I never thought Avril would actually have an Extraordinary Gem.
Durant instinctively reached out to take it, but stopped halfway.
"Baron Avril, you brought this out, surely not just to stay in Black Pine Ridge?"
"I hope, if possible, you could help me reclaim my territory?"
Avril looked pitifully at Durant, her brows filled with helplessness and vulnerability.
Durant shook his head, "This matter, this one gem is not enough."
Joking.
Extraordinary Gems are indeed precious, but not enough to make Durant risk his life.
Moreover, the people of Razor Plain who could overthrow Avril are certainly not simple, plus there are fierce beastmen, and even alien races.
How many people does Durant have?
Ten guards are all he has, at most add Gang Le's nine mercenaries.
Though Gang Le joined the territory, his nine mercenaries aren't necessarily willing to follow.
Guarding a territory and attacking a territory are two completely different things.
Enemies hide behind fences with food and drink, occasionally shoot arrows.
Then abandon home, carrying food and water, for a long-range raid?
Risking so much for just one gem?
"Need more money."
"But I have no other assets..."
"Then there's no way."
Durant was helpless.
Avril deflated, weakly sitting on the bed.
Silence for a long time.
Avril spoke again, "Then if I stay in your territory, will this gem be enough for my protection?"
"Of course that's enough!"
Durant nodded forcefully, gently advising, "But to avoid unnecessary trouble, you should wear a veil or something."
"Hmm, hmm, that's doable!"
Avril breathed a sigh of relief, finally having a stable place to stay.
A handsome and kind noble baron who would likely keep his promise.
The Life Gem is highly valuable, but for Avril who doesn't cultivate the Breathing Technique, does not mean much, exchanging it for a stable, prosperous life is worthwhile.
Avril handed the gem back to Durant.
Durant received it solemnly with both hands, a warm, smooth feeling immediately transmitted.
[Collected the first Extraordinary Gem and it is a Life Gem, unlocking entry: Power of Life]
[Power of Life (Blue): Life Force increased by twenty percent (natural lifespan expected to increase by 10 years), effects of all worn Extraordinary Gems increased by 20%]
[Next entry: Collect five different types of Extraordinary Gems, unlock: Gem Collector]
As expected, an entry.
And directly a blue entry allowing ten more years of life.
Durant was overjoyed.
No one doesn't want longevity, especially as Durant is a Noble Lord.
Only by living long enough can a greater empire be built.
Durant took no hesitation to equip.
A gentle, soothing energy suddenly emerged in every part of his body, nurturing Durant's physique like gentle raindrops.
In an instant, Durant felt like he was in a hot spring, surrounded by natural birdsong and flowers, both body and mind fully relaxed, immensely delightful and comfortable.
This made Durant squint his eyes in pleasure.
The room suddenly fell silent.
Avril gazed at Durant in front, feeling somewhat inferior.
Wise, decisive, cautious and handsome, self-reliantly steady in the lord's seat.
In contrast, she not only was betrayed, almost lost her life, indirectly hurt a family.
Now can only rely on selling her treasured Life Gem for a place to survive.
"How is it, Baron Durant?"
After a long while, Avril cautiously asked.
"I tried to feel the effects you said."
Durant opened his eyes, somewhat helplessly replied, "But I didn't feel any obvious enhancement."
This was not lying, the gentle energy came from the entry.
The entry effect lasted just seconds, the Life Gem in hand did not bring strange sensations.
Avril heard and grew nervous, hurriedly explained, "I didn't deceive you, Baron Durant, wearing it long-term will prove effective!
When injured, having it nearby even accelerates wound recovery!"
"Of course, I don't disbelieve you, I was merely expressing an opinion."
Durant quickly explained to reassure Avril.
Durant placed the Life Gem into a leather pouch, secured it in his chest.
After pondering a moment, Durant gazed at Avril lying on the bed and suddenly spoke,
"Actually helping you reclaim Razor Plain, isn't impossible."
Avril instantly perked up, sat up again.
"But definitely not now, I can only promise to do it in the future."
Durant seriously said, "Moreover, I have some conditions."
"Please, go on." Avril looked with expectation.
Durant stared at Avril, declared solemnly, "Three conditions."
"First, Razor Plain will still be yours, but taxation by me, say sixty percent tax, you keep twenty percent, I take forty."
"Second, all resource extraction managed by me, profits you thirty, me seventy."
"Third, I can recruit an army in your territory, and Razor Plain's defense will be under my management. Simply said, you stay peacefully in Frost Leaf Town, leaving the rest to me."
"Sounds worse than a lower lord..."
Avril muttered quietly.
"You are too kind, not suited to managing Northern Territory land, plus I only want the title of lord, no other duties required, head tax to the Empire by me."
Durant crossed his arms, smiled, saying "It doesn't matter, you can propose any requirements."
Negotiation isn't quick, so Durant gave harsh terms, waiting for Avril to counter-offer.
Avril naturally will raise a bit on his price, Durant lowers it, reaching mutually acceptable terms.
"No problem, let's do it this way."
"Okay, any conditions speak them... ah?"
This time, it was Durant's turn for surprise.
Avril sighed slightly, eyebrows showing some helplessness, "You're right, I'm ill-suited to manage territories, and don't wish to, daily feels tiring..."
This made Durant a bit embarrassed.
After brief silence, Durant spoke again, "If you have any other desires, say them."
"I want honey daily, preferably cheese, I enjoy foie gras, duck tongue, and roasted venison, fruits should be red cherries, coconuts."
Durant reached to interrupt Avril, saying "I wasn't asking about food."
Durant wanted to know if Avril sought revenge against any rioters or even her stepmother.
"I'm not picky about clothes, as long as they look good."
"..."
Durant decided not to waste words, bluntly said "Then we'll temporarily agree orally, once back in Frost Leaf Town I'll draft a formal contract."
"No problem!" Avril readily agreed, a sweet smile on her face.
"So now only one question remains."
Having reached this point, Durant couldn't leave any questions unanswered.
"How did you escape from those rioters?"
"I can tell you, but don't be scared, also please don't speak of it."
"Alright."
Avril nodded slightly, closed her eyes, lips slightly opened, emitting an indescribable sound,
"Ah—"
...
...
Muffled feminine agony suddenly emitted from the room, those outside couldn't help but shiver.
"So soon at this stage?"
Gang Le stood up, curiously peering inside.
Pulled back by Durant.
"Don't look, don't speculate, Lord Baron's actions aren't for us to infer."
Durant's gaze swept over everyone.
Then diverted the topic, looking to the Guards, "Start grilling, once Lord finishes we can dine."
"Lord Durant, but our salt bag is inside."
Guards said helplessly.
"No problem."
Durant looked at the nearby little girl, "Susan, does your family have salt? Can we have some?"
The little girl nodded and ran to a nearby wooden hut, grabbing from a corner a white crystal stone larger than her palm and handed it to Durant.
"Not enough inside is more." The little girl said.
"This is..."
Durant slowly accepted the white crystal stone, "Rock salt?"