Warm Dragon

Chapter 21: The Sprite Grub Contract

“The dragon is watching you, Russell! I told you, the Shadowflame Dragon of the Duke’s family is always watching you!”

Charles shouted excitedly, even shaking his body under the birch tree and breaking into an impromptu solo cha-cha dance.

“Very lucky,” Russell said with a charming smile.

“Congratulations, my lord,” Eric muttered a quiet congratulations.

But the butler, Morris, couldn’t stop smiling. “Master, you were born to be a noble. With the dragon watching and the divine light shielding you, sprite grubs are born the moment you arrive in your territory. This is the best blessing, just like in the novels of chivalry!”

“Indeed, it is a wonderful blessing,” Russell graciously accepted the congratulations.

The value of a Sprite Grub was immeasurable by ordinary standards because it could be used to grow magical herbs and materials, making it an extraordinary entity.

However, there was still a trace of concern in Russell’s eyes beneath his smile.

The joy of obtaining a wild sprite grub did not diminish his longing for the Little Dream Dragon; that was the real foundation of his life and livelihood.

He was also very fond of that adorable and somewhat silly miniature dragon.

“Russell, it looks like you’ll have to keep watch under the birch tree to ensure that the sprite grub hatches and that you can contract it immediately,” Charles suggested.

“Of course.”

Russell replied.

Although everything produced in the territory belonged to the lord, the sprite grubs were too valuable. In case of an accident, no one dared take the risk.

“Charles, go and supervise the construction of the windmill. There’s no need for you to stay here with me,” Russell dismissed the crowd. “Eric, you needn’t worry too much. No one would dare cause trouble at Black Waist Snake Manor.”

Eric replied, “I’m not worried about the territory itself, but we have to keep an eye on Resounding Water River Cave. We can’t give the free people a chance.”

“The free people of Resounding Water River Cave would dare to cross the border?”

“When Kendall Knight Commander was patrolling the area, the free people of Resounding Water River Cave were very well-behaved. But now that Black Waist Snake Manor is no longer under Kendall Knight Commander’s patrol, it’s hard to say,” Eric explained matter-of-factly.

Kendall was the Patrol Knight Commander of Dusklight River Valley, a fantasy beast knight with great strength who was able to scare away evildoers.

But Eric, being only a Great Knight, did not have that level of intimidation.

“Alright, Eric, you take extra care with the protection of the sprite grubs,” Russell smiled, not overestimating his own capabilities.

Eric nodded seriously.

Throughout the day, he and four armored knights took turns patrolling, chasing away any serfs who got too close, making sure no outsiders set foot in the birch forest.

Meals were brought by servants from the manor’s guesthouse.

At night, several fires were lit to illuminate the area around the birch trees.

Lying in his sleeping bag, Russell, filled with anticipation, soon fell into a deep sleep. Unfortunately, it was another night without the appearance of the Little Dream Dragon.

Just before dawn, Eric woke him. “My lord, the sprite grub has hatched!”

“Hatched?” Russell quickly jumped up and ran to the birch tree. Just in time, he saw the branch bud crack open and a snow-white sprite grub, resembling a silkworm, crawled out, resting lazily on the trunk.

Grabbing the tree trunk, Russell lightly leaped to a spot over three meters high, then gently pinched and caught the sprite grub in his hand.

After landing, he examined it carefully.

The white birch sprite grub wasn’t entirely snow-white; it had some faint black stripes mixed in, just like the bark of a birch tree.

But in any case, it was beautiful. Now separated from its mother, the sturdy birch tree wormgrass, the sprite grub seemed a little agitated, wriggling in Russell’s palm as it tried to escape.

However, as soon as Russell took out the prepared jade powder and sprinkled it on his finger, the white birch sprite grub seemed to smell the delicious food and began crawling toward the powder, nibbling at it with small bites.

Russell seized the opportunity. When the white birch sprite grub opened its mouth, he quickly extended his finger.

A slight pain followed.

The skin on his fingertip was pierced by the sprite grub’s small, sharp teeth, causing a drop of blood to form and seep into the grub’s mouthparts.

In an instant, a mysterious feeling washed over Russell. He had established a mental connection with the sprite grub.

The sprite grub contract was that simple, blood served as the medium and magical power as the driving force, allowing the contract to be formed easily.

A sprite grub could only be contracted once within a year.

Thus, sprite grubs were rarely traded frequently.

“Congratulations, my lord!” Tom and the other armored knights all congratulated Russell.

“Good, the white birch grub is now contracted. We can leave here now. Let’s go back to the manor’s guesthouse to take a bath and rest,” Russell decided. “We will have a banquet at noon, and the malt beer will be flowing!”

“With the divine light shielding you, the glory belongs to the Lord!” The armored knights cheered.

Eric also cracked a slight smile, but quickly suppressed it, maintaining his usual serious demeanor.

By the time Russell had finished breakfast, Charles came downstairs with his hair slightly disheveled. “I’ve just heard from the servant, William, that you’ve contracted the white birch grub, Russell! Oh my god, it really hatched a sprite grub, praise the dragon! Tonight we must drink freely, especially the Black Pearl wine!”

“Still, take it easy, Charles. The Black Pearl wine is running out.”

“Haha, you should send someone to report to the Baron right away. Perhaps the Baron will send over a new batch of Black Pearl wine to congratulate you,” Charles said, his eyes glittering as he thought of how to take advantage of the situation.

After a few jokes, they returned to the matter at hand.

Russell asked, “Now that we have the white birch grub, will the birch forest develop into magical herbs or magical materials?”

“It should develop into magical materials, and with the white birch grub, it will be much easier to expand the birch forest. But you’ll have to wait for the birch forest to evolve first. After that, you can harvest new magical material tree seeds and expand the area,” Charles explained.

“Currently, the Fluorescent Mushrooms are being planted on the birch trees. Charles, will planting both herbs and materials together cause any problems?”

“That…” Charles shook his head. “I’m not sure. You should go to Fluorescent Castle and ask the Baron.”

“All right, after the lunch banquet, I’ll go to Fluorescent Castle. I’ll spend the night there. You and Eric can take care of the area.”

“Leave it to us!” Charles patted his chest in assurance.

“After dinner, no more drinking tonight,” Russell added.

“Of course, of course, my Lord Russell! I’m not a drunkard, just an old gourmet who enjoys tasting fine wines and foods,” Charles replied.

Russell made no comment, but turned to say, “Morris, remember to lock the wine cellar tonight.”

Morris immediately replied, “As you wish, my lord.”

Charles protested loudly with his hands on his head, “Oh! My goodness, Russell! Can’t there be any trust between people?”