Upon hearing this, the soldier's eyes flickered slightly.
A tall, imposing knight, wearing a silver helmet and a blood-red cloak, slowly stepped forward.
His black armor gleamed with a chilling light as he approached Lear in the afterglow of the setting sun, scrutinizing him with a critical gaze.
Where is the Blue Crystal Grass?
"Are these saplings yours?"
His task was to eliminate all potential dangers, and this guy holding the mud-covered saplings didn't look like a nobleman.
It would be a joke to let a commoner into the manor like that.
Rose Manor is His Highness's residence!
Lear spoke calmly.
"Your Excellency, these saplings are not Blue Crystal Grass. I know where the Crystal Grass is."
The burly knight raised an eyebrow.
"So, you don't have the Blue Crystal Grass?"
His eyes suddenly became very dangerous.
Lear looked directly into the other person's eyes and spoke slowly.
"No one would risk their life to come to Rose Manor to deceive His Highness."
The other party neither confirmed nor denied.
Lear patiently guided him.
"Whether or not there is blue crystal grass is obvious at a glance; there's no way they could be deceiving us."
"Your Excellency is diligent and admirable. Simply conveying the message to His Highness will relieve His Highness's worries. His Highness will have his own reasons for deciding."
"If there are any mistakes or omissions, I will take full responsibility. At most, you will be seen as someone who wanted to share the burden but didn't find the right method. I'm afraid His Highness will even remember some of your kindness."
Upon hearing this, the knight in the golden helmet's eyes flickered, his expression softened, and he was about to speak.
A series of horse neighing sounds came from behind.
Lear instinctively turned his head to look.
Seven pure white unicorns pulled a flower-covered carriage adorned with blooming roses as it slowly approached from the street corner.
The wheels made a crisp sound as they rolled on the bluestone street.
Wherever I went, the plants on both sides of the street seemed to bloom in spring, immediately straightening their branches and leaves, becoming visibly fresh and vigorous.
The roses on the wall swayed without wind, as if they had come alive, cheering and jumping for joy.
Even the air was filled with a unique fragrance.
This scene is like the goddess of budding life driving her divine chariot.
Herod~
Seven pure white horses slowly came to a stop in front of the manor gate, driven by a blonde girl wearing a gorgeous dark blue dress. She was exceptionally beautiful and had an outstanding temperament.
Even the daughters of some of the top noble families are no better than this.
But even such a stunning beauty was merely a carriage maid. She alighted from the carriage and slowly opened the rear door.
The next moment, a graceful and tall figure slowly stepped off the car.
Her skin was as white as jade, as soft as a three- or five-year-old child's, and her face was exquisite and flawless, as if it had been meticulously carved by a deity from pure white jade, which could be described as perfect.
The blue eyes are as bright and deep as gemstones, radiating a captivating light that would mesmerize even a mortal who only glances at them from afar.
Her long brown hair seemed to have lost its gravity, floating gently in mid-air.
Her curvaceous figure was dressed in a pure black robe with a subtle rose pattern, exuding luxury, nobility, and elegance.
Every move the other person made exuded endless mystery and elegance.
Philena Lorraine.
The eldest daughter of the Loran family, the true princess of Loran City, a magical genius who became a level 16 archmage at the age of 24.
A chosen one of heaven, the jewel of Loran City, the flower of the North!
The guards all placed their right hands on their chests and bowed their heads in the most humble manner.
It seemed that even glancing at her would be an act of desecration against this noble and holy princess.
The world of Nor has two main paths to transcendence—knights and mages.
By gathering the Seed of Life, one can become a knight, continuously strengthening their physical body and stepping into the extraordinary realm.
This path is further subdivided into professions such as warrior, swordsman, and thief.
By gathering the seed of magic, one can control magic and become a mage.
Mages are ranked as follows: Mage Apprentice, Novice Mage, Intermediate Mage, Advanced Mage, High-Rank Mage, Archmage, and the even more powerful Crown Mage and the top-ranking Transcendent Mage.
Each rank is divided into 3 levels, thus the world of Nor has a clear hierarchy.
Levels 1-3 are Mage Apprentices, Levels 4-6 are Novice Mages, Levels 7-9 are Intermediate Mages, Levels 10-12 are High-Rank Mages, Levels 13-15 are High-Rank Mages, Levels 16-18 are Archmages, and Levels 19-21 are Crown Mages.
Level 22 and above are the top beings in this world, the extraordinary mages!
Upon first awakening the seed of magic, one can become a level 1 mage apprentice. As magic grows stronger, one can advance to level 2 and then level 3.
After reaching level 3, a breakthrough is needed to advance to become a novice mage.
Every three levels is a hurdle to overcome.
And so on.
The ultimate goal for most mages is to become an intermediate mage at level 7-9. Once they reach the advanced level of 10-12, they can become professors at the Royal Academy of the Griffin Empire or leaders of mage legions.
The archmage is already capable of casting powerful fourth-circle war magic; given time to prepare, he could destroy half a city!
It is a strategic force.
At this moment, the princess of Loran City is a level 16 archmage!
More importantly, Felena Lorraine is only 24 years old!
She is the youngest magical genius in the recorded history of the Griffin Empire!
His future as a transcendent mage is almost without question!
Extraordinary mages! In the vast Griffin Empire, which rules over a territory of hundreds of millions of people, there are only a handful of them!
One can imagine how dazzling and brilliant such a person must be.
This beauty of the North is renowned not only in Loran and the Northern Provinces, but also wields immense influence throughout the Empire.
This is someone who, even without the title of Princess of Loran, would still command the attention and respect of the empire.
After Philena Loren stepped down from the carriage, she seemed to sense something and looked toward Lear.
His eyes lingered on the mud-covered sapling for a moment.
Is this a sapling of the Lava Fruit?
Seedlings of this magical plant are quite rare.
When the burly knight saw that the other party's gaze was in their direction, he became excited and bowed again with his hands on his chest, his eyes filled with fervor.
"Welcome, Your Highness!"
Lear watched as the other person's hands trembled with excitement, his eyes narrowing slightly.
He also knew that this flower of the North was like a saint in the city of Loran.
She was regarded as a goddess by everyone.
But I still feel a bit sorry for you, buddy, is it really necessary?
He looked calmly at the other person, politely placed his right hand on his shoulder, and nodded slightly.
He performed a noble greeting.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
This action drew Philena's gaze to him from the sapling.
A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.
"I hear your conversation echoing in the air. Do you know where the Blue Crystal Grass is?"
A conversation echoing in the air?
Lear was deeply impressed by the difference in the extraordinary world.
With this, solving cases and catching adulterers would be a piece of cake.
Of course, it's best not to listen to it in a hotel.
Looking directly into the other person's bright blue eyes, he spoke slowly.
"I inadvertently learned the location of the Blue Crystal Grass, and heard that His Highness has offered a high reward."
Philena paused, her expression turning somewhat strange.
"You're doing this for the bounty?"
Lear nodded naturally.
"Your Highness, I have inherited the family title and will soon become a pioneering lord."
Before she could finish speaking, Felena already understood.
"I need to concoct a special potion, and I happen to need Blue Crystal Grass."
"It's very valuable to me."
What do you need me to exchange for?
This prince seems to have no business experience; he's quite straightforward.
Lear said in a deep voice.
Philena looked into those dark, calm eyes, which showed no sign of fear or unease.
He glanced at the patches on the other person's clothes and a hint of amusement appeared on his face.
"It seems that you are also a person of strong will and have your own ideas."
"Could you please tell me the location of the Blue Crystal Grass first? Once I retrieve it, I will certainly give you a reward that satisfies you."
Lear was not ambiguous either.
"Two hundred kilometers northwest of Loran, in a valley where lilies bloom."
The value of intelligence lies in its monetization; selling information to those who need it yields greater value.
Seeing how clean and efficient Lear was, Philena was somewhat surprised. She stared at him with her jewel-like eyes and asked curiously.
"Aren't you afraid I'll breach the contract?"
"After all, I am the princess of Loran City that you all speak of. If I breach the contract, no one will believe your accusations."
Lear looked directly into the other person's eyes, glanced at the intelligence panel, which displayed a glittering 6-star intelligence report, and said calmly.
"I'm not afraid."
The consequences of breaching the contract may be too great for you to afford.