Chapter 393 - 319: Soul Strengthening Potion (Part 2)

Chapter 393: Chapter 319: Soul Strengthening Potion (Part 2)

"I want to build a secret Magic Tool Workshop in Yangjiao Town. I’ve already found a craftsman, but I’m not sure if it’s feasible. After all, I don’t know about the pitfalls of this trade."

"A Magic Tool Workshop?" Agatha’s interest was piqued. "I don’t know much about them, but I encountered some back in Plantagenet City. From what I know, they, along with Alchemy Workshops and Scroll Copying Workshops, are known as the three great magical enterprises. Unlike the latter two, this type of workshop is usually only found in large cities."

"And I recall these kinds of workshops tend to be very exclusive, pushing out smaller operations," she added after a moment of thought. "It all comes down to the craftsman’s skill level. Each one has a different understanding of materials and different techniques, and the truly masterful artisans have long been monopolized by the large merchant guilds."

"I know a craftsman. His skill shouldn’t be an issue." Shire recalled the rumors he’d heard about old Marshall back in Plantagenet City. There was no question about his craftsmanship; he just wasn’t very sociable.

"If you want to build such a workshop, I’d advise you to keep a low profile," Agatha offered. "After all, you have so many materials here, plus a qualified craftsman. If too many Magic Artifacts start showing up, it will definitely attract the attention of others, especially since Yangjiao Town is built on the edge of the forest and many Adventurers live here."

"You’re right," Shire said, taking a sip of tea. "We really are developing too quickly, and it seems we’re starting to affect a lot of people’s interests. Mary mentioned to me that many Adventurers have been complaining when buying potions that they can’t find any goblins in the forest lately, and even medicinal herbs are becoming scarce."

"If we start brazenly crafting Magic Artifacts, we’ll definitely draw attention and cause unnecessary trouble." Shire decided that the Magic Items they created would first be used internally by his own people. He would do his best not to sell them. Although this meant no profits for now, at least it was safe.

’After all, when other people can’t even find a goblin ear worth 3 Silver Coins, and you suddenly whip out a huge pile of Magic Materials, anyone would get suspicious.’

"Then let’s build the Magic Artifact Workshop next to the Clothing Workshop. That spot is on the outskirts of Yangjiao Town, a newly cleared plot of land that doesn’t get much foot traffic. The Clothing Workshop was just established, and after a while, the only people passing by will be village women from the surrounding area, so it shouldn’t attract any attention," Shire said with a smile. He was eager to see the looks on the Adventurers’ faces when they ventured deep into the Nightmare Forest only to encounter goblins wielding Magic Bone Staffs, carrying Magic Beast Artifacts, decked out in Magic Leather Goods, and wearing Mage Hats.

’They’d probably stare in stunned disbelief at the Iron Swords in their own hands and the tattered Leather Armor they’re wearing, then turn and flee out of pure jealousy.’

"Alright then, I’ll let you get back to it. I’m heading out myself. There’s just too much to do lately, it’s giving me a headache." Shire drained his cup of tea in one gulp, picked up the potion that had turned a deep crimson, and left.

...

After dusk, in the reception room behind the Drink Undying Alchemy Workshop, Shire curiously sized up the man before him—the "Silver Wolf Count," Jean.

After the Vampire Count, Herbert, introduced this Border Count from the Savoy Kingdom, Shire had done some research. The man’s full name was Jean Mulete. His family crest was a silver wolf’s head howling at the sky, which was why he was also known as the Silver Wolf Count. Unlike Herbert Dawn, Count Jean was a Werewolf. He generally avoided going out at night, because an accidental glimpse of the full moon would cause him to lose control and transform into his werewolf form. Of course, if he encountered danger, he would also transform willingly.

Moreover, Shire had a pretty good idea of the Count’s personality. The entire Mulete Clan was rumored to have a stubborn streak; they were even called "mules in wolves’ clothing." The thought that this family would rather handle silver trinkets in their spare time just to build up a resistance—a practice that had caused many members to die from the "allergy" throughout their history—made Shire have to suppress a chuckle.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Silver Wolf Count," Shire said with a smile, greeting him.

The brown-haired Count with the full beard scrutinized the goblin opposite him, looking him up and down. Because of Herbert’s introduction, Shire wasn’t wearing any sort of disguise this time, instead showing his true form.

"If anyone had ever told me I’d one day meet a well-dressed, polite goblin, I’d have torn their mouth clean off their face." Jean glanced at Herbert, who was standing to the side, then extended a hand to Shire. "I’m Jean Mulete."

After speaking, he didn’t continue to look at Shire. Instead, he raised his head, his gaze sweeping across the entire reception room, not missing a single corner.

Seeing this, Shire reached out and took the Count’s hand. "Count, as you can see, it’s perfectly safe here. Following your advice, I’ve had my people close and seal all the doors and windows. Not a single draft can get in."

"You can call me Jean," the Silver Wolf Count said. "Forgive my rudeness, but it’s better for all of us if I’m cautious."

"Are you worried about the town hall or the city guard?"

"No," Jean said, waving his hand. "We’re worried about Jealousy."

"Jealousy?" Shire was taken aback. "You mean the Demon Lord, Jealousy?"

"Yes," Jean frowned, then glanced at Herbert beside him. "You didn’t tell him the reason?"

"Nope," Count Herbert shrugged.

Jean sighed and said, "Both of our families were transformed by Jealousy. As for the reason, it was all because of the search for that damned pair of ears. The difference is, the Chenxi Clan was transformed first—they became Vampires. Afterwards, for some reason, Jealousy decided it needed someone to supervise the Chenxi Clan, so one day, my ancestor was transformed into a Werewolf."

"We became enemies from that day forward. Even though our family territories aren’t adjacent, we were required to constantly monitor each other, all for the purpose of finding those ears for Jealousy sooner."

"So then you..." Shire started to ask. ’You two don’t seem very hostile toward each other now.’

"By the fifth generation," Count Jean said calmly, "my ancestor decided that things couldn’t go on like that, so he secretly sought out his ancestor."

He jutted his chin, gesturing toward Herbert at his side. "From then on, our two families just started putting on an act."

"Putting on an act?" Shire couldn’t help but let out a laugh. The situation between these two families sounded quite interesting.

"We just have to watch out for any light fabrics being blown about by the wind. Jealousy’s Ability is to project its will through billowing cloth." Count Jean frowned, his eyes once again sweeping the reception room.

"Cloth?" Shire was surprised. ’I remember Lust could travel through the Mirror World, so this Demon Lord, Jealousy, must project itself through wind-blown fabric.’ "That’s an interesting method of observation."

"It shouldn’t have any way to get in this room," Jean said with a nod. He then asked, "Alright, goblin. Tell me what you have in mind."

"Let’s sit down and talk," Shire said, gesturing to the sofa at the side.

After the three of them were seated, he briefly explained the matter of the loan from the Commerce Bank and laid out his idea.

"So, you plan to give me those Gold Coins and have me exchange them all for Fran Silver Coins?" Count Jean cracked a smile, his canine teeth looking particularly prominent.

The Gold Coins of the various kingdoms on the continent were basically the same in size and gold content, differing only in the patterns stamped on them—a result of many years of war. However, the Savoy Kingdom had numerous silver mines. This Silver Wolf Count’s own territory held several veins of silver, and of exceptional Quality at that. This led to a situation in the Savoy Kingdom where Gold Coins could be exchanged for more Silver Coins.

"Yes, Mr. Jean."

"And what can you offer me in return?" Jean asked, calmly looking at Shire and ignoring Herbert, who was shooting him a meaningful look from the side.

’Stubborn indeed,’ Shire thought to himself. "I can pay you a fee based on the market rate."

"This is quite troublesome. Although we’re already experts at minting Fran Kingdom Silver Coins, it still carries a certain degree of risk," Count Jean said, narrowing his eyes. "Unless you can offer something more interesting."

"Something more interesting?" Shire pursed his lips. "What do you need?"

"A promise." Jean reached a hand into his white outer coat. "One day in the future, you will need to lead your people to sweep through the western region of the Nightmare Forest."