Farming with Entries: From Lord to Emperor-Chapter 543 - 276: The Mine
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Three days later at noon.
Baron Rod was in the study of the Red Griffin Clan, examining the caravan’s inventory and the list of noble gifts with Vivian.
Once the nobles learned that Avril became the successor and of Rod’s status, the gifts were no longer luxury items but rather direct enhancement to the territory’s strength—"strategic resources."
Armor, weapons, craftsman slaves, warhorses, pack horses, and even some directly delivered dairy cows.
Looks like these nobles have done their homework.
Just too many items and too fragmented, those not needed will have to be sold or exchanged for other resources.
"Knock, knock, knock."
A knock sounded.
"Sir, it’s me, Vika."
"Hmm, come in."
With Rod’s permission, Vika pushed the door open, showing clear fatigue on his face.
"You should take care to rest, Vika."
Rod looked at Vika with concern, "I’d be very upset if you collapsed."
"Thank you for your concern, I will rest."
Vika moved forward, holding a roll of parchment,
"Baron, I might have some new findings regarding that mysterious spellcaster."
"Hmm, sit down and speak."
Rod gestured with his hand, Vivian stepped forward and made Vika a cup of tea.
"Drink first, to replenish your strength."
Since having sufficient time at the Griffin Castle, Rod utilized local herbs to prepare tea that replenishes stamina.
Though not as potent as a magic potion, with attribute effect bonus, it’s more effective than common herbal brews.
Vika nodded, as if completing a task, picked up the cup and gulped it down.
Rod was somewhat speechless... wasn’t it hot?
Rod put down his own teacup, indicating for Vika to sit and report in detail.
"We thoroughly investigated the surrounding areas of the Blando territory."
Vika reported: "Regarding the rumors about the spellcaster, we found almost no clues."
"Villagers and merchants nearby all say there’s no spellcaster or other supernatural existence around there."
"We’ve also visited spellcasters in farther regions; three were frauds, only one potion maker was genuine."
"Is he willing to come to our territory?" Rod asked.
Vika shook his head slightly, "He’s not very willing to leave his homeland."
"Hmm."
Rod wasn’t surprised, nodding calmly, "These things aren’t urgent, continue speaking."
"Though we didn’t find any spellcaster, we discovered an interesting situation."
Vika raised his head, eyes filled with contemplation.
"Next to the Blando territory, in the Iron Stone Village, an old blacksmith suddenly disappeared."
"When did he disappear?"
Rod frowned, sharply perceiving the criticalness of this information.
"Exactly the day before the mine incident."
Vika opened the parchment, with detailed information on the old blacksmith recorded.
"That blacksmith was named Senda, he should be fifty-three years old this year."
Rod said thoughtfully, "Not young, it’s the age to retire and rest."
"You’re right, and logically, he should have apprentices."
Vika shook his head slightly, "But his blacksmith shop only has him."
"Villagers say his personality is peculiar, rarely interacting with others."
"But his forging skill is exceptional, far surpassing common village blacksmiths."
Vika paused for a moment,
"Senda mainly forged farm tools and iron pots for farmers, generally more durable than other blacksmiths’ works."
"Some farmers say Senda’s hoes can last five years without breaking."
"Oh?"
Rod was a bit surprised.
Ordinary village blacksmiths can’t have such technical skill.
Farmers’ hoes often wear thin, bend or crack within a year, needing reforging.
Five years is a very exaggerated time.
"So strange, you must have secretly entered his blacksmith shop to investigate?"
"Yes, investigated."
Vika nodded, a trace of excitement glinted in his eyes.
"Senda lived in a small courtyard on the village outskirts, seemingly just an ordinary blacksmith shop."
"But we found something special in his cellar."
Vika took out a small cloth package from his bosom.
Cautiously unwrapping, inside were some metal fragments.
"We found these in the cellar."
Vika handed the metal fragments to Rod with both hands.
Rod picked up one piece to examine carefully. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺
The metal surface had complex patterns, shimmering with a faint blue hue under the sunlight.
"This isn’t common steel."
Rod’s voice carried amazement, "These patterns resemble certain runes."
"We also discovered several unfinished weapon blanks in the cellar, but we didn’t touch them."
Vika reported: "You said to be extremely cautious with anything related to the spellcaster."
"Hmm, you did right."
Rod nodded affirmatively.
If this Senda indeed was a spellcaster, then those unfinished weapons might have restrictions or traps.
"This fragment already explains everything."
Rod rubbed the metal fragment, recollecting Blando’s description and Senda’s situation,
"Maybe I’ve already guessed what Senda intends to do."
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After the rain, sunlight penetrated the thin layers of cloud, drying the pathway leading to Blando Mine.
Rod rode his black warhorse in the center of the procession, followed by ten fully armed knights.
Baron Blando anxiously followed beside, frequently wiping beads of sweat from his forehead.
"Baron Rod, ahead is the mine entrance."
Baron Blando pointed at the huge pit below the hillside ahead.
Around the entrance, piles of ore and timber lay, looking just like a normal copper mining site.
Yet at this moment, the entire mine was deathly silent, no sign of workers, only troops stationed all around.
