Chapter 88: How Much Are Black Pearls Worth?

The giant clam's shell was enormous, over two meters long and nearly that wide. Liszt, who was constantly growing, was now almost 1.85 meters tall and could still fit inside the shell.

Of course, this suggestion was merely made in passing.

The shape of the clamshell was too peculiar, resembling a large wave, making it unsuitable for conversion into a bed. He instructed his servants to place it at the entrance of the castle as a grand sculpture. It had to be said that the emptied and cleaned shell looked quite aesthetically pleasing.

After dealing with the clam, Liszt returned to his study to research the black pearls.

Carter had moved all the black pearls to the study, but apart from the small one in Liszt's hand, the others were nowhere to be seen – they had been stowed away by Liszt in the Space Gem in his chest. Valuable items like these, he preferred to keep close.

Thus, when Carter brought a glass of juice, he was surprised and said, "Sir, I clearly placed the black pearls on this shelf. How did they vanish?"

"I've hidden them. Don't be alarmed."

"Very well." Carter didn't inquire further about where Liszt had concealed the pearls. As a butler, it wasn't his business to know. His responsibility was to serve his master and manage the daily affairs of the castle.

Sipping his juice, Liszt spent half a day examining the pearls.

Lister gradually gained a basic understanding of the Black Pearl: "It's rich in magic power, almost comparable to gems produced by dragons. However, unlike the constant supply of magic power from dragon gems, the magic power of the Black Pearl seems to require artificial replenishment. Since I don't possess water attribute magic power, I'm unable to replenish it."

The ping-pong ball-sized Black Pearl he held in his hand continuously emitted waves of magic power.

This vibration was distinct from that of dragon gems.

Using terms he could comprehend, he distinguished the two: "Dragon gems seem to form a stable magnetic field with their magic power, without any leakage. The Black Pearl, on the other hand, behaves like a radioactive substance, constantly emitting magic power. Over time, one can sense its depletion."

In essence, the Black Pearl was several tiers below dragon gems.

A single dragon gem could easily fetch seven or eight hundred gold coins, whereas, as Marcus had mentioned, a Black Pearl might only sell for ten to twenty gold coins.

"However, who knows what astronomical price a basin-sized Black Pearl could fetch! I believe those grand nobles, just as crazy about treasures as they are about antique collections, would be willing to pay in dragon coins." A single dragon coin was worth ten thousand gold coins, and only the wealthiest of nobles would typically deal in such currency.

With this thought in mind, he couldn't remain calm: "I feel that the reward for this Smoke Mission is the most practical one yet... The reward isn't overly generous, but it's as good as giving out money directly, a tangible benefit."

So far, he had completed eighteen missions, but had yet to discern any pattern in their appearance or the rewards they offered.

Yet, most of the mission rewards were highly valuable.

If one were to quantify them, rewards like Hiddleston and Benedict would be worth over a hundred gold coins. As for productivity rewards like the Elf Worm, they'd fetch around a thousand to two thousand gold coins. The Elf Worm was indeed miraculous and rare, but its ten-year lifespan was a significant limitation.

Black Tulips, Flame Mushrooms, and Dragon Foals would likely be valued at one Dragon Coin each. Magic Eye, a secret martial technique, could easily be worth three thousand gold coins. Corn Grass, Smoked Grass, a mini Nitre Deposit, and fifty additional population points were difficult to price, but they were undoubtedly valuable.

As for the information on the invisible dragon, that was an entirely different matter.

The most valuable item was the gemstone belonging to the invisible dragon. A gemstone with its own space was priceless.

However, these rewards either required long-term development to showcase their full value, faced constraints that prevented their true worth from being realized, or simply incurred guilt by association.

For example, the spatial gemstone couldn't be displayed openly without inviting disaster. But the Black Pearls were different in this regard.

They were highly valuable. Sixteen black pearls of various sizes would likely sell for tens of thousands of gold coins. The crucial point was that they could be sold individually since they weren't part of a set.

"I should sell, or sell, or perhaps sell?" Liszt pondered for a moment before deciding to first display a sea bowl-sized black pearl to gauge the market demand.

Yesterday, Carter had mentioned that August 19th was Levis's birthday and asked what gift he should get.

By then, he would attend the birthday banquet at Tulip Castle. "A high-quality seafood gift will suffice. I can inquire about his interest in purchasing black pearls. The Tulip Family practices water attribute battle aura, so they should have a demand for them... I can ask a mage to craft a magical item for me. Perhaps they could also enlighten me on how to utilize black pearls." No one was more proficient in studying magical items than mages. It was uncertain if there were any mages on Coral Island, but the Tulip Family would certainly have connections with them. If the price was right, Liszt planned to sell a few black pearls first to raise some gold coins. He would then hand them over to Levis to continue purchasing slaves. He also needed to buy some pig iron and wrought iron to forge farming tools back at the forge. The efficiency of the slaves in cultivating the fields in the small town was too low, which displeased him. Since he couldn't obtain oxen for plowing and needed time to research the design, he could only forge more shovels and hoes to enable the slaves to work the soil more efficiently. This would free up some slaves to engage in other professions. "If I manage to sell them at a high price, I'll buy some calves, foals, and lambs, as well as concentrated feed for pregnant mares." "While I'm at it, I might as well renovate the castle, preferably adding a heated bed. Winter is coming, and without central heating, we can only rely on heated beds for warmth." Liszt was a man of foresight.

Summer had barely started, yet he was already contemplating the challenges of winter.

...

The Caravan from North Valley City arrived at Flower Town before eight in the morning. After an eight-month absence, a caravan had finally returned. In the past, caravans would visit Flower Town every season except winter, amounting to three times a year.

Each time the caravans arrived, it was like a festive celebration for the villagers.

This occasion was no different. The grand procession swiftly drew the attention of all the residents, who put down their work to watch.

Lister, who had finished his morning training and abstained from touching his bow, returned to the castle, took a bath, and stood by the window, observing the bustling crowd in the town.

Most notably, a troupe of clowns had set up a stage and began performing comedic skits, captivating the majority of the townsfolk.

Their laughter and cheers could even be heard within the castle.

"Macy, go fetch Mr. Carter," he instructed the maid Macy, who was cleaning.

"Yes, sir."

Soon, Carter arrived, "My Lord, you were looking for me?"

"Young master, the village is bustling today. Inform everyone in the castle that if they wish to take a break, they may do so without staying within the castle walls. Encourage them to visit the town, watch the comedies, or perhaps purchase some snacks to unwind."

"You are indeed a generous noble, Carter. I'll convey your message to the servants truthfully."

"That includes me, sir?" Carter chuckled.

"No need for me, my lord. Let the younger servants enjoy your generosity. The castle must be tended to, and you cannot be without your servants' attendance."