Cultivators at the Wizarding Academy

Chapter 149 The Trial by the Noble Council

The repeated failures in concocting magic potions were actually due to the expiration of the main ingredient, the Tranquilizing Flower.

Tai'an wasted a lot of time on this, and only realized his mistake after being reminded by the great detective Yin Yue.

"Xiao An, why don't you use your brain? Why can't the Tranquilizing Flower be picked only after rain? If it can be preserved indefinitely, why not just put it in a jar and take it out to use when needed?"

How long can the calming herb be stored?

"At most, a dozen or so hours after the rain stops! Depending on the air humidity in different places, I suggest using it immediately for the best effect." The silver-haired loli pondered, pinching her chin with her right thumb and forefinger. "Also, don't drink magic potions indiscriminately, it will affect your development. You'd better be careful about the life force you lose..."

"Oh! Don't you drink it every day?" Tai'an's question went straight to the point.

"Xiao An, how did you know?" Yin Yue asked, puzzled.

"The scent on his body..." Tai'an's nose has always been very sensitive.

Silvermoon suddenly realized: "The life force lost by magic potions can be replenished by life potions, or by other ways to replenish life force, such as Xiao An's saliva, which is the most effective."

"How dare you tease me!" The young boy grabbed the silver-haired girl's drill-shaped ponytail fiercely.

"I didn't, I'm telling the truth, I never lie..."

Tai'an ignored the explanation and simply took it away.

Half an hour later, the silver-haired little fairy ran out of the bedroom, her clothes disheveled, her starry eyes filled with tears of humiliation.

"Waaah, that mean Xiao An, she only knows how to bully me..."

On Friday at noon, Tai An made his usual rounds at the Eisenhower Apartments. He always entered directly through the window, saving time climbing the stairs. In Elaine's room, he saw Gus's two younger sisters, Little Fish and Leaf.

"Young Master Tai'an!" the girls greeted him.

Ye Zi, looking embarrassed, explained her plan. After several days of research and investigation, she was ready to invest in the catering industry, which had the highest and most stable customer flow.

The main reason is that the entry barrier is the lowest. The remaining shops with higher profits all require special supply channels, and some large chain brands also require high franchise fees.

The selected location is close to the main road leading out of the city and the intersection of Gray Mouse Lane, with an area of ​​about 60 square meters.

The average monthly rent is fifty silver dollars, and the plan is to sign a five-year contract. One year's rent is paid upfront, with a one-year deposit, for a total payment of twelve silver dollars.

The renovation plan includes two funds, a reserve fund for purchasing ingredients, and a plan to hire six to eight people, with an average monthly salary of three silver dollars.

"Very ambitious!" Tai An commented.

"With your support, I can take bigger steps." Ye Zi bowed humbly.

What category of food and beverage are you planning to serve?

"I want to take a low-end approach, selling breakfast based on seasonal ingredients, and dine-in boxed meals for lunch and afternoon. In the evening, I'll make braised dishes and barbecue. I can also sell some alcoholic beverages and drinks. I'll use all the time of the day."

Tai'an gazed into Ye Zi's clear eyes: "Report your expenses to the housekeeper, Mossoff, every month. I will entrust you with my complete trust. Of course, only once. Before the shop becomes profitable, wages can only be paid at 70% of their normal rate."

"As you wish."

The golden coins clinked together with a pleasant sound. There were fifteen of them piled on the bedside table. Ye Zi carefully put them into the purse she always carried with her, and placed it close to her body in the inner pocket of her clothes. She only felt at ease if she could touch it at all times.

"You can have your brother accompany you!" Tai'an relaxed the restrictions.

Although they do not acknowledge that it is the property of the Blue Rose family, they allow Guts to provide care to the best of his ability.

Ye Zi pondered for a moment, then slowly shook her head.

Xiaoyu frowned and said, "Yezi, what are you thinking? If something goes wrong with this much money, you'll never be able to pay it back in your lifetime."

"Everyone has their own ambitions, and I don't want to tell him about my plans," Ye Zi murmured softly.

Two o'clock in the afternoon, Elm Street.

The building housing the Noble Council resembled a museum, its exterior clad in white marble carvings. The coachman, Obitz, skillfully maneuvered the carriage into the designated parking space in the square.

Taiya, dressed in a red gown, stepped out of the car, followed by her two newly recruited followers, Tiniham and Yulin, as well as her follower Bruno. She couldn't hide her pride, considering herself part of a powerful lineup.

The Speaker, who had been waiting for a long time, personally came out to greet her, giving her great face. He praised Tae-ah's beauty in his words, and the seating arrangement also reflected his high regard for her.

Most of those attending this trial were heads of various noble families or first in line to the throne. Among the uniformly male attendees, Taiya stood out, a faint unease creeping into her heart. Fortunately, the presence of her followers behind her gave her courage, and she gradually calmed down.

The speaker, wearing a white wig, walked slowly to the podium, placing his hands on either side of the table. He tapped the gavel, signaling for silence.

"Thank you all for participating in the trial and decision regarding the Berland family. I will deliver the fairest verdict based on the law, and I welcome oversight and suggestions. This meeting will be broadcast live to the public."

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

The Speaker took out a prepared document and read aloud the crimes of the Belland family word for word. It covered all aspects, from major crimes such as colluding with evil gods and heretical priests, murder to cover up crimes, human trafficking, and selling highly addictive potions, to minor crimes such as bullying and monopolizing markets. After removing the repetitive parts, it still took about ten minutes to read.

The image of being utterly wicked has effectively blocked any attempts by some stakeholders to defend themselves.

In reality, neither the courts nor the council of nobles had the right to try powerful nobles. Even if a noble committed an illegal act, the most they could do was condemn him. The highest punishment was simply refusing to acknowledge his noble status and the legitimacy of his territory. The punishment for ordinary offenses usually only required paying a fine and a symbolic act of repentance and apology.

The council of nobles was primarily an institution for mediating disputes and issuing certifiers. The real highlight, however, lay in the subsequent punitive expedition.

The rich southern lands occupied by the Belland family are highly coveted. Compared to some public office or real estate, vast territories are the foundation for a noble's livelihood, which can be passed down from generation to generation.

The newly formed punitive expeditionary force undoubtedly needs a leader.

The Blue Rose family, the main protagonists of this event, are undoubtedly at the forefront. No one dares to question the strength of the two Saint-level experts.

However, Taiya did not directly express her intention to join the campaign. Although the Speaker emphasized that as the leader, she had the right to prioritize the division of territory, considering that this was an exclave for the Blue Rose family, it would be a loss to bear most of the pressure and risks by dispersing her forces to manage it.

Taiya did not completely deny the possibility of intervening in the punitive expedition, but simply stated that the family's Saint-level experts were temporarily unable to be mobilized, thus making excuses.

With the trial proceedings concluded, the next step is the auction of the property.

Last night, Taiya contacted her father, Tailun, and received an operating quota of three thousand gold coins, as well as an operating quota of ten thousand gold coins from her younger brother, Taian.

The difference is readily apparent in comparison.

"Where did Xiao An get so much money? I had no idea!" Taiya rested her chin on her hand, her mood inexplicable.

(End of this chapter)