The sudden appearance of E-rank mana crystals from the Blank Family spread like wildfire, shaking everyone with disbelief. For years the Blank mines had been silent, like a forgotten name in trade, almost as if the land itself had died.
Now, this sudden spark reignited the smoldering flames in people's hearts, flames that had long been extinguished. Whispers turned into voices, and voices into restless murmurs across the hall.
Baron Fenwick sat in his chamber when a servant entered hurriedly, holding a small box in both hands. His steps were cautious, yet there was a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.
"My lord," the servant said, lowering his head, "here it is."
He placed the crystal on the desk. Its bluish-white glow spread across the room like a faint moonlight trapped inside stone. Everyone nearby leaned forward, their eyes widening in awe.
Baron Fenwick slowly picked it up. The cold surface bit gently at his skin, sending a chill through his palm. He turned it under the light, studying the veins of mana pulsing inside. His brows tightened.
"An… Ice elemental mana crystal," he muttered. His voice carried both wonder and doubt.
The knights and attendants standing nearby exchanged uneasy looks. One of them whispered, "Impossible… the Blank mines never produced ice crystals before."
Fenwick raised his gaze. "Since when did the Blank mines yield ice mana crystals?" His tone was sharp, questioning.
"They were placed in the market only recently," the servant replied, bowing his head.
The Baron's frown deepened. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers still brushing the crystal. A heavy silence settled before he let out a long breath.
"When the mine closed, I thought it was finished," he said quietly, almost to himself.
Speculation had surrounded the closure for years.
Some believed a terrifying beast had taken residence inside, forcing the Blank family to seal it away. Others dismissed that as a wild rumour, insisting instead that the mine's reserves had simply run dry. That explanation was easier, more believable, and so people had let the matter rest.
But now?
With crystals suddenly reappearing,and on top of that it's rare.
Those buried doubts were clawing back to the surface.
Fenwick's expression grew grim. He knew this kind of commotion would not stay hidden. Greedy eyes would soon turn toward the Blanks' territory.
After the late Baron's death, their estate lacked any strong power to defend itself. A weakened family holding such a treasure was like a lamb surrounded by wolves.
Thankfully no one made a move because they were cautious and wondered if the mines had reserves to sustain.
"Should I ask the Count for help?" Fenwick whispered under his breath. His fingers tapped the desk in thought. But then he shook his head.
"No… the income from the mines is good, but not enough. If the Count demands more than half the profit, I'll be left with nothing after covering the costs and end up with pebbles in my hand, that's all."
He sat back, eyes narrowed, then recalled something. "The estate's administration… it's handled by the married son-in-law, isn't it?"
"Yes, my lord," the servant answered quickly.
Fenwick hummed, rubbing his chin. "Then here's what you'll do. Send people to observe. Collect every piece of information you can. We'll only move once we know for certain what's happening. No mistakes."
The servant bowed, clasped his hands, and turned to leave.
"Wait," Fenwick called.
The servant paused.
"On your way," the Baron said, his tone light but steady, "order the staff to bring me some popcorn from Jester's Crunch."
"Yes, my lord." The servant bowed again and walked out.
The Baron stayed seated, staring at the glowing crystal in his hand. Its cold light flickered across his face, mirroring the storm of thoughts in his mind.
...
In the nearby estates and halls, word spread quickly about the Blank Family's mines producing crystals again. At first it was spoken in hushed tones, but soon it turned into an open topic in every noble gathering.
At the Oakridge manor, Lord Bragot's wine cup shook slightly in his hand as he listened to the messenger. "Ice elemental crystals, you say? From Blank mines?" His wrinkled brow furrowed. "I thought that place had been sealed for good. Are you sure of this?"
"Yes, my lord," the messenger replied firmly. "Several merchants have already confirmed the crystals are circulating in the market."
Lady Bragot gasped and whispered to the noblewomen beside her. "After years of silence, the Blanks resurface with something this rare. What game are they playing?"
...…
At another estate, Lord Edric spoke in a low tone while leaning over the table. "Do you not find this suspicious? Ice crystals are no ordinary thing. If they had such reserves, why close the mine at all? No, no, there is more here than meets the eye."
His companion, Baroness Lyra, raised her brows with sharp interest. "If the reserves truly exist, then the Blank family sits on wealth greater than most counts. And yet they kept quiet all these years. Perhaps they have found a new vein recently? Or… perhaps they tamed something dangerous down there."
A silence fell as those gathered remembered the old rumors of a beast lurking in the depths.
In another manor, whispers filled the banquet hall. A group of younger nobles clustered near the fireplace.
"Do you think the Blanks are bluffing?" one of them asked with a grin. "Maybe they bought these crystals elsewhere and claimed them as their own."
Another shook his head. "No merchant would risk their life forging such a claim. Not when the Blank estate has been quiet for years. There's truth in it, I'm certain."
"But doesn't this mean," a third voice cut in, "that once Baron Fenwick passes, the Blank estate will be vulnerable? If no strong successor rises, the mine will fall prey to greedy hands."
They exchanged knowing glances, as though the idea had already rooted itself in their hearts.
Back in the city, at a small gathering of merchants and lesser nobles, gossip flowed like spilled wine.
"The Blank family must have struck a hidden reserve," one man said, eyes glimmering with envy. "I thought they were finished. To think they rise again with such fortune."
Another merchant sneered. "Fortune attracts wolves. The baron cannot guard that mine forever. Sooner or later, stronger powers will move in."
A nervous laugh rose among the group. "And when that day comes, who will dare step in first?"