Chapter 4 - Ula Grass

Dusk.

The sun dipped below the horizon, setting the sky ablaze with hues of crimson and gold.

"Hey, hey..."

In the vast sea of grass, swaying gently with the evening breeze, a small figure struggled. His tiny body bobbed up and down as he wriggled backward.

Several guards stood around, watching in mild amusement.

One of them instinctively stepped forward to help, but just as he reached out, the little figure suddenly lost his balance. With a yelp, he tumbled backward, landing with a soft thud on the grass.

"Ouch!"

A child's voice filled the air as a head of silver-blond hair emerged from the tangle of grass.

Aemon lay sprawled on the ground, his head covered in weeds. He muttered in frustration, "It's so hard to pull..." His backside felt like it had been split into eight pieces.

"Prince, do you need assistance?" one of the guards asked, concern in his voice.

"No, I've got it!" Aemon waved his hand dismissively.

In his small palm, he clutched a handful of dark green grass leaves, holding them triumphantly.

Just then, a glowing panel appeared before his eyes:

[Magic Essence Panel]

"You have discovered a cluster of Ula Grass imbued with magic. Essence +1 acquired."

Aemon grinned in satisfaction and stood up, brushing the dust off his clothes.

With the guidance of [Guide Once], he knew he couldn't let this valuable herb go to waste. Gathering a few guards, he immediately set off toward the eastern coast.

This was easier than he had expected!

"Let's see what you can do," Aemon murmured, rubbing his tiny hands together in excitement.

A dazzling interface materialized before him.

Among the three available slots, one card was missing, and the golden funnel icon beneath it displayed an updated count:

[Magic Essence: 7]

It took 10 points of magic essence to exchange for a new card, and this fresh clump of Ula Grass had only added +1 essence. He still needed more.

Apart from this minor change, the rest of the panel remained largely unchanged.

"Hmm, it's just a plant," Aemon mused, carefully examining the Ula Grass.

He had heard of this plant in his previous life.

Alongside ginseng and deer antlers, it was considered one of the "Three Treasures." Though commonly used as hay for insulation during winter, its magical variant had unique properties.

Through the effects of the [Magic Essence Panel], Aemon quickly deduced its potential:

Weaving it into a cooling mat would enhance sleep quality!

The magical Ula Grass had the ability to keep one warm in winter and cool in summer. It also had calming properties that improved rest, ensuring a deep, uninterrupted sleep.

With this, he wouldn't have to worry about strange dreams interfering with his growth.

"You're a treasure," Aemon whispered, his violet eyes sparkling with delight.

However, he soon frowned.

This handful of grass wasn't even enough to weave a decent-sized cushion.

Smart as ever, he tapped his chin, his eyes scanning the endless fields of swaying grass.

A golden opportunity presented itself.

There had to be more than just one clump of Ula Grass, right?

His mind raced, formulating a plan.

"One clump equals 1 point of magic essence. Ten clumps equal 10 points..."

A zero-cost trade. Wasn't this a guaranteed way to prosperity?

Just as he was about to act, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Prince!"

A guard from Runestone City hurried over. "Lady Rhea has returned. She's waiting for you in the hall."

Aemon blinked, snapping back to reality.

"Alright, I got it," he said, clutching the Ula Grass close to his chest.

Under the protection of his guards, he returned to the towering castle before nightfall.

Back at the Castle

His short legs moved swiftly, and he made it home just as darkness fully settled.

In the grand hall, Lady Rhea stood waiting.

"Mother, I missed you so much!"

Aemon, covered in dust, ran toward the woman with the highest authority in the castle. His chubby face was full of joy, making it hard for anyone to stay mad at him.

Lady Rhea, however, remained impassive as he crashed into her thighs—strong and firm like iron chains.

"When did you return? I wanted to greet you," Aemon said with a bright grin, showing his little white teeth.

Lady Rhea's sharp gaze softened slightly, but she merely sighed, looking down at him.

She took in his appearance—clothes covered in dirt, feet caked in mud, and pockets stuffed with who-knows-what.

If she didn't know better, she would've assumed he had just returned from hunting.

Aemon, ever shameless, grinned. "Mother, how long are you staying home this time?"

Despite his reincarnated mind, his young body still carried an innocent charm.

It was an advantage—an intelligent but naive child, yet to be corrupted by the complexities of the world.

Lady Rhea, overwhelmed by his enthusiasm, moved to a chair and sat down. She responded absently, "There's another hunt in a few days."

"Oh," Aemon murmured, already expecting it.

Lady Rhea gestured toward the pile of game stacked in the hall. "What do you think of this fawn?"

A dog-sized deer carcass lay in front of him.

"You don't usually like venison, but I saved this one for roasting and soup," she said, pulling out two grey rabbits next.

"The valley gets cold in winter. Snow rabbit fur is soft—I'll make you a pair of new gloves."

She grew more excited as she spoke, admiring her haul. "And this black bear… You can't use it, but I'll have it skinned and hung in my room—"

Aemon stood frozen.

Touched, but also unsure how to respond.

His mother continued chattering about her hunting trip, while exhaustion from his earlier activities caught up to him. His small body, which had been running on pure excitement, now began to droop with drowsiness.

An old nun, noticing his sleepiness, changed the subject.

"Let's have dinner," she said.

The maids quickly brought out the evening meal.

Aemon clambered onto his chair, his short legs swinging as he eagerly eyed the plates.

White bread, sausage, and mashed potatoes—classic, simple, and filling.

Lady Rhea sat down at the table, barely interested in her own meal.

Another boy joined them—a young noble clad in yellow-orange bronze armor.

Aemon stared. "Why are you wearing that?"

The Royce family, known for upholding ancient traditions, still wore bronze armor despite the growing popularity of iron.

But wearing it at the dinner table?

The boy—William Royce—swallowed his food, placed down his knife and fork, and smiled smugly. "Lady Rhea promised to take me hunting next time."

Aemon blinked, stabbing his sausage absentmindedly.

So?

This boy had arrived half a month ago, assigned as Aemon's companion—a mix of guard and attendant.

His full name was William Royce, a direct cousin.

In the original timeline, he had only left a few traces in history. He was once the owner of the Royce family's Valyrian steel sword, Sorrow, and later became a sworn knight of Queen Rhaenyra's Black Party.

During the Dragonpit Riot, he foolishly led his men into battle, only for his entire unit to be slaughtered. Even worse, the priceless Sorrow was lost.

"I'm full," Aemon announced, stuffing himself quickly before hopping off his stool.

Lady Rhea frowned as she watched his retreating figure. She wanted to say something, but ultimately sighed and turned to the old nun.

"Get him a higher stool."