I was a lord farming, how did I become an emperor?

Chapter 209 Lynx Herbalist
……

……

Rod ruffled Vika's hair, feeling just like he was petting a cat.

I've gotten used to being surrounded by monsters and alien races these days.

Rod asked Vika to stand up and began to speak.

"The Lynx people can live in Frostleaf Town, and I will arrange some things for your families to do."

"And Vika, your task and that of your men is to learn the skills of reconnaissance and assassination."

The Lynx people's talent cannot be wasted. Rhode has put so much effort into training them into the best assassins.

Rod paused, and after Kyle finished translating, continued, "Your task is simple: to ensure the safety of important figures and workshops within the territory."

"You must hide in the shadows and eliminate the enemy before they discover you."

“You must also accompany important figures in the territory when they travel and protect their safety.”

“You will form a separate organization that will report directly to me.”

Rhodes thought for a moment and said, "Let's call him Shadow Guard."

"Yes, Lord Lord."

After listening to Kyle's translation, Vika nodded solemnly in response.

Everything was over. Rhodes smiled and looked Vika over.

"Your ears and tails are too conspicuous; you can't show them outside anymore."

The fur on the body can be covered by clothes, but the ears need to be covered by a hooded cloak.

Kyle translated Rhodes' words offhand, and Vika suddenly widened her eyes, covered her ears, and stared at Rhodes in disbelief, her tail involuntarily tucking in.

Seeing this, Kyle explained a few more words, leaving Rhodes completely confused.

Kyle looked somewhat embarrassed. "Ahem, sorry, my lord, I mistranslated."

"Vika thought you were going to cut off his ears and tail."

"..."

Rhodes glanced at Kyle helplessly, "Just put on the cloak."

Cutting off the ears is a good idea.
However, Vika's expression seemed alright.

Even though Kyle translated it wrong, Vika didn't jump up in protest; she was just terrified.

"Also, make them all learn the Imperial language."

Rod couldn't help but add a comment.

Translating every day is really tiring.

……

……

The people of Frostleaf Town were busy preparing for spring planting, and the arrival of the Lynx people in the town did not attract much attention.

People have seen the snow rabbit people digging pits for construction teams and the yak people making hoes in blacksmith shops, so seeing the lynx people is nothing special.

After all, the coat covered the fur, and the tail was tucked into the leather skirt, leaving only the triangular pointed ears.

The future is also nowhere to be seen.

Lawrence had already designated an area for the Lynx people in the southeast corner of the town; it was a bit cramped, but barely enough.

Of course, even though the Lynx people live in dormitories, it is much more comfortable than their previous cave huts.

By evening, everything was arranged.

"Sir, what are these lynx people good at?"

Back in the hall, Lawrence said respectfully, "I'd like to know more so I can arrange their future work."

"I hadn't noticed that."

Rhodes had been focused on using Vika and the other Lynx people to establish an assassination organization, overlooking this point.

He turned to Kyle, "Go and talk to the Lynx."

"Yes, sir."

Kyle responded and quickly left.

Lawrence also took his leave to attend to his work.

Rod thought for a moment, then got up, walked out of the hall, and went straight into the cabin where Avril worked.

The wizarding apprentices of Frostleaf Town were all studying diligently in this room. Upon seeing Rhodes, they all stood up.
Good evening, my lord.

"You can continue, don't mind me."

Rod smiled and waved his hand, and everyone slowly sat down to continue their work.

Rhodes walked over to Avril and asked in a low voice, "Are there any spells that can make someone quickly learn a foreign language or the language of the Empire?"

Avril rested her chin on her hand and thought for a moment, then quickly pulled out a notebook from the books beside her and began searching through it.

"Proficient in languages, able to understand the other party's language for a period of time, but ineffective against runes and ciphers."

Avril closed the notebook. "Does this meet your needs?"

"It's somewhat useful, but it's not enough."

Rhodes shook his head slightly.

While being fluent in languages ​​is useful to Rhodes, his primary goal is to teach Vika and the other Lynx people the Imperial language.

They can't always have a snow rabbit person by their side as a translator.

Avril checked the journal again, then shook her head slightly, "There's nothing else..."

"What about spells that enhance learning ability?"

Rhodes settled for second best.

It might also help the Lynx learn faster.

Avril lowered her head and checked again, "The channeling spell can only last for a short while... I have a channeling potion!"

"That's fine!"

"It can improve the drinker's intelligence and memory to a certain extent, and the effect can last for half a day!"

Avril happily pushed the journal in front of Rhodes.

The above is in the Imperial language, and it contains knowledge that low-level apprentices can access and master, compiled by Avril.

Rod picked it up and examined it carefully, and was immediately delighted.

The guiding potion is the lowest level potion and has no effect on intermediate wizard apprentices.

But precisely because of this, the materials it requires are very basic, with the rarest being only the Tear of the Beast; Rhodes has heard of the others.

"That's it!"

Rhodes put down his notebook. "Make a copy of the recipe for me. I'll have Luna collect it for me tomorrow!"

"Uh-huh."

Avril took out paper and pen, and at that moment Franny walked over.
"Sister, let me copy it for you. I need to practice my handwriting."

"Okay, then I'll leave it to you."

Avril smiled and ruffled Franny's bunny head, her eyes full of affection.

Franny is well-behaved and hardworking, and not only Avril likes her, but everyone else does too.

Rod bent down and lifted Franny to a chair, sparing her the complicated process.

"Thank you, my lord."

Franny obediently nodded and bowed, popped a piece of candy into her mouth, and focused on copying.

Rod looked up at Avril.

"Don't you think the manor is a bit small?"

Avril nodded. "There are more and more people."

She looked at the four busy wizard apprentices. "They all need their own rooms, especially when they're meditating."

"Ah."

Rhodes nodded slightly.

Even without building a castle, a real lord's estate would have been far more complex than it is now.

The manor house includes the main residence, council chamber (manor court), study, secret room, workshop, kitchen and storeroom, and servants' quarters, etc.

In comparison, Rhodes's current manor is just a large courtyard, lacking many functional rooms.

“These days we’ve been making plans to expand the estate after spring planting.”

……

……

Rhodes didn't chat with Avril; after getting the recipe, he returned to the main hall.

Luna happened to be there to help Rhode make the potion, so Rhode gave the formula to Luna.

"Collect more of the herbs mentioned above; this medicine will benefit us all."

The potion of guidance can be used by anyone who needs to learn, including low-level wizarding apprentices like Avril.

Luna didn't ask any further questions and nodded repeatedly, "No problem, it's just that the monster's tears..."

"Leave this to me."

Rhodes took the initiative to speak.

At this moment, Kyle rushed back, panting heavily.

“My lord, I’ve found out that those lynx people are skilled at processing leather and gathering herbs.”

"Oh?"

Rod's eyes lit up, and he exchanged a glance with Luna, who was also filled with surprise.

Leather processing is generally a skill among non-human races, as they rely on hunting for survival.

There aren't many people skilled at collecting herbs, because it involves a lot of knowledge about herbs.

The territory is currently lacking people to care for herbs, so if the Lynx people are truly skilled in herbal medicine, they've really struck gold.

"Have them send someone over tomorrow morning. I need to find out exactly how good they are at law enforcement."

Rhodes waved to Kyle, "Alright, you've had a busy day, go and rest." "Yes, my lord."

Kyle bowed and withdrew.

Rhodes then took Luna into the workshop to continue working on the giant wolf mutation potion.

……

……

Perhaps Vika had deliberately reminded him.

Nessa took Rhodes's words very seriously.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking.

After Lia helped Rhodes get dressed, a guard came to report.

"My lord, Kyle has arrived, and he has brought with him a lynx-woman named Nessa."

Kyle can come and go from the manor at will.

But since they brought an outsider, they couldn't just let him pass.

"Okay, let them go to the restaurant."

Rod turned to Leah and gave her a few words of advice, asking her mother, Martha, to prepare two more breakfasts.

Now that they were there, Rod couldn't let the two of them talk on empty stomachs.

During the meal, Rod didn't like to talk; he just focused on the sandwich in front of him.

Rod had had enough of dry bread and vegetable soup, so he taught Martha to sandwich fried eggs and roasted meat between three slices of bread, along with some blanched wild vegetables.

Kyle had eaten with Rhodes a few times, and without any hesitation, he not only finished all the food but also asked Leah for an extra carrot.

Nessa, however, was very reserved, eating cautiously and glancing at Rhodes's expression from time to time.

As soon as Rhodes put down his cutlery, Nessa immediately stopped eating as well.

Rhodes had no choice but to tell Leah to pack up the food so she could take it with her when she left.

—When Frostleaf Town wasn't wealthy enough to waste food.

After breakfast, Rhodes gained a comprehensive understanding of the lynx's "skill in gathering herbs" through Nessa.

Surprisingly, Nessa had a wealth of knowledge about herbs.

They have a thorough understanding of the growth cycle, growing environment, preferences, and medicinal effects of herbs.

Like Luna, Nessa also cultivated a small patch of herbs herself.

This knowledge of herbs comes from the traditions passed down by their Lynx ancestors.

The lynx people like to roam freely in the mountains and forests, and there are many places where they cannot be stopped.

Their sense of smell is exceptionally keen, and their perception is strong, enabling them to detect many wild grasses with distinctive scents.

The ancestors of the Lynx people would collect these wild grasses and eat them as a supplement to their food.

Later, it was gradually discovered that many wild herbs have special effects, such as making people feel energetic or helping injured patients heal their wounds faster.

Of course, some Lynx people were poisoned during this process, and some even died from the poison.

Then the lynx ancestors realized that not all wild grasses are good for the body.

As things progressed, the Lynx women began experimenting with birds and squirrels.

Over the course of countless years, the Lynx people became increasingly familiar with herbs.

However, there are still some gaps in knowledge during this process.

For example, the ancestors of the Lynx people had already touched upon the realm of potions.

But now it's just a legend in the Silverclaw tribe.

This news made Rod very happy, and he immediately called Luna over as well.

The herb garden is short-handed, and these lynx herbalists are just the right fit.

Rhodes handed Nessa over to Luna and asked them to work together to select a suitable herbalist from the Lynx people.

However, we'll need to find another snow rabbit person to act as a translator.

Kyle couldn't stay any longer and had to return to Razor Plains.

After leaving the Lynx people's affairs to Nesa, Rhodes came to the blacksmith's shop.

Bain slept soundly and was fully recovered.

It's worth mentioning that the intense tempering and forging process seemed to have inscribed a magic circle within the yak people's bodies.

This innate ability allows the yak-man to circulate scorching energy, but it can only be supplied to this innate spell.

Rhodes tried to teach Bane other spells, but the scorching energy showed no signs of fluctuation, which was very disappointing.

However, their advantage is that they recover energy exceptionally quickly, ten times faster than Rhodes.

Without wasting any time, Rhodes summoned Bain and the other four Yak people who had received the inheritance.

He then drew Ashbringer and placed it in everyone's hands.

Rhodes and five yakmen lifted Ashbringer together, the sharp blade cutting their palms and staining the sword with blood.

However, no one paid any attention and began to activate the scorching energy, unleashing the fiery tempering.

Compared to the dagger, which is more than ten times larger than the Ashbringer's, it naturally absorbs more energy.

Bain had anticipated this.

However, the increase wasn't entirely proportional, because the chaotic scene from yesterday didn't occur when all six people cast the spell together.

Although everyone felt their energy being absorbed, it wasn't intense; the energy simply flowed gently like a mountain stream.

After being stained crimson like the dagger yesterday, Ashbringer was gradually covered by flames.

The process lasted a long time; even Rhodes' forehead was covered in sweat before the flames on Ashbringer gradually died down.

The yak people voluntarily released their grip and stepped back. Ashbringer lay quietly in Rhodes's hand, with flashes of crimson light occasionally appearing on it.

This proves that the enchanting is complete.

Rhodes, full of anticipation, carried Ashbringer out of the blacksmith's shop.

The blacksmiths couldn't help but follow, and even the yak people who had just finished their spells dragged their tired legs out. The guards on duty couldn't help but turn around and look in.

In the corner of the blacksmith's courtyard, more than a dozen wooden stakes had already been erected, specifically for Rhodes to test the enchantment effects.

Rhodes turned and glanced at the crowd that had gathered around him.
"Back off."

Although the blacksmiths were curious, their lives were of the essence, so they quickly and obediently took a few steps back.

Vivian seemed to sense something and took a few steps back.

Rhodes turned around, channeling the last of his body's scorching energy from his chest and abdomen into his arms, where it was poured into Ashbringer.

Then he swung his sword violently—

"call!"

A muffled sound rang out, and a large swath of flames swept forward in a fan shape, engulfing everything in sight!
Everyone immediately closed their eyes, leaned back, and some even reached out to shield themselves from the intense heat.

Fortunately, the flames only lasted for a moment.

When the heat subsided, the wooden stakes in front of them had all turned into dry, charred charcoal.

Three meters away, the blacksmith's fence had collapsed in large sections, turning into a dark, ruined area.

Everyone present stared blankly at everything, too shocked to utter a sound.

The blacksmith shop fell into a deathly silence.

……

……

Outside Xiliuhe Town.

Linda handed a bag of silver coins to the somewhat haggard, tall merchant.

"This is all I have. If you can take them to Black Pine Ridge, Baron Rhodes will give you more."

"Thank you."

The tall businessman accepted it with both hands and bowed respectfully to Linda.

“You have shown us the way to survival. I shouldn’t take your silver coins, but my goods have all been contaminated in the town…”

"It's ok."

Linda smiled and said to the tall businessman, "I'll leave everything to you."

"You were able to save me from the mire back then, and you can take them out of the mire today too."

"Don't worry, Miss Linda."

The tall businessman patted his chest and assured them, "As long as I live, I will definitely bring them to the Black Pine Ridge you mentioned."

"Yes, I believe it!"

Linda nodded emphatically, then walked over to another group of militiamen and politely gave them instructions.

"When you reach Black Pine Ridge, Lord Rhodes will also reward you, believe me."

“No problem, Miss Linda, we’re willing to do it even without pay.”

The militia captain nodded and said, "Compared to you, what we've done is nothing."

Linda didn't say much, just smiled.
"Alright, everyone, let's set off."

The militia and the tall businessman bowed again, and the townspeople in the procession also bowed to Linda.

Linda simply waved her hand and watched them embark on their journey north.

The female companion stepped forward, followed Linda's gaze, and couldn't help but ask:
"You don't seem to get any benefit from spending your own money to send these refugees to Frostleaf Town?"

"Why do this?"

The female companion stared at Linda and asked.

“You are a wizard chosen by the nobility, you don’t understand.”

Linda said calmly, "I was once just as desperate and helpless as they were, but dawn will shine like a light on me."

"Now I have the ability, and I can also bring light to those in despair."

"After all, flames can burn everything."

"It can also dispel darkness."

(End of this chapter)