Black Hearted Mage

The Safin family's cream puffs were expensive, costing as much as five silver coins per pound, but they were well worth the price. The cream puffs required strict storage conditions and had to be kept in a storage ring or an ice formation to maintain their quality.

In comparison, cheese was relatively affordable, costing less than a silver coin per pound. However, it was quite large, with each cheese pie measuring approximately two feet in diameter and seven inches thick, weighing 20 to 30 pounds.

In the underground vaults of Safin Castle, a considerable quantity of dry cheese cakes, approximately thirty thousand in number, was stored. Furthermore, there were over twenty thousand kilograms of crispy pastries, a large quantity of dreamleaf grass, ice grass, and other supplies. These items were so valuable that Caesars was forced to exchange two precious storage rings for them.

Count Safin was very puzzled by this transaction. He asked Caesar, "Master Caesar, I would like to ask why the storage rings sold by the two major magical forces are so expensive?"

You know, the two storage rings that Caesars exchanged for them had a total value of less than 100,000 gold coins, which is really hard to understand.

"It's all for gold coins. Researching magic requires a lot of gold coins. If I tell you the cost of a storage ring, I think the earl will curse the two major magic forces loudly. However, making a storage ring is rather complicated. Only a great magician who is proficient in magic runes can make a storage ring, but the success rate is only about 50%!" Kaisas explained.

Count Safin wanted to find out how much the storage ring cost to make, but after careful consideration, he decided to give up the idea. After all, even if he found out the specific number, it would only make him feel more unhappy and helpless.

Meanwhile, Kaisas had successfully inquired about the Safin family's soufflé production. It turned out that the Safin family's soufflé production process was extremely complex. From the moment the cows began eating grass, they were fed a special type of grass. Furthermore, several specific herbs were added to the soufflé to effectively remove the strong mutton smell from the milk.

The Safin family dedicated most of their land to growing this grass, totaling approximately 50,000 to 60,000 acres. This grass is a low-grade herb that thrives in the Gravel Kingdom's warm climate. It can be harvested four or five times a year, making it a sustainable resource.

It is worth mentioning that the Safin family has always strictly followed the teachings of their ancestors and is very generous to their subjects. Therefore, when faced with the threat of external enemies, the subjects will not hesitate to fight alongside their lords to jointly defend their homeland.

While meditating, Caesars suddenly realized a serious problem. He discovered that the concentration of magical elements in the Gravel Kingdom was extremely low, perhaps even less than one-tenth of that in the crater. This meant that meditating there was practically a waste of time unless he could find another way to replenish his magic power.

After careful consideration, he decided to rely on magic crystals to obtain magic power. Only in this way can he maintain his strength.

Five days later, the mercenary team members showed up on time. From the smiles on their faces, it was clear that they had gained a lot from this adventure.

"Kaisas, the herbal resources on Yellowstone Mountain are much richer than you can imagine, but unfortunately most of the plants are too young, and it will take at least one to two years to pick them," said Rodman.

Since leaving Safin Castle, Rodman hadn't concealed any information about Yellowstone Mountain. After all, Caesars had already ordered 80,000 kilograms of soufflé from the Safin family and promised to purchase it next year.

Rodman's words were actually a hint to Caesars, hoping he would go to Yellowstone Mountain to collect herbs himself. After all, if he chose to go along the main road east of Felwood, he would basically not encounter any mercenaries or bandits, and would be relatively safe.

"Can I find the path up the mountain?" Caesar asked Rodman.

"I'll draw you a simple map when we get to camp. I have something urgent to do and need to go back to the Violet Alliance."

"What's important?"

Hearing that Rodman was going back to the Violet Alliance, Caesars was shocked. He realized that this might mean that something major had happened.

"The Saint Laurent Mercenary Group is preparing to go to Blackrock Mountain!" Rodman's words made Caesars understand immediately.

He thought to himself, "So that's how it is. They plan to go to the Endless Forest. Rodman must pass this news to the Thorn Flower Trading Company as soon as possible, so that when the Saint Roland Mercenary Group enters the Endless Forest, they can take quick action to encircle and wipe out the remnants of the Saint Roland Church." Thinking of this, Caesars felt a sense of urgency in his heart.

"Then you take the 20,000 kilograms of cream puffs back with you, and I'll keep the remaining portion for myself!" Caesars said decisively.

"Kaisas, you actually bought 20,000 kilograms of cream puffs!" Rodman widened his eyes in surprise.

"The task is 100,000 jin, and we're still a long way off!" Caesars shook his head helplessly.

"However, the Safin family's puff pastry sells for thirty silver coins per pound at Rhodes Trading Company. You've made a big profit this time!" Rodman reminded.

The corners of Kaisas' mouth curled up slightly, revealing a hint of joy. Back then, his ancestors had earned a lot of cultivation resources by selling milk puffs.

"Rodman, there are 30,000 cheeses left. You need to take them back to the trading company too!"

"It's a small matter. Just be ready by the evening!"

Rodman didn't care about anything else, he just wanted to bring the items back to the Thorn Flower Trading Company as soon as possible. Because as a magician, Caesars needed a lot of training resources to support himself.

When the mercenary team finally emerged from the Whispering Wind Canyon, it was already quite late. Under the cover of night, Elon, sitting by the campfire, distributed the herbs he had collected to everyone, and Caesars naturally received a portion as well.

Kaisas said a little embarrassedly: "You guys worked hard to collect herbs, but I also got a share. I feel embarrassed to take it!"

Elon smiled and replied, "Kaisas, this is the rule of our mercenary team. You don't have to feel guilty, just accept it with peace of mind. If you really feel bad, you can consider giving each of us five large blocks of cheese. These cheeses are very good food when we are operating in the wild."

It turned out that during dinner, the mercenary team members praised the cheese, saying that it was more milky and mellow than cheese from other places. So Elon suggested that Caesars use cheese as compensation.

Caesar said generously: "No problem, then ten for each person!" In this way, Caesar compensated each person with about three gold coins.

"Caesars, you are so generous. Sometimes it is difficult to make a fire in the wild, and the dried meat is too hard, so cheese is the best choice!" Luke, with a big beard, laughed loudly. Ten cheese cakes were enough for him to eat for a while.

Rodman's lips curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile. He looked at Caesars tenderly, watching him gradually blend into the mercenary group. Although the ten cheeses weren't worth much, only a few gold coins, without them, the whole situation might have been very different.

Every member of the mercenary team has his or her own selfish desires and distracting thoughts. Some people are less selfish, while some may harbor resentment and even be upset over a mere piece of herb.

As night fell, everyone prepared for bed. Before retiring, Caesars handed Rodman two storage rings. However, to his surprise, Rodman was using a space ring. Rodman packed all his belongings into the space ring and then returned the two storage rings to Caesars.

"Kaissa, don't be envious. When you come of age, you will also be able to own your own space ring. According to the human race's age calculation method, when you reach the age of sixteen, the elders of the elves will give you a space ring as a coming-of-age gift!"

Rodman observed his surroundings, lowered his voice, and carefully explained to Caesars that matters related to the elves must not be known to the other members of the mercenary team.

Night fell over the entrance to Wind Whispering Canyon. Even the chirping of insects and birds disappeared. Only the whistling sound of the wind could be heard not far away.

The next morning, just as the sun rose, the mercenary team set out on their journey. Rodman set out alone, heading west along the Yellowstone Mountains, while Caesars headed east with the rest of the team.

According to Rodman, the other members of the mercenary team were carrying the fruits of a year's labor, and they were all looking forward to selling their harvest for a good price in Fire Maple City.

Before the winter snows fell, Fire Maple City became a sacred place that most mercenaries yearned for. Not only were the prices for herbs high here, but the furs of wild beasts and magical beasts were also easily found. After all, this was where the wealthiest nobles of Roland Continent resided.

The mercenary team traveled tirelessly, rushing almost every day from sunrise to sunset without stopping. After eight days of arduous travel, they finally arrived at Fire Maple City, the capital of the Roland Empire. The journey had exhausted everyone, and the horses were also extremely sleepy.

"Why are we in such a hurry? My butt's been hurting for eight days straight!"

Caesars' walking posture changed, and he felt waves of soreness in his buttocks. He didn't dare to walk too hard.

"Caesars, we are afraid of snow. If the snow is too thick, it will be difficult to return to the south. So we have to sell the things as soon as possible. We will return in three days!" Elon explained seriously.

"Going back in three days? I'm not going back with you. I'm spending the winter in Fire Maple City!"

When Caesar heard this, he shook his head. If he continued riding back with these guys, his butt would be broken into pieces.

"Kaisas, are you from Fire Maple City? Your accent doesn't sound like it!" Bearded Luke suddenly spoke.

"I'm from Fire Maple City, but I left the imperial capital to study magic when I was young." Kaisas said with a smile.

"Oh, I see. No wonder! Where are you going now?" asked bearded Luke curiously.

"I'm going into the city first. I have to go home and sleep for a few days!" Caesars shook his head helplessly. The long journey made him exhausted.

At the tall gate of Huofeng City, the mercenary team finally stopped and had to undergo inspection by the city guards to enter the city.

Looking at the long line, Caesars dismounted from his horse, his buttocks aching unbearably. His gait drew laughter from the mercenaries. His legs didn't come together as he walked, as if his crotch was injured. He turned and glared at the mercenaries, who laughed with malice.

"Hmph!" Caesars snorted inwardly, but said nothing. He knew he looked rather disheveled, but he didn't care what others thought. He just wanted to have a good rest.

Caesars slowly walked towards the city gate and took the other entrance, which was reserved for the nobility. Several luxurious carriages were parked there as well, but it seemed they still had to wait for inspection by the Imperial City Guards.

Caesars leaned on the cracked staff, temporarily using it as a crutch, and walked up to the city guards and took out a magician's badge. It was a symbol of his identity as a magician and also his pass to enter Fire Maple City. Although the badge was not his, it was very useful.

A middle-aged city guard in armor carefully identified the metal magician badge. Through the special fine lines on it, he could confirm that it was a magician badge issued by the magic guild.

The city guard looked at the mage's badge, then looked at Kaisas who was leaning on his staff. The badge was returned to Kaisas, and he was given a chest-beating salute as a sign of respect and allowed to pass through the city gate.

Caesars smiled slightly. He really enjoyed the feeling of being respected. Although he was only a low-level magician, he believed that he would become a powerful magician, respected and admired by more people, and also feared by more people.

The other members of the mercenary team were extremely envious at this moment. Caesars entered the city without undergoing any inspection. If they wanted to enter Fire Maple City, they would probably have to wait at the city gate for more than an hour and then undergo a strict inspection.

Caesars recalled the address of the Cavill family and walked step by step towards the business district. His butt was no longer able to sit in a carriage, but walking could relieve the unbearable pain.

The commercial district was three or four miles from the city gate. Caesars walked forward slowly, step by step. After more than half an hour, the pain in his hips had subsided a lot, and he had reached the Cavill family's snack shop.

Although this shop wasn't large, it was a source of income for the Cavill family. The pastries made here were made with the finest ingredients and were exquisitely crafted. The prices were also quite high, yet they were favored by the nobles of Fire Maple City.

Many nobles in the imperial capital have been ordering snacks from here for years. Cavill's two carriages go to the inner city every day to deliver customized snacks.