Chapter 32 - A Gamble, A Gift, and an Unexpected Request
"Primordial Youth's Ranking, you say… hmm." Eduan contemplated for a moment before an idea struck him.
He immediately suggested, "Lady Yula, I happen to have a Platinum Plaque that can instantly register your daughters. I actually have five of them—I originally planned to sell them, but if you want them, I'll give you two."
With a delighted expression, he retrieved two Platinum Plaques from his storage bracelet. As he brought them out, a mystical aura enveloped them, radiating an ancient and profound presence.
Yula was stunned. She hadn't expected to see an artifact so rare that it was nearly extinct—an item so scarce that the number of people who possessed one could be counted on two hands.
"Where did you get this?" she asked calmly, though Eduan could tell from her tone that she recognized the plaque's significance.
Eduan smiled, knowing he had caught her interest. "I acquired them at an auction—it cost me half my net worth to obtain them. You could say I risked offending some major figures just to secure these plaques." His voice carried a hint of pride, clearly pleased with his acquisition.
Yula remained composed despite his enthusiasm. "This is indeed a valuable find. How much do you want for them?" she asked, eager to buy the plaques, knowing their worth and function.
Ella, observing their reaction, felt curious and immediately used her system to analyze the Platinum Plaque.
System, identify that item.
A familiar ding rang in her mind.
DING!
▶ [Name: Primordial Ascension Plaque]
▶ Description: [A divine artifact crafted from Primordial Dark Matter, infused with celestial Platinum, and purified by an Ancient God. This plaque has been used for millions of years by the most exalted gods of their youth, serving as a gateway to the Primordial Youth's Ranking. By pouring a single drop of blood onto it, one is instantly registered, gaining access to the ranking-based rewards and transportation system, which allows ascendants to claim their earned gains.]
▶ Features:
Primordial Blood Registration → Ownership is instantly granted upon blood recognition.
Ranked Gains Transmission → Automatically transfers rewards based on one's position in the ranking.
Divine Transport Gate → Grants access to exclusive locations tied to one's status.
Ancient Authority Seal → Recognized only by deities of unparalleled status.
▶ Restrictions: [Only those deemed worthy by the Ancient God's Will may activate its true potential.]
"Millions of years? This damn plaque is older than the stars or something!" Ella was stunned. She hadn't expected to encounter an artifact with such a vast history.
A deep greed stirred within her—she wanted this item. She stared at the plaques, waiting for them to rightfully become hers.
Eduan continued, his tone firm. "Lady Yula, as I mentioned before, I want to invest in your daughters from the beginning. Their potential has already surpassed the old gods of the past. Take these plaques. In return, simply protect me in the future."
His words were clear—he was willing to sacrifice part of his wealth for long-term gains. He had already envisioned his success should this gamble pay off.
Yula nodded. "Alright, I'll take them." Without hesitation, she grabbed the two Platinum Plaques and handed them to Olivia and Ella.
"Here, take them. But don't pour your blood on them yet. We'll do that when we get home," she instructed.
Olivia quickly accepted the gift and stored it inside her storage bracelet. Ella did the same, maintaining a calm expression—though deep down, she was brimming with excitement at the thought of registering her name in the ranking.
The discussion continued for some time, covering future cooperation between them. After several minutes, Yula finally said, "Alright, I understand. We've talked long enough. We'll be taking our leave now."
Eduan nodded, satisfied. "Be on your way, Lady Yula. There's nothing left to discuss—our deal is sealed." He chuckled.
Yula was about to deactivate the barrier around them when suddenly, a hesitant voice interrupted her.
"U-Um… can I make a request?"
It was Scillia. She fidgeted slightly, her gaze shifting between Ella and Yula, as if struggling to find the right words.
Yula stopped and turned toward her. "What is it?" she asked patiently. She was in a good mood—gaining both her daughters' affection and valuable resources for free—so she wasn't particularly bothered by Scillia's sudden request.
"U-Um… can I… work with them?"
She pointed directly at Ella and Olivia.
Eduan furrowed his brows and immediately scolded her. "Scillia! What are you saying? Don't be rude! Take your words back!" he said, panicked.
He hadn't expected his daughter to speak out when he had already warned her not to interfere or disrupt their discussion. He feared she might ruin everything.
Yula, however, was intrigued. Why would a wealthy merchant's daughter want to work under her lower-status daughters? She observed Scillia's eyes, which constantly drifted toward Ella, and suddenly chuckled.
"Why not?" she said casually.
Eduan was speechless. He turned to his daughter. "What kind of work do you mean? Surely, you just mean a temporary position, right?"
Scillia's sparkling eyes didn't dim.
"Work? Huh? Yeah… work… but… what would I even do?"
She had originally admired Ella's feats in the Secret Realm. Without realizing it, she had developed an intense interest in her.
"What should I say? I don't even know what kind of job I want. What am I even asking for?"
She suddenly felt embarrassed.
She had always been a strong, prideful person. But ever since she had witnessed Ella's fierce presence in the Secret Realm, something inside her had changed.
She hadn't realized it herself—but she was already captivated.
Yula, noticing her hesitation, let out a sigh.
"How about becoming a maid?" she suggested casually.
"You can supervise my daughters every day and teach them various things. That way, you can be around them as much as you want. What do you think?"
Scillia's eyes lit up.
"Y-Yes! That's it! I want to be their personal maid! Father, please let me do this!"
Eduan finally understood what was happening.
His daughter had fallen for Ella.
However, he had no objections. In fact, he approved.
It wasn't uncommon for women to fall in love with other women in this world. Love transcended race, status, and gender.
He smiled.
"What do you think, young miss?" he asked, directing the question toward Ella and Olivia.
Ella simply nodded, not caring much.
Olivia, on the other hand, was already asleep, completely indifferent to the conversation.
Eduan chuckled. What a unique pair of sisters.
He turned back to Yula. "I approve. With my daughter personally serving them, this is a guaranteed partnership for the future."
Yula nodded, uninterested in dragging the conversation further. "Alright, then let's go."
She gestured for Scillia to follow.
Scillia happily stepped forward.
Ella glared at her as if warning: Don't try anything funny.
Scillia shivered slightly at the gaze and instinctively looked away, her face turning red.
She didn't understand why—but her heart raced uncontrollably.