NOVEL NEXT Chapter 20: Diplomacy Over Tea
Two weeks had passed since Ardi first set foot on Avalon Island, and Minori Village had become a thriving community. Every building plans was finished—from cozy farmhouses to strong wooden walls with watchtowers and a protective moat.
During these two weeks, Ardi had completed 42 Daily Quests and 5 Weekly Quests without fail. Now, sitting in his office, he opened his Quest Rewards Panel to claim his prizes. The list flashed before his eyes:
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[Quest Rewards Collected]
Low Tier Gacha Tickets: ×45
Mid Tier Gacha Tickets: ×12
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Random White Tier Items (Total: 33)
1 Steel Katana
1 Ninja Pouch (10 Shuriken, 2 Kunai, 1 Smoke Bomb)
1 Pair of Leather Boots
1 Water Flask
5 Bags of Dried Rations
1 Basic Smithing Hammer
1 Simple Wooden Shield
1 Farming Hoe
5 Bags of Animal Feed
3 Wooden Spears
2 Sets of Simple Clothing
1 Basic Cooking Pot
1 Small Bag of Salt
3 Bundles of Firewood
3 Torches
1 Bag of Flour
1 Set of Basic Fishing Gear
3 Clay Jugs for Water Storage
1 Set of Writing Tools
2 Minor Healing Potions
Cotton Seedlings (300 seeds)
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White Tier Building Blueprints:
Stone Road Blueprint
Wooden Bridge Blueprint
Cheese House Blueprint
Ranch Blueprint
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Random White Tier Skills (Total: 6)
[Basic Cooking E] – Improves cooking speed and efficiency.
[Herbal Knowledge E] – Helps identify common herbs.
[Woodcrafting E] – Enhances crafting wooden tools and furniture.
[Basic Smithing E] – Lets you craft simple metal tools.
[Fishing E] – Increases fishing success.
[Basic Riding E] – Grants basic horseback riding skills.
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Random Green Tier Items (Total: 7)
1 Wooden Bow Set (with 25 Iron Arrows)
1 Reinforced Leather Armor
1 Bag of High-Quality Blacksmith Coal
1 Bag of Iron Nails (50 pcs)
1 Hunting Trap Set
Pipeweed Tobacco Seedlings (150 seeds) [From Middle-earth]
Red Rubber Tree Saplings (10 saplings) [Produces flammable sap when liquid, tough when dry]
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Random Green Tier Skills (Total: 3)
[Wildlife Tracking D] – Helps track wild animals.
[Intermediate Cooking D] – Allows making more complex dishes.
[Building Construction D] – Improves efficiency in building and upgrades.
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Random Green Tier Building Blueprints (Total: 2)
Alchemist Lab Blueprint – For potion-making and magical research.
Tavern & Inn Blueprint – A welcoming place for villagers and travelers.
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Ardi leaned back with a satisfied smile. "Not bad. These rewards will help Minori grow even stronger."
Across the desk, Yui floated over and perched lightly on the wood. She tilted her head, her sapphire eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You look like someone who just won the lottery," she teased.
Ardi chuckled. "Not exactly a jackpot—just hard work paying off. Every reward is a step toward a better future for the village."
Yui reached out and squeezed his hand. "I know, Anata. I'll be here to make sure you don't overdo it."
Outside, the village buzzed with energy. Carpenters fortified the walls, farmers discussed new crops, and Ashigarus examined freshly made weapons. Two weeks ago, this was just a struggling village. Now, it felt like a real home.
"This is only the beginning," Ardi murmured.
Yui smiled warmly. "With you leading us, I'm sure we'll succeed."
The air morning was crisp as Ardi stepped out of the Lord's Office in a silver kimono and hakama with black cloud motifs. Yui floated beside him, humming softly as they walked toward his private garden.
Today was important. For nearly two weeks, fairies had been secretly watching him and the village's progress. Now, it was time to officially invite them into the community.
Reaching the garden, Ardi turned to Yui.
"Can you bring Vivian and Amanda here? It's time we talk face-to-face."
Yui smiled playfully. "And if they refuse?"
Ardi smirked. "Then I'll have to lure them out with snacks."
Yui giggled and fluttered off to call them.
By the time Yui returned, Ardi had set up a small tea gathering. A wooden tray sat on a stone table with herbal tea and homemade snacks—something he'd made using his [Intermediate Cooking D] skill.
Vivian and Amanda landed cautiously, their translucent wings catching the light. They hesitated at the sight of the food.
Vivian blinked in confusion. "A hyuma lord… cooking?"
Amanda sighed and gave Vivian a light smack on the head. "Stop it, Vivian."
Yui, now in her human form and standing beside Ardi, giggled. "I was surprised too when I first saw him cooking."
Ardi chuckled as he poured tea for everyone. "I like to keep you all guessing. Please, have some."
Amanda picked up a snack slowly and nibbled it. Her expression softened. "...This is good."
Vivian took a bite too, her eyes widening in surprise. "Mmh! Better than I expected!"
Ardi smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."
After a few minutes of casual conversation, the mood turned serious. Ardi set his teacup down and looked directly at Amanda.
"I'd like to officially invite your people to join Minori Village."
Amanda studied him silently before speaking. "Why?"
Ardi took a slow sip of tea. "Because I want Minori Village to be a place where different races live together—a home built on unity rather than old prejudices."
Amanda's eyes narrowed. "And you expect me to believe that? Hyuma have always looked down on other races."
Ardi sighed. "Even in my world, humans divide themselves by skin color, beliefs, and language. I refuse to make the same mistakes here."
Vivian frowned. "That's… strange. Why fight among ourselves?"
Ardi gave a small, sad smile. "Because humans are complicated. We can be kind and cruel at the same time. I want a future built on unity."
Amanda was silent for a moment. Then Vivian piped up, "So, why do you want us to join so badly?"
Ardi exhaled slowly. "Because your people are part of Avalon's history, and I don't want to build a future without you."
Amanda studied him, then nodded. "Alright. We'll keep watching. If your actions prove sincere, we'll consider it."
Ardi smiled. "That's all I ask."
Amanda stood and dusted off her dress. "Come, Vivian. We've seen enough for today."
Vivian hesitated, then flew up beside her mother. "Okay... but I still think he's suspicious."
Ardi chuckled. "I'll win you over eventually."
Vivian huffed and turned away.
As the fairies left, Ardi slumped against the table, feeling mentally exhausted. Yui sat beside him, smirking.
"So, how does it feel being interrogated by two fairy women?" she teased.
Ardi groaned. "I've fought for my life before, but this... this is something else."
Yui laughed, resting her head on his shoulder. "You did great, Anata."
Ardi closed his eyes, taking in the warm, peaceful feeling. Minori Village was growing—and so was his responsibility. But for now, he just wanted to enjoy the calm... before Yui teases him again.