Myra and Max listened seriously to Vicente's words because they made sense. As much as the Colored Tuna Brain could be consumed, making it difficult to trace, its value was high, and many people would prefer coins.

The Viscount had spent 900 gold coins on it just because he wanted to use the tuna brain at Marcus' wedding ceremony. Other people would like to try a meal based on that ingredient, but few would use the brain in that way.

For most people, using their coins to buy pills, potions, and magical equipment was much better than eating a tasty meal.

Surely, others like the Viscount would pay dearly for that brain, so it would most likely be resold.

"We'll see about that. I'll tell my father to keep an eye on the black market in the province for the next few weeks." Myra said before she thanked Vicente. "Thanks for the advice. If we get it, I'll let Nova and you know."

"Hmm, I hope you have luck with that." Vicente smiled, having already ordered one of his men to use the brain on the black market and negotiate with the Bain family of Dryhaven.

Vicente couldn't give that brain to those siblings. It would be too suspicious of him. But he didn't have much use for this delicacy either, and part of him wanted to help Nova's family.

So why wouldn't he sell the brain to the Bain family for a few gold coins? It would be a win-win situation.

Vicente smiled as he watched them leave while Nava stood next to him, visibly tired from the night before.

The position of Commander was very stressful. Moreover, she was weak compared to the level required for the job, and as such, she had to deal with the frustration of not being able to do everything she should.

"Sigh... Did you hear what happened the night before? Unfortunately, I couldn't do anything for Millfall, even though I'm the temporary Commander of the local post." She commented to him.

"Yes, I heard some rumors..." Vicente answered her. "But it's not your fault, Nova. The night before was atypical. Even Mid-level Mages died! If Commander Hogan had been in town, he couldn't have done anything to stop the movements of the night before."

She knew that and said nothing more, taking advantage of the fact that she was finally alone with Vice to hug him and relax a little in his arms.

"What are your plans for the next few days?" She asked as she smelled his masculine scent. "I know I don't have much to do. I have a feeling that the damned Cesar Mazzanti is involved in the Viscount's death, but I can't do anything to charge him. I'll have to wait for reinforcements from the capital. So I don't have much to do for the next few days."

Vicente laughed when he heard this and answered her. "I might have an appointment in the next few days. My master wants to make a bet with another 3rd-stage blacksmith. Then I might have a small competition at the association. If I lose, I'll have to join the group from the club that's leaving town for a provincial forging competition."

Nova opened her eyes in surprise and looked at Vicente with interest. "Can I watch you compete?" She asked, curious to see her friend in action.

Even though they were a couple, she had never seen Vicente's skills. They usually didn't have much time to spend together, and when they did, they preferred to do other things...

But she wanted to do everything couples did, including meditating and training together. They hadn't had a chance to do that yet, so when she heard that he was going to show off some of his skills, she wanted to watch.

"Sure, I'll see when and where it happens and let you know." He smiled at her, not bothering to show her his forging skills since he didn't intend to use his special ability in the confrontation against Henry's best student in town.

"I hope you win." She said, smiling and showing her teeth. "It would be awful if you had to take part in this competition outside the city."

"True. I'd rather stay here and take care of you." He squeezed her waist before taking her in his arms and leading her to her house.

Nova let out a small cry at being caught like that. But she didn't complain; instead, she enjoyed it very much because she longed for her man's 'affection.'

...

While Vicente tended to Nova's needs, Benson arrived at the Millfall Blacksmiths' Association building and went straight to the Council of Elders.

Arriving there, he was greeted with loud voices and smiles here and there, with several of the most important local blacksmiths congratulating Henry on his purchase of Ekacrinite the night before.

Among the people were Henry's disciples, and even his disciples' disciples, celebrating with this great local blacksmith.

"Henry, you really are rich. I'll give you that," Benson loudly said as he joined the people in the Council of Elders' meeting room. "You beat me again, but would you be willing to test your luck with me?"

Henry heard Benson and looked at the man, seeing that his local rival was there to challenge him.

"Benson, don't be a sore loser. Henry got the article fair and square. Are you here to cause trouble over it?" Another elder asked in a harsh tone.

Benson stopped in front of Henry while the weaker ones around him stopped talking to each other, silencing the stronger ones.

"I'll be honest with you, Henry, I need part of the Ekacrinite. I know you won't part with it for nothing, so I'm here to propose a bet. How about we have a little contest between our most talented students in

town?

If my disciple beats your disciple, you'll only give me 10% of the rock you got the night before. But if your student beats mine, Vicente Fuller will agree to represent our post at the annual Forge Tournament. Benson said, quickly naming what Henry could win in this bet.

"Vicente Fuller? The young man who made an item with 100% efficiency in his test to become a 1st-stage blacksmith?" One of the local 3rd-stage blacksmiths asked with interest, remembering the young man he had seen take the test months ago.

Henry had heard of such a talent several times and didn't immediately turn down Benson's offer. "That is interesting. But what is this young man like now? If he's still just an Apprentice, it'll be a while before he fights for us. Would he be willing to represent us in competitions for the next five years?"

Benson smiled when he heard this. "Vicente is better than you think. But yes, if he loses, he's willing to represent our post in competitions within the province for the next few years."