The words Ghost Master and Hidden Gems spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom. The fact that this master was unknown added to the flames of gossip among the people.
As for the Vegetation Artifacts, a royal decree followed soon after to restrict their transportation to other nations. However, the royal decree was too late, and the other countries got wind of it.
Mayhem ensued.
With the calamity gates nearby, taking a large portion of their farmlands, the kingdom never had enough crops. Even with the artifacts of his Majesty, the deficit was never sated.
Now, more than a hundred artifacts appeared in the market. There were bound to be some changes. These artifacts were artificial, but they were enough for small-time farmers.
The shocking matter was their quantity. With such a large distribution of artifacts, it was like dividing the resources among different individuals. Ten artificial artifacts were better than one genuine one in the case of mass adoption.
The crisis that took place because of the destruction of Shades City was controlled as farmers began turning mana crystals into crops. The City of Shades was responsible for the supply of the crops since the beginning of time. Its destruction made a heavy burden on the kingdom.
This reason was one of the few that even now, Arthur was known as Lorius. The decrease in the farmers' workforce of Shades City made the food supply lessens, making the poor go through a period of famine.
The City of Contracts expected a calamity as the news of Lorius arriving made its way to their midst. However, the information of the Ghost Master appearing distracted the public.
As for the man responsible for the mess, he was sitting leisurely reading a book. Sadly, the peaceful moment he enjoyed was ruined by the glaring of the Knight of Courage.
"Are you behind this?" The Knight asked him with suspicion. Arthur closed his book and turned to her in puzzlement.
"What are you talking about?"
"The new shop, Hidden Gems." The Knight wasn't fooled easily. "You're the only person who can be behind this."
"That's feeble evidence, Courage." Arthur smiled as he placed the book down. "Do you see me as a runemaster? If so, where are my inscribing materials?" He waved his hand at the empty cell.
"That's true..." The Knight seemed hesitant. "However," She then resolved herself. "The Manager of the shop is a dwarf named Gruen."
"Hm, it does ring a bell. However, I'm not sure..." Arthur furrowed his brows.
"He's the dwarf you kidnapped before releasing." The Knight walked closer to the bars, the flames casting her shadow over the walls. "I've looked into him. Before he met you, he was nothing but a bad craftsman."
"I'm glad that he made it big," Arthur said sincerely. "As you know, I'm known as the Seika of Living Beings. I guess people can rub a bit of luck from me."
"You don't believe that," The Knight scowled. "Another thing: where is The Daughter of Ice and Fire?" The Knight scanned the room. "She used to stand here, guarding you like a hawk."
"I guess she got sick of me," Arthur shrugged. "Nothing is restraining her anymore from leaving."
"What?" The Knight looked stupefied. "Are you saying that you've canceled the Bestial Order?"
"I did," Arthur nodded. "At the time I've used it, I was weak. I had no other choice to survive. If I keep it now, then I'm no different from that noble."
"Does that mean you deserve death for casting the Bestial Order?" The Knight of Courage tried to prove a point.
"Maybe I do," Arthur didn't deny it. "I believe that intentions matter, but if I differ with a powerful one who deems me as unworthy of living, then I don't think I'll rely on his morals to live."
"You're just like him." The Knight of Courage sighed. "You look at the world as it's cold and lifeless, but there's a reason that feelings exist."
Arthur looked at her silently. She sounded like him during the trial, but where did that lead him? What did it make him? Nothing but a fool.
"I'm not here to debate philosophy with you." Arthur smiled. "For how long are we staying in this city?"
"We're leaving the day after tomorrow at noon." The Knight said coldly and turned to leave. "As for whether you're behind Hidden Gems, the king is to judge."
After the Knight of Courage left, Gala walked in 'alone.' The air changed besides her as the young dwarf appeared in front of Arthur.
"Welcome back, Gruen." Arthur smiled. "How does it feel to be wealthy?"
"Seika!" Guren fell to his knees. "I've seen wonders big and small, but I've never met someone as capable as you. This little one dares not disrespect you any longer!"
"What's up with him?" Arthur turned to Gala with confusion.
"It seems he humiliated an old enemy of his, a dwarf from the Magic Vault." Gala smiled. "Plus, lots and lots of gold."
"It's not enough yet." Arthur smiled. "We might not be able to take down the duke in three days, but giving him a hard time will be a feat to behold. Did you bring the items?"
"Yes, as many as you wanted." Gala took out a ring and threw it to Arthur. Catching it with his spiritual arm, Arthur examined the storage ring.
Five hundred items were inside and five hundred cores.
There were weapons, jewelry, and everyday items. If they sold these tomorrow, it would be the same as opening the gates of hell.
"Are we going to sell these during the rest of the week?" Gruen stood up, sweating. He couldn't imagine what kind of chaos selling them would bring.
"Week? You mean day. Come here again tomorrow morning." Arthur said, and the young dwarf fell to his knees.
"Seika, I know you're a miraculous man, but selling this would make the kingdom intervene." Gruen looked scared. "The amount of wealth and reputation we gained is already more than enough, then why..."
"It's to establish an audience to the grand show the day after tomorrow." Arthur grinned. "The Duke of Contracts wanted to humiliate me, so it's only kind to repay the debt."
"What are you planning, Seika?" Gala asked with an excited face. Arthur knew that she was always down for chaos.
"I just think that the kingdom needs to have a different trading hub than this city." Arthur smiled.
The two felt shivers run down their spine as they took their leave. Arthur was left alone with the items, and the inscribing began. It took nothing but a moment, and by the time it was morning, he finished storing the artifacts in his storage ring.
Arthur looked out of his window, and from this height, he could see the roof of the workshop. Dia was standing on the rooftop and looking his way too. Their eyes met, and they shared a knowing smile.
It was time to make the duke regret his actions.
The door opened, and Gala walked in. Arthur handed her the storage ring and told her what artifacts it had. The witch was thrilled as she left, skipping steps toward the workshop
"You look too ordinary to be Lorius."
Arthur sat down on the bed when a voice talked to him. He turned to look at the person who arrived to visit him. It was a pale handsome man in white armor.
"Maybe I should grow a pair of horns." Arthur held his chin. "I'm guessing you're not a fan."
"Just someone who knows your truth." The handsome man walked closer to the bars. "But seeing you here, I guess you know your place."
"Let me take a guess." Arthur smiled as he stood up, the barrier still isolating him from the world. "His Majesty heard about the new shop that appearing in the City of Contracts, where the Seika is and decided he should send his trustworthy Knight of Nobility."
"Haha," The pale man gave a hollow and dry laugh. "Indeed so, but you're mistaken about something." The Knight walked closer. "You're not a Seika, but Lorius."
"Ah yes, you mentioned that already." Arthur nodded. "I guess you're the one who made the people think I'm Lorius."
"Do I need to?" The Knight of Nobility smiled. "You've destroyed half a city, fought a Knight Order, killed a noble, and got arrested by the Royal Seal. If anything, you're a low-life."
"Does that provocation work?" Arthur smiled and shook his head. "What are you here for, Knight? To execute his Majesty's wishes and kill me?"
"No, I'm just here to meet the person I heard so much about." The Knight shook his head. "I think you're quite admirable. From a slave and a whore, to a slaver and a terrorist. It's quite the story."
"Is that what his Majesty thinks as well?" Arthur asked blankly.
"Not at all. The King sees you favorably. He even allowed those two halflings to come along." The Knight said with disgust.
"Oh, Knight." Arthur sighed. "I hoped you lot would learn the lesson from the previous noble."
"What?" The Knight frowned, but it happened instantly. His body levitated against his will as if he was held by the hand of a giant. He rose in the air before being slammed to the ground.