Princess Alora placed the equipment on the table, and Garran immediately started examining the grades, stats, and skills of each item. He took his time, jotting down a few notes in his notebook. Finally, he looked up.
“Your Highness,” he began, looking at her, “the Invincible Paragon is an exceptional gear set for a close combat warrior. The skills it provides can really help someone last longer in battle. I genuinely think this is a set you need for your combat. Plus, there’s one piece that’s Unique- grade, something even the royal blacksmiths would find hard to create.”
Princess Alora nodded slowly, taking in Garran’s explanation.
“For the Elite and Epic items, their prices should align with the market easily. However, the materials for the Invincible Paragon set cost around 25 gold coins each. You’ve provided two sets of materials totaling 50 gold coins. Considering the materials for Baron Broken, we need to add approximately 170 gold coins. This should cover the cost of all four pieces. Then, we need to recalculate for the crafting service of the Unique-grade item,” Garran clarified. Broken had just grasped the true worth of the materials used to craft the items. The value was astounding, as was the total worth of a single set of armor. And this was without any upgrades to the armor, which would require even more cost.
Considering this high value, it was clear that only players with substantial wealth could afford to use such equipment. However, for a crowned princess, that amount of money should be trivial, almost insignificant. She should be able to afford much more expensive and higher quality armor, at least a full set of Unique-grade items.
Even before tackling the Unique-grade item, Broken had already received 120 gold coins! He trembled at the thought of earning such a huge sum for about seven weeks of in-game work, translating to less than three weeks in the real world. The earnings were truly enormous!
Moreover, knowing this, the armor and weapons Ivana wore were also of high grades and high levels, which meant their value was extremely high, even though Fokil had given them to her for free.
Broken then spoke up. “I think I’m fine with the price, Princess Alora,” he said.
Alora shook her head and said, “The price for the materials isn’t that high. So, let’s just say the materials I gave him were gifts from me. We’ll pay him the full amount.”
Garran persisted, “But, Your Highness, you shouldn’t waste the royal finances so easily, especially on someone who isn’t even… part of Yunatea.”
Lionell interjected firmly, “Garran!”
Garran turned back to Alora and said, “I wasn’t speaking out of turn, was I?” He then glanced at Lionell, “Sir Lionell, I know you’re the most skilled in war, but when it comes to finances, you can’t underestimate me. I’m well-versed in the kingdom’s finances, and I’m just doing my duty, not trying to accuse anyone.”
Lionell replied firmly, “Her Highness Princess Alora has her reasons. It’s up to Her Highness. Your job is to provide advice, not make decisions.”
Garran responded, “I understand,” then he turned and bowed to Princess Alora. “Nevertheless, as a royal financial expert, I know what is best for this kingdom’s finances, and I strongly believe that spending too much money on this is wasteful, Your Highness.” Lionell’s face contorted in annoyance, and he was about to step forward, but Princess Alora interjected, “Enough.”
She continued, “I suppose I need to learn more about managing finances, and I must apologize to Lord Broken. We will follow Garran’s advice. I’m sure the money can be used to obtain more high-quality materials for the next time Lord Broken does another crafting.”
Broken shook his head and bowed slowly. “As I said, Princess, there’s no need for you to apologize. You’ve already provided so much material for me to craft as well.”
“I will certainly repay you in some other way,” Princess Alora said.
“I am deeply grateful, Your Highness.”
Garran then added, “If this Unique-grade item were to be put up for auction, I’m sure it would fetch a much higher price than 360 gold coins. Nevertheless, this sum is more than satisfactory.”
Alora nodded in agreement and then turned to Broken. “What do you think, Broken? Is 360 gold coins a fair price?”
Broken roughly calculated the total gold coins he could receive-480 gold coins. Add that to the set of armor he now possessed, and it was truly a massive amount of money. He could buy materials to craft a new weapon or upgrade all his equipment with that kind of wealth. However, his expectations had not been nearly this high before. This showed just how valuable even a Unique-grade item was. Then he started wondering, just how valuable could Legendary-grade items be? The value might run into millions of dollars if converted to real- world currency. And the amazing thing was, he owned two Legendary-grade items.
He turned to Alora with a humble expression. “Your Highness, I don’t really know much about the market value of Unique-grade items, but I’m more than happy with the offer Garran just gave me. The privilege the kingdom has granted me to work in the palace and also receive special commissions from you holds great value for me as well.”
Alora nodded. “It’s a deal then.” She shifted her gaze to Garran. “Thank you for your assistance, Garran.”
Garran bowed his head slightly. “It’s my pleasure, Your Highness. May I take my leave?” Once Garran had left, Princess Alora continued, “The gold coins will be prepared for you shortly.”
“Yes, Princess,” he responded.
“And…” Princess Alora added thoughtfully, “You can make good use of the armor, and I know you have a combat class. I’ll be going on a short expedition in a couple of days, and if you’re interested, I’d like to invite you as well, Broken. What do you think?”
“An expedition?” Broken asked, intrigued.
“Yes. It’s a short trip, but it will involve some battles. I know with your Legendary-grade weapon, you must be eager for a fight. Am I wrong?”
Broken had originally planned to head to Slumdon Town, but the Princess’s invitation was too enticing to pass up. This could be a great opportunity for him to build a stronger bond with
her.
“Please let me know the exact time, and I’ll prepare myself for the expedition,” he agreed. “It will take up more of your time. Are you okay with that?” she asked, showing concern. “I’m more than curious to see what kind of expedition you have planned.” Princess Alora smiled warmly at him. “But be prepared; you’ll attract quite a bit of attention wearing armor like mine. People might even mistake you for a prince, a high-tier knight, or a royal from a neighboring country.”
“Will that cause any trouble for me?” he asked.
“You could always stay inside the workshop if you want to avoid trouble, I suppose,” Princess Alora said, chuckling slightly. For the first time, Broken glimpsed a softer, more playful side of the Princess, who usually projected such firmness in public.
“I think a little trouble is worth it for the chance to go on an expedition with you, Princess,” The replied with a smile.
“I’m starting to understand why your friends call you a playboy,” she teased.
“No, Princess… I’m genuinely excited to get this opportunity. To go on an expedition with you.”
“Be careful. Some people might misunderstand your statement.” Alora giggled softly. At this point, Broken felt a bit awkward, unsure how to respond to the jest of a royal, especially with a Grand Cross Knight standing so close by.
After receiving the wooden box filled with the gold he had earned for his services, Broken wasted no time in leaving the palace.
He seemed to make money faster than he spent it. He realized he needed to learn more about managing his finances from Freya-whether to splurge or invest wisely. He also knew he would need a new place to live once his one-year stay at his current hotel was up since the accommodation was only provided for that duration.
As he walked away from the palace, Broken noticed several people approaching him. One of them, who looked like a mage with a cheerful expression, greeted him.
“Ah, Broken,” the mage said eagerly. “I’ve been waiting for this chance for some time. Allow me to introduce myself-my name is Subaru, and I’m from the Shadow Wolves guild. There’s something important I need to discuss with you.”