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

Chapter 280 The Body of Tides
……

……

"Allesse has finally been completed."

Rod took the crucible and played with it in his hands.

The bones of the two-legged winged dragon are off-white, with fine patterns engraved on the surface.

Rhodes tried inputting some scorching energy, and the patterns immediately began to glow faintly.

"This crucible allows magic to enter the materials more stably, speeds up the fusion process, and increases the success rate of potion making."

Avril explained, "I've tried it, and the results are quite noticeable."

Rhodes nodded, taking the opportunity to check the completion status of his potion workshop's entry.

Only one medicine-making vessel is complete; two more are still needed.

"Alessandro only made one?" Rhodes asked.

"Allesse failed eight times when making this crucible."

Avril's expression became somewhat complicated. "A lot of materials were wasted."

“He was a little scared, so he didn’t dare to try again and asked me to report this directly to you.”

Upon hearing this, Rhodes' smile did not diminish in the slightest.

"Only eight failures."

Stroking the smooth surface of the crucible, Rhodes said, "This is already a pretty good success rate."

To create truly valuable items, one must inevitably pay a corresponding price.

In this age of magical scarcity, the consumption of such materials is entirely acceptable.

"Allesse has done a good job."

Rhodes thought for a moment and decided that his next target could be the magic steel alchemy cauldron.

"By the way, how are those four potion master apprentices doing?" Rhodes asked.

Rhodes can see in the entry that there is a potion-making apprentice who successfully made three potions, but he can't see who it is.

"It went very smoothly. Yulai has successfully created three kinds of potions."

Avril said with a smile, "Allen is only missing the Knight's Roar Potion. The others are a little less capable, but they have all successfully made wound healing potions."

"A lot of herbs were wasted as well, and the magical rabbits that Til raised also suffered."

"This is an essential expense for the development of the territory, and I won't be so stingy."

Rhodes smiled and instructed, "Let them make more wound healing potions and stockpile them."

Wound healing potions are the most basic type of magic potions, and they have no effect even on professionals above the level of a formal wizard.

But in this day and age, it can stop bleeding instantly and heal wounds quickly, pulling people back from the brink of death.

"Yes, I know you care about the soldiers. I've already told Yurai about this."

Avril nodded. "After she finished your task, she didn't have anything to do for the time being. She mainly made Knight's Roar potions and wound healing potions."

"Oh, wait a moment."

Avril strode into the bedroom, then took out a small wooden box, placed it in front of Rod, and opened it.

Three brownish-yellow glass bottles were placed in the middle of a pile of hay.

Although the three bottles still have slight bends and asymmetries, their basic shapes are still discernible.

The bottle opening is roughly rounded, but the edges are somewhat uneven.

The glass was cloudy, with yellowish-brown spots mixed in with a bluish-green color, and bubbles of different sizes floated on the bottle wall.

“They don’t look very good, but these are the three best that Labette sent, so I kept them,” Avril explained.

"It's like this at the beginning."

Rhodes laughed and said, "It's nothing good either. Let Luna keep it all to store potions."

Such crude products cannot be sold as exquisite handicrafts.

However, this does not affect its use.

Especially for storing liquid medicines, glass bottles are very useful with a cork stopper.

The most important factor is the low cost.

"Let Labette continue making them, and train more skilled craftsmen for me."

For glassmaking, the most important thing is having a skilled craftsman.

"Mmm." Avril nodded.

"Alright, let's not talk about the territory for now. Let me show you what I brought back."

Rod stepped forward, opened the box, and introduced it, saying, "This is all looted from your father's treasure vault."

"However, I'm not taking everything. These are all items imbued with magical energy, and I need to study them carefully."

As he spoke, Rhodes took out two books from inside. "These are what I found in Susanna's collection. They should be her methods for cultivating as a sorcerer."

"There are also some twisted and strange characters inside, which should be demonic script."

"If it's suitable, we can study it; perhaps we can find some useful spells or knowledge."

"Susanna's things..."

Avril reached out and gently stroked the cover of the book. "She really died like that..."

"Probably dead."

Rod raised his hand and pointed to the empty space beside him, where another box appeared out of thin air.

Rod immediately stepped forward and opened the box, and a faint smell of blood mixed with a strange fragrance wafted out.

Avril gasped when she saw what was in the box, immediately covering her mouth and backing away.

The box contained the naked corpse of a voluptuous woman with pale skin and a pair of tattered bat wings on her back.

It also has two spiral-shaped devil horns on its head, which gleam eerily in the sunlight.

Avril recognized the woman's face very well.

"This is Susanna's body?!"

Avril's voice trembled slightly as she looked at Rhodes in disbelief.

"Why did you bring her back...?"

"I'm not a necrophiliac, don't worry."

Rhodes interrupted Avril, offering to explain, "She's probably in a half-succubus form right now, so the materials she's carrying might be valuable."

Rhodes would also feel resistant to the study of such humanoid corpses.

But Rhodes cannot give up some valuable extraordinary materials because of this.

"A succubus is, after all, a demon, not a real human."

Rod looked at the corpse in the box, closed the lid, and forced a smile.

"Perhaps her blood, her wings, and the demon horns on her head have some magical value."

"My dear, you wouldn't want me to be a lord who wastes resources, would you?"

Avril breathed a sigh of relief, suppressing her discomfort, and nodded in agreement.

She also understands the necessity of this approach.

"I will try to find a way to study it."

Her voice was still trembling slightly, but her tone was firm.

"Yes, and there are also monsters like demons, I don't know how they turned into that."

Rod smiled and put his arm around Avril's waist. "I brought them all back, but there weren't enough badges to fit them all, so they're in the back of the line."

Avril nodded blankly, clearly still reeling from the shock she had just experienced.

"Okay, stop thinking about these things."

Rod raised his hand and placed it on the table, whereupon two exquisite jewelry boxes appeared.

Rod lifted them one by one, revealing exquisite jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, and brooches.

"The first box contains jewelry given to you by the nobles at your first birthday banquet."

"The second box contains a set of jewelry that Vivian picked out for you; it was all a gift from your father."

Seeing the jewelry shimmering in the sunlight, Avril Lavigne finally regained her sweet smile.

The discomfort caused by the corpse was instantly dispelled by these beautiful jewels.

"My younger sister knows how to choose."

Avril turned and winked at Vivian, who was leaning back in her chair, then picked up a light blue jewelry necklace and handed it to Rhodes. She then ran her fingers through her hair and lowered her head.
"Honey, help me put it on."

Rhodes nodded, took the necklace, and put it on Avril's snow-white neck.

After putting it on, Avril quickly walked to the bronze mirror by the wall, admiring herself carefully, a smile unconsciously creeping onto her lips.

Seeing her joyful expression, Rod stepped forward and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"It's my fault. I forgot your birthday before and didn't give you any decent jewelry."

“There are many things more important than birthdays and jewelry.”

Avril held Rhodes's hand, leaned against his chest, and tilted her head back.
"Besides, you've already given me good food, which is already very good in the wasteland."

Rod didn't say anything, but just smiled and rubbed Avril's shoulder.

At that moment, Avril's eyes lit up, and she suddenly turned around.

"Oh no, I forgot to mention, Durant's baby was born, a healthy baby boy."

Avril slapped her forehead, a look of annoyance on her face.
"I forgot to tell you about this earlier."

"It's not your fault, I've already forgotten about it."

Rhodes sighed, a bitter look on his face. "He's been thinking about the territory all along."

"Durant is the same; he doesn't share these important things with me either."

“He rarely talks about family matters, and I wouldn’t have known if Luna hadn’t told me.”

Avril gently stroked Rod's arm.
"The children born during this period were not only from the Durant family, but also from Gundle and the wives of other soldiers."

“I have already visited him and given him some small gifts, but these cannot express the Lord’s true feelings.”

“Then what should I do?” Rhodes asked. “As lord, my dear, you can personally bless these children and give them gifts.”

Avril explained with a smile, "This means a lot to their family."

"no problem."

Rhodes immediately nodded in agreement.

"However... you know, choosing a gift is a bit difficult for me."

"I had Hamo prepare the gifts; he had some silverware made."

Avril looked at her jewelry box. "I also have some jewelry that nobles gave me that I don't need. I'll pick out a few pieces as gifts for them."

Rhodes shook his head slightly. "I wouldn't use your jewelry as a gift for my subordinates right now."

"What's mine is all yours, isn't it?"

Avril laughed and said, "Besides, I don't like any of them, so they're not worth keeping."

"Perhaps my sister wants something?"

Avril looked at Vivian sitting in the chair.

"what?"

Vivian quickly opened her eyes, somewhat dazed. "What's wrong?"

Avril and Rod stepped forward, and Avril asked with concern, "What's wrong, Vivian?"

"It's nothing, I'm just a little tired lately."

Vivian covered her mouth and let out a long yawn.

Avril was a little surprised and asked, "Didn't you rest all day? Isn't riding dragons tiring at night?"

"Riding a dragon is not tiring."

Vivian leaned back in her chair and casually remarked, "It's tiring to be ridden."

"Huh?" Avril was slightly taken aback, clearly not understanding.

"Don't listen to her nonsense."

Rhodes explained without changing his expression, "She's been practicing Shadow Blade a lot lately, which is very taxing. Even Shadow Gems can't replenish it, so she's very tired."

"Alright, alright, I'm a little tired too."

Before the two could speak again, Rod pointed to the box on the ground and gave the order.
"Have the guards send someone to store these things properly. I'm going back to rest now."

Rod grabbed Avril's hand. "You can help me with an experiment."

"what?"

Before Avril could react, Rod pulled her into the bedroom.

……

……

Three days later.

In the morning, bright sunlight streamed into the room through the skylight.

Rhodes, dressed in a formal lord's uniform, walked up to Durant and Stella.

"Your Excellency, thank you for coming."

Durant bowed respectfully, "We were supposed to bring River to visit you..."

Rod raised his hand to interrupt Durant, saying, "According to etiquette, we should be in the auditorium right now, but aren't we?"

Durant sighed softly, lowered his head, and smiled in agreement.

Rod didn't say much, but walked straight to Stella and looked at the baby boy in her arms.

The little life slept peacefully in its mother's arms, its pink cheeks rosy, its little hands clenched into fists.

“I, Lord of Blackpine Ridge, Rod Tulip, wish this child a healthy and happy life.”

Rod gently placed his hand on the baby's forehead, his voice solemn yet gentle.
"He will possess an iron will and the courage of an eagle."

"He will become a loyal knight, protecting this land and its people, and upholding the honor of the Silverblade family."

After saying that, Rhodes took out a palm-sized silver badge from the tray beside him, which was engraved with a shield and a longsword.

Rhodes placed the badge on the swaddling clothes.

"This is a blessing gift for the child. When he is old enough to pick up a sword, he can go to the castle to exchange it for his own weapon and armor."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Excellency!"

Durant and Stella bowed simultaneously.

Rhodes then waved his hand, and the guards behind him carried in two boxes of supplies.

"Here are some everyday items like fabrics, and some toys. Also, Lawrence will be sending you two maids soon."

Rhodes smiled and said, "You can have as many children as you like, without any worries. I will provide you with ample support."

Upon hearing this, Durant immediately knelt down on one knee, his expression solemn.
"The Silverblade family will always be loyal to you, and my son will always remember your kindness."

Rhodes nodded and personally helped Durant up.

"You all get some rest. I need to go see Gonle's children."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Durant and Stella bowed again.

Rod didn't linger and went straight to Gunther's yard.

Gunther's child was a girl, and Rod gave her a pair of silver bracelets and some daily necessities.

Not only these two subordinates, but also the children of other legion commanders, Rhodes, personally visited and blessed them.

Without a chapel, Rhodes couldn't allow his newborn baby to receive blessings in the courtyard; he had to visit each family individually.

Fortunately, there were only five children in total. As for the children of the other ordinary soldiers, Lawrence had already sent them gifts and daily necessities a couple of days ago.

After blessing the baby, Rhodes returned to the manor to change his clothes and went straight to the blacksmith's shop.

Rhodes wants an alchemical cauldron. Although he won't be involved in the forging, the sea-patterned magic steel he uses should be fire-oriented, requiring Rhodes to infuse it with scorching energy.

Rhodes planned to have Allesel forge the pot first, and then proceed with the rune engraving after the blacksmith Sionda arrived.

The other three tools are missing one. Rhodes only needs a dragon bone stirring rod and a simple magic fusion rune to be engraved on it.

Once you've made enough potions, you can unlock the Potions Workshop entry.

Just as Rhodes was walking and thinking, a group of people rushed over and surrounded him.

They were all holding various items in their hands, their faces showing tension and anticipation.

"My lord! Thank you for your concern for my grandson!"

An elderly man mustered his courage and stepped forward, carefully taking out a box from which the scent of pine resin mixed with floral fragrance immediately wafted out.

"This is a jewelry box I made myself! Please accept it, my lord!"

Rod took the jewelry box and examined it carefully.

It's not exactly exquisite, but it's engraved with intricate patterns, clearly indicating that a lot of effort was put into it.

"Okay, thank you."

Rhodes smiled and nodded. "In the name of the lord, I wish your grandson good health and a long life."

"Thank you for your blessing!"

The old man's face was beaming with happiness, and he rubbed his body a couple of times with his hands, a little nervously.

He then quickly bowed and stepped back.

With the elderly person starting, others followed suit and crowded in.
"Sir, this is a cloak I wove. The stitches are tight, and it will definitely keep you warm!"

"My sachets are made with wildflowers that I picked myself, and they can refresh you when you're tired!"

"Sir, these are freshly baked pies..."

……

The people presented gifts to Rhodes to express their gratitude for his care for their children.

It's not just about the items for the children, but also the care previously provided to pregnant women, which is currently the main benefit of Heisongling.

Rod patiently accepted each gift and sincerely thanked each person.

Although these things were insignificant to Rhodes, the gratitude of his people put him in a good mood.

The slaves working along the surrounding streets couldn't help but stop and watch when they saw this scene.

They stood far away in the shadows, their eyes filled with complex expressions.

Everyone knows that the common people in Frostleaf Town are treated very well; they can eat meat and grain as much as they want.

I recently heard that pregnant women receive special benefits, including servants to take care of them for two months before and after childbirth, making their lives very comfortable.

Now, seeing commoners able to freely converse with lords and offer gifts at will, everyone's eyes are filled with envy.

"If only we could be like that..."

A young slave spoke softly, but stopped mid-sentence.

They all understood that, apart from serving as soldiers or becoming artisans through their skills, it would be difficult to escape their status as slaves in a short time.

These slaves could only place their hopes on their children.

Perhaps the next generation will be able to achieve commoner status in Frostleaf Town through hard work and live the kind of life they are living now.

Rhodes was besieged by his people for a long time, and they didn't disperse until lunchtime.

Rhodes received a large number of gifts, and without wasting any, he had the Winter Guards take everything back to the manor.

Eat what you can eat, use what you can use.

If we don't really need them, we'll just store them in the warehouse for now.

After all, you can't just throw away someone else's return gift, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

Rhodes went straight back to the manor to have lunch.

Having not eaten properly while traveling through the wilderness, Rhodes has been eating quite well these past few days.

Just as Rod was having his meal, he suddenly received a system notification.
[You have consumed fifty catties of seafood, and the total amount of seafood consumed and fully digested within your territory is fifty thousand catties. Unlock the attribute: Tidal Body]

(End of this chapter)