After Regis made sure that the new table was fine, blue threads of arcana began snaking out from beneath his palm. The threads moved in unison, forming the familiar transmutation circle he used to fuse things. With the circle in place, the spell weaver began to take out one pouch after the other from the satchel Letty gave him, placing them on his bed. He took one seed or root from each pouch and cast charlatan’s wisdom on them.

{Lifeless Sunbloom Seed}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: waste}

{Seed}

{The dried-out seed of a Sunbloom flower. It can be planted, but will likely never grow into anything. Needs strong light elemental energy to properly grow.}

{Lifeless Flame-bell Root}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: waste}

{Root}

{The dried-out root of a Flame-bell flower. It can be planted, but will likely never grow into anything. Needs strong fire elemental energy to properly grow.}

{Lifeless Shadow-grass Seed}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: waste}

{Seed}

{The dried-out seed of a Shadow-grass plant. It can be planted, but will likely never grow into anything. Needs strong darkness elemental energy to properly grow.}

{Lifeless Mejal Seed}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: waste}

{Seed}

{The dried-out seed of a Mejal flower. It can be planted, but will likely never grow into anything. Needs a dense ambient arcana to properly grow.}

{Lifeless Spring-bloom Root}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: waste}

{Root}

{The dried-out root of a Spring-bloom plant. It can be planted, but will likely never grow into anything. Needs strong nature elemental energy to properly grow.}

{Lifeless Gold Dew Willow Seed}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: waste}

{Seed}

{The dried-out seed of a gold dew willow tree. It can be planted, but will likely never grow into anything. Needs strong light and nature elemental energy to properly grow.}

As he read the descriptions, the dark elf couldn’t help but wonder. ‘Looks like she wasn’t joking when she said that she had a bunch of elemental plant seeds. Maybe I should try creating hybrid plants on my own later on.’ Not wanting to waste time on idle thoughts, he grabbed the first pouch, grouping the seeds into separate trios. Once those got fused into actually plantable seeds, he put five into the transmutation circle to increase their quality. By the end of it, he was barely left with one or two of each, but all of them were of a ‘decent’ quality. Charlatan’s wisdom proved that his efforts were worth it.

{Plantable Sunbloom Seed}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: decent}

{Seed}

{The plantable seed of a Sunbloom flower. When planted into the ground, it will slowly grow into a ‘decent’ quality Sunbloom flower. Needs strong light elemental energy to properly grow.}

{Plantable Flame-bell Root}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: decent}

{Root}

{The plantable root of a Flame-bell flower. When planted into the ground, it will slowly grow into a ‘decent’ quality Flame-bell root. Needs strong fire elemental energy to properly grow.}

{Plantable Shadow-grass Seed}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: decent}

{Seed}

{The plantable seed of a Shadow-grass plant. When planted into the ground, it will slowly grow into a ‘decent’ quality Shadow-grass plant. Needs strong darkness elemental energy to properly grow.}

{Plantable Mejal Seed}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: decent}

{Seed}

{The plantable seed of a Mejal flower. When planted into the ground, it will slowly grow into a ‘decent’ quality Bloodroot flower. Needs a dense ambient arcana to properly grow.}

{Plantable Spring-bloom Root}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: decent}

{Root}

{The plantable root of a Spring-bloom root. When planted into the ground, it will slowly grow into a ‘decent’ quality Spring-bloom plant. Needs strong nature elemental energy to properly grow.}

{Plantable Gold Dew Willow Seed}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: decent}

{Seed}

{The plantable seed of a gold dew willow tree. When planted into the ground, it will slowly grow into a ‘decent’ quality Gold Dew willow tree. Needs strong light and nature elemental energy to properly grow.}

With all the seeds and roots prepared as promised, he began to create a few light and nature elemental stones as well, so that the tree his companion wanted to plant could get some extra fertiliser. Soon, a gentle knock could be heard from the direction of the door.

“Regis,” he heard the wood elf call out to him. “Dinner is ready.”

“It’s open,” the dark elf replied and the young woman opened the door. “I just finished a few extra elemental stones to go with the seeds.”

“Really?” She walked closer with a happy smile. “You already managed to get them done?”

“I did, but it drastically dwindled the number of seeds you’ll get to work with.”

“That’s alright,” Letty shook her head as she gathered the scant number of roots and seeds along with the pouches and the satchel. “Come on, the others are already downstairs.”

Regis followed the wood elf, finding the others already sitting beside the table that was covered with steaming food.

“Smells good.” He noted while taking a seat.

“Then eat while it's hot.” Mary urged him, handing over some of the freshly cooked vegetables on a platter.

“I heard from the others that you want to return to Hunor in a few days.” Quentin brought up the subject.

“We discussed our non-existent economy earlier and agreed that we need to bring in a trader or something similar. They said that you met with some while recruiting people.”

“We did meet with a few people who claimed that they were travelling tradesmen or had their own shops before having to leave Harmarond.”

“Do you think they will still be there?”

“I don’t see why not,” the paladin sighed. “I doubt that the other nobles had already got there the recruit them. Are we looking for anyone specific?”

“We need someone with experience in selling arcane wares like enchanted items and potions.” The spell weaver explained while eating.

“I think,” Osmond spoke up suddenly. “Regis is going to need a chamberlain or a steward as well.”

“What for?” The dark elf asked surprised by his friend’s idea.

“The more people we get here, the more domestic matters you would have to attend to. You’ll need someone to keep track and attend to the more mundane stuff or you’ll get swamped with the smaller works that others could do instead.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Valerie agreed. “Although he would first have to get a proper place for himself.”

“We all need a proper place for ourselves,” Cruz remarked. “We’re going to need a mason to help build up whatever is needed. We can’t always rely on Regis’ earth magic.”

“She does have a point,” Quentin sighed. “It’s not like building materials are a problem, since we can use magic to conjure most of those.”

“The farmhouses are almost ready and the greenhouse only needs the planters and pots before we could start growing herbs,” Letty added. “We could plant the new batch of crops and focus on growing that for now.”

“I guess it’s decided then,” Regis said. “We’ll return to Hunor in three days to recruit some masons, a trader or two and possibly a steward if we find anyone fitting for the task. Anything else?”

“Yes,” Amanda spoke up. “You might want to hop over to East Fork later to ask around about those equipment enchantment contracts.”

“Speaking about contracts,” the spell weaver hummed. “I think it might be for the best if I draw up a basic work contract for the new people. Just to be on the safe side.”

“That’s a good idea.” The others agreed.

The rest of the dinner when to by with small talk, the warband finishing off their meal before saying good night to each other. Regis headed upstairs into his room where he sat down to meditate, aiming to enter his inner realm. As the world shifted around him, the dark elf found himself staring at his statue in the central area with the colourful crystal paths leaving into the distant darkness. He opened his soul-tome, seeing that most of his skills and spells gained a few levels, but nothing reached a turning point or total mastery. His character sheet also changed somewhat since the last time he looked at it.

{Name: Regis Thorne}

{Title: Novice loremaster}

{Race: Dark elf/Sun elf/ Human}

{Age: 19}

{Amaranth: 3280}

{Caste: landed lesser noble}

{Path}

Novice Loremaster

Trainee fighter

{Craft}

Novice enchanter

Novice alchemist

{Attributes}

•Allure: 16

•Deftness: 20

•Erudition: 23

•Faith: 8

•Luck: 12

•Might: 20

•Mind: 27

•Physique: 22

•Spirit: 27

•Willpower: 27

Health/Arcana/Stamina

{65/65}{135/135}{60/60}

{Status effects}

Health regeneration 2,2/1 min

‘Looks like eating healthy and working every day really does increase one’s health and stamina somewhat. But what’s with the 2,2 health regen? I only had a 0,2 the last time I checked.’ He mused as he noticed the seven points of health and four points of stamina increase. As for his twenty-one points of arcana increase; that was to be expected with all the time he spent meditating and the spell mastery levels he gained.

‘Still; Thorne? When did I gain such a weird family name? Could it be the result of me claiming ownership of Thorn Vale?’ Regis pondered as he stared at his newfound family name. Not knowing what to do with the situation, he let out a deep sigh and turned his attention back to the things he could control. The amount of amaranth he had was just enough for him to buy the feat he wanted. With a proper goal in mind, the spell weaver walked along the crystal stepping stones of his loremaster path until he reached the floating stone he was looking for. Upon touching it, the familiar glowing words appeared in front of him.

{Law scribe}

{Those that know the law have clear conscience when enforcing it. Law scribes can create formal contracts, and declarations and record territorial laws. The contracts must be clearly worded and both sides must sign it of their own volition. Declarations must be clearly worded and declared either by the scribe or an appointed lawman. Territorial laws can only be made by the owner of said territory.}

{Cost: 2500 Amaranth}

{Do you wish to gain this feat?}

‘Yes.’ He thought and the glowing emerald green motes of amaranth floated into the crystal, turning it into yet another stepping stone. A torrent of knowledge flooded his mind, giving him the necessary basics for any proper contract he would need to write. With the feat now in his possession so to speak, Regis returned to the central platform of his inner domain, his eyes scanning the dark sky, only to notice two unfamiliar constellations that both glowed with a deep bronze colour.

‘When did you two get up there?’ The dark elf mused as he walked over to the shelf that held the constellation charts he possessed. After rummaging through the scrolls, he found the two new pieces. One of them depicted a castle-like structure while the other one showed a tree. Their description was different from other constellations, making Regis all the more curious about them.

{Landwaker Constellation}

{Rank: Bronze}

{Nodes: 28/28}

Daily Amaranth gain: 15

Arcana Regeneration: 3

Health Regeneration: 2

{As the one who bonded with a prominent Landwaker, you gain a small benefit from your connection while staying in the tree’s area of influence. Both your bond and the constellation will naturally grow along with the tree.}

‘Oh.’ Was the only word Regis managed to say as he absent-mindedly stared at the strange constellation. In simple terms, he somehow bonded with the Prismatic Landwaker and he not only received an extra three points of arcana and two points of health regen, but he would actually get a stipend of fifteen Amaranth each day. That was bonkers. After snapping out of it, he turned his attention to the scroll with the castle gate-like drawing,

{Landed Noble Constellation}

{Rank: Bronze}

{Nodes: 24/24}

Acceptable servant oaths: 12

Acceptable soldier oaths: 100

Renown gain through servant’s actions: 20

{As a ‘lesser’ landed noble, you can accept the fealty oath of twenty ordinary servants and a hundred soldiers. They’re oath-bound to follow your orders or risk severe consequences. Every time one of your servants or soldiers does something noteworthy, you as their liege will also gain renown for their deeds. This constellation will grow along with your noble status.}

‘Well, shit. I wasn’t expecting this sort of thing at all.’ Regis admitted while putting back the scrolls in their place. Twelve servants and a hundred soldiers were a lot. Okay, not that much compared to the armies of thousands some greater nobles could have, but still. And there was the renown leeching too. It was hard to gain large amounts of renown as the Heart wanted him to do great and potentially quite dangerous things for it.

A flat twenty points every time one of his sworn people would do something renown worthy was some serious boon. All in all, it was a lot to digest. After letting out a deep breath, the spell weaver sat down to meditate. He left in a moment’s wake, opening his eyes to find himself back in his room. ‘First things first, I’ll need a service contract for a steward and a merchant who would represent me in East Fork and a representative here. Now that I think about it, we really need a name for our settlement.’ Regis mused as he pulled out his scribe’s kit from beneath his bed.

Looking at the parchments he had with him, the ink vials, and the dozen bronze quills, he couldn’t help but sight. ‘Osmond brought back a shitload of materials to work with, but these are all just basic stuff.’ As he thought that, he cast charlatan’s wisdom on them, letting out yet another sigh as he read their descriptions.

{All-purpose Alchemical Ink}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: ordinary}

{Scribe/Spell-scribe component}

{Bronze Tipped Quill}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: ordinary}

{Scribe/Spell-scribe tool}

{Treated Parchment}

{Item rarity: common}

{Item quality: ordinary}

{Scribe/Spell-scribe component}

‘I should use the transmutation circle to upgrade these into their ‘well-made’ quality equivalents. That should boost the strength of the contracts. First I’ll have to practice though to raise my skill level.’ He decided while sitting down next to his table, grabbing one of the many quills. Regis began to pen down a set of simple laws on one parchment before making a declaration regarding public littering on another. After finishing his fifth sheet of official document, glowing words burned through the air in front of him.

{You have successfully created five declarations.}

{You have unlocked the ‘Law Scribe’ skill line.}

‘There it is.’ The spell weaver nodded as he read the much-awaited words. ‘Now I just need to see if I can recycle these.’ He thought while looking at the freshly penned scrolls.