The soldier's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing these words.
A knight wearing a silver helmet, draped in a blood-red cloak, tall and imposing, slowly stepped forward.
His black armor emitted a cold light under the setting sun, as he approached Lear and scrutinized him.
"Where is the Blue Crystal Grass?"
"Are these... saplings in your hands?"
His task was to eliminate any potential threats, and this guy holding saplings covered in mud didn't look like any noble.
Allowing a commoner to intrude into the manor was simply a joke.
Rose Manor was His Highness's residence!
Lear's tone was calm.
"Sir, these saplings are not Blue Crystal Grass. I know where the Crystal Grass is..."
The robust knight raised an eyebrow.
"So... you don't have the Blue Crystal Grass?"
His eyes instantly became quite dangerous.
Lear met his gaze and slowly spoke.
"No one would risk losing their life to deceive His Highness at Rose Manor..."
The other party was noncommittal.
Lear gently persuaded.
"Whether or not there is Blue Crystal Grass can be clearly seen, and deception is impossible."
"You are diligent and admirable. Just pass on the message to His Highness to ease his worries. Whatever decision His Highness makes is his own judgment."
"If there's any mistake, I'll take responsibility. At most, you'll be known for trying to help but not finding the right method. Perhaps His Highness will even commend you for your efforts..."
As these words left his mouth, the knight in the golden helmet's eyes flickered and his expression softened, just as he was about to speak.
A neighing sound echoed around.
Lear instinctively turned to look.
Seven pure white unicorns slowly pulled a flower-laden carriage, entwined with blooming roses, as it came rounding the street corner.
The wheels rolled over the cobblestone path, making a crisp sound.
Where it passed, the plants on both sides of the street seemed to blossom in spring, instantly growing lush and verdant before the naked eye.
The roses on the surrounding walls swayed without wind, as if they had come alive, cheering and rejoicing.
Even the air was filled with a unique fragrance.
This scene resembled the Goddess of Sprouting driving her divine chariot...
The seven pure white horses slowly stopped before the manor gate, led by a blonde girl in a magnificent deep blue gown, whose looks were impeccable and presence remarkable.
Even the daughters of some top nobles were only just comparable.
Yet such a stunning beauty was merely the carriage maid... she disembarked, slowly opening the carriage's rear door.
The next moment, a tall, graceful figure elegantly stepped out.
Her skin was as fair as jade, tender as a child of three or five, with a flawlessly exquisite face, as if carved from pristine jade by a divine spirit, enough to be described as perfect.
Her blue eyes were as brilliant and deep as gemstones, emitting a captivating glow that even a distant glance could enthrall mortals.
Her long brown hair seemed to lose gravity, gently floating in mid-air.
Her voluptuous figure was adorned in a pure black gown with rose-patterned dark floral ornaments, luxurious, noble, and elegant.
Every gesture exuded boundless mystery and grace.
Firina Lorand.
The eldest daughter of the Lorand Clan, the true Princess of Lorand City, a magical prodigy who ascended to Level 16 as a Grand Mage at the young age of 24.
The pride of heaven, the jewel of Lorand City, the flower of the Northern Territory!
The soldiers on guard now all placed their right hands over their chests, bowing their heads in the most humble posture.
Even one more glance seemed to profane this noble and pure princess.
Noel World had two main extraordinary paths—Knight and Mage.
By condensing the Seed of Life, one could become a Knight, continuously enhancing the physical body and stepping into the extraordinary.
This path further branched into professions like Warrior, Swordsman, Thief, and others.
By condensing the Seed of Magic, one controlled magic power and became a Mage.
Mage ranks were divided into Mage Apprentice, Initial Tier Mage, Middle Tier Mage, High Tier Mage, Upper Position Mage, Grand Mage, and the more powerful Crown Mage and the supreme Extraordinary Mage.
Each tier had three levels, so Noel World had clear level distinctions.
Levels 1-3 were Mage Apprentice, 4-6 Initial Tier Mage, 7-9 Middle Tier Mage, 10-12 High Tier Mage, 13-15 Upper Position Mage, 16-18 Grand Mage, 19-21 Crown Mage.
Level 22 and above were the world's top beings... Extraordinary Mages!
By initially awakening the Seed of Magic, one could become a Level 1 Mage Apprentice, and as magic power grew, advance to Level 2, Level 3.
After reaching Level 3, a breakthrough was necessary to rise to Initial Tier Mage.
Advancing every three levels was a hurdle.
This pattern continued.
The ultimate destination for most mages is the Middle Tier Mage of levels 7 to 9. Achieving levels 10 to 12 as a High Tier Mage allows one to become a professor at the Griffin Empire's Royal Academy or a leader in the Mage Legion.
And as a Grand Mage, one can cast powerful Tier Four War Magic, capable of destroying half a city given enough preparation time!
It is a strategic power.
At this moment, the Princess of Lorand City is a Level 16 Grand Mage!
More importantly, Firina Lorand is only 24 years old!
She is recorded as the youngest magic prodigy in the history of the Griffin Empire!
The prospect of her becoming an Extraordinary Mage in the future is almost undeniable!
In the vast Griffin Empire, governing lands with hundreds of millions of people, there are only a handful of Extraordinary Mages.
One can imagine how dazzling such a character must be.
This Flower of the Northern Territory not only enjoys great prestige in Lorand City and the Northern Province, but also wields immense influence throughout the Empire.
Even without the title of the Eldest Princess of Lorand City, she remains a figure who commands the respect and attention of the Empire.
After disembarking from the carriage, Firina Lorand seemed to sense something, her gaze fell toward Lear's location.
Her eyes lingered for a moment on the sapling covered in mud.
This is... a sapling of the Magma Fruit?
This seedling of a Magic Plant is indeed rare.
The burly knight, noticing her gaze directed this way, immediately became excited, his eyes filled with fervor as he clutched his chest and bowed again.
"Welcome, Your Highness!"
Lear watched as the man's hands trembled with excitement, his eyes narrowed slightly.
He knew this Flower of the Northern Territory was regarded as a Saintess in Lorand City.
Everyone saw her as a Divine Maiden.
Yet, he couldn't help but feel a bit bemused... Brother, is it really that necessary?
He gazed calmly at her, placed his right hand politely on his shoulder, and nodded slightly.
He performed a noble greeting.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
This gesture shifted Firina's gaze from the sapling to him.
Her eyes showed a hint of amusement.
"I heard the air echoing your conversations... You know the location of the Blue Crystal Grass?"
Air echoing conversations?
Lear deeply felt the uniqueness of the Extraordinary World.
With such a thing, solving cases and catching adultery would be a breeze, wouldn't it?
Of course, it's best not to eavesdrop in hotels...
Staring into her brilliant blue eyes, he spoke evenly.
"I inadvertently learned the location of the Blue Crystal Grass. I heard that Your Highness offers a high reward..."
Firina paused, and her expression turned somewhat peculiar.
"You are... after the reward?"
Lear nodded naturally.
"Your Highness, I have already inherited the family title, and in a few days, I am to become a Pioneer Lord..."
Before he could finish speaking, Firina had already understood.
"I need to brew a special Magic Potion, which precisely requires Blue Crystal Grass."
"It holds significant value to me..."
"What would you need in exchange?"
This Highness... perhaps she has never done business, she is quite direct.
Lear spoke solemnly.
Firina gazed into his calm, unflinching eyes that showed no fear or ulterior motives.
She also glanced at his patched clothes, showing some intrigued interest.
"It seems, Sir, that you are a determined person with your own ideas."
"Might you tell me the location of the Blue Crystal Grass first? Once retrieved, I will certainly give you a reward you will be satisfied with."
Lear was straightforward as well.
"Two hundred kilometers northwest of Lorand City, in a valley where the lilies bloom."
The value of information lies in its realization. Selling messages to those in need reaps greater value.
Seeing Lear's decisive manner, Firina was somewhat surprised. Her gem-like eyes stared at him with curiosity.
"Aren't you afraid I might break the agreement?"
"After all, I am the Princess of Lorand City in your words, and if I break a promise, no one will believe your accusations..."
Lear stared unwaveringly into her eyes, glanced at the intelligence panel, where the information gleamed gloriously with 6 Stars, and calmly replied.
"Not afraid."
The cost of breaking the agreement, perhaps you... cannot afford.