New Plans

The atmosphere in the room grew heavier as Boris leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowed in contemplation. "This has exceeded our expectations. Now, this is a greater problem than we initially thought."

Leone sighed, tapping his fingers on the wooden table. "We need to take action as soon as possible."

Maria, who had been listening intently, finally spoke up. "What's wrong? Who is the letter from?"

"It's from the Fourth Lord," Leone explained. "Do you remember the medicinal plant, Lunaris? The one whose price skyrocketed recently?"

Maria's expression darkened. "Yes, I remember. What happened?"

"The current market price has increased by another ten percent. It's now ten times its original value before the rise. Ordinary people can no longer afford it. Those who need this medicine for survival are in serious trouble."

"That's criminal!" Maria's voice rose in anger. "How can they justify raising the price of something so vital? Is there truly nothing we can do?"

Leone shook his head. "Lunaris is privately owned. If we try to impose restrictions on the price, the suppliers might retaliate by stopping its distribution entirely. Worse, they could shift their market to Dragoria, where the nobility would eagerly pay a fortune for it. If that happens, it's over for us."

Ashan, who had been silently absorbing the conversation, finally spoke up. 

"Father, what exactly makes Lunaris so valuable?"

Leone glanced at his son. "It's a plant whose flowers contain potent medicinal properties. The extracted essence is used to treat ailments that most other medicines can't even touch."

"How does it reproduce? Through seeds?"

"Yes. The plant disperses seeds, but it only thrives in specific climates—cold, high-altitude regions."

"Then is there any way to obtain those seeds?"

"Certainly. The whole plant is sold in the market, so the seeds are accessible. But what are you getting at? Are you thinking of growing it yourself?"

Ashan nodded. "Exactly."

Leone hesitated before letting out a sigh. "Son, we've already tried. If it were possible, we would have done it long ago."

"Why hasn't it worked? What's the issue?"

"The plant has highly specific environmental needs, and even with the Tree Spirits' blessings, all our previous attempts to cultivate it have failed. We don't fully understand what it requires."

"I see…" Ashan mused. "Still, I'd like to try my own approach. Would you allow me to research it?"

Leone exchanged a glance with Boris, who smirked. "Interesting," Boris muttered. 

He's confident despite knowing it's been impossible until now.

"Of course, son," Leone said at last. "I have no reason to stop you. I'll arrange for a sample of Lunaris to be sent to you. I hope you can prove us wrong."

Boris folded his arms. "Who knows? Maybe the impossible can be made possible."

…

After lunch, Leone and Boris left for the city. Ashan returned to his room, only to find Elowyn lying on his bed. As he entered, she sat up, looking at him with a troubled expression.

"What's wrong, Elowyn?" Ashan asked as he picked a book from the shelf.

She hesitated before speaking. "I feel like you're avoiding me."

Ashan glanced at her and smiled. "Me? Avoiding you? There's no such thing. Are you thinking that just because I sat next to my mother today?"

"No, it's not just that…"

Ashan sat on the sofa, flipping open his book. 

"You're overthinking it. I'm always here for you. And actually, Mother prepared a room next to mine for you. She said we should have our own privacy, and I agree. From today onward, that's your room. You can always call me if you need anything."

Elowyn nodded but didn't look happy.

Ashan turned his focus to the book he picked up—a detailed study of plants and their ecological behaviors.

It's not inherently wrong to monopolize a resource, but when it comes to medicine, there has to be a limit. People's lives shouldn't be used as bargaining chips for profit. If those in power can't take actions , someone has to. This situation with Lunaris... I need to do something.

…

Meanwhile, in the city, tension was rising.

"It's chaos out there," Leone reported to Maria upon his return. "People are furious over the sudden price hike. Even the other Lords are facing pressure."

Boris added, "I visited an old acquaintance in the medical field. He's an expert, and I learned more about Lunaris. I think we may have a possible alternative."

"That's great, Father!" Leone said. "We must take whatever action we can."

Just then, Ashan entered the room. Leone handed him a parcel. "Here's what you requested. Seeds, dried plants, and a few fresh samples. Luckily, a new shipment had just arrived. Do as you please with them."

"Thank you, Father."

Ashan took the parcel and headed straight to his room. Meanwhile, Elowyn moved into her new quarters next door.

Once inside, Ashan carefully spread the contents on his table. He examined a fresh Lunaris plant, noting its slow decay.

It still has some life in it. Interesting.

He held the plant in his hand, channeling a controlled amount of water particles through its roots while infusing oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. The plant absorbed them, but with minimal improvement.

So that's the issue. It doesn't just need a cold environment—it requires something specific that isn't present here.

Curious, Ashan placed a hand above the plant and injected a tiny amount of pure mana. The plant withered instantly.

"Hmm… pure mana destroys its cells. It's almost like an immune system rejecting a foreign substance."

He then pricked a fresh Lunaris plant with his finger, allowing a droplet of its own mana to form. He let it absorb into the withering plant. The decay halted immediately.

Just as I thought. It only responds to its own mana signature. That explains why their previous attempts failed. But if I can replicate its environment and its mana signature...

Ashan set the plant samples aside and pulled out parchment, a ruler, and a marker. He began drafting precise measurements and schematics. The hours passed unnoticed as he worked, deep into the night. When he finally set his quill down, he surveyed the completed blueprint before him.

This will work. If I succeed, it will change everything. Not just for the city, but for the entire continent.

He rolled up the parchment, determination burning in his eyes.

Tomorrow, the real work begins.

To be continued…