Chapter 100

As Ricardo and his companions passed through Fedor Village and headed towards the border with the capital, Paganini, who had received orders from Lord Apra, was waiting for them in the village with over a dozen soldiers. This was in case the Marquis's plan failed and Ricardo and his group managed to escape the valley.

"We need to confirm if they really are dead," Paganini said.

Paganini sent three soldiers to the cave. When they returned, they reported that there was a possibility that Ricardo and his group had escaped the valley. Paganini frowned.

"What? What do you mean?"

"There were cut branches and fallen trees at the bottom of the cave. If you prop them against the cliff, you can climb up to the cave."

Paganini slammed his fist on the table and began to think hard.

(Even if they didn't die in the valley, why didn't they return to Fedor Village? Could they be suspicious of the village chief, or even Lord Apra? ...This is bad. If they return to the capital, it will be troublesome.)

"Prepare the horses. We need to capture them."

At this moment, Paganini believed that even if they were mages, they could be defeated by exploiting their weaknesses. The weakness of mages is that it takes time to cast spells. If you can get close and strike before the spell is cast, you can defeat a mage. This was common knowledge among the soldiers.

Five horses were prepared, and Paganini and four soldiers galloped out of the village.

Paganini spurred his horse and caught up with the group that looked like mages and soldiers. Based on the description from the village chief, he determined that they were the ones he was looking for. He considered charging in and attacking, but when he saw some of them readying their rods to cast spells, he stopped his horse.

He felt that if he continued, he would be hit by a spell.

Paganini gave up on the surprise attack and called out from a distance.

"Are you from the Mage Guild?"

"Yes, do you have something for us?"

The youngest mage replied, which surprised Paganini.

"Are you Ricardo?"

"Yes, are you a subordinate of Lord Apra?"

"Yes, I am Paganini Ventura, the Marquis's advisor."

Paganini nodded and dismounted. His subordinates followed suit and lined up behind him.

Paganini and his men approached Ricardo and his group on foot.

"Our investigation has been approved by Lord Apra. There should be no problem."

Paganini approached with a smile, but the soldiers behind him were glaring at Ricardo and his group, ready to pounce. Ricardo felt the murderous intent from the soldiers.

Ricardo braced himself for a fight.

"Yes, there's no problem. But—"

At that moment, a goblin appeared from the bushes by the road, holding a large rat.

The moment Ricardo saw the goblin, he pressed the pendant on his chest and channeled magic into the storage amethyst. He took out the Wind Magic Art Gun and, with his left hand, aimed at the goblin's head and pulled the trigger.

The goblin fell to the ground, blood gushing from its ears and mouth, without even a scream. The entire sequence, from the goblin's appearance to the gun's firing, happened in an instant. Before leaving to fight pirates, Ricardo had practiced quick-draw. Fortunately, he didn't have to use it in the actual pirate hunt, but the training proved to be useful.

Paganini was frozen, his right hand on the hilt of his sword. He realized that his plan to get close and strike was too simplistic.

If he had attacked, he would have been defeated like the goblin. This thought wasn't just in Paganini's mind; the soldiers behind him also paled.

Ricardo glared at Paganini.

"So, what do you want?"

Paganini felt the hostility in Ricardo's voice and shuddered.

Ricardo sensed that the murderous intent from Paganini had disappeared. It seemed that showing the power of the Magic Art Gun had changed his assessment of the situation.

"Ah, yes. The village chief of Fedor Village led you to the Western Valley out of personal grudge. I apologize. Please forgive the village chief, as he will be severely punished."

Ricardo thought that this was a clever excuse, pushing all the blame onto the village chief. Paganini might be a smart advisor.

Tania looked at Paganini suspiciously.

"What personal grudge?"

Paganini was at a loss for words. There was no such grudge. He saw Greta watching them from behind Ricardo and had a sudden idea.

"The village chief's son died in a minor conflict with the Boniperti territory a few years ago. He harbored resentment towards the Boniperti family."

Greta's face changed.

Paganini explained that everything was the village chief's personal decision. After apologizing multiple times, he left.

Patrick looked puzzled.

"Was he just here to apologize?"

Ricardo told them that he had sensed murderous intent from Paganini.

"He came to pursue us after we escaped the Western Valley."

Tania spat out the words.

"The story about the village chief's son. I think it's a lie."

Ricardo, noticing Greta's pale face, exposed Paganini's lie.

"Probably. I felt tension and fear from the village chief, but no murderous intent."

Greta was confused.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, the village chief seemed relieved. But why did he just apologize and leave?"

"He was scared after seeing Ricardo's quick-draw."

Tania snorted.

"Hmph. What a coward."

Ricardo shook his head.

"No, he's a competent soldier who can quickly assess the situation. He realized it was a disadvantage and fled, but he might come after us again if he gets the chance."

Tania and the others felt uneasy at this.

Monta, who had been resting in the shoulder bag during the commotion, woke up and asked.

"Did something happen?"

Monta tilted his head.

"Just a goblin."

"Monta wanted to fight."

"Next time, I'll let Monta handle it."

"Okay, Monta will do his best."

Ricardo and the others felt relieved by Monta's words and smiled.

After that, everyone agreed to leave the Apra territory as soon as possible and return to the capital.

They returned to the capital without incident and disbanded at the Mage Guild. The materials obtained in the Western Valley were divided among Ricardo, Tania, and Patrick.

Ricardo entered his laboratory and began checking the materials.

"Nine Extra Large Magic Art Vines, eight branches of the Demon Tree Tamiel, and ten branches of the Demon Tree Elbir for the Black Catalyst."

The Extra Large Magic Art Vines and branches of the Demon Tree Elbir were damaged during the battle between the demon trees, resulting in the current numbers.

"The Black Catalyst is less than I expected. I have enough for the immediate research, but I need to use it carefully to avoid running out before the results are achieved."

Ricardo started thinking about the experimental procedures and how to use the nine Extra Large Magic Art Vines.

"First, I need to complete the spell that can destroy the Flame Turtle's shell and end the war in the Boniperti territory."

Ricardo noticed that Greta looked sad whenever he heard about the ongoing war in the Boniperti territory. There had been several minor skirmishes, but both sides couldn't engage in a full-scale battle without replenishing supplies and troops.

"Are you not going home?"

While Ricardo was thinking, Monta spoke up quietly.

"Right. Let's go home."

Ricardo tidied up his room and left the Mage Guild. The people in the capital were wearing thicker clothes, and Ricardo recalled the Serrato prophecy, wondering what the winter would be like this year. The people in the capital felt that it was getting colder earlier than usual.

On the way, he bought a birdcage from a woodworking shop, intending to put the Shadow Chaser Lizard's egg inside.

When Ricardo returned home, he was greeted by Serge, Pamela, and the wise owl, Mel. Mel, who was a chick when Antonio obtained her, had grown and was in the process of shedding her chick feathers.

His mother, Julia, was preparing dinner in the kitchen. She had worked at the Unius Restaurant in the morning and returned in the afternoon. The Unius Restaurant had a nursery, where Serge and Pamela played while Julia worked.

"It's Ricardo, welcome back. Where's Monta?"

Serge looked for Monta.

"Monta went to see his tree."

Serge and Pamela went to check on Monta. Mel was dozing off inside the house. Ricardo put his things in his room and went to the garden.

The tree they called Monta's tree had already grown taller than Ricardo. Monta looked up at the tree, satisfied.

"It's grown. Monta is happy."

"Pamela is happy too."

Pamela and Monta hugged each other, overjoyed.

Serge crossed his arms and tilted his head.

"But, what kind of fruit will it bear?"

Monta said confidently.

"Delicious fruit. Monta asked for it."

The one Monta asked was probably the research assistant he met in the magic realm. Ricardo, who had heard from the assistant that the fruit would be similar to corn, recalled the taste of grilled corn and corn chowder and suddenly craved corn.

Back inside, Ricardo, urged by Pamela and Serge, told them about the events of his journey.

"Hey, did you find the black lizard?"

Pamela asked, and Monta puffed out his chest.

"Monta found it."

"Wow, wow. Monta, you're great."

Praised, Monta let out a joyful "Ukyah" and did a funny dance.

Antonio returned.

"Brother, welcome back."

"That's good. You're back safely."

Antonio was relieved to see Ricardo.

"I sold the fruits of the Shuram tree harvested in autumn. The price has risen, and the income is equivalent to a year's worth of expenses."

The price increase was likely due to the war in the Boniperti territory. The fruits of the Shuram tree are a catalyst for "Life" and are needed to treat wounded soldiers.

If the apricot demon tree is given sufficient nutrients, the Shuram tree's fruits can be harvested three times a year. This means that two harvests a year would be profit. This was a sign that the breeding facility was on track.

"Brother, Prince Gaius has requested that we increase the production of towel fabric and also export it."

Antonio looked troubled. The production was not enough to meet domestic demand, let alone export.

"Prince Gaius has offered to help, but I want to try to increase production on our own."

"Why?"

"If the prince helps, it means the royal family's funds will be used. I think the royal officials will interfere."

Antonio nodded in understanding.

"That's not good. But, is the funding okay?"

Antonio knew that Ricardo was short on funds after buying a large piece of land along the coast.

"Don't worry. I have another request for the breeding facility."

"What is it?"

"I found a Shadow Chaser Lizard's egg and want to raise it there."

Later, it was discovered that raising the Shadow Chaser Lizard was easier than Ricardo had expected. The lizard was omnivorous and ate grains, fruits, and meat.

However, a strictly managed breeding facility was needed to prevent the lizard from escaping.

Julia, who had been listening, looked worried.

"Isn't it dangerous to raise that magic beast?"

"It's not without danger, but I think it will be safe with the right equipment."

Ricardo was thinking of using the skin of the Bicorn Armored Bear to make armor. Reinforced with metal parts, it should withstand the lizard's bite. He also considered a helmet similar to a kendo mask.

The next morning, Ricardo first went to Bernard's shop to sell the materials collected in the valley. Gasparo, the warehouse keeper, was surprised to see the trunks and roots of the Demon Tree Elbir and Demon Tree Tamiel.

"Wow, you must have caught something impressive."

"It was just luck with the demon trees."

Ricardo explained that he had encountered a battle between the demon trees. Gasparo listened with interest.

"With this much, it will take time to weigh. What do you want to do?"

"I'll come back for the payment later. Patrick or Tania might come, so please take care of them."

Ricardo left the Bermilan Company and headed to the leather workshop introduced by Emilia. This workshop had helped him when he tanned the skin of the Spouting Dragon Shark.

He asked the workshop to tan the skin of the Crash Rhino and Bicorn Armored Bear.

After finishing his errands, Ricardo went to the Unius Restaurant. Julia was preparing food with other working mothers. When he visited the nursery, he saw Serge and Pamela playing with other children.

"Ah, Ricardo!"

The two ran over to him.

"Did you come to see Mom?"

"No, I have something to ask Ravana."

Ricardo went to the kitchen on the second floor to ask the female chef, Ravana, if she could use the meat of the Crash Rhino. Ricardo and the two children followed him.

Ricardo explained the situation to Ravana and gave her a piece of the loin cut from the Crash Rhino. She thinly sliced and grilled it. Since he had already confirmed that it was not poisonous, they sprinkled salt and tasted it. The moment it entered their mouths, an indescribable aroma stimulated their noses, followed by a delicious flavor that filled their mouths.

"Amazing. It's as delicious as the meat of a Giant Dragon."

"Really, it's incredibly delicious."

Ricardo and Ravana were moved by the deliciousness of the Crash Rhino meat.

"You two are being unfair."

Serge pouted in protest.

"Can't be helped. Just a little."

Ricardo gave Serge a piece. Serge's eyes lit up as he ate the meat.

"Unfair. Pamela too."

Pamela, unable to hold back, complained. Ravana gave her a piece, and Pamela jumped up and down to express her delight.

Julia, hearing the commotion, came upstairs and tasted the remaining meat.

"Delicious. But, this kind of meat can't be served with regular meat."

Julia felt that the level of this meat was different from what the restaurant usually served and thought about how to sell it. Ravana seemed to have the same idea and started discussing with Julia.

Ricardo decided to leave the matter of the Crash Rhino meat to Julia and Ravana. He took the whining Serge and Pamela back to the nursery.