Brain bloom

"This is the custom of all independent towns. They name themselves after a second-class metal like silver to show that they have no desire to conquer like a nation. They are content to find a place to settle down and live a peaceful life."

Mori nodded, thinking to herself that there were truly many intricacies in this world... But were all the world's best craftsmen in that city? That was still somewhat appealing. Because Mori had complete confidence in her skills, she couldn't help but feel that the stage before her was the one where she could showcase her craft.

A group of veteran craftsmen with decades of experience held a skills competition.

The rewards are generous, and big shots and beautiful young ladies are all coming to join in the fun, wanting to see which craftsman has the best skills and that there will be many benefits to be had.

Then this young girl suddenly appeared, conquering everything with her incredible skills despite everyone's skepticism...

"What are you grinning about?" Dandelion asked, looking at her with a puzzled expression.

"Then, my little believer B happened to be the award presenter at the conference. With an extremely respectful tone, he suddenly revealed my identity, causing an uproar... Ah, that's going to be so satisfying."

"What... are you muttering to yourself? Did you ingest too much salt and mess up your brain while splashing around in the seawater with your toes?"

After saying that, Dandelion reached out and checked, but found no withered or yellowed leaves.

Mori snapped out of his reverie, still smiling, and said, "I was just thinking that maybe I finally have a chance to get back on a normal life track."

Dandelion still looked puzzled and didn't know how to respond.

After a long pause, she could only shrug, looking proud: "Anyway, if you see any pretty little jewelry or handicrafts that you like, just say the word, and I'll pay for them."

"The money wasn't given to you by me... By the way, speaking of money..."

……

In the realm of demons, the ancient demon king returned to his humble palace. This was the place that had been with him for countless years, where he had met most of the world's strongest beings. And most of them had become history.

The first time it renovated this place was after it adopted Yuan, when it built a room for her.

The ancient demon king lay on his throne, shook his head, stared at Yuan's small room, and thought that Yuan should be in the Peda Empire to solve his heating problem, and then go with a fleet to besiege Silvermoon City to ask for money.

Silvermoon City, which had enjoyed peace for so many years, finally suffered another disaster. From the devil's perspective, it still preferred to see the chaotic human world, since humans are all ugly... except for wishful thinking.

At that moment, it felt a feather on its body itch.

"Who is trying to communicate with me?" it questioned its own feathers.

“It’s me, Uncle King of the Ancient Demons, I am Melia.”

"Oh? Little Melia, what's wrong? Using this emergency contact? Is there a deal for me?"

"The Four Seasons contacted me, hoping I could pass on a message to you, so you could pass it on to Yuan, and then Yuan could pass it on to the Peda Empire."

“Give me a filthy human soul, and I can have the Four Seasons contact the Peda Empire directly.”

"In short, the Four Seasons want to cancel the war so that the Peda Empire doesn't have to besiege Silvermoon City for war reparations. They say they're quite pitiful and it would be a bit unfair to continue attacking them. They're currently in the Holy Coffin Kingdom, so it's also a bit inconvenient for them to collect money."

The ancient demon king rose from his throne, then angrily pecked out the feather he could use for conversation and threw it to the ground—

"This deal was made here, I witnessed the whole process, and now you want me to cancel it? Where is my dignity?"

"Then...it won't work?"

"Row."

"……OK?"

"Yes, fine!" it said sullenly, its feathers listless. "The price... I'll go ask the Peda Empire for it. They'll be happy if they can save on fuel costs."

"it is good."

After the communication ended, the ancient Demon King sighed and prepared to carry out his mission. He only hoped that the coffin bearer would bring some good news to his vassal state... If that were the case, he would be willing to discard any amount of dignity.

If it fails to bring good news, dignity is equally meaningless. The ancient demon king closed his eyes, ready to play his last trump card and prepare for his demise… Therefore, it doesn't matter how later history portrays its dignity…

Volume 1, Chapter 268: Don't Think About Leaving

Before docking—

Unlike the winery where spring lasts all year round, it was only after he went outside that Mori realized that the world also has different climates.

The cold first affects the skin, and early winter is not far away.

Fortunately, Mori had prepared clothes in advance. Although they looked ordinary on the surface, they would be comfortable and warm to wear under the robe.

It is covered with densely packed magic circles, and Sen Shi has devoted most of his time to it, so it can be turned into a reusable self-heating magic garment.

"Warm, isn't it? This is a magical structure that I racked my brains to come up with. I could probably sell it for a hundred or so gold coins outside. Hehe, I can wear this all winter long, and it's also low-key and inconspicuous."

"warm."

After saying this, she pulled up Senshi's hat to cover the leaves, just like adjusting someone's collar. Once they were ready, they brought the little paper boat ashore and, before anyone noticed, transformed it back into a necklace.

This is already within the territory of Silver Ring City, and traces of people are everywhere. After taking a few more steps around, you can get onto the main road and then enter Silver Ring City along with hundreds or even thousands of other travelers.

Dandelion was the first to raise her head, pointing to the landmark of Silver Ring City and asking Mori to take a look.

It was renovated to be exceptionally magnificent and brand new.

It was a stone sculpture, brand new, exquisite, and imposing. Sen Shi couldn't estimate its height, but even from this distance, one had to look up to see it.

The statue was dressed in a beautiful holy robe, completely covering its face, but the details were obscured. However, it was covered in many holy letters, which immediately made Sen Shi understand why Dandelion had such a mischievous grin.

"It doesn't resemble the real person at all, right?"

"Um……"

The statue of the coffin bearer has its hands raised, pointing towards the Holy Coffin Kingdom. On its index finger is a silver ring, naturally engraved with holy letters, and possibly imbued with some kind of magic, it shines brightly even in daylight.

"The holy letter on that ring is said to be the highest achievement of magical craftsmanship, and it can illuminate the streets of the entire city at night."

"Um……"

"At that time, the light trails of the Holy Letters will be scattered on the streets like snowflakes, which is a very famous and beautiful sight. Thanks to the blessing of this Holy Light, even after nightfall, Silver Ring City has half an hour of legal nightlife time, which is known as the 'God-given Time'."

Sen Shi thought for a moment, and as the sun set, the SB ring in the hand of the SB God emitted holy light, scattering SBs all over the streets. People were grateful and bathed in this light, and everyone was extremely devout.

But putting aside the shape and meaning of the sacred letters, she felt it would be a very romantic night view.

Because of the ghosts, the half hour became all the more precious.

The two slowly walked onto the main road, a clean and tidy long brick path. The people here seemed relatively wealthy and energetic; at least no one was freezing.

She couldn't help but smile. Although the gold coins she had accumulated throughout her life no longer belonged to her, creating such a world might not be so bad.

Beneath the statue of the coffin bearers, the two strolled slowly, listening to the dandelions chatter about "Legend! The twelve precious rings, a dreamlike treasure from Silver Ring City," enjoying a peaceful journey and experiencing the local customs and culture.

Before entering the city, they heard some commotion.

At the city gates, soldiers were routinely checking those entering and leaving. Entry was lenient, but exit was strictly controlled. Those wishing to leave were subjected to thorough questioning and interrogation to ensure there were no problems before being allowed to pass.

"Did you lose something?" Mori asked jokingly. "Or was there some brutal murder, and the killer is on the run?"

"That's normal. Silver Ring City has many extraordinary jewels and the like, and it's often frequented by thieves. Who knows, maybe some big gems have been stolen from the Jewel Museum. As for murders... Your great light protects Silver Ring City, no one would do something so divinely retributive."

Mori puffed out his cheeks in anger and could only glare at her silently.

Ahead, a soldier looked troubled as he blocked another person who wanted to leave the city.

After an inspection, they discovered that the old man was a craftsman, and apparently one of the more renowned ones. In other words, he was a very valuable asset to Silver Ring City. But the soldiers' attitude did not soften; instead, they refused even more firmly.

The craftsman looked furious: "I told you, I only know how to make necklaces, I know nothing about blacksmithing or knife forging! I have urgent business to attend to in the Holy Coffin Kingdom, don't stop me!"

"Sorry, old Bill... we were just following orders."

"You stinking soldier, who made the necklace for your daughter's wedding? Do I have to remind you?" Old Bill spat on the other man's face, his anger barely contained.

Their argument was loud, attracting the attention of those around them. The soldier quickly pulled old Bill away, his voice sounding aggrieved.

"But that person's identity... we have no choice but to accept it. We've been scolded here for three days, but we still have to do our job obediently and keep all the craftsmen in the city."

"Aren't we, the beloved guardians of the Blade of Chaos and the venerable holders of the Holy Letter, more famous than that damned chef?" Old Bill suddenly performed a devout worship gesture.

"Of course, there's no comparison... but what does it have to do with this gentleman?"

"It was this sir who summoned me!" Old Bill shouted loudly, his voice brimming with pride. "Listen carefully, I have to go help urgently; this cannot be delayed!"

“I…I have to ask my superior.”

"Send someone there immediately."

Hearing this, it was Mori and Dandelion's turn. After a brief check, they were allowed into the city. Once inside, before they could even find lodging or browse the neatly arranged shops, they were drawn to the surrounding chatter.

Wherever and whenever people gather, there will be idle chatter and gossip, as they tell outsiders stories of what happens there.

"I heard that several of them failed."

"No pay, just one meal... and the whole city is in this state."

"After all, he's a culinary master, the person in the world closest to the true meaning of 'deliciousness.' But if this continues, we'll lose face, won't we?"

"Indeed... I reckon someone will come and take care of this soon."

Sen Shi and Dandelion looked at each other, puzzled. Going out to join in the fun when it's safe is part of the enjoyment of travel. But rather than asking others, it seemed the answer to this rather big commotion could be found nearby.

Every ten steps within the city, a notice was posted.

"A chef has issued a call to action to everyone in your city who is confident in their culinary skills—"

If someone can craft a complete set of kitchenware that satisfies me, I will offer five thousand gold coins, or anything of equal value, in exchange.

Or, I could cook him a meal.

Perhaps you don't want to get involved and waste your precious time on me, a chef. But until I get a good set of kitchen utensils, none of you craftsmen will leave this city.

Volume 1, Chapter 269: The Chef Seems Quite Skilled

Five thousand gold coins... This enormous sum instantly caught Sen Shi's attention.

Based on her understanding of currency values, this purchasing power was quite formidable. In a major capital city, it could probably buy a prestigious noble title, along with fertile lands, a luxurious castle, and a well-equipped private army.

To be honest, Sen Shi really wanted these things. The money spent was equivalent to attack power, and having a big fist was more effective than anything else.

Besides, we have to think about the future...

After helping Dandelion restore her kingdom is over, she'll have to start thinking about how to avoid the unbearable and tragic fate of "giving birth to baby Dandelions." She needs to escape. And, barring any unforeseen circumstances, she'll probably spend her whole life in this world... These five thousand gold coins are clearly a good opportunity.

When Dandelion saw Mori stroking her chin in deep thought, she noticed the glint in her eyes.

"Does Mori Toki want it too?"

"A little."