Brain bloom

Rose quartz powder? Sen Shi tilted her head, puzzled. Rose quartz, wasn't that the kind of stone that could imbue mechanical dolls with souls? And it was very valuable. She still had one in her bag, a gift from the Rain Wizard. So, what exactly was this so-called powder?

Dandelion was still skeptical: "Are you sure this girl's personality is alright?"

"I can guarantee that."

“I can vouch for her; she took good care of me throughout the trip.”

It was Su Dai who spoke; her mouth-shaped hand flew around, creating a true surround sound effect.

It was precisely because of this that Mori noticed that the Hand Clan had a pair of small wings growing on the back of their hands. He wondered how such strange creatures reproduced. Although, in this respect, the Four Seasons were similar.

The butler, with his aged but calloused fingers, negotiated the contract with Dandelion, while also recounting Aisalia's experiences.

Introducing the slaves' origins to buyers is a standard procedure, and it's a crucial factor in deciding whether to negotiate the price and whether to sign a contract.

"Aisalia was originally a devout believer of the Holy Coffin Kingdom, with a kind heart, young and powerful, and could have become the guardian of one of the thirteen churches..."

Mori found it hard to believe that this cold-blooded killer girl actually believed her.

This reason makes Aisalia seem less ferocious—perhaps this is how gods perceive their believers, and she even seems a little shy.

"During a religious event, the sacred object she was responsible for protecting was targeted by the Peda Empire, which sent a highly skilled assassin... In the ensuing battle, the assassin fed her a large amount of rose quartz powder, ruining her life."

"So you didn't voluntarily use that stuff?"

The disgust in Dandelion's eyes when she looked at Elsalia had completely faded, replaced by a hint of pity.

The person in question remained in place, but the housekeeper and Su Dai both vouched for her.

"She's a good girl, but the fate ordained by the Creator has been unfair to her."

“I can assure you that this is true, whether in the name of the Black Wildcat family or out of gratitude for your help, otherwise we would not have sent it.”

"How dependent are you on Rose Stone Gloss? It doesn't seem like much." Dandelion paused, then asked, "You're not just dull-witted, are you? Or has Rose Stone Gloss turned you into someone with facial paralysis?"

"Very light. Yes, it seems there's something wrong with some pathways in the brain, and he can only maintain this expression for the rest of his life, and speaking is also difficult—but it won't affect his combat ability."

Only then did Aisalia slowly nod, making her first reaction upon arriving here. Mori found it both amusing and frustrating; it seemed that the drug-like effects of the Rose Stone Powder had caused her severe facial paralysis and lack of reaction.

Since he's not a habitual killer, then there's not much of a problem.

Just then, Dandelion's gaze, which was seeking her opinion, met hers, and she silently nodded, indicating that she agreed.

"One last question, how strong is she?" Dandelion asked, staring at Elsalia.

Aisalia nodded again, seemingly indicating that she was very strong? Dandelion didn't want to continue sunbathing, so she took it as her answer and silently signed both contracts.

Now, the winery has seemingly reliable people to help with its care and security.

The butler breathed a sigh of relief; at least he could go back and report. Finally, he leisurely took out a bag and presented it to Sen Shi with a kind smile.

"This is a belated gift of thanks. The Black Wildcat family expresses its gratitude to you for saving the old lady. We apologize that the healing scrolls have drained our family's entire cash reserves, so we can only express our appreciation with this gift."

"Thank you, may I open it and take a look?"

“Of course, please do so.” The butler’s goatee was tinged with pride as he smiled.

Mori unceremoniously collected them in his hand, gave them a slight shake, and they seemed to be stones? Because there was a dull thud. Pulling back the elastic cord, he found that they were all rough gemstones inside, about seven or eight different kinds.

They were quite large and came in a wide variety of types. After reaching inside to confirm the information, Sen Shi discovered that they were all magical gems of exceptionally high quality.

This is truly an unexpected delight.

If Senshi basks in the sun for another morning, his level will soon reach 25. When he can inscribe various high-level spells and sell them as scrolls, he will need a staff with the corresponding elemental attribute. These things will really come in handy in his time of need.

Another thing is that liking gemstones is a girl's nature, and Mori felt she was no exception. "I can get some small jewelry now!" she thought, her face stiff, but inside she was overjoyed.

"This bag is worth ten gold coins; it's part of our old lady's collection," the butler boasted.

The Black Cat family is indeed wealthy and generous, and these visits have all been pleasant; Mori's tone has also become more amiable.

"Thank you, I accept it. I wish her good health—if there are any further problems, I can provide more healing spell scrolls, as long as you continue to keep it a secret."

"Sometimes I'm really curious about your identities... Never mind, excuse my rudeness." He politely declined Dandelion's offer to sit down and have a cup of tea, put away the contract reply, and directed the carriage to turn around. "I still have some things to do in Silvermoon City, so I won't bother you any longer."

……

On her way home, Dandelion told her family's old-fashioned story from over a hundred years ago about this era:

The reason why Dandelion was unwilling to buy those high-ranking slaves was related to the rose quartz powder.

Many powerful individuals in the world become addicted to rose quartz powder, which causes their mental strength to weaken rapidly, turning them into mindless zombies.

Some people willingly indulge in that sweetness, while many more, like Aisalia, are forced into it. These people squander all their wealth and often begin taking on nauseating jobs, living on the edge to earn money, all to continue buying expensive rose quartz powder.

But many more hopeless people were simply sold off—Aishaliya belonged to this category, but her experience was somewhat different.

The outgoing Su Dai explained that she voluntarily became a slave out of shame, undergoing ascetic practices in hopes of redemption and rebirth. Although her adorable face was transformed into that of a murderer, her heart was filled with piety.

Incidentally, I also want to find an opportunity to kill that assassin from back then.

Having heard all this and gained a sufficient understanding of facial paralysis, Dandelion couldn't help but ask:

"And Ms. Su Dai? Why did you become a slave after getting off the carriage? I don't think you have any tragic life."

Volume 1 #088 - Strange Content

"Of course I'm not an ordinary slave, otherwise would I have the right to stipulate so many things in the contract?"

As the hand with the mouth approached Mori, her red lips spoke in a provocative voice:

"Actually, I'm not afraid of you laughing... I'm an erotic novelist."

"Pornographic novelist... Okay, I get it, he got arrested, right?" Dandelion's eyes turned colder, but still held a hint of unfathomable curiosity.

“Okay, I admit it, yes.” Su Dai clenched his long-mouthed hand as if to express his embarrassment, and his voice came out in a muffled tone, “Seven years ago, because my books sold too well, I was finally captured and enslaved for spreading harmful information. But I have enough money and connections to redeem myself. For example—the butler of the Black Cat family who was escorted before was a fan of my books.”

Mori recalled the butler's capable and serious face; he had initially thought he was a respectable person—it seemed that none of the Black Cat family members were respectable.

"But you didn't redeem yourself?" Dandelion asked again.

"One day, I discovered that losing my dignity, becoming a slave, being ruthlessly driven, and wandering the world experiencing life could provide me with a constant source of inspiration, which was extremely beneficial for my creative work!"

After speaking passionately, Su Dai flew to Sen Shi's side.

"This time too, with such a beautiful young woman waiting for me to gather material, I am truly a blessed person—God of literature, thank you for granting me salvation."

Before Sen could react, Dandelion had already shooed Su Dai's hand away like a fly: "Show some respect, he's your master too! Don't say such awful things! Don't even look at him!"

"Look, like this. What great material, isn't it? The beautiful mistress reprimands the offending slave to uphold the dignity of the other, and inspiration fills my whole body." Su Dai chuckled again, "It seems the two mistresses have a very good relationship."

Aisalia nodded quietly, seemingly agreeing.

Dandelion, blushing, scolded Su Dai the whole way, but the latter clearly knew his limits and quickly stopped joking. Through these few words of exchange, Su Dai had already integrated into the winery.

On the other side—after Aisalia was brought here, her hand had already loosened its grip on the hilt of the knife.

The rich, natural atmosphere of the winery brought her immense relaxation. She thought that perhaps this was a good place to find the salvation she was seeking. However, Aisalia also discovered something else strange.

The closer one gets to the home of the two masters, the more devout one becomes. Just like when I made my pilgrimage to the site of the sinking coffin, the first of the thirteen churches of the Holy Coffin, my whole heart was cleansed.

Afterwards, Dandelion cleared out two small rooms in the empty warehouse above the underground wine cellar to provide for the two new employees. She added a little furniture so that they could at least have enough to eat and wear.

There are many things I need to tell them, such as how to care for the grapes, which places they can't go, and that they should live separately so as not to disturb each other.

Although slaves are generally highly loyal due to the contract, Dandelion didn't explicitly state that she was a Four Seasons Slayer, so her instructions focused more on the job duties. Of course, she also gave a few warnings, essentially telling her to avoid disturbing Mori.

Although the tone was harsh, the living conditions provided were quite good, which relieved them both.

On the other side, Mori didn't follow. Instead, he grabbed Fukufu and the two of them quietly went to the garden behind the cabin.

She tiptoed to pick a green apple from a nearby apple tree for breakfast, then sat under the tree, took off her hat, and enjoyed the warmth brought by photosynthesis.

Of course, there were also a few words of criticism directed at Fu Fu.

Last time she actually said that Mori asked her to ask, what a silly elf. But we can't not ask, and after searching around, the only person we can ask is Fukufu. If, in the customs of the Four Seasons People, kissing that spot represents courtship, that would be a bit awkward, so we need to prepare in advance.

After much nagging, Fu Fu repeatedly assured her that he understood her meaning before darting away.

"...Hopefully I didn't make a mistake."

She muttered to herself, noting that Dandelion's gaze had always been so strange since she woke up that morning.

In short, let's put this matter aside for now.

Although it wasn't directly related to her, having two more helpers at the winery would save Sen Shi a lot of trouble. She wouldn't have to sleep soundly at night worrying about monsters stealing grapes, nor would she have to worry about such a large field being left unattended.

She can focus more on business matters, and now is a good time to start.

After finishing the sour little apple, Mori took out the book Dandelion had lent her. It contained the advanced magic, Elemental Restriction, which was monopolized by the Four Seasons. Before reaching level 25, she decided to learn this magic first.

Turning the pages, the characters are ancient and blurry, and the paper is brittle.

There was also a strange, pungent odor, a mixture of years of aged sewer smells that easily conjured up images of a sinister graveyard. However, this wasn't black magic or necromancy; it was simply magic without any elemental affinity.

The text in the book comes from an unknown magician who tells an incomplete story using only half the book's text.

In short, this magician was invited to help some adventurers explore the secrets deep within the earth, and his efforts were aimed at overcoming difficult problems.

Those adventurers believed that something existed beneath the earth, so they joined forces with many others to investigate the truth.

But magic is rarely effective at digging deep into the earth. For some reason, the elemental distribution there is extremely unstable, and even the most skilled archmages often experience setbacks when casting spells there. Yet, people have no other way to dig deeper than with magic.

So—the author of this book, this genius magician, devised a method to confine the elements to a specific area, at least ensuring their stability.

The magician recorded a great deal, his words revealing considerable pride. After all, those curious adventurers had succeeded, successfully venturing deep beneath the earth.

After several in-depth readings, Mori Toki grasped the magic from it; the process and content were not complicated.

The magician made a radical modification to the Barahbrot Three-Circle Array, dismantling the original three interlocking circles and leaving only the middle one.

This is different from most magical systems in the world, and it will affect the effectiveness of magic—however, deep underground, as long as this kind of magic is maintained, it can be unrestricted.

It's a bit weak, but it's better than nothing.

After learning the magic, Mori didn't close the book, because there were only three pages left before the story ended. Intrigued by what existed beneath the earth, she continued flipping through the pages.

Although the magician created this magic, there wasn't a single word of self-praise in his writing; instead, it seemed so panicked, and the handwriting was messy and disjointed.

The adventurers successfully ventured deep underground—but did not return on time, so the magician wrote: "I must go and see how they are doing, and I will continue writing when I return."

But that is the very last sentence of the book, with no further content.

Volume 1 #089 Magic Restriction