Upon returning to his family home, the Golden Hand broke his temporary retirement and began his activities anew.
Surprisingly, his first act was to donate to the cathedral. He supported social activities for street orphans. He even decided that all costs related to operating the orphanage at the cathedral would be paid by the Schliffen family.
He also brought in a new history teacher, continuing his studies steadily, and fully engaged in commercial activities, handling matters himself. Just like in his prime as the Golden Hand.
The Golden Hand had become gentle and generous; everyone said so.
However, his charisma to captivate an audience had grown stronger. The skill of a seventy-year-old combined with the vigor of a forty-year-old produced remarkable results.
The Golden Hand started expressing his love to his children wholeheartedly.
At first, they found it strange, but their hearts gradually moved in response to their father’s sincere expressions. They understood their parents’ feelings as they too were parents.
On one such day when change was blowing through the Schliffen household,
two mages from the Mage Tower visited.
Welcomed politely to the reception room, the two mages soon faced the Golden Hand Niruin.
“It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace.”
“Pleased to meet you.”
After exchanging pleasantries with the Golden Hand, the mage got to the point.
“The reason we came is because of Dural’s treasure.”
“I guessed as much.”
“Though I heard it through rumors, seeing it with my own eyes is even more astonishing.”
The mage was amazed to see the Golden Hand looking younger. Especially astonishing was how mana spontaneously gathered in the Golden Hand’s body, which couldn’t be explained. This must be the reason for his rejuvenation.
“Even I find it incredible. I never imagined it would turn out this way.”
“Unicorns are legendary creatures… It would have been nice to see its horn directly, though.”
But Niruin, who was fascinated by treasures, shook his head firmly.
“That owner already has a different master.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean it negatively.”
“I understand. A mage should feel regret not being able to see it directly. Thinking about it, being able to see and touch it would be an immense honor.”
“Without overstepping, could you briefly recount that experience?”
“If it’s brief, then yes.”
Niruin recounted the process of finding the treasure in the underground city and on Stormy Ridge, and how the unicorn spirit appeared to return the treasure. The two mages listened half in a daze.
“Thank you very much. Your story will be of great help to the magic community.”
“That’s good to hear.”
After concluding their conversation and returning to his office, the Golden Hand spent some time admiring the paintings on the wall, reminiscing about the past.
“Yuric, I already miss you.”
The Golden Hand imagined traveling again with Yuric someday.
He fervently wished for that day to come.
The scenery of the West was dazzlingly beautiful.
Green hills covered with lush vegetation and emerald-green water from melted glaciers formed a vast river cutting across the fields. Hundreds of sheep grazed leisurely on the hillsides, while women hung out clothes washed during winter on long clotheslines. The village harmonized with nature, creating a breathtaking sight.
Yuric spent a week in this peaceful Western village before heading westward again. After passing through one city and four villages, he finally arrived at the grand metropolis, Rheinburg.
Called the heart of the West, this place was a magnificent city nestled between vast plains and a giant glacier mountain range, with a wide river flowing through it. Just as there is Rheinburg in the south, Rheinburg is considered one of the cradles of civilization in the West.
As the stronghold of the Salt Baron, Nergal, there were three salt mines nearby, with one now closed, leaving only two currently mining rock salt.
Being responsible for more than half of the salt consumption across the continent, dozens of salt carts were transported daily. Due to the specialized handling of salt, there was even a dedicated area within the city for it.
Thanks to the wealth accumulated from salt trading, the city of Rheinburg reigned as the wealthiest city in the West. Yuric was amazed at the splendid cityscape, comparing it to the capital of the empire.
Many nobles visited Rheinburg for leisure, leading to a thriving hospitality and entertainment industry. There were quite a few high-end inns catering to wealthy families.
However, given Yuric’s financial situation, he couldn’t even look at such places and had to stay at a reasonably priced inn on the outskirts. Still, he didn’t mind living in a humble place.
Once settled, Yuric began exploring the city. Most buildings had large, sloping roofs, and doors were typically arched. Each window was adorned with colorful flowers, reportedly to repel pests.
As an art-loving region, the streets often featured bands playing music or artists painting. Yuric enjoyed listening to performances or viewing artwork, occasionally leaving a coin in a hat if something caught his eye.
The city’s grand square was extraordinarily elegant and ancient-looking, adorned with marble statues similar to those in Eulmasch, the city of the Sacred Magic Order.
Yuric sat under the shade of a marble statue, taking out his drawing board to sketch. He worked meticulously, finding joy in the abundance of subjects.
In the afternoon, he wandered through the Street of Mages. Shops lining the street displayed various items. Yuric spent ample time browsing through general stores and bookshops.
Then, he entered a dilapidated alchemy workshop. Dust-covered shelves were cluttered with potion bottles. There seemed to be no staff, as no one was seen at the counter.
He found a bottle filled with herb powder, opened it, and sniffed it. The smell was good, indicating it was well-dried and ground.
“Don’t open it if you’re not buying. It gets contaminated.”
An old woman suddenly sat at the counter.
Yuric closed the lid and carefully placed the bottle back on the counter.
“How much is this?”
“One silver coin.”
Although it was pricier than expected, Yuric bought it without hesitation, considering the cost of both materials and processing.
He explored the shop further before approaching the counter again to ask the woman cautiously.
“Do you need any help?”
Her eyebrows furrowed.
“Even if I don’t have much experience, I do have some alchemy background.”
Since Yuric needed to work here anyway, he could consider tutoring as a house tutor. However, if it didn’t work out, he would have to give up.
“You think you can eat just because you have a handsome face? I don’t hire lazy bums.”
“I’m confident. Just tell me what to do.”
Given his confidence, the woman was skeptical.
Actually, she did need an assistant, but alchemy-trained individuals were rare. Even if they knew, few could perform well. She needed an assistant, not a student to teach. Thus, she wanted to test his skills.
It was sudden, but it wasn’t a problem.
“Come in.”
The woman led Yuric to the laboratory.
“Make a potion. If I don’t like it, I’ll charge you for the ingredients. If you’re unsure, don’t do it. What will it be?”
“I’ll do it.”
Potion-making was basic but a good way to assess one’s skills.
Yuric immediately put down his bag, rolled up his sleeves. He filled a small pot with water and skillfully sorted the herbs needed. Then, he ground them into powder in a bowl. The woman nodded slightly, recognizing his experience with potions.
When he added the powder and other additives to the boiling water, her eyes changed. Clearly, his potion-making technique was not ordinary. Potion-making required consistent speed, form, and mana control, distinguishing experts from amateurs.
Even after some time, there was no sign of inconsistency. In fact, the test was already complete. Honestly, among the alchemists she had seen, none matched his skill in potion-making.
When the potion became thick enough, Yuric extinguished the fire and let it cool down properly.
Once the potion was done, he tasted it. It still tasted bitter.
“…I don’t know where you learned, but you’ve done well.”
“So, can I work here?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you. I’ll work hard.”
Yuric bowed respectfully. She liked his humility.
Thus, Yuric began working at Alchemist Lynnet’s workshop.
“Damn it!”
…And five days later, Lynnet found out that the mage who created the cure for Mana Blockage Disease was him.
