Chapter 135

Rumors spread faster than you’d think.

The old saying, “Gossip travels a thousand miles,” wasn’t just some exaggerated nonsense.

Even if the rumors got twisted and took on a life of their own along the way…

It still felt oddly surreal hearing my own story loop back to me from someone else’s lips, staying vaguely close enough to the truth within its warped framework. And it was even stranger considering *I* was standing right there as the subject of said gossip.

“Turns out Baron Meolone is secretly a master swordsman who’s been hiding his true skills, huh?”

“Yes. Some say he deliberately sought a quiet noble title in an out-of-the-way place, while others claim he’s secretly building an army to overthrow the kingdom and seize the title of Sword Master for himself. There are plenty of rumors flying around—seems like your fame has grown.”

So this was what propaganda and fabrication could do. I couldn’t help but shake my head reflexively at the absurdity of it all.

People nearby knew me well enough to trust that I wouldn’t act so rashly, but imagining how strangers might perceive me based on these wild tales made me uneasy. With a tight-lipped expression, I continued with the regular transaction I’d long since perfected. Rumors were one thing, but work still needed doing.

“I’m impressed. I never expected we’d be able to secure such stable crop supplies during winter…”

“Please continue to count on us.”

“Oh my, forgive our lack of gratitude earlier… Thank you!”

With the routine transaction concluded, I briefly stopped Horn before he left.

“By any chance, does Reyvik need anything besides crops?”

“Hmm… Not sure about that.”

“Could you casually ask Lord Colman if they’re short on weapons, armor, herbs, seafood, or maybe clothing? If quality is guaranteed, I think he’d appreciate it.”

“I’ll see what I can do. If the goods meet expectations, Lord Colman will likely be pleased.”

“In that case, I’ll send over some samples. Let me know when we meet again for the next trade.”

“Understood.”

Since there’s no Merchant Guild established in our village yet, I have to hustle personally to sell our products. Once a guild opens up and takes over selling my items, things should get much easier—but until then, there’s still a long road ahead.

Still, seeing the gradual improvements in our little town fills me with immense pride. It feels like transitioning from a farming simulation game into a full-blown village management sim. Though I haven’t forgotten the core essence of healing through farming, becoming a noble seems to have shifted the genre slightly.

“To upgrade the system further, I’ll probably need to go on an expedition sooner or later…”

I can’t afford to neglect personal growth while getting distracted by other pursuits. Farming skills are steadily progressing toward mastery, but combat still lags far behind. Both need advancement: High Tier and Mastery. Since certain skills remain locked without breakthroughs, I’ll need to address that soon.

Thus, the inevitable step involves purchasing hidden mods. After saving hard-earned gold, now’s the time to spend boldly—it’s part of the process.

—

**Floating Island [22M Gold]**

**New Continent [75M Gold]**

**Magic Specialization [8M Gold]**

**Bag Expansion [2M Gold]**

**Limit Break [40M Gold]**

“Hmph…”

Glancing at the list confirmed my fears—it was dizzyingly expensive. Moving from mere tens or hundreds of thousands to millions and tens of millions created a staggering gap. Right now, only Floating Island, Magic Specialization, and Bag Expansion were within reach. Stretching thin might allow Limit Break too, but it didn’t feel necessary at the moment.

Buying Bag Expansion also seemed redundant. Human nature leans toward wanting something genuinely useful rather than merely ticking off achievements. So naturally, the choice became clear: Magic Specialization, priced at 8 million gold.

Expectations swirled as I pointed to the option. Already being proficient in high-tier magic, adding this mod promised richer possibilities.

—

Though I possessed eight digits worth of gold, watching seven figures vanish and alter the leading digit wasn’t exactly pleasant. Still, having earned it specifically to spend, I didn’t regret the decision.

Change came swiftly. Unlike most mods requiring firsthand experience to uncover details, this one delivered knowledge directly into my brain—a torrent of information flooding in. Pain seeped through alongside the insights, comparable to when magic had advanced to high tier.

Collapsing onto the chair near my house, I cradled my throbbing head. Clenching my lips, I fought hard to maintain consciousness.

“Ugh…”

Knowledge exploded inside me. Alchemy. Potions, elixirs, healing remedies. Enchantments, enhancements. All flowing relentlessly into my mind. Focused on potential sales, the influx prioritized practical applications like crafting magical tools for textiles, enchanting clothes, and culinary magic items like torches enhancing flavor or spices extracting specific nutrients.

Thoughts drifted to Anne and Evangelin. The magic guided me naturally toward related experiences—how to create magical artifacts, weave spells into fabric, infuse food with precise tastes and nourishment. Endless streams of data poured in, painful yet undeniably helpful.

—

“…?”

“Meolone…?”

Anne’s voice sounded distant, faint despite her proximity. Her concern reached me like echoes carried by the wind.

Healing. Recovery techniques. Desperately willing relief, I focused on pain suppression and paralysis. Instantly, the magic complied, granting me the knowledge needed. Despite intensifying discomfort, I suppressed any visible reaction, absorbing the newfound wisdom.

Faint green light. Soothing yellow paralysis. Calming blue chill spreading across my skull. My hands unleashed ceaseless bursts of magic, stabilizing myself. Gradually, Anne’s worried face sharpened into focus, worry etched clearly across her features. Anesthesia dulled the pain, though the influx of knowledge persisted.

“It’s been a while since you called me that.”

“I was worried!”

She rushed forward, tears brimming in her eyes. Gently pulling her into an embrace, I reassured her.

“I’m fine. Nothing’s wrong.”

“You weren’t responding! You looked just like last time when you were sick…”

“Was I?”

“Yes!”

Her rapid speech betrayed deep concern. Running her hand against my forehead, she checked temperatures everywhere, eventually relaxing upon finding nothing amiss. Satisfied, she leaned into my arms with a soft smile.

“You ignored me five times, you know?”

“Five times?”

“Yes! What were you thinking so deeply about?”

“About you.”

It wasn’t a lie—I had been reflecting on her while gaining magical insights tied to family. Her cheeks flared crimson, betraying her sensitivity to compliments despite our intimacy.

“H-Hey…”

Her blushing face radiated warmth, contrasting sharply with the cold winter air. Her pinkish glow under fair skin fascinated me endlessly.

“Hehe…”

Her cheerful laugh echoed warmly through the biting wind. Grateful for her care, I hugged her tighter. Nestled safely within my arms, she relaxed completely, her flushed cheeks inviting a tender kiss. Leaning closer, I gazed deeply into her sparkling blue eyes.

A gem-like brilliance shone unmistakably. Even her trembling eyelashes caught my attention.

Slower this time, allowing her awareness of my approach, I watched her clench her fists tightly, closing her eyes in anticipation. When no immediate contact followed, she peeked open one eye curiously. Seizing the perfect moment, I brushed my lips against hers lightly.

“Eek!”

Her startled reaction—shaking her head rapidly—was flawless. How could anyone not fall in love with such a woman?

“Minho…”

Murmuring softly, she nestled closer. Words scattered faintly in the chilly breeze.

Then silence reigned as she awaited my response. Understanding unspoken cues easily, I whispered back.

“Yes. Me too.”

“Ahh!”

Despite the harsh wind, her body remained warm. Burying her face deeper into my chest, she hesitantly lifted her gaze.

“Did you hear that…?”

“Yes.”

“That’s cheating! Cheating!”

She playfully poked my shoulder before turning away coyly.

“Alright…”

“Are you cold?”

“Nope. Your arms are always warm.”

“Good.”

The biting winter wind surrounded us, yet somehow Anne didn’t seem bothered. Perhaps warmth thrives best amidst cold; her cheeks stayed rosy regardless.

Noticing her ears looked chilly, I gently covered them with my hands. Her wide-eyed surprise quickly melted into adoration.

“It reminds me of rainy days. Doesn’t it?”

“Yeah. That’s what I did back then.”

“You have to keep doing it. Otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep anymore.”

“Whenever you want.”

“It’s a promise, okay?”

“Of course. Remember? We’ve made promises before. I don’t break them.”

“Hehe…”

Then, softly uttering words lost to the wind, she traced small patterns on my chest with her finger—repeated hearts drawn lovingly.

—

“Give me clothes too!”

“What? You ruin everything, fairy!”

“Me too! Clothes!”

Our intimate moment shattered instantly thanks to an energetic fairy demanding attention. High-pitched squeals pierced my eardrums mercilessly. Anne scowled, glaring fiercely at the intruder.

“No way. Strike today!”

“Clothes!”

“No!”

What kind of nonsensical argument was this? Somehow, both parties understood each other perfectly. The fairy insisted on new outfits, while Anne adamantly refused, crossing X’s in my arms.

Laughter bubbled up effortlessly whenever such childish squabbles arose.

“Do you enjoy making clothes?”

“Well… yeah. It’s fun. I wouldn’t put so much effort into it otherwise.”

“Not interested in human-sized garments yet?”

“Um… hmm. Maybe. Kids’ clothes, like for Yul and Jack, interest me more. Adult ones aren’t cute enough.”

“So you prefer children’s wear?”

“Yes. Exactly.”

Support isn’t solely reserved for wives—husbands can nurture talents too. Picture this: Anne, Dominator of the Children’s Fashion Market. A grand title indeed. Oblivious to my scheming thoughts, she grinned brightly, already planning Yul’s next outfit.

—

“Clothes! Clothes!”

And finally, regarding the fairy’s chances of receiving winter attire this year? Unknown. Not my problem.