Chapter 20: On the Verge of Promotion

"Noah, your Dragon Clan is simply born with the talent for appraisal!"

Upon hearing the result Noah came up with, Tidel marveled and explained in detail,

"This crystal jug is called Hadek's Jug, and the white milk inside is also known as the Warrior's Redemption. It can generate 10 drops per day, and if external magic power is abundant, it can generate up to 30 drops per day."

"This little divine equipment for warriors, was it also given to you by someone?"

Noah was tossing the crystal jug in his hand, unable to help but marvel at its value. Surely, for individual use, but on a battlefield, if used at the right time, it could change the course of a small battle entirely.

"Of course it was gifted, otherwise by selling all my possessions, I still couldn't afford even one of the gemstones embedded on it."

Tidel was also well aware of the value of this crystal jug.

"Who gifted it to you?"

"The granddaughter of a Duke."

"Tsk, and you're bold enough to accept it?"

"Why wouldn't I accept it? The crystal jug indeed possesses value, but that's as far as it goes. The Warrior's Redemption is precious but useless to an extreme expert like my father."

Tidel knew well why he could receive such a high-level treasure. It wasn't given to him but used to curry favor with his father. However, it was of no use to his father but extremely suitable for him.

"Keep this crystal jug safe; it will be of great use to you. As for these magic ornaments, if you're not interested, I'll take them off your hands."

Noah never refused treasures presented to him. Although the Golden Dragon has high moral standards, he had no moral quirks, especially regarding gold and silver treasures, where he always had a clear understanding.

Although some of these magic ornaments were gifts from noble ladies showing affection to this guy, Noah had no psychological burden collecting them.

This fool willingly gave them; he didn't even ask, so why not take them?

"Take them all. They're wasted with me; I can't use so many."

Tidel said indifferently, the ornaments he brought over were mostly gemstone-encrusted necklaces, rings, bracelets, etc., which he didn't like.

Despite how his notion and understanding changed significantly due to this trip to the Capital, he preferred receiving gifts like Rune Armor and great swords and spears capable of combatting large monsters.

"The Duke's granddaughter who gifted you the crystal jug, keep in touch with her. If possible, marry her. Being so generous with her first gesture, once you secure her, there should be plenty of treasures to come as dowry. Then, this land may well develop because of it."

Noah played with many magic treasures, although their ornamental value surpassed their practical use; just looking at them brought him joy, prompting his advice.

After the establishment of the noble rank system, an unwritten rule formed demanding that those at the Legendary Level receive at least the rank of Duke and above.

A Legend has the power to establish a nation on their own.

Of course, not every Duke is a Legend, but a Legendary-level existence must have at least the rank of Duke or a higher noble identity.

A Duke could also be a Legend's direct descendant or a personal disciple. In general, nobles of this level have some relation with a Legend.

This is the minimum requirement to hold a place in the ranks, to manage vast lands and resources. True great nobles must have enough power to support them.

"You don't need to worry about that; she's one of the girls I intend to marry."

Tidel's response made the Golden Dragon give him a look.

"However, to make this land prosperous, relying solely on resources brought by marrying a noble lady is not nearly enough."

"What else do you think is needed?"

Noah casually asked.

"A strong, stable force to ensure peace and attract merchants, a reasonable taxation system, and scarce resources..."

"Is that your own thought?"

The Golden Dragon interrupted, asking.

"I overheard my mother talking to my father."

The young man laughed, immediately spilling the beans,

"Because of my father, several trade caravans have already come."

"I thought so."

"Do you think I couldn't come up with it myself?"

"No, you genuinely impress me now."

Noah sincerely said, this guy went out and turned into a playboy, which was truly infuriating,

"I want to ask you now, how many girls do you intend to marry?"

"For now, just five."

The young man hesitated slightly, then grinned.

"For now?"

"Yeah, I might meet more girls I like in the future."

"May you never meet a humanoid female disguised as a Bronze Dragon in the future."

Noah offered his blessing.

"Why?"

"I'm worried you'd end up hanging on a bronze pillar."

The Bronze Dragons are the most faithful among the Metallic Dragon Race, with each having only one mate in their lifetime, a trait even the Golden Dragons couldn't compare to.

"That's impossible."

Tidel decisively said.

After bringing Noah a large number of magical treasures, significantly improving the Golden Dragon's impression, the young man chatted for a while and then left down the mountain, clearly not having much free time these days.

Noah still remained on the mountain. Even knowing the Augustus family territory had undergone a new change following his foster father's fame, he didn't have much curiosity to explore it.

Regarding policies aimed at territorial development, Noah did not intend to convey them to Tidel since that guy wasn't a Lord yet.

On the third day after the youth's departure, Noah met his foster father again, the border Lord who made a name in the Capital through a legendary confrontation.

"Uncle, are you a Marquis now?"

Noah realized he forgot to ask if his foster father's rank was affected.

"Of course, soon enough, the Royal Family should take the initiative to confer me as a Duke."

Casius said in a half-joking tone,

"Then, you may get what you wish for."

It was apparent that this usually stern and rigid man had been in a good mood recently, to even make jokes.

Most people make jokes with a hint of boasting, but Noah didn't think his foster father would boast. He considered himself quite familiar with his foster father, knowing he spoke quite cautiously.

The last time he hunted in the wilderness, Casius only said he was slightly short of reaching Legend, unsure of breaking through, but now his tone clearly indicated full confidence.

"Tidel told me that you'll soon break through and become a Legend; is that true? Was he not exaggerating?"

"In at most three years, I will advance."

The man's steady voice remained calm, but the news it contained was earth-shattering, at least in the borderlands.