"Sage Merlin? I've never heard this name, Marquis Morgan Right, is it fine to still call you Marquis?" Chad suddenly asked after recalling the identity of this person.

"It's fine, Chad. I am not crowned yet. I'll invite you all once that happens." Marquis Morgan replied.

"I don't think Vale will appreciate that He'd rather stay in the castle." Chad wryly smiled, then paused for a moment before asking another question.

"Can you tell me about the Sage you mentioned? Why did you ask me about him?"

Marquis Morgan seemed to have expected this question and replied casually.

"Well, you see He's staying here in one of our rooms. He arrived here yesterday and asked about the helpers we've had in the siege. He mentioned that he may know them. Of course, I didn't mention anything about Sir Vale at all. The Dragon's origin is our secret." Marquis Morgan immediately explained.

"That's great Vale trusted you with his secret after all. Alright Then, let's proceed with the deal."

Although Chad was curious, he decided to continue with their transaction.

For the Marquis, Vale assigned a total of 5 Dragon Scales and 5 vials of Dragon Blood.

"Right I didn't expect that Vale would be so generous to bring this all to me. How much do you want for these Dragon Scales and Blood? I previously offered to provide him with the Broken Immortal Items, but is that alright? Name your price, and I will consider it." He said.

"Well, that may be possible if we're trading with only one or two Dragon Scales. But we have five of them and five more vials of precious Dragon Blood. Furthermore, we all know that these Dragon Scales and Blood are very valuable and rare, and that they can enhance your Spells and your Magic Artifacts. The scales can even be used as an Artifact. Ahem I also know that you are a generous and fair man, so I will be honest and reasonable with you, and I will ask for a fair price." He said.

He then paused and said.

"I want 250,000 gold coins, 100,000 Arcane Ores, 20 Broken or Fragmented Immortal Items, and 10 crates of the Mystic Formation Nodes for these Dragon Scales and Blood. That's the price Vale mentioned, and I think it's a fair one." Chad said.

"What? Are you kidding me, Chad? That's a ridiculous price, and you know it. That's more than the entire wealth of a small kingdom? That's outrageous We can probably provide the gold coins, 10 broken Immortal Items, and crates of the Formation Nodes but not the 100,000 Arcane Ores. It's just impossible. It may be possible if you're only asking for 100 Arcane Ores." Marquis Morgan replied.

Chad shook his head, and said.

"No, Marquis. I'm not kidding, and I don't think it's a ridiculous price. I think it's a reasonable price, and you know it. These are not just a few Dragon Scales and Blood, they are the best Dragon Scales and Blood that you will ever find. The items you can make from these could reach the level of a Sovereign Artifact, and the Dragon Blood could be used for miraculous elixirs. They are worth more than the entire wealth of a small kingdom, and you know it." Chad replied.

He then continued and said.

"But we also know that you have a lot of problems in the kingdom right now. You even have to give the southern region to the Church of the Divine Sorcerer So if you want, instead of giving us Arcane Ores, exchange it with Alchemists We need more than a hundred of them that are at least at the Second Tier. If there are Third-Tiers, they should be quite young and have a lot of potential This is what Vale wanted."

After saying this, he smiled, looked at the Marquis, and waited for his answer.

"Alchemist?" The Marquis repeated as he felt that this was certainly doable.

With the five vials of Dragon Blood, his Black and White Knight would reach the peak of their strength. Furthermore, if he had the finest Magic Craftsman work on the five Dragon Scales, they could create five national treasures!

"Mhmm I think that's fine, Chad I like that alternative. However, I want to ask if you're going to give the same offer to the Sun Sorcerer and Viscount Truman. I don't think they could handle that price."

"It will be quite different, but the value would be the same. Don't worry We aren't increasing the price because you're about to become a king." Chad replied.

At this point, the king could only sigh and accept the deal.

"Fine We have a deal I will have someone deliver the payment within the day. As for the Alchemists, give me one week to send 30 of them and another week for the rest of them." Marquis Morgan replied.

"That's acceptable. You can have these Dragon Scales and Blood now, Marquis. We know you won't go back on your word."

***

Chad finished the negotiation and was ready to leave the castle.

He had made a good deal with the Marquis, so he was satisfied with his trip. As he was looking forward to visiting the Viscount, he felt an intimidating aura ahead of him.

As he was walking towards the gate, his path was blocked by an old man who wore a thick blue robe that looked like it was made for a snowy country. He had a long white beard, and a bald head.

'Is this the Sage Merlin he was talking about?' Chad mused.

The old man in front of him had piercing blue eyes and a stern expression. He carried a black wooden staff, that had a crystal on top.

He was accompanied by three others who looked like his disciples or servants. They wore similar blue robes, and they all had bored expressions on their faces.

"Is there anything I can help you?" Chad calmly asked.

"Yes... I want you to bring me to the owner of that Dragon... I can sense the Dragon's Aura from the item that you have in your bag So you must know him." Sage Merlin said, pointing at Chad's bag.

Chad squinted his eyes after hearing this. However, he wasn't scared or panicking at all.

He looked at the old man with a serene gaze and spoke calmly.

"Are you sure you can only feel the Dragon's Aura in my bag?"