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Published at 20th of December 2023 11:22:26 AM


Chapter 53

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"She is my childhood friend, Lilith," Theo began, choosing his words carefully. "She was in Ironkeep City when she discovered that young Baron of Ashenvale village was targeted for assassination today. She rushed here to save me. Her people have dealt with Leonard and his men and have since departed. However, she insisted on staying with us," he explained, covering the truth with lies.

 

Elena nodded in understanding, "Thank you, Young Lady, for saving my master."

 

Yet, Lilith only offered Elena an icy glance, choosing to remain silent.

 

Witnessing the aloof demeanor with which she was treated, Elena didn't voice any complaints. However, she couldn't help but wonder quietly to herself, 'Why does this young lady bear such a striking resemblance to Her Highness?'

 

As they returned to the mansion, Elena set up a room on the second floor for Lilith. 

 

Meanwhile, Lilith complained to Theo via telepathy, wanting to stay in his room. However, she eventually agreed to use the new room, located near his, when he promised to take her to the farm in the morning.

 

Having her own space, Lilith went to take a relaxing bath. Theo had thought to take a bath himself but exhaustion overwhelmed him, and he succumbed to the beckoning embrace of his bed and surrendered to the allure of sleep.

 

The next morning, he visited his farm to harvest the nightshade tomatoes before replanting them. Afterward, he took a refreshing shower and changed into clean clothes. Exiting his room, he found Lilith, engrossed in her book, seated on a sofa in the grand hall. She looked breathtaking in a white, full-sleeved top and a long blue skirt.

 

When their eyes met, she set the book down and inquired with a slightly serious tone, “How are you now, Lord Silverblade?” she teased him as she had heard Leonard calling him with this name last night.

 

“Much better,” Theo responded, taking his usual head seat at the dining table.

 

Elena emerged from the kitchen, wheeling a cart loaded with breakfast towards the dining table. She began setting the table and placed two plates. As she served food onto the plates, Lilith took the left seat beside Theo, shifting the second plate to her side.

 

Theo teased, “Do you expect me to serve you, Elena?”

 

“But master…” Elena hesitated, throwing a cautious glance at Lilith.

 

“Don't worry about her. She's as open-minded as I am. I'm sure she won't mind you joining us for breakfast,” Theo reassured.

 

After a moment's hesitation, Elena set another plate for herself beside Theo on the right side, she usually sat on the left but Lilith had already claimed that territory for herself.

 

As they ate, Elena shared, "Master, I checked this morning. The guards and villagers have woken up, and they all appear to be fine. Also, Captain Henry has requested to meet with you." 

 

Theo paused, placing his spoon down. “Alright. Ask him to come over once you're done here.”

 

“Okay, master,” Elena replied, and they continued their meal.

 

Once they finished eating, Theo and Lilith headed to the farm while Elena attended to her chores.

 

Seated by the Dreamweaver’s pond, Theo used the special ability to monitor Elena. He watched her clean up the dishes and head to her room. When she began to pull out clothes from her cupboard, he turned his attention back to the farm, focusing on the mature Infernal Aphrodisiac Orange tree. 

 

Standing three meters tall with a thick crown and broad branches, the tree bore ripe oranges. He commanded his [Darkreaper's Scythe] tool to harvest them.

 

<<<< 

[You've successfully harvested 262 Infernal Aphrodisiac Oranges!] 

[Infernal Aphrodisiac Oranges successfully stored in the Golden Vault!]

 

[You've collected 10 Ring Essence points.]

[You've absorbed 10 Ring Essence points.]

[Ring Power strengthened by 10 points.]

[Ring Power is at 46/100 points.]

[You've collected 12 Ring Essence points.]

[You've absorbed 12 Ring Essence points.]

[Ring Power strengthened by 12 points.]

[Ring Power is at 91/100 points.]

[Ring Power strengthened by 11 points.]

[Your Second ring has evolved to Rank 1!]

[You've reached Circle Rank 11.]

[You have received 3 free stat points.]

[Your Demonic Farm has advanced to Level 11.]

[You have unlocked an additional acre of land.]

[Ring Power strengthened by 14 points.]

[Ring Power strengthened by 12 points.]

[Ring Power is at 26/125 points.]

>>>> 

 

Darkreaper's Scythe only harvested the fruit, leaving the tree unharmed, indicating he could harvest from it multiple times. 

 

As usual, he absorbed the ring essence that surged towards him after the first harvest. Theo noticed the [Special This Week] seeds granted him far more ring essence than even those he'd purchased from the [Buy] section of the auction house. 

 

Moreover, he discovered that the ring power needed for each following level-up had increased. Instead of the usual 10 ring power increment, it now required an additional 25 ring power for each level.

 

Finishing up, he listed the nightshade tomatoes from 36 acres on the auction house to sell at the same price as before. Once that was settled, he checked in on Elena again. She wasn't in her room, likely taking a bath.

 

Having wrapped up his tasks in the farm, he exited through the portal.

 

In the afternoon, Captain Henry arrived and saluted the young baron.

 

Theo, seated in the grand hall, invited, “Take a seat, Captain Henry.”

 

The burly man gave a slight nod and took a position on the sofa opposite Theo.

 

Soon after, Elena approached with a tray holding two cups of tea, placing it on the table before them.

 

“Lord Silverblade,” Henry began, “Someone tampered with our food last night. I suspect the village head since he oversees the food arrangements, but it seems he too passed out. Outside the village walls, we found traces of battle, bloodstains and numerous corpses.” Throughout the explanation, he noted Theo's unchanging expression, calm as a gentle breeze as he wasn’t disturbed by this news. 

 

He reached for his tea, gesturing for Henry to do the same. “Actually, there was an assassination attempt on me last night.”

 

Henry, who was about to sip his tea, placed it back on the table, standing abruptly. “Who dares target our young princess’s man?” He immediately covered his mouth, realizing his blunder.

 

From those few words, Theo discerned some crucial details. It seemed the tale of his and Liliana's childhood had reached even her loyal guards, given that he knew Henry was one of her most trusted. This helped him confirm that there was indeed something between him and Liliana in the past of which he had no memory

 

Theo gestured for Henry to sit, and as the captain did so with a forced smile, his face reddened with embarrassment.

 

Taking another sip, Theo began, “It was Mister Leonard and Count Cedric’s men. I lack evidence against them, so we can’t act openly.” Knowing Henry's allegiance to Liliana, Theo saw no reason to hide the truth.

 

Henry's eyes widened, “That old geezer. I advised her highness to let me deal with him when His Imperial Majesty insisted on sending him to Ashenvale village, but the princess refused…” He muttered, clearly vexed, setting his cup down again without taking a single sip.

 

Theo sighed, realizing that there were members of the royal family likely sought to keep a close eye on him. An insider from the royal family might be involved in the recent assassination attempt. 

 

Once Henry was done cursing Leonard, he turned his attention back to Theo. “What would you have me do, Lord Silverblade?”

 

Theo, taking another sip, responded casually, “You might not do if I tell you”

 

“Please speak, Lord Silverblade. I'll do anything within my power for you,” Henry assured.

 

“I'd like you to conceal from Princess Liliana, and everyone else, everything that transpired here. Especially the fact that I’ve recovered. I need time before revealing that my health has improved. Otherwise, I fear more assassination attempts may follow,” Theo explained.

 

Henry's face contorted in conflict. Theo placed his now empty cup on the table, whereas Henry hadn’t even taken a single sip from his due to the shocking news one after another. 

 

After a long pause, Henry finally spoke. “It's hard to conceal anything from Her Highness. But if it’s for your protection, I'll do it. Her highness will understand; she wishes for your safety above all.”

 

Theo nodded. “There’s another matter I need you to handle.”

 

Henry furrowed his brow and waited for the young baron’s next words. 

 





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