Chapter 21: Chapter 21: The Secret Hidden in the Antique
Rhett's thoughts were simple.
If the relics of the noble from the ancient Dan Kingdom were truly discovered in the Small Bramble Forest, there was a high possibility that there were more ancient artifacts hidden there.
"I understand, my lord," Swita responded with a bow.
Rhett then recalled that Cootin handed over the antique just yesterday evening. Feeling curious, Rhett asked, "Rylee, how did Cootin discover the antique? Wasn't he supposed to be busy with the construction of the outer fort these past two days?"
"You're right, Father. The discovery of the antique is indeed related to the construction of the outer fort. Cootin explained that he had received new orders to chop down a batch of bramble trees yesterday. Since they rarely needed to cut down this type of tree in large quantities before, and because the Small Bramble Forest is such a chaotic environment, he decided to clear an uneven area of the land, which led to the discovery..." Rylee said as he took a bite of purple sweet potato mash and recounted the events in an orderly manner.
So... it was related to dealing with the bramble wood?
Rhett remained calm on the surface, but his heart was stirred. In just two days, the trajectory of events had shifted once again!
If it hadn't been for the arrival of Kules and Tadel on the night of the extreme cold, there wouldn't have been any plans for constructing the outer fort.
Without the construction plans, Cootin wouldn't have been required to chop down the usually unneeded bramble wood.
And if no one cleared the bramble wood area, who knows when this antique zone would have been discovered?
Suppressing his emotions, Rhett felt a heavy weight on his mind.
He had already learned that without his intervention, the members of the caravan this time would only include Rylee, Tuck, and Kules, along with a few apprentice knights and retainers.
This was the same lineup as in the last simulation. If he allowed them to depart as planned, another tragedy would surely unfold.
Glancing at Tuck, who was happily devouring an entire slice of oatmeal bread, Rhett thought about the newly discovered antique and the potential unknown changes it might bring. He decided to lead the caravan personally and see what difference that would make.
Opening the system:
[Do you wish to start Text Simulation? Each simulated year will consume 5 Destiny Points.]
"Yes, simulate one year."
[Kinlon Calendar Year 473, December 8th. While clearing bramble trees, the leader of the lumberyard, Cootin, unearthed a buried antique. You decided to order a thorough search of the surrounding area to see if other antiques were also buried.]
[December 9th. You decided to personally lead the caravan to oversee this transaction. On the way to Darm Town, you encountered a late-stage, first-rank Flame Lion and easily killed it.]
[December 11th. Upon arriving in Darm Town, Lord Gale warmly welcomed you and gifted you a lower-grade Battle Qi potion— a Boiling Potion. As a courtesy, you gave him a portion of the Flame Lion's corpse. After the transaction, Clina seemed to take a liking to Rylee and gave him a gift. Rylee politely invited her to visit your territory, and she agreed, planning to come in February of next year. Afterward, as you prepared to leave, Gale mentioned a problem: two second-rank magical beasts had been harassing his territory recently, causing significant damage. He requested your assistance and offered two Moonlight Potions as compensation. You agreed.]
[December 12th. Early in the morning, you and Gale arrived at a small hill where a pair of Firefeather Eagles had nested on a Flame Tree. Realizing your ill intentions, the Firefeather Eagles launched an attack. After a fierce battle, you and Gale, with the help of Rylee and seven first-rank knights, managed to kill one eagle and severely wound the other, which fled in defeat. In the Firefeather Eagles' nest on the Flame Tree, you found two eggs, their offspring, much to your delight. You and Baron Gale decided to split the eggs between you.]
[December 21st. You reached Twilight City and successfully completed the exchange for water-elemental magic plant seeds. At the Dalton Auction House, you planned to auction the antique vase. However, after the appraisal process, the president of the auction house approached you, expressing his fondness for collecting antiques. He offered to purchase it for three times the starting price— 90 gold coins. After some hesitation, you agreed to his request.]
[December 22nd. While concealing your presence, the caravan was ambushed by a group of bandits shortly after leaving the city. Thanks to your intervention, you killed them all, gaining some rewards.]
[December 30th. The caravan returned home. Upon arriving at the castle, you were informed by Swita that three more antiques had been unearthed in the Small Bramble Forest. Not being a fan of collecting antiques, you planned to sell them all during the next caravan trip.]
[Kinlon Calendar Year 474, January 3rd. A second-rank Ironhorn Sheep and a second-rank Flamehound engaged in a fierce battle near Sun Lake on the western side of your territory. Both were gravely injured. You had been lying in wait nearby and took advantage of the situation, claiming victory as a bystander.]
[January 8th. A traveling merchant visited your territory. After exchanging a few pleasantries, you sent him away.]
[January 15th. Due to the caravan's previous leak of information about your recovery, Roy from Maple Forest Town came to visit you and gifted you a bottle of Red Maple Potion. He also suggested arranging a marriage between your families, which you declined.]
[March 15th. Upon the return of the most recent caravan, Rylee urgently reported to you that the antique you sold privately to the president of Dalton Auction House turned out to be a relic of a noble from the ancient Dan Kingdom, Count Zach. Each piece contained hidden combat techniques and mid-level breathing techniques, and the entire collection sold for over a thousand gold coins. You regretted it deeply, but it was too late.]
[June 29th. Tuck advanced to the late stage of the first-rank knight.]
[July 12th. You were ambushed by an unidentified knight. Both of you were severely injured, but the opponent managed to escape.]
[August 9th. A third-rank Thunder Armor Bear wandered into your territory. Due to your prior preparations, you evacuated the residents in time, preventing any casualties. However, your territory suffered catastrophic damage.]
[August 15th. An evil alchemist passed through your territory. As a third-rank mage, you had already led the key members of your territory to evade the area, narrowly avoiding disaster.]
[September 1st. You received news that Earl Blaine had issued a kingdom-wide bounty for a third-rank mage who had ruthlessly killed three barons and a viscount within a mere half-month.]
[October 3rd. Earl Blaine issued another announcement, revealing that a small-scale beast tide was brewing in the Darkstripe Eagle Branch of the magical beast mountain range. He advised you to prepare for battle against the impending beast tide.]
[October 17th. A group of second-rank magical beasts led by a Darkfrost Wolf, along with a dozen first-rank magical beasts, attacked your territory. Thanks to your foresight, you were able to provide timely support, resolving the crisis. However, your territory suffered the loss of eleven civilians.]
[October 20th. Under the command of Earl Blaine, a counteroffensive was launched. You were dispatched to the front lines at the Darkstripe Eagle Branch. Unfortunately, on the way there, you encountered the evil alchemist again and perished in the confrontation.]
"Whoo..."
Rhett exhaled deeply after reading through the simulation.
This time, the amount of information was overwhelming, simulating all the way to late October of next year, nearly completing a full year.