Impossible feat

After the Loyanal family departed, Boris turned to Ashan, a smirk playing on his lips.

"I think you were out of your right mind, son. You just bid farewell to your sword," he said, crossing his arms.

Leone, who had remained silent until now, let out a deep sigh before speaking.

"You said you found a way to plant Lunaris? Why did you lie like that?"

Ashan met his father's gaze with unwavering confidence. "I didn't lie, Father. I only said I thought of a way."

"Within one night?" Leone shook his head. "I think you're being overconfident, son. You might have something in mind, but it hasn't been tested. Yet you made a bet like that?" He rubbed his temples in frustration.

Ashan gave a calm smile. "I know you don't like what I did, but I beg you to trust me and help me this once."

Leone studied his son for a moment before nodding. "Alright. What do you need?"

"I need you to build the house I planned as quickly as possible. Also, there are specific materials I need to acquire. Can you appoint someone to buy them from the city?"

"Yes. I'll assign someone to handle all your purchases. Until your project is finished, he will be at your disposal. As for the house, the construction will begin tomorrow." He paused. "And what about the conversation with my spirits? Did they agree to search for tree spirits?"

"Yes. They promised to look into it and locate some for me."

"Then that matter is also settled. Anything else?"

"No, Father, that will be all."

Leone gave his son a firm nod. "Alright then, try your best. I'll be cheering for you."

"Thank you, Father. I'll go and make the necessary arrangements."

As Ashan left, Maria approached Leone, concern etched onto her face.

"Dear, what is all this? A house? Tree spirits? I don't understand what's happening."

Leone let out a tired chuckle. "This morning, he handed me a blueprint of a house he designed himself and asked me to build it."

Maria's eyes widened. "He can draw blueprints? When did he learn to do that?"

"He told me he studied some architectural designs before. He said he followed those principles to design the house."

Boris smirked. "So the boy is multi-skilled, huh? And what about the spirits?"

"He didn't explain much, only that it has something to do with cultivation."

Boris crossed his arms and looked up at the sky. "What he did today was truly unexpected. I never imagined he had these qualities."

Maria sighed. "I never heard him speak so confidently before. But what he did today was reckless."

Boris chuckled. "Perhaps. But it's already done, and there's no turning back. This might be good for him. He will either prove himself or learn from his failure. Either way, it will be a valuable lesson. Right now, our role is to support him so he has no regrets."

Leone nodded. "You're right, Father. I will support him with everything I have. Because I believe he is going to do something incredible."

…

[Two Days Later]

A servant knocked on Leone's office door.

"My lord, may I come in?"

"Yes, come in," Leone responded without looking up from his paperwork.

Inside the office, both Leone and Boris were busy sorting through documents.

"Oh, Luis. What is it?"

Luis stepped forward and handed Leone a bill. "This is the receipt for the items the young master requested. I was instructed to deliver it to you."

Leone took it and began reading.

"Wood, steel pipes, fresh Lunaris, Lunaris seeds…" He suddenly stopped, eyes narrowing. "Huh?"

Boris leaned forward. "What is it?"

"He bought ten cold-absorbing stone cubes and fifty ice crystals."

Boris raised an eyebrow. "I know about those. Cold-absorbing stones gain weight as they absorb cold energy, and ice crystals release intense freezing energy. But why would he need them? If exposed to air or water, ice crystals dissolve quickly."

Leone shook his head. "I have no idea what he plans to make."

Boris leaned back. "By the way, how is the construction going? I saw it was still in progress. But why build a wall around it?"

Leone exhaled. "Ashan requested it. He said it was necessary to prevent others from seeing inside. That's not the most unusual part."

"What else?"

"It's called a house, but it's not. It's made entirely of glass."

Boris's eyes widened. "A glass house? What kind of house is that?"

"Only the walls are made of glass. It's more like a giant transparent box."

"When will it be finished?"

"Today. Ashan said he would begin work inside as soon as it's done."

That evening, Leone and Boris visited the construction site. Servants stood outside, having completed their work.

"Are you finished?" Leone asked.

One of the workers bowed. "Yes, my lord. It was not an easy task, as everything was made of glass, but the young master provided clear instructions and even assisted us."

"Where is he now?"

"Inside, my lord. He seemed pleased with the outcome and immediately began working."

Leone and Boris entered the glass house. It was a stunning structure—a seamless blend of transparency and elegance. Inside, Ashan was busily arranging materials and overseeing the workers.

"Son, it seems you started things right away."

Ashan nodded.

"Yes, Father, construction needs to finish quickly so I can do things faster."

"So you already gathered the materials you want?"

"Yes, Father."

"How many days will it take to finish other things?"

"Not sure, but I guess everything can be done tomorrow. The easy work is done by workers, but I must do the most delicate and careful work myself. So it will take time."

Leone looked at the glass structure with curiosity.

"Why is this house made of glass?"

Ashan smiled.

"I can explain, but if you can, I'd rather say it after everything is done. It will be better that way."

Leone nodded.

"Alright, alright. I'll do that, but be careful."

Ashan nodded. "Thank you, Father. I promise you won't be disappointed."

Leone and Boris left the construction site, leaving Ashan and his workers to continue their work. Ashan stood in the middle of the glass house, surveying the materials stacked neatly along the edges. The sun's rays streamed through the transparent walls, casting a soft glow over the entire space.

He inhaled deeply.

I have to make this work.

…

The next morning, Ashan prepared himself to begin his delicate work inside the glass house. As he finished tying the cuffs of his sleeves, a gentle knock came at his door.

"Ashan, may I come in?" Elowyn's voice came from outside.

"Yes, come in," Ashan called.

The door creaked open, and Elowyn stepped inside. Her long, silken hair cascaded over her shoulders as she observed Ashan, who was adjusting his belt.

"Are you going to work again today?" she asked, her tone carrying a hint of concern.

"Yes. It's nearly done. Just a little more," Ashan replied with a reassuring smile. "Why? Is something wrong?"

"No… but I want to help you."

Ashan raised an eyebrow in surprise before chuckling.

"Oh? That's unexpected." He stretched out his hands, showing her the small scratches and bruises across his palms. "I don't think our princess can handle such rough work."

Elowyn's cheeks flushed. "I-I'm not as fragile as you think! Besides, is there nothing I can do?"

Ashan tapped his chin, pretending to consider. "Hmm… do you like gardening?"

Her expression brightened. "Yes! Back in my home, I used to tend gardening as a hobby."

"Is that so? Then I might actually need your help in the near future. The task I have in mind is the most important part of my project. I'd love for you to be a part of it."

Elowyn's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Really? Then I'll look forward to it."

Ashan finished fastening his boots and stood up.

"Alright then. I need to go now. There's much to be done today."

Elowyn nodded and followed him out of the room. As Ashan stepped outside, he took a deep breath of the crisp morning air. The estate was quiet, save for the distant sounds of servants bustling about their daily tasks.

He clenched his fists.

"Everything is unfolding just as I planned. I've gathered even more information about Lunaris, and soon, everything will fall into place. If my father's spirits have managed to find what I need, then success is within reach."

To be continued…