161 What did you Say? (1/2)

”I don't expect you to master the first layer anytime soon. In the meantime, I will be preparing the criminals for you to refine. I believe that with your talent; one to two weeks should be enough.

However, I must warn you. Even if you manage to master the first layer in less than two weeks, you might not be able to reach the second one in a lifetime. So, don't be discouraged by failure.”

Olrich instructed with the stance of a doting elder.

”Moreover, I will send you resources on a weekly basis to help in your cultivation. You should soon reach the Grand Priest Rank so that I can bestow better resources and some artifacts onto you.”

Konrad's eyes ”shone” at the mention of weekly resources, as if the gate of heaven was opening to him. Olrich relished in the reaction, confident that the boy couldn't escape his palm.

”Adoptive father, I will definitely break through to the Grand Priest Rank in less than a week.”

Olrich nodded, believing that a few days should be enough for a breakthrough. Meanwhile, he summoned an imperial eunuch to spread his decree and Konrad's new status.

”From now on, besides cultivation, your duties include serving by my side. This is also an opportunity for you to learn about state affairs and the inner workings of the court. In the future, you must shoulder some of my burdens!”

The way Olrich exclaimed such words while tapping Konrad's shoulders, would make the onlooker believe he truly was his biological son. A prince being raised for governance.

And knowing that he would use Olrich's resources and training to empower himself while screwing his women on the side, Konrad almost felt bad.

”Adoptive father, if you allow me, I will now take my leave.”

”Of course, you should go explore your new art. By the way, your new status entitles you to a few privileges and tokens I will have delivered to your mansion.

Members of the imperial family are the only ones entitled to wear gold. However, since we can't have you wear the same clothing as princes, for obvious reasons, I devised a special robe for you. A black robe embroidered with a golden winged serpent.

Besides that, you will also have golden boots and a jeweled crown to serve as your proof of status. Those items are high-grade Semi-Holy Artifacts. Unfortunately, because your cultivation is too low, you can only wear them as decoration.”

It seemed Olrich majored in making people speechless. Konrad's eyes showed his astonishment at the mention of so many treasures being bestowed onto him. Although he preferred relying on his cultivation to suppress his enemies, he didn't say no to a few artifacts to bolster his strength.

Unbeknown to him, Olrich was sharpening the sword that would one day drop on his neck.

Olrich believed the shock written on Konrad's face was due to the sudden mention of Semi-Holy Artifacts. Goods that he could probably not even dream of beforehand. Satisfied, he stroked his chin, with a ”this is nothing to me” look on his face.

”Now go, I hope you will not prove my care for you misguided.”

With Olrich's blessing, Konrad bowed and took his leave.

But on the outside, someone awaited.

Nils stood at the bottom of the stairs leading to Olrich's palace hall with her eyes locked on the entrance, awaiting Konrad's exit. Seeing those eyes that clearly showed she'd been waiting for him, Konrad frowned and went down the stairs.

Before he could pass her by, Nils' voice echoed.