh I see," Cynthia said while turning back to face her father.
"Jennifer will be fine she is one of the strongest martial mystics in Brittanor she is in the top one hundred on the ranking board after all, "The Marquess added.
Cynthia gave a soft smile, reassured by her father's words.
Now then where was I, ah yes, finally there are Cursed Series weapons. These contain malignant spirits and are incredibly dangerous. They inflict curses, require bloodshed to be sustained, and can overpower a weak-willed wielder. They are born when the blacksmith who created a spirit weapon dies with malice in their heart, transforming the spirit weapon into a cursed one, bearing the grudge of its creator."
Cynthia nodded, finally understanding. "That explains why blacksmiths remain anonymous, and why they're protected by various organizations."
"Exactly," the Marquess agreed. "The moment you become a renowned blacksmith, trade hubs and chambers of commerce ensure you are well-protected."
"Now, Jennifer, the person who won this sword who was it?" the Marquess asked, turning his attention from Cynthia to the three standing in the back.
"I don't know who he is, my lord," Jennifer replied, "but his style of clothing matches that of people from Hitoriyama."
The Marquess paused for a moment, then asked, "How much was the sword won for?"
"It was won for 2 million," Cynthia responded.
At this, the Marquess appeared somewhat displeased. "So, were there not many martial mystics present, or were they simply not interested in the sword?"
Cynthia shook her head, "No one seemed particularly interested in the cursed series weapon, and after your explanation, I don't blame them."Her expression clearly showed she wouldn't have purchased the weapon either.
"Ahem. Well, that makes it even more crucial to track down this sword wielder, as he's nearing the pinnacle of strength," the Marquess said, steering the conversation back on track. He then commanded, "Jake, find out who this man is by tomorrow evening."
The butler bowed, acknowledged the order, and left the room.
"You want to employ this person, don't you, Father?" Cynthia asked.
"It's either that or some other force will," the Marquess replied.
"But, Father, as Jennifer said, his clothes are indicative of Hitoriyama. What if he's a shogun or samurai from the imperial family? What then?" Cynthia inquired, seeking clarity on what would happen in such a situation.
"In a case like that, we'd have to withdraw. Although they're a reclusive nation, they possess things we value, so causing tension between our nations wouldn't be a wise option," the Marquess responded.
"Indeed, you mustn`t rush into such situations," Cynthia said as she nodded.
The Marquess sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Indeed, my dear. Power and diplomacy often walk a fine line. Cynthia smiled. "I'll keep that in mind, Father.
The Marquess turned his gaze toward the window, deep in thought. "Cynthia, ensure you are well prepared for the upcoming Wand Ceremony. This day holds significant importance. While I would love to join you, I'm afraid it won't be possible, so you will have to attend with your retainers."
"Understood, Father," Cynthia responded, confirming his words.
The Marquess paused for a moment, then added, "By the way, Cynthia, with your birthday approaching, is there a particular spirit beast you desire?"
Cynthia thought for a while before answering, "A Zephyros would be lovely."
The Marquess's eyes widened at the mention of the name, and he noticed the sly smile on his daughter's face. "You cheeky brat," he muttered, his left eye twitching slightly. "You intentionally chose one of the most dangerous aerial spirit beasts!"
Cynthia chuckled, her mischievous grin still in place. "Well, if one must bond with a spirit beast, it may as well be a challenge, no?"
The Marquess sighed, shaking his head with a mixture of disbelief and amusement. "A challenge indeed. You have always been like this even when you were a child, always seeking to push the limits."
"Isn't that what you taught me, Father?" Cynthia asked playfully. "To aim for greatness, no matter the cost?"
He couldn't help but smile. "True enough. But a Zephyros... that's a beast that requires absolute mastery, Cynthia. Its power is untamed, its loyalty hard-earned. Are you sure?"
"I am," Cynthia answered confidently. "And besides, I know you wouldn't have it any other way."
The Marquess let out a small laugh. "Very well. I'll see what can be arranged, though I'll need to prepare myself for whatever chaos follows."
"Thank you, Father," Cynthia said with a genuine smile, knowing full well the difficulty of the request.
Cynthia then rose from her seat, gave a curtsy, bid her father a good night, and left the study, closely followed by Opal and Jennifer.
Alone, the Marquess walked to the window, gazing into the night sky. Closing his eyes, he began glowing with a silver hue. After a few moments, the glow faded, and he opened his eyes. "Every year, I feel your energy signature less and less please hold on a little while longer... don't worry, Master. Soon, I will ensure your glorious return," he murmured, clenching his fist tightly.