Randall's hands trembled as he held the small vial. His voice shook. "Lord… this… this is a breakthrough potion."
"Yes," Ethan said calmly. "It's a breakthrough potion."
"I bought it from a merchant I trust," Ethan continued. "I placed the order long ago. This is for you. Use it and break through."
Randall's eyes widened. For a moment, he just stared at the vial. Then, almost as if it burned his skin, he set it down on the table and pushed it away.
"My Lord… I can't use this." His voice was heavy. "It's too precious. What if I fail? You are already at the late stage of novice knight. It would be better for you to take it."
Ethan shook his head. "I might not need it. My potential is high."
Randall fell silent at those words. In the past year, Ethan had gone from nothing to the late stage of novice knight. That was something he had never seen before. If that wasn't the talent of a genius, what else could it be?
"You might not need it," Randall said slowly, "But My Lady could use it. She is already close to the late stage, is she not?"
"It's not possible right now," Ethan replied firmly. "She's pregnant and cannot train. It will take a long time for her to be ready. We need an Intermediate Knight as soon as possible."
Randall tried to speak again, but Ethan's tone left no room for argument. "Enough. This is my command."
For a moment, Randall just stood there, his jaw tightening. Then his knees bent, and he knelt down before Ethan. His voice was thick with emotion.
"My Lord… from this day forward, I swear on my life. No matter the storm, no matter the danger, I will follow you. Even if the world turns against you, I will stand at your side." His eyes were wet, and his voice wavered a bit but the conviction in it was firm and unshakable.
Ethan stepped forward and took Randall by the arm, pulling him up. "Enough. Get ready for your breakthrough. Once you succeed, I want your guidance."
Randall wiped his face and took the vial, holding it with both hands as though it was the most important thing in the world. "I will not fail you, my Lord."
Ethan watched him leave, then let out a quiet sigh. "Thank God… finally, I could get that off my chest."
He turned his gaze to the window. "Once he breaks through, I'll follow soon after. And when that's done… it's time to head for the mines."
His eyes narrowed with determination. The mines would be vital for the future of the territory. They could also aid in cultivation. With bloodline convergence, there was even a chance he might gain magic aptitude.
So,it was worth the risk.
...….
A secluded training chamber was prepared for Randall.
He sat down, closing his eyes and steadying his breathing. Ethan stood a short distance away with his arms crossed.
His expression was calm but his gaze sharp. Sophia stayed closely beside him with her hand gripping his sleeve tightly.
"What are the chances of him failing?" she asked softly.
Ethan looked at her. There was worry in her eyes, the kind that came from deep bonds. Randall wasn't just her knight. He had been her mentor, her shield, her family since she was a child. The thought of losing him was almost unbearable for her.
"He will succeed," Ethan said with certainty.
She searched his face, looking for reassurance.
'It would be difficult if this came from the market,'' Ethan thought 'but the one I gave him came from the system. It has a hundred percent success rate.'
"Even if he fails he wouldn't die."
Ethan's words made everyone twitch.
Sophia's shoulders eased a little, but her eyes still stayed on Randall, who sat in deep concentration, ready to take the next step in his life.
Oliver stepped forward and quietly placed a mana crystal near Randall, ready in case it was needed.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Randall pulled the cork from the vial and drank it in one gulp.
Almost at once, his expression tightened, and a strange energy began to stir around him. The air seemed to ripple, wrapping itself around his body. His breathing slowed, his posture straightened, and for a brief moment, it felt as if the ground itself was holding its breath.
The change didn't last long. After a few moments, Randall's eyes snapped open.
"Hyaaaa!"
SWISH!
A faint trail of wind brushed past. His gaze was bright and clear, and some of the lines on his face had faded. He did not look years younger, but there was a new strength in him, a vitality that had not been there before.
"Congratulations, Sir Randall," Oliver said with a rare smile.
Sophia stepped forward with a warm look. "I knew you could do it. You've worked so hard for this moment."
Ethan clapped his hands and joined in. "Well done."
Randall turned toward him and bowed deeply. "My Lord… I did not fail you."
Sophia's smile widened, and a soft laugh escaped her lips. Seeing Randall's respect for Ethan made her heart feel light.
Ethan nodded. "Sir Randall, use this time to stabilize your breakthrough. Push your strength further while the effect is still fresh."
"Yes," Randall replied with resolve.
Sophia looked at Ethan with a glimmer in her eyes. "Should we hold a big celebration?"
Ethan glanced at her, his hand gently caressing her rounded belly. "Not a big one. The sudden appearance of an Intermediate Knight might draw the wrong kind of attention."
Oliver and Randall both nodded in agreement. Things were improving, but the wrong move could still bring trouble.
Still, Ethan felt a quiet excitement. The day of the harvest had arrived.
...….
He went to the fields himself. The rows of potato plants were green and healthy, and the tomato vines were dotted with small, round fruits beginning to ripen. Farmers were busy checking the crops, their hands brushing against leaves heavy with life.
An older farmer straightened when he saw Ethan. "My Lord, the plants are coming along well. Just a little longer, and we can start gathering."
Ethan knelt to inspect a plant, his hand brushing the soil. "The soil is good. Have you had any trouble with pests?"
"Only a few, but we managed to keep them away," another farmer said proudly.
Ethan nodded. "Good. Keep the water steady, but do not overdo it. These crops are too important to risk."
"We will follow your orders exactly," the first farmer replied.
Ethan smiled faintly and pulled a small potato bud from the earth, holding it in his palm. His gaze lingered on it with a strange, almost longing expression.
He knew the time was close. First, he would finish this farming cycle. Then, when he had crossed into the Intermediate realm, he would finally begin producing the food he dreamed about.
He looked at the field again, eyes glinting. "Let's wait. Designs cannot be replaced and copying won't help, but food… food is different. If everyone starts making ketchup and fries right away, it will only hurt us."
The farmers didn't quite understand his meaning, but they nodded.
Ethan's gaze sharpened.
Potato and tomato.They would be his first real step toward of creating a hegemony in fast food market.