Chapter 30: Extraordinary Gems
Rhodes had expected many things.
Political bargaining. Hidden hostility. Even deception.
But this—
An extraordinary gem?
That was beyond expectation.
His gaze remained fixed on the jade-green crystal in Avril's hand. Even in the dim cabin light, it emitted a faint, almost living glow.
For a brief moment, instinct took over.
His hand moved.
Then stopped midway.
Rhodes slowly withdrew it, his expression returning to calm calculation.
"Baron Avril," he said evenly, "you didn't bring this out just to stay in Blackpine Ridge… did you?"
Avril hesitated.
Then, softly—
"If possible… could you help me reclaim my territory?"
Her brows furrowed slightly, her expression carrying that same fragile vulnerability—yet this time, there was intent behind it.
Rhodes shook his head immediately.
"One gem isn't enough for that."
His answer was decisive.
No hesitation.
Extraordinary gems were indeed valuable—rare enough to tempt even seasoned nobles.
But not enough to make him gamble everything.
Razor Plains wasn't some abandoned stretch of land.
It had been overthrown.
Which meant—
Powerful opposition.
Rioting forces capable of overthrowing a noble house.
Beastmen.
Possibly even other non-human races.
And what did Rhodes have?
Ten guards.
Nine mercenaries under Gunther—and even that loyalty was not guaranteed.
Defending a territory was one thing.
Launching a campaign to reclaim one?
That was a completely different matter.
It meant abandoning stable ground, carrying limited supplies, marching into hostile territory—
And attacking enemies who already held fortified positions.
Walls. Food. Terrain advantage.
All of it.
To risk that… for a single gem?
Absurd.
"You'd have to offer more."
Avril lowered her head.
"…I don't have anything else."
Rhodes sighed inwardly.
Of course, she doesn't.
A displaced noble with no army, no land, no power.
The cabin fell into silence.
Time passed.
Then—
"…Then I'll stay here."
Rhodes looked up.
Avril's voice was soft but steady now.
"You protect me… and this gem is yours. Is that enough?"
A beat.
Then—
"That's more than enough."
Rhodes nodded immediately, without even a trace of hesitation this time.
The exchange was clean.
Simple.
And, more importantly, profitable.
"But," he added calmly, "to avoid unnecessary trouble, you should conceal your identity. A veil would be best."
Avril nodded quickly.
"Mmm… that's fine."
Relief visibly washed over her.
At last—
Stability.
A place to stay.
And in her eyes, Rhodes was already labeled—
A capable… and trustworthy baron.
As for the Life Gem?
To her, it was valuable—but impractical.
She did not cultivate breathing techniques.
She did not train.
Holding onto it meant little.
Trading it for safety… was worth it.
Without hesitation, she handed the gem to him once more.
This time—
Rhodes accepted it.
With both hands.
The moment his fingers touched its surface, a warm, smooth sensation spread through his palm, like holding a piece of living jade.
At the same time—
A familiar presence stirred within him.
[You have obtained: Life Gem]
[Condition met: First Extraordinary Gem collected]
[Attribute Unlocked — Life Force (Blue)]
[Life Force (Blue): Increases vitality by 20%, extends natural lifespan by approximately 10 years, and enhances the effects of all equipped extraordinary gems by 20%.]
[Next Condition: Collect five different extraordinary gems to unlock—Gem Collector]
Rhodes' pupils contracted slightly.
As expected…
Not only did extraordinary gems exist—
They triggered entries.
And this one—
A blue-grade attribute.
Direct lifespan enhancement.
Ten years.
For nobles, for rulers—for anyone—
Time was power.
Without hesitation, Rhodes chose to integrate it.
The effect was immediate.
A gentle, refreshing energy surged through his entire body, like spring rain nourishing dry earth.
Warm.
Soothing.
His muscles relaxed. His breathing deepened. His senses sharpened.
For a fleeting moment, it felt as though he stood within a quiet forest, surrounded by birdsong and blooming flowers, his body immersed in a natural hot spring.
Comfort beyond words.
Rhodes unconsciously narrowed his eyes.
The room fell silent once more.
Avril watched him.
And for the first time—
A faint sense of inferiority crept into her heart.
He was composed.
Decisive.
Cautious.
And undeniably capable.
Everything she had failed to be.
She, who had been betrayed, driven out, and nearly killed—
Now reduced to trading her most valuable possession just to survive.
"…Baron Rhodes?"
Her voice broke the silence carefully.
Rhodes opened his eyes.
The warmth had already faded.
He glanced at the gem briefly, then said with mild confusion—
"I tried to feel its effects… but nothing obvious happened."
It wasn't a lie.
The true effect had come from the attribute, not the gem itself.
The Life Gem in his hand now felt… ordinary.
Avril's expression changed instantly.
"You don't believe me?"
"No," Rhodes said calmly, shaking his head. "I'm just stating what I felt."
Avril quickly explained, her tone slightly anxious—
"It works over time! If you carry it with you, your body will improve gradually. And if you're injured, your recovery becomes faster."
Rhodes nodded lightly.
"I understand."
He slipped the gem into a leather pouch and tucked it into his coat.
Then—
He paused.
His gaze returned to Avril.
"…Actually," he said slowly, "helping you reclaim Razor Plains isn't impossible."
Avril's eyes widened instantly.
Hope ignited.
"But not now," Rhodes continued. "I can only promise that I will consider it in the future."
Her expression steadied, but she nodded.
"That's enough."
Rhodes leaned forward slightly.
"And if I do help you… There will be conditions."
"Please," Avril said immediately, her eyes filled with anticipation.
"Three conditions."
Rhodes raised a finger.
"First—Razor Plains remains under your name. But taxation will be decided by me."
"For example, if taxes are set at sixty percent, you receive twenty, and I take forty."
Avril blinked.
But said nothing.
"Second—resource extraction and trade will be managed by me."
"You receive thirty percent of profits. I take seventy."
A pause.
"Third—I will recruit troops within your territory and take full control of its defense."
Rhodes leaned back slightly.
"In simple terms, you keep the title. I manage everything else."
Silence.
"…That sounds worse than being a minor lord," Avril murmured.
Rhodes didn't deny it.
"You're not suited to ruling the North," he said calmly. "I only need the authority. You won't need to worry about taxes, defense, or governance."
He crossed his arms.
"You can make additional requests."
This was a negotiation.
He had deliberately set harsh terms.
Waiting for resistance.
Waiting for bargaining.
But instead—
"…That's fine."
Rhodes blinked.
"…What?"
Avril exhaled softly.
"You're right," she said quietly. "I'm not suited for ruling."
"…I'm tired."
Her voice carried no resistance.
Only exhaustion.
For once—
Rhodes felt slightly… awkward.
He cleared his throat.
"If there's anything else you want, say it now."
Avril thought for a moment.
Then—
"I want honey every day. And cheese."
Rhodes: "…"
"My favorite foods are foie gras, duck tongue, and roast venison. For fruit—cherries and coconuts."
Rhodes raised a hand.
"I didn't mean food."
"…Oh."
A pause.
"I'm not picky about clothing."
"…That's enough."
Rhodes cut her off cleanly.
"We'll finalize everything in Frostleaf Town with a written contract."
Avril nodded brightly.
"No problem!"
Rhodes exhaled quietly.
Then his gaze sharpened once more.
"One last question."
Avril still.
"How did you escape?"
This—
He needed to know.
Avril hesitated.
Then said softly—
"I can tell you… But don't be afraid."
"And don't tell anyone."
Rhodes nodded.
"Agreed."
Avril closed her eyes.
Her lips parted slightly—
And then—
A strange, indescribable sound escaped her throat.
"Ah—"
Outside the cabin—
Everyone froze.
Gunther slowly stood.
"…It's gotten to that point already?"
He leaned toward the door, curiosity written all over his face.
Durant immediately grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.
"Don't look. Don't think."
His tone was firm.
"The Baron's matters are not for us to understand."
Gunther clicked his tongue but stepped back.
Durant glanced at the others, then calmly changed the subject.
"Prepare the meat. We'll eat after the Baron is finished."
A guard raised his hand awkwardly.
"Sir… the salt bags are still inside."
Durant paused.
"…Fine."
He turned toward the nearby child.
"Susan, do you have salt at home?"
The little girl nodded eagerly and ran off.
Moments later, she returned—holding a chunk of white crystal larger than her palm.
"There's more inside," she said.
Durant took it slowly.
His eyes narrowed.
"…This is…"
He turned the crystal in his hand, expression shifting.
"Rock salt ore?"
End of Chapter 30
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