Monster Girl Development Master.

Celine immediately recognized the loyal Count Johnson who had left a deep impression on her, and quickly leaned out of the small window of the carriage, calling out, "Excuse me, is this Earl Johnson in person?"

Lydia naturally recognized the princess, and since she was calling out Zhuang Sen's name, she slowed her horse and asked Zhuang Sen's opinion: "My dear, the princess is on the other side, do you want to see her?"

“Let her come over; it’ll save me the trouble of going to find her again.” Zhuang Sen leaned against Dantalian, his eyes slightly narrowed. “But she really cares about her sister’s affairs. Isn’t an ordinary person afraid of being shot eight times in the back and committing suicide?”

The title of Earl has already caused Leon's sons to fight amongst themselves, leaving only a dozen or so. The struggle for the throne is something even Zhuang Sen couldn't have imagined how many people would die. While ordinary people who can't awaken their bloodlines are indeed less likely to be targeted, the prerequisite is not to be too arrogant; otherwise, some people won't mind casually swatting away annoying flies.

Unless there's some other hidden reason... Hmm, it's definitely time to take over the intelligence system left by Old Deng as soon as possible, otherwise there's too little intelligence about areas outside of Leon territory, and we also need to create our own intelligence organization, but who should do that...?

While Zhuang Sen was pondering, Lydia had already invited the princess into the carriage. As for Celine and the others' own carriage, they naturally chose one of the other Zhanxing Guards to drive and follow Zhuang Sen and the others.

Seeing Johnson being held like a child in Dantalian's arms inside the carriage, Celine felt a complex mix of emotions. Was this guy a cunning politician or a lecherous pervert?

It can't be both, right?

However, her complicated feelings did not affect the princess's elegant manners. The specially made carriage that could accommodate Dantalian allowed her to complete the dress-lifting ceremony with ease, and she greeted him, "Earl Zhuangsen, may I ask where you are going?"

Zhuang Sen smiled, deliberately bringing up the very thing he didn't want to hear: "I'm on my way to Leon Manor to prepare for the banquet to host His Excellency the Grand Duke's delegation. You should have received the invitation, right?"

Celine's smile stiffened slightly. Just as she was about to reply, she heard Zhuang Sen's voice again: "I also had some other things I wanted to discuss with you, but I didn't expect to run into Your Highness. So let's deal with your matter first. I wonder if you remember what I mentioned before, about the return gift for your and the First Princess's good words in front of His Majesty the King?"

A flicker of anticipation rose in Celine's heart, and she looked at Zhuang Sen with bright, beautiful eyes: "What do you mean?"

Zhuang Sen smiled slightly, not answering directly, but instead patting the carriage: "Ledya, let's go to Nia's first!"

"Yes, my lord."

"Call me 'darling'."

"yes dear……"

The female knight, still somewhat reserved, trembled slightly, but the smugness in her tone made Judy, the Star Guardian sitting in the "passenger seat," feel a pang of jealousy. As Princess Celine's guardian knight, she was destined to follow Celine forever, even after Celine married. She probably wouldn't have the chance to find a man in this lifetime, let alone a good man of her own liking.

They're both guardian knights, so why is there such a big difference?

This interruption caused Princess Celine, who wanted to ask if Zhuang Sen agreed to support the eldest princess, to miss her chance. She could only start the topic again: "Earl Zhuang Sen, why do you think Duke Starr would suddenly visit? As far as I know, you don't seem to have any dealings with His Excellency the Duke?"

“You’re right, so I don’t know why either. I probably didn’t even know much about the visit before you did, otherwise I wouldn’t be preparing the banquet now.” Zhuang Sen still had some sense of shame, and finally pulled his head out of Dantalian’s chest in front of outsiders.

The sight of her surging breasts left Princess Celine speechless, almost forgetting what she was saying. Fortunately, her inner anxiety worked: "My dear... oh, Earl Johnsen, I think you know that the Grand Duke's sister is the mother of my brother Grean..."

Zhuang Sen's lips curled into a smirk as he looked at Celine, who had made a slip of the tongue. This child really didn't seem very bright. Although her words were quite skillful, clearly implying that Grand Duke Starr was on the eldest prince's side and that her visit was to win him over on behalf of the eldest prince.

Zhuang Sen nuzzled Dantalian as usual and said bluntly, "Don't worry, Your Highness, I really have no interest in participating in the struggle for the throne. Besides, as I said, I am loyal to the King. Furthermore, if one day I have to participate, I think I will choose the First Princess, although I don't think that day will come."

After hearing Zhuang Sen's words, Celine felt conflicted, unsure whether to be disappointed or pleased. The somewhat arrogant princess was even a little indignant. How dare a mere earl be so confident? With the tide turning, do you really think you can just stand by and do nothing?

At this moment, the carriage stopped.

Lydia knocked on the carriage: "Darling, we've arrived at the workshop."

Zhuang Sen reluctantly stood up, as he couldn't linger in his wives' arms outside: "Your Highness, come and see the return gifts I've prepared for you and the First Princess, as well as the source of my confidence."

Celine pursed her lips, her eyes instantly sharpening. She wanted to see what gave Zhuang Sen such confidence!

……

After getting off the carriage, the first thing that caught my eye was the billowing black smoke, followed by a burst of noise, and finally the sign in front of me—Nia's Rune Workshop.

What are runes?

Celine pondered, but she couldn't connect the runes and the workshop in her mind. Besides, this looked exactly like a blacksmith's workshop. She had seen people carrying ore in and weapons and armor out!

“These are just ordinary military weapons outside, nothing special. Let’s go inside.” Zhuang Sen floated in mid-air, holding Dantalian’s hand. “I guarantee you will be satisfied with this return gift.”

Since Zhuang Sen had said so, regardless of what Celine thought in her heart, she could only smile and nod: "Then I will look forward to it, Your Excellency."

The author says:

Author's Note: I didn't expect the bounty to come so quickly! Thank you all for your support. I've added four extra chapters today, for a total of 12800 words. I hope you enjoy it. Also, here's an update on the bounty progress for your convenience: Monthly Tickets 21/50; Requests for Updates 0/50; Rewards 500/5000. Finally, please remember to select 2500 words for your request for updates. It's not possible to update that many words every day, and without extra chapters, you might not get the 2500-word request, which won't count towards the bounty. ( '??)ノ(._.`)

Chapter 137: Nia's Rune Workshop (4373 words)

Molten iron flowed from the furnace, rushing through channels like a small river, into different molds, solidifying into rough blanks. Blacksmiths, already prepared and wearing heavy gloves, took out the blanks and skillfully hammered them, shaping and quenching them in one go. Afterwards, they were placed into large prepared baskets. Whenever a basket was full, someone would push a cart to load it and send it to the other side for inspection. After passing the inspection, the sword hilt, guard, arm guard plates, leather straps, and other accessories would be assembled. There would even be further polishing, carving, painting, engraving, and other special services, which were not part of the usual process.

Princess Celine walked along the road and could only sense four words: orderly and well-organized.

This kind of work method, which already has the rudiments of an assembly line, is a game-changer in a world where handicrafts are still mainly family workshops. Even Princess Serene, who is a noblewoman who cares about the common people, had never seen it before and was deeply shocked. Or rather, it was precisely because she understood how a normal blacksmith workshop operated that she was even more deeply shocked.

“This… Earl Zhuangsen, how did you do this? Those blacksmiths don’t look like apprentices.”

Indeed, what shocked Princess Celine the most wasn't the division of labor, but rather that Johnson could get a group of clearly skilled blacksmiths to set aside their pride and pride in their craft, and work together like apprentices. Keep in mind that in those days, even cooperating, mending pots, and sharpening knives were considered important skills that could support a family; craftsmen would never willingly pass on their skills, let alone engage in such undisguised collaboration.

“Because they are indeed all apprentices, although they are paid double the wages of ordinary blacksmiths.” Zhuang Sen revealed a smug smile, very satisfied with Princess Celine’s performance. “As for the reason, Your Highness, you will know when you go in.”

They had reached the depths of the workshop when a tall wall and a thick iron gate blocked their way. Several wary female warriors stood guard in front of the gate—with Johnson's rise to power, the Church of Vengeance had begun to expand—but naturally they wouldn't stop Johnson and Dantalian.

Princess Serene took a deep breath, suppressing the inexplicable tension in her heart, and took two quick steps to walk side by side with Zhuang Sen through the spacious door, truly entering Nia's Rune Workshop.

At first glance, Princess Celine felt a sense of familiarity. It was very similar to the layout of the blacksmith workshops she knew, the kind of family-run workshops with one or two blacksmiths and one or two assistants or apprentices.

Upon closer inspection, Princess Celine thought she might be dreaming. Otherwise, how could she have a ring that could launch fireballs and a necklace that could create wind shields? This must be a dream, right?

The bewildered princess looked at her loyal guards, but in Judy's eyes, she saw only the same bewilderment.

"Nia, it seems you're making good progress. Is there anything you can show us?"

Zhuang Sen's voice came from afar, as if through a thick wall. Celine watched as Zhuang Sen took two rings, a necklace, and a short sword from Nia, who was running over excitedly. Each item was covered with intricate patterns that looked like some kind of writing, but the specific meaning was completely unclear.

Yes, it really was a dream...

"Your Highness, what's wrong? Would you like to try out this runic weapon yourself?"

Zhuang Sen's clearly audible voice jolted Princess Celine awake. A wave of reality washed over her, shattering her worldview, but her gaze was also irresistibly drawn to the short sword Zhuang Sen had offered her.

It was a finely crafted short sword, with a blade about 30cm long, forged from fine steel, and a 15cm long wooden hilt. It had a cross-shaped guard and iron counterweights, making it a high-end short sword. But if that were all, it would just be an ordinary short sword, not enough to attract the attention of a princess. However, the intricate patterns on the blade changed everything. Celine sensed mystery, power, and passion emanating from these patterns—qualities clearly unrelated to an ordinary short sword.

Celine tried hard to suppress her excitement and curiosity, but her tone was still somewhat out of control: "Runic weapon?"

Zhuang Sen smiled and said, "Let me introduce you, Your Highness. This is my wife, Nia Leon. She is of rune dwarf blood and has the ability to create rune items. As for the specific effects... please swing your short sword in a deserted place and shout the word 'fire'."

Celine raised her short sword with a hint of disbelief, aimed it at the empty, deserted area, and swung it down forcefully: "Fire!"

The blade sliced ​​through the air, its silvery surface suddenly gleaming red before shooting forward, transforming into a fiery curved blade that disappeared only after flying ten meters. The scorching heat left Celine no room to drift into a dreamlike state; she could only stare blankly at the red sliver of the short sword still lingering in her hand, her small mouth slowly opening into an "O" shape.

The result was better than Zhuang Sen had expected, and his polite smile became more sincere: "Well, Your Highness, do you like this gift?"

Princess Celine quickly regained her ladylike expression: "Hmm, it is indeed very good, but isn't this just the same as the magic iron equipment?"

“But it doesn’t use magic iron. You can take it back and have someone test it.” Zhuang Sen wasn’t surprised. After all, in terms of effect, rune items and magic iron equipment are indeed very similar, and they can perhaps be collectively called magic equipment. But as mentioned before, the actual difference is that rune items are more versatile.

"These weapons must be very expensive, right?"

Although she coveted such a magnificent and powerful weapon, Princess Celine was unwilling to take advantage of others without considering that it would affect the negotiations; such was her upbringing.

"Don't worry, this thing is only priced at 100 gold coins on the market."

Zhuang Sen patted Nia's head. "I told you, this isn't magic iron equipment, and its abilities have a limited number of uses, something like this..."

“Ten times.” Nia picked up where Zhuang Sen left off, explaining more professionally, “Your Highness, you can look at the runes on the hilt of the sword. Those are [Instruction] runes, which can display the energy stored in the runes. This [Flame] sword can only unleash ten flame blades when fully charged. However, as long as the runes are not damaged, you can take it back and recharge it. Of course, there will be a charge.”

A short sword selling for a hundred gold coins? At any other time and place, Princess Celine would have had that swindler hanged a hundred times over. But if a hundred gold coins could buy ten uses of fire magic, she'd be shouting, "I want a thousand! No, ten thousand!"

At worst, she could sell her mansion in the capital and move in with her sister. With this weapon, wouldn't that mean all her subordinates were bloodline users? Okay, there's still a difference in physical strength and she can't match their numbers, but so what! She's seen bloodline users before; those attacks, let alone ten thousand, a dozen or so would be enough to kill some weaker level one bloodline users. Besides, she just saw that Zhuang Sen had other types of runic equipment—rings and necklaces, so surely he had armor too?

If only we could arm an army of rune warriors—

"...Your Highness! Your Highness the Queen!"

"Ah!" Princess Celine, who had been lost in her fantasy, suddenly woke up, instinctively straightened her chest and raised her head, revealing an elegant princess smile.

Zhuang Sen shook his head, proudly showing off, "How about it? Isn't my Nia's cooking pretty good? Is this gift enough to repay you and the Princess for your help?"

Princess Celine nodded vigorously: "Of course, Earl Johnson, you are incredibly generous and kind, a true model of nobility and a paragon of knights. By the way, are you planning to send tens of thousands of items?"

Zhuang Sen was almost choked by Princess Celine's sudden change of attitude. Just now he felt a little bad about taking it for free, but now she was asking for tens of thousands. Where was her manners and upbringing?

Sigh, as expected of my Nia, she easily crossed the moral line of a princess with just a few moves.

Despite his pride, Zhuang Sen wasn't about to make a losing deal: "Your Highness, you're joking. Right now, only my Nia can make rune items, and the daily production is very limited. Let alone tens of thousands of items, there aren't even a few hundred in total. And even if we calculate it at one hundred gold coins per item, I can't afford to give back millions of gold coins."

Princess Celine, having calmed down, felt somewhat embarrassed and formally apologized to Count Johnson: "I'm sorry, Earl Johnson, I was too surprised and lost control. However, I do wish to purchase the rune equipment made by your wife."

Zhuang Sen nodded: "I accept your apology, Your Highness. Let's get back to business. As a token of my appreciation for your help to you and the First Princess, I'm willing to personally gift you two sets of rune equipment, including a longsword, a dagger, and full plate armor. In addition, you and the First Princess will enjoy a permanent 10% discount with me. Are you satisfied?"

Satisfied, of course satisfied. Princess Celine wasn't the insatiable, greedy type. The return gift Zhuang Sen had given her was more than enough, even exceeding her expectations. Two complete sets of runic equipment, according to Zhuang Sen's pricing, might not even be worth as much as a set of high-grade magic iron armor, and in some people's eyes, it might not even be as valuable as the "promotion" he had shown her. But Princess Celine wouldn't think that way.

She knew very well that helping Johnson was actually beneficial to her and Serafina under the circumstances, and the king was also clearly inclined to keep Johnson, which is why she succeeded so easily. In other words, this matter was not as difficult as it seemed, nor was it a great favor. This was more than enough, not to mention that Johnson also added a permanent 10% discount.

Hmm? Wait a minute, why did Zhuang Sen add an extra permanent 10% discount? Is he hinting at something? Like, cooperative trade?

Although a 10% profit margin is a bit low, the price could be increased if the goods are shipped to more distant places. Besides, these goods will be in her warehouse, and they can be taken out as a temporary measure in case of a critical moment.

Sure enough, although Earl Zhuangsen outwardly disagreed, he was actually willing to support Sister Wang; that must be it.

……

Zhuang Sen hadn't anticipated Celine's wild imagination. His offer of a 10% discount was simply a normal tactic to lure in big clients. While his rune equipment production wasn't great yet, his other weaponry production was substantial. Besides, he set the price, and his 10% discount wasn't limited to the princess's side; that eldest prince seemed quite wealthy too!

Anyway, the battle for the throne won't get to the tense and exciting stage until next year's war. In the meantime, Zhuang Sen will definitely take the opportunity to amass a fortune in gold coins. As for what to do then... well, Leon territory might not be at its current level by then.

It's August now, and there are still four months until next year. Spring is for planting, and the Fallen Star Kingdom wouldn't choose this time to start a war against a primarily commercial federal city. That means the real war won't begin until at least May or June next year. So, Zhuang Sen has at least nine months. Even if he doesn't develop anything during those nine months, just by constantly nurturing his monster girls, he could at least get Dantalian to awaken five times. By then, perhaps a Vengeful Kingdom or the Kingdom of Leon will appear next to the Fallen Star Kingdom. And what about the struggle for the throne?

Who do you think you are, and who do you think you are, to ask me to help you fight for the throne!

Not to mention the nest system now. In nine months, even if we only count the two nests that exist now, two monster girls will join every month. That's eighteen in nine months. Eighteen monster girls who have awakened three times! That's a total of thirteen count-level combat power! And monster girls are much stronger than ordinary level three bloodlines!

However, Zhuang Sen would not explain these things to Princess Celine. Instead, he took the obviously shocked Princess Celine to visit Nia's workshop again, showed her the other types of rune equipment, and talked about the expected pricing and production volume. This was to show the samples to the major customer in advance and confirm the supply volume.

After all that, Princess Celine finally got used to it and regained her composure as a princess, but she still couldn't hide her feelings: "You have truly given me a huge surprise, Earl Johnson. Now I finally understand why you said those blacksmith masters outside were just apprentices. Compared to Master Nia's amazing skills, they are indeed just a group of apprentices. But if I may be so bold, I wonder when they will be able to learn rune techniques?"

Zhuang Sen was not surprised by Celine's question, and shook his head with great regret, saying, "Unfortunately, one must have dwarven blood to learn runecraft. Blacksmiths outside cannot learn it. What they learn is not this, but something simpler—by dwarven standards—such as plate armor, lamellar armor, great shields, and the smelting methods of different alloys, etc. Therefore, the production of rune equipment will not be able to increase in the short term."

Princess Celine was disappointed, but also somewhat relieved: "Well, it seems I was being too simplistic. But perhaps this isn't so bad. May I buy all your rune equipment?"

“I would say yes, but I don’t want to offend Prince Grean, so I’m sorry.” Zhuang Sen shrugged. He didn’t want to be monopolized, not because he was worried about offending anyone, but because if he were monopolized, how could he manipulate prices?

Princess Celine was disappointed, but there was nothing she could do but smear Prince Grean: "Well, your vigilance is justified; my brother is indeed petty."

What a wonderful little sister!

This reminded Zhuang Sen of his own bratty younger sister.

Having said all that, Princess Celine looked at Nia's workshop, which wasn't very large, and felt a mix of emotions. The confidence and aura she had when she went to find Zhuang Sen had vanished. The weaknesses she had found in Zhuang Sen were no problem at all in the face of the rune equipment and those exquisite weapons.

With these resources, and given that Zhuang Sen is a bloodline holder who has awakened three times, anyone who dares to restrict him with food or thorns can simply be dealt with by him saying, "If you won't sell, I'll have to rob you!" After all, Falau isn't a royal territory, and Zhuang Sen has the legal right to inherit Falau... Regardless of his rank, just tell me if he has it or not!