Chapter 43: Securing the War Horses
While he was absorbed in his thoughts, Alice had already flipped half of the book's contents. Even without someone guiding her, she realized that she could understand the obscure knowledge written in the book. It was a unique experience as if the book was written for her.
After reading the final sentence, she closed the book and entered a state of trance. She subconsciously followed the breathing method mentioned in the book as well as the specific physical exercises.
Fredrinn noticed her actions and was surprised. 'She is enlightened after only reading once? She is truly worthy of having an excellent-grade spirit root.'
She performed the exercises so smoothly that it almost resembled a slow, classical dance.
By the time she performed the last step, a system prompt appeared before him.
Alice Frey [Body Refining 1st Layer]
Age: 22
Spirit Root: Excellent-Grade
Sword Talent: ⭐️⭐️
Spear Talent: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Archery Talent: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fire Affinity: ⭐️
Wood Affinity: ⭐️
Earth Affinity: ⭐️
Ice Affinity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wind Affinity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
To his amazement, Alice had talent for three weapons. She also had a high affinity with wind. However, the most shocking one was still her 9-star ice affinity.
'Together with her ice affinity and the Ice Revolution Divine Method, her cultivation speed might be even faster than Olivia's.' Fredrinn thought.
"My lord, for some strange reason, I feel like I'm a bit more powerful now," Alice said with a confused expression.
"That's because you are already in the 1st layer of the Body Refining stage. Congratulations!" Fredrinn smiled at her.
"That fast? I thought it would take me a few days before I could see some progress. It's actually pretty easy." Alice muttered to herself.
Fredrinn almost stumbled when he heard her words.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The two of them turned their gazes when they heard the knocking on the door.
"Wait." Fredrinn grabbed Alice's shoulder and said. "Your spirit root must be kept a secret. No one must know anything about it, not even your mother. We will be in great danger if someone discovers the truth. I will ask someone to buy an item that can conceal your aura so you should lay low for the time being."
Alice nodded with a serious look. "Yes, my lord."
"Go and see who it is." Fredrinn waved his hand before he took his seat.
Alice bowed to him before she walked to the door.
She jumped up in shock when she saw Cain's scar-riddled face. "S-Sir Cain?"
Cain was already used to this kind of reaction so he pretended like nothing happened. "A servant came and said that the patriarch is waiting for Lord Fredrinn in his study."
"Where is the servant?"
Cain was silent for a moment before replied. "…He left."
'I'm sure the servant fled in fear.' She thought while keeping a calm look on her face. "Alright. I'll inform Lord Fredrinn about it."
Cain nodded.
Alice headed back inside and told Fredrinn about the situation.
Hearing this, Fredrinn's lips curved upwards. 'Is it finally time for me to claim my rewards?'
"Stay here and continue with your training, but don't forget your meals." Fredrinn reminded Alice before he left.
"Cain, stay here and don't let anyone disturb Alice unless absolutely necessary."
"Yes, my lord."
Fredrinn gave a few more instructions to him before he headed to Roland's study.
As soon as he arrived, he knocked on the door and entered after getting Roland's permission.
"Father, I'm told that you summoned me."
Roland nodded as he pointed a seat for him. "That's right. I believe you already know that Agatha came here yesterday to discuss the terms of the exchange."
Fredrinn nodded. He heard about it from Olivia.
Roland passed a folder to him. "That's what we agreed on."
Fredrinn opened the folder and read the document attached to it.
Just as he had expected, Roland asked for the Blackcrow Household's war horses. The ten million star coins was just a bonus to this deal.
"I asked for a hundred war horses, but those cheap bastards are only willing to give fifty." Roland shook his head.
Fredrinn's face twitched at his words. "Father, the war horses are important to the Blackcrow Household. Even losing ten or twenty would have an impact on their cavalry's performance. It's already very surprising that they are willing to part with fifty war horses."
"I know." Roland didn't expect that Fredrinn would know these things. "Anyway, I told you to come here since I wanted to reward you. What do you want?" He crossed his arms and looked at his son with an inquisitive smile.
Fredrinn leaned on his chair and replied. "I want the fifty war horses that we will get from the exchange."
Roland's eyes widened upon hearing his demands. "You want all of it?" He didn't expect his appetite to be this big.
Fredrinn nodded. "I plan to invest in my guards unit. I wanted to buy some mounts for them, but I used up most of my funds to buy their equipment." He tried to look calm, but he was actually nervous deep inside. He was betting on the fact that he was the one who captured Raphael.
Roland rubbed his chin. He then shrugged and said. "Alright. I'll give you all of it."
"Really?"
"You don't want me to?"
"You said it yourself, but I want a written document just to make sure that you won't go back on your words." Fredrinn trusted Roland's credibility, but he couldn't risk it since his mind was a bit volatile sometimes.
Roland smirked. "You've grown smart. Fine. I'll ask someone to send you the written document later."