Chapter 103

[You’ve earned the资格 to reach the Expert Level!]

[Your current farming skill is at Expert Level 1 (tentative), and you can achieve it once you meet the necessary conditions!]

[The conditions are as follows:

1. Achievement: “SpringSummerAutumnWinter” (Complete seasonal crop cultivation)

2. Achievement: “I’ve Done It All!” (Cultivate all crops)

3. Achievement: “A Farmer’s Dream” (Expand personal farm to 9Ha)]

Master grade.

Expert.

Finally, reaching the pinnacle of this skill felt quite fulfilling.

Once every skill reaches the highest Master level, something new opens up. But getting there feels like a distant dream—like tasting clouds in the sky.

Someday.

If I stay here long enough, I might achieve it, but not now.

Expert level. That alone was already a great accomplishment.

Thanks to the growth boost I got from the Ruins of the Dragon, this achievement seemed possible.

What changes when you reach Expert?

What kind of experiences, knowledge, or new abilities will I gain?

Even though the daily benefits of the farming skill feel minimal, the thrill of reaching the grand title of “Master” lingers.

The pain that comes with growth was a little scary, but experience has taught me that greater pain brings greater rewards.

As long as I have the ability to endure, the returns will eventually be worth it.

That thought made my heart race with excitement because growing always feels good.

“I probably won’t reach Master level anytime soon.”

Looking at the achievements, I need to grow crops for each season, cultivate all crops, and expand my farm to the size of about 12-13 soccer fields.

At minimum, it’ll take until Winter, and optimistically, maybe next Spring.

Estimating how long it’ll take to expand the farm is difficult since it depends on how quickly it grows.

Fortunately, it’s currently expanding rapidly, so things look promising.

This is already a relaxed version of the requirements; otherwise, it could’ve been much harder.

There might’ve been additional achievements or tougher challenges if they hadn’t been toned down.

The system gave me a nice boost by letting me reach Intermediate level at just the right time.

Right now, aside from expanding the farm, none of these tasks seem too hard.

I just need to wait until Winter, which is something time will naturally solve. No rush needed.

Still, effort is required—I can’t expect the farm to grow on its own.

First, I’ll buy all the seeds available in the system for Spring, Summer, and Autumn.

Even though I’ve already bought some, I don’t have time to check what I’ve planted or haven’t, so I’ll just buy two or three of everything for simplicity.

I’ll plant them all in the greenhouse and harvest them later.

After finishing seeding, I lie in bed thinking about the schedule ahead.

Naturally, becoming a noble brings new desires.

Not for luxury or authority, but…

Since I became a noble, I gained land connected to the Valley of Starwind village.

Though I’m not particularly interested in city-building simulations, I do care about nurturing and cherishing what’s mine.

Maybe I should gather people and brainstorm ideas.

It wouldn’t hurt to install a warp device connecting directly to the city.

Since I maintain good relations with Reyvik, persuading Jack Coleman, the city’s owner, should work out fine.

Opening it only during certain times and keeping it closed otherwise would significantly reduce the risk of criminal activity.

Most importantly, it would easily solve housing and food problems when Marco’s reinforcements arrive.

With plenty of money, I plan to treat the workers well, ensuring they lead comfortable lives in the city.

Word might spread, attracting more people over time.

I considered building livable homes in the village, but connecting it to the city seems better since the infrastructure isn’t fully developed yet.

“What else does the village need besides that…?”

When I think about what I can contribute, it doesn’t seem half bad.

I can provide cheap crop seeds, borrow fairy power within reason, construct public buildings using holograms, turn the fairy village into a cultural tourist attraction, promote blacksmithing through mining, activate the iron industry, and supply metal goods.

There are many possibilities to consider, but these ideas often pop up spontaneously.

While agriculture will remain the village’s main focus, my strength lies in considering various other options.

“What are you thinking about so deeply?”

Softly approaching, her warm touch brushes against my cheek.

A faint sound of “peck” echoes.

Turning my head, I look at her. Her blush contrasts sharply with her calm tone, making me smile for some inexplicable reason—just her presence makes me happy.

“I was thinking about Evangelin.”

“Hmph.”

Her sharp intake of breath and blinking eyes are beautiful.

She never gets old.

“I was thinking about her too.”

She says shyly, averting her gaze.

Well, striving for a better life and working hard to give them better things is ultimately for their sake.

“I might come home late today.”

“Are you busy?”

“Yeah.”

There’s a lot to do.

The more I think about it, the more tasks pile up.

Perhaps we should establish a church in the village.

I need to consult Gilbert about warp-related matters and check with the city.

I also need to hear suggestions from the villagers and organize what I can offer.

Though I don’t expect to finish everything in one day, handling things quickly wouldn’t hurt.

“See you later.”

Receiving her warm farewell, I leave the house.

My destination is Rossu’s home.

My steps feel light-hearted—perhaps because my heart is.

“Rossu.”

“Do the kids work well?”

Casually asking, I recall the piles of minerals stacked in the open field.

Exceeding their quotas, they pile rocks and ores, their innocent eyes full of anticipation for bonuses.

Their hopeful expressions make it hard to deny them.

After handing over some gold as a reward, their grateful bows left an impression.

Yeah.

As long as they work hard, that’s all I ask.

No troublemaking, just diligent work.

“The motivation seems solid.”

“That’s good news.”

“By the way, do you think the village needs anything?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve been thinking about what would improve the village.”

“Ah.”

“So I need input from the villagers.”

“Understood. I’ll collect their opinions and let you know, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll prepare it as soon as possible.”

“Great. And here’s a gift. A token of appreciation for your hard work—and a preview of more to come.”

A fruit basket and some snacks.

Things I frequently shared with the villagers, now handed to Rossu.

“Hehe. Don’t overwork the old man.”

“I’ll be back later.”

A capable, respected, wise person.

Unfortunately, Rossu’s wish might not come true.

It looks like he’ll have plenty more to do in the future.

One task done.

I didn’t expect immediate feedback anyway.

Even if it takes time, meticulous gathering of everyone’s opinions will benefit me.

Though I won’t accept everything, having many options allows me to discard what’s unnecessary and embrace what’s useful.

Next, I head to the Tower of the Mage near the west side.

Gilbert’s place.

Despite frequent visits, the tower’s strange shape never ceases to amaze.

The smell of paper and musty books inside has become somewhat familiar, conjuring images of Gilbert himself.

“Welcome.”

His greeting is refreshingly plain.

A simple hello without frills.

Unusual as a greeting, but typical for Gilbert.

“How have you been?”

“Good. What brings you here?”

“I came to ask about teleportation devices.”

“Teleportation? Space? Warp-related stuff?”

“Yes.”

“Ho. So you’ve mastered space magic, huh?”

Gilbert’s eyes stretch curiously.

An explorer’s zeal radiates from him.

His intense anticipation is slightly overwhelming.

His crazed gaze remains unnerving no matter how often I see it.

Biologically repulsive, perhaps due to his madness.

“Yes.”

“If you’re asking about legal and financial aspects, then it’s clear you’re not curious about the magic itself, right?”

“Yes. I want to try setting up a teleportation device myself. Is it legally okay to connect the village and the city?”

“Hmm. If both nobles agree and the royal family approves, there usually aren’t any issues. After all, laws mainly depend on whether higher-ups approve or disapprove.”

“Do I need royal approval?”

“Since teleportation is treated as strategic material, individuals rarely use it freely.”

“A shame.”

“Seems like you’re planning to install it.”

“Sort of happened that way.”

“This is interesting.”

Gilbert chuckles softly.

“Having talent is good, but I hope it doesn’t lead to arrogance.”

“Of course.”

“What I mean is, I don’t want to witness another promising mage tear themselves apart due to improper warp usage. Understand?”

“Yes, I’ll be careful.”

“Then that’s settled. You’re wise, so I trust you understand.”

With that, Gilbert disappears briefly before reappearing and tossing me a small orb.

“Carry it with you. It might save your life someday.”

[Spatial Coordinate Stabilization Magic Power Sphere]

The name sounds complicated.

I sort of understand its meaning, but it’s not immediately intuitive.

Still, I should appreciate Gilbert’s thoughtfulness in giving me this.

“Thank you.”

“Sure. If you manage to get permission for the teleportation device, show it to me. I’m curious.”

“Of course, it’s only natural.”

“Alright. Since your business is done, you should go.”

“I’ll leave a gift behind. They’re delicious.”

“The best news indeed.”

With a gesture from Gilbert, I quietly exit the tower.

People can be like that, yet still seem harmless.

If he truly had ill intentions, he wouldn’t act this way.

He could’ve easily bathed the world in blood, being the kind of mage who could do such things.

Examining the orb’s name again, I put it in my bag.

It might come in handy someday.

If it doesn’t, even better—it means no danger awaits.

Thinking this, I slowly head home.

It’s disappointing that I can’t install warp devices freely, but visiting Reyvik is now confirmed.

The royal palace is a story for another day.

Perhaps sweet-talking the princess will help.

Her signature silky black hair naturally comes to mind.

The ruler of Reyvik.

Jack Coleman.

I’ll meet him as a noble-to-noble encounter this time.

Will I see Stacy, with her peculiar tone, after so long?

Thinking about it makes me smile—a rather cute kid.

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