---
Two days had passed, and now I had two phoenix bloods and two phoenix feathers. My excitement bubbled as I planned my next steps.
"Let's start with the phoenix blood," I mused, adding both vial into slot two. Now, all I had to do was wait.
As I walked through the bustling city, the streets seemed to shine brighter than ever, as if mocking me. "Your shoes are far too cheap to tread on this grandeur," the mana crystals seemed to say.
"What an imagination," I chuckled, brushing the thought away as I headed toward Shina.
When I arrived, I found Lina sitting nearby with her mother, Yelena, who looked healthier than ever. She no longer wore the mark of her past profession, and her transformation was striking. She radiated beauty and grace.
"Maybe that's why she chose that path," I thought briefly before calling out. "Shina!"
Lina perked up, wanting to approach, but her mother held her back gently.
Shina came over, a puzzled expression on her face. "Yes?"
"Have you managed to establish a merchant union or alliance yet?" I asked.
She looked down, scratching her head nervously. "Uh... It's proving more difficult than I thought."
I waved it off. "Simple. Tell them you'll sell mana crystals at 600 gold apiece. I'll supply them to you at 300 gold."
Her jaw practically hit the floor. "Six hundred?! That's... a steal. You'd still profit, but they'll think they're robbing you blind."
I grinned. "This city is going to be the trade center of the world. It starts with mana crystals, Shina. Oh, and one more thing—this will be a tax-free city."
Shina's face drained of color. "Tax-free?! Did you—did you consult Lucia about this first?"
I clapped her shoulder with a laugh. "I'm off to tell her now. Cheer up!"
---
Lucia was less than thrilled.
"Are you insane!?" she bellowed, her voice echoing through the chamber. Everyone else in the room, including Karina, my battle-hardened general, looked equally appalled.
Lucia pointed a trembling finger at me. "A statue with a dragon hearts wasn't enough for you? Now you're talking about two phoenix statues? And not just sculptures—actual phoenix feathers perched on them?!"
Her voice was nearing hysteria. "Do you have any idea how ridiculous that sounds? Two phoenix statues, covered with phoenix feathers. Who even thinks of this!?"
I scratched the back of my head with a sheepish laugh. "Haha, Lucia, if you knew how I got these items, you wouldn't be this shocked."
Her hands balled into fists, trembling at her sides. "Overwhelmed. Every day, I'm more overwhelmed by your antics. I swear I'm handing in my resignation soon."
Before she could spiral further, I rushed over and wrapped her in a warm hug. "Calm down, calm down. It's just another regular Tuesday, Lucia."
She let out a long sigh, her body relaxing into the embrace. "You should tell me your plans before you enact them," she muttered, her tone begrudging but affectionate.
A loud cough broke the moment, and Lucia abruptly pulled away. Her strength caught me off guard.
"Whoa," I muttered to myself, rubbing my arm. When did she get this strong? I even ate a dragon heart too, you know.
---
The next day
"Rem," I called, my voice echoing through the chambers. "Send an invitation to the Cale Lionheart family. Let them know that their son has been... a rather pleasant company during my trip to Stonewidge City. I'd love it if they could visit us here in Silver City."
Rem nodded, jotting down the details, but as she was about to leave, she turned back with a glimmer in her eyes.
"My lord, how about this? We announce a grand tournament with a dragon heart as the first prize? It would be the perfect excuse to host the Lionheart family during the event."
I smirked, impressed. "Not bad, Rem, not bad at all. Go ahead and arrange it."
As she spun to leave, I added, "Oh, and for one of the statues, make it of Lucia. Don't let her know, though."
Rem paused, gave me a knowing wink, and darted off in a hurry. Watching her rush away, I mused to myself, "If only the castle were finished already, I could watch her dash down the grand hallway next time."
I chuckled softly, my thoughts drifting. "Lucia, you don't realize it yet, but I'll integrate you so deeply into the city's system, your resignation letter won't even work."
---
The kingdom of Virelith had been unusually quiet since the last invasion. With no immediate threats, I turned my focus to the intriguing items I'd acquired—the kitsune mask and the robe of kitsune.
I began with the mask.
Fox Mask (Epic)
Effect: Reveals the details of an item and its grade.
I raised an eyebrow. "That's it? I already have the system for that. It's practically useless to me."
For an epic item, the effect was underwhelming. However, considering it was crafted by a young girl, I figured its durability must be what earned it the grade.
Next, I inspected the robe.
Robe of Kitsune (Mythic)
Effect: Creates a clone of the wearer, copying everything they are wearing. The real body enters a dormant state. The clone, carrying the user's spirit, can act independently. When the clone is destroyed or the effect is canceled, the original body awakens.
Cooldown: 3 days.
My eyes widened. "A lifesaving tool! I can roam the world with a disposable body, holding nothing of real value, and even if I die, I'll just awaken unharmed. Incredible."
I leaned back in my chair, grinning. "Lina really outdid herself with this one."
"Benny!"
He appeared promptly, standing at attention.
"Go and make preparations. Lina is to be raised as if she were my daughter. Give her the best education and ensure her mother is elevated to a proper lady of status. Of course," I added with a smirk, "I don't actually plan to adopt them or involve myself too closely with the pair. If they're confused, just tell them the robe they gave me is a mythical-grade item, and this is my way of repaying them."
Benny stood for a moment, processing my instructions, then nodded sharply and set off to work.
"Yin Xie!"
The dragon appeared instantly, her imposing form as calm and aloof as ever.
"Don't you ever feel like a servant, always showing up whenever I call?" I teased.
She raised an eyebrow. "Would you prefer if I didn't?"
Panic surged through me. "No, no! Don't say that. Here, take another dragon heart for the week."
Her eyes narrowed. "You already gave me one."
"This is different. For two dragon hearts, would you let me fall asleep on your lap?"
Her answer was immediate. "No." And with that, she vanished.
I sighed. "Worth a try."
Just then, my communicator buzzed. It was Kirin.
"Dad—" she began, but the word caught me so off guard I nearly choked.
"Haha!" I laughed, clutching my stomach. "You actually called me that?"
Her face reddened. "You told me to!"
I waved a hand dismissively, still grinning. "Alright, alright, my dear daughter, what do you need?"
She hesitated, then said, "I want a phoenix blood."
I tilted my head. "How many?"
She blinked in confusion. "How many? What do you mean how many? I only need one!"
I chuckled. "Don't worry, don't worry. Wait a week, and I'll send you some."
Her eyes widened. "Some?! I only asked for one!"
I cut her off with a laugh. "Your father won't disappoint you, my dear. Don't stop calling me dad, okay?" And I ended the call before she could respond.
Leaning back, I smiled to myself. "What a way to start the day."
Whistling cheerfully, I walked out of the room, ready to tackle whatever came next.