Chapter 68: The Next Jarvis

Chapter 68: Chapter 68: The Next Jarvis

Lacas stared at the Star-Spotted Snow Root seeds and shook his head resignedly.

The seeds of most plants could only survive for three to five years at most, even in a dry, ventilated environment. Yet these Star-Spotted Snow Root seeds, kept in a glass cup, had been in storage for nearly twenty years.

The seeds of the Star-Spotted Snow Root possessed an extremely strong Life Force. As long as they weren’t exposed to sunlight or moisture, they could remain viable for thirty to fifty years. The very substances that kept them from dying were also the key to the root’s ability to slow aging and improve one’s Constitution.

Over seventy years ago, the Divar Family had paid a great price to acquire their first batch of over two hundred Star-Spotted Snow Root seeds, hoping to cultivate them. However, after nearly twenty years of toil, all two hundred-plus seeds were lost, and they failed to grow even a single plant.

The head of the Divar Family at the time did not give up. He spent another fortune to acquire a second batch of seeds, but the result was the same. Thirty years later, those seeds were also lost. The Divar Family had lost a vast sum of money in the process.

Anyone else would have given up, but the stubborn Divarians remained steadfast. After making countless improvements to their soil, planting techniques, and other factors, they acquired a third batch of one hundred Star-Spotted Snow Root seeds. More than forty of those had already been lost in failed experiments, leaving only the fifty or so seeds they were preparing to plant again soon.

One of Lacas’s greatest wishes was to see the Divar Family successfully cultivate the Star-Spotted Snow Root in his lifetime. Not only would it significantly boost the Divar Family’s medicinal herb business, but it would also honor the legacy of his ancestors who had persevered for so long.

"Pardon my asking, but how do you go about cultivating the Star-Spotted Snow Root?"

Vili asked after a moment of contemplation.

"We’ve set aside a special experimental plot of land..."

Lacas explained in great detail, apparently unafraid of revealing the process of their cultivation experiments to Vili.

Vili gave a slight nod as he listened.

’The Divar Family’s cultivation methods are already quite refined,’ Vili thought. ’The only reason they haven’t succeeded is because there are some of the plant’s unique properties that they haven’t yet figured out. As long as they remain unaware of these critical factors, the Divar Family will never be able to cultivate the Star-Spotted Snow Root.’

’This is my chance.’

"Mr. Lacas..." Vili paused to think, then directly stated his idea. "I was once a Hunter, and in the Morse Forest, I encountered a great many plants. I made a point of observing and understanding them, both common and rare. By studying their growth patterns, I learned to discern their habits. When it comes to cultivating herbs, I may have a small, insignificant bit of talent..."

Lacas listened quietly, a faint idea already forming of what Vili was about to say.

"I’ve long heard of the Star-Spotted Snow Root by name, and I’m very keen to try cultivating it myself..."

Vili let his words hang in the air, certain that Lacas understood his meaning.

Vili didn’t say anything more about cultivating the roots for sale. ’Saying too much now would just make Lacas think I’m boasting,’ he thought. ’Once I actually manage to grow the Star-Spotted Snow Root, Lacas will come looking for me on his own.’

Before Lacas could react, Finlay, standing behind him, found his eyes widening in disbelief.

He thought he must have misheard. ’Mr. Vili wants to cultivate the Star-Spotted Snow Root? Is he joking?’

’The Divar Family has been in the medicinal herb business for generations. Despite all their expertise, they’ve toiled for two generations and still haven’t succeeded. How could Vili, a man with a mere Hunter’s background, possibly cultivate it? Baron Kels may have granted him Fandou Village, but growing Beans is a completely different world from cultivating Star-Spotted Snow Root.’

Although Finlay was certain Vili would fail, he chose to remain silent. He didn’t dare point out just how difficult cultivating the Star-Spotted Snow Root was; Vili might think he was looking down on him.

"When you recognized the Star-Spotted Snow Root seeds at a glance, Mr. Vili, I could tell you were quite knowledgeable about cultivating herbs."

Lacas’s response was exceptionally smooth, his expression revealing no hint of doubt. "Since you have an interest in these matters, allow me to gift you twenty Star-Spotted Snow Root seeds. What do you say?"

Lacas’s choice of words was subtle. By framing Vili’s desire to cultivate the Star-Spotted Snow Root as an "interest," he ensured that Vili wouldn’t lose face even if he failed in the future. It was just a hobby; failure was of no consequence.

Vili smiled, recognizing the artfulness in Lacas’s words.

"Thank you. In that case, I will accept them."

Vili hadn’t expected Lacas to be so generous as to give him twenty Star-Spotted Snow Root seeds so readily; they were by no means cheap. However, he didn’t feel like he was taking advantage. ’Once I successfully cultivate these seeds,’ he thought, ’Lacas will be the one indebted to me.’

After viewing all the botanical specimens, Lacas and his son joined Vili for afternoon tea, where host and guests enjoyed a lively conversation.

Lacas became even more convinced that Vili was a man worth building a relationship with.

As dusk approached, Lacas reluctantly saw Vili off.

Lacas had intended for Finlay to accompany Vili back to Diamond Town, but Vili declined the offer.

’There’s nothing in Diamond Town that requires my attention right now,’ Vili thought. ’And now that I have the Star-Spotted Snow Root seeds, I might as well head straight back to Fandou Village.’

"Mr. Vili, the Divar Family looks forward to your next visit."

Lacas and Finlay stood and watched until the carriage disappeared from view.

Only when the carriage was completely out of sight did Finlay finally speak. "Father, don’t you think you’re placing a little too much importance on Mr. Vili?"

His father had not only spent the entire afternoon with Vili, but had also gifted him that exceptionally precious Swift Sword and the Star-Spotted Snow Root seeds. Finlay had rarely seen his father treat anyone with such favor, let alone a young man.

Lacas didn’t answer immediately, instead gazing at the crimson clouds on the horizon.

"Finlay, you must remember this: we are merchants, and only merchants. We have wealth, but there is something far more powerful in this world—and that is power. Baron Nando and Baron Kels... their estates are not as large as ours, and their food and clothes are not as luxurious, but we must still humble ourselves before them. Why? Because of power."

Lacas suddenly sighed. "Mr. Vili has yet to even come of age, and he has already entered the inner circle of Diamond Town. His future is not to be underestimated. Perhaps one day, with but a single word from him, all of our businesses in Diamond Town could be upended. I even suspect... he could be the next Jarvis."

"The next Jarvis?"

Finlay stared at his father in shock. It took him a long moment to process the words. He muttered to himself, "Is he really that formidable...?"