165: Chapter 165 The Price of Magical Inheritance by Element! Helena's First Bloom!

In the study.

Rowan listened quietly to Viscount Hawke's valuation, appearing calm on the surface, while calculating rapidly in his heart.

Two thousand standard magic crystals...

He remembered that the share he received annually from the small magic crystal mine in his territory was about forty standard magic crystals.

In other words, the harvest from slaying this Lord of Frost Howl was equivalent to the total magic crystal mine revenue of his territory for fifty years!

No wonder they say high risk comes with high rewards; hunting high-level magic beasts is indeed one of the fastest ways to accumulate wealth.

Of course, that is assuming you can survive.

Every year, many mercenaries are buried in the mouths of magic beasts.

At this moment, Viscount Hawke changed the subject, a look of difficulty appearing on his face:

"As for the mage inheritance..."

"The Count, to be honest, the situation with mage inheritance is special."

"Currently, within the city, there are no forces or individuals capable of directly selling reliable mage inheritance."

"This type of knowledge is usually strictly controlled. Even if there are transactions, they are mostly conducted through extremely secretive channels in higher-level cities or gatherings."

Seeing Rowan frown slightly, he quickly added:

"However, you need not be disappointed, my Lord."

"The tentacles of my Purple Gold Merchant Alliance spread across the north and south of the empire, and even extend overseas. I can immediately contact the headquarters in Weixino City through the Alliance's channels."

"Over there, they have complete mage inheritance of various lineages for sale. It's just... the price difference between different magic lineages is quite large."

"Different magic lineages?" Rowan asked, puzzled.

"Yes," Viscount Hawke nodded and began to explain in detail: "The mage inheritances commonly seen on the market can be roughly divided into the following categories."

"Elemental magic lineages, such as fire, water, and wind elements, are the most common factions. A complete inheritance up to the third ring usually has a market price between eight hundred and one thousand standard magic crystals."

"Life and Nature magic lineages, involving healing, shapeshifting, animal communication, nature's blessing, etc., are relatively gentle and quite popular. The price is similar to or slightly higher than the elemental lineage, about nine hundred to eleven hundred magic crystals."

"Spirit and Mind magic lineages, leaning towards mental control, illusion, telepathy, etc., are relatively rare and are also more strictly controlled due to their special nature. The price is usually around twelve hundred to fifteen hundred magic crystals."

"Necromancy lineage..." Speaking of this, Viscount Hawke's voice lowered, carrying a hint of taboo:

"This belongs to a relatively forbidden school."

"Its inheritance is difficult to obtain and carries high risks, so the price is also quite expensive."

"A complete primary inheritance of the Necromancy lineage costs between eighteen hundred and twenty-one hundred magic crystals."

"As for higher levels, such as rare lineages involving rules of time, space, light, and darkness..."

Viscount Hawke shook his head:

"Those inheritances are quite rare and are often only held in the hands of a few major forces."

"The price usually starts at three thousand magic crystals, and often requires additional conditions."

Rowan fell into deep thought after listening.

The massive fortune of two thousand magic crystals obtained from slaying the Lord of Frost Howl was enough to exchange for a general mage inheritance.

But the problem was that these inheritances only went up to the third ring, meaning they could only cultivate a low-level mage.

To break through to the mid-level fourth ring, one would need subsequent inheritance knowledge that is even harder to obtain.

This is a long-term investment.

But it is also a necessary investment.

After all, it is foreseeable that there will be no shortage of spellcasters in his garden in the future.

After pondering for a while, he looked up at the patiently waiting Viscount Hawke and asked:

"If I decide to purchase, how long will it take for the inheritance to reach me?"

Viscount Hawke clearly had already considered this and immediately replied:

"If you confirm your intention, I will immediately transmit the message to Weixino City through the Merchant Alliance's channel."

"Under normal circumstances, it will take about three days for someone to be sent from Weixino City."

"At that time, the other party can go directly to Gino City to conduct physical appraisal and transaction with you, my Lord."

Rowan nodded upon hearing this, having made his decision in his heart.

He stood up and reached out to Viscount Hawke:

"In that case, I will trouble you, Viscount."

Viscount Hawke stood up quickly, shook Rowan's hand with both hands, and smiled broadly: "You are too polite, The Count!"

"It is my honor to cooperate with you! Leave this matter to me, and I will definitely handle it properly for you!"

Gino City, Golden Flame Castle.

A huge carriage slowly drove in.

Rowan and the five women got off the carriage one by one.

The head maid Elise had already received notice and came up to greet them with several maids.

She first scrutinized Rowan carefully, and after confirming that her master was unharmed, she regained her usual efficiency and reported the situation in the castle over the past few days.

Rowan nodded slightly to indicate he knew, then stepped into the castle hall.

The warm air, carrying the familiar scent of incense, rushed towards him, dispelling the chill of the journey.

The five women also followed him into the hall, one after another.

The candlelight in the hall shone on them, casting shadows of varying lengths on the floor.

Just as everyone was about to disperse, Rowan's footsteps suddenly stopped.

Seeming to remember something, he walked to Helena's side and whispered into her ear:

"Tonight, I will come to your room..."

Upon hearing this, Helena's body stiffened imperceptibly for a moment, and her cheeks were instantly dyed with a thin layer of blush.

She subconsciously took a quick look left and right before lowering her eyes and whispering in response:

"Yes, I will wait quietly for your arrival, my Lord..."

Night fell.

Golden Flame Castle lit up with warm lights in the night, shutting out the cold of the winter night.

Helena's room was located on the third floor of the west wing of the castle, a suite with a separate small living room and bathroom.

This was a treatment personally designated by Rowan.

Among this batch of beauty pageant qualifiers, only the first-place Cecilia and the second-place Helena had such treatment.

Helena had decorated the room to be simple yet warm, with an intellectual air.

A crystal shade lamp on the bedside table emitted a soft glow, casting a hazy and peaceful tone over the entire room.

Helena had finished bathing and changed into a soft, moon-white silk robe.

Her damp black hair had not yet fully dried, hanging loosely behind her shoulders, with a few strands sticking to her fair neck, making her skin look as lustrous as jade.

She sat on the edge of the bed, the sash of her robe slightly drooping, her black eyes gazing at the dancing flames in the fireplace, her gaze somewhat distant, wondering what she was thinking.

She knew this day would come sooner or later.

From the moment she was chosen for The Count's castle... she had a premonition.

This was the price, and also a form of recognition in a sense.

She had also long been prepared.

At this moment, the door was gently knocked.

Helena took a deep breath, stood up, walked to the door, and opened it.

Rowan stood outside the door, wearing a home robe, his hair scattered loosely on his forehead, lacking a bit of the day's majesty, but with a bit more laziness and spontaneity.

He glanced at her, his gaze lingering for a moment on her slightly flushed cheeks and the fresh scent after her bath, saying nothing, just walking into the room naturally.

Helena gently closed the door.

In the room, there was silence for a moment.

Rowan was not in a hurry to do anything.

He walked to the window, pulled back a corner of the heavy curtains, and looked at the dark night outside and the sporadic lights of Gino City in the distance, as if enjoying the night view.

A moment later, he turned around.

His gaze fell on the slightly nervous Helena.

She was standing a few steps away, her hands clasped in front of her lower abdomen, eyes lowered, standing quietly.

Her long hair after the bath was not yet fully dry, with a few strands sticking to her neck, disappearing deep into her collar.

Rowan's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his voice softer than usual:

"Leaving home and coming here, these days... are you still getting used to it?"

Helena looked up, met his eyes, and replied softly: "Returning to you, my Lord... I am getting used to it."

Rowan looked at Helena's relaxed expression and those red lips that looked extra soft from the bath.

He felt that no more foreshadowing was needed.

He stepped forward, raised his hand, and his fingertips gently brushed a damp strand of hair by her cheek.

"Helena."

He whispered her name.

Helena raised her eyes, meeting his probing gaze, said nothing, just closed her eyes gently.

Rowan lowered his head...

Helena gave a clumsy response.

The silk robe slipped quietly, piling up on the plush carpet.

The firelight from the fireplace danced on their young bodies, outlining beautiful silhouettes.

After a low whimper.

Rapid breathing began to rise...