Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 7

Darkness gradually descended upon the sky. Throughout the entire fortress, torches were the primary source of illumination, with the sole exception of Zhao Hai's bedroom, which was lit by magic lamps.

On the Ark Continent, magic lamps are powered by specific magic crystals obtained through two distinct methods. The first source is underground magic crystal mines. These crystals vary in quality, and their internal energy levels are measurable. High-energy variants serve as power sources for complex magical apparatus, while low-energy ones are relegated to being light sources. Notably, these mined crystals are non-renewable; once their energy is spent, they become worthless husks.

Alternatively, magic crystals can be harvested from magical beasts, though such finds are exceptionally rare. Perhaps fewer than one in ten magical beasts possesses one. While the energy density in these biological crystals isn't particularly high, it is remarkably stable, making them preferred tools for mages during spellcasting. Their most significant advantage is their regenerative nature. Once drained, they can naturally absorb ambient magical energy of the same attribute from the environment, allowing for infinite reuse.

Regardless of the type, these crystals are prohibitively expensive. Although mined crystals are cheaper than those taken from magical beasts, their cost remains far beyond the reach of commoners.

The Buda family was currently enduring a desperate period. Even though Grimm had managed to purchase a few magic crystals, they were treated as precious assets not to be used lightly. Consequently, aside from Zhao Hai's chambers, the rest of the castle relied on torchlight once night fell.

By this time, the slaves had already eaten and retired for the night. Merlyn, having just finished preparing the meal, sent Meg to summon Zhao Hai.

Zhao Hai was sleeping deeply. Despite the shock of arriving in another world, the possession of the Space Farm meant he no longer feared for his survival. Furthermore, Merlyn had been utilizing magic to treat him during his long period of unconsciousness. His body was still saturated with water elements, which possessed a natural calming effect. Now that his mind was at ease, his slumber was particularly profound.

Reaching the door to Zhao Hai’s room, Meg paused to listen. The interior was silent. She knocked gently and announced, “Young Master, it’s time for dinner.”

Silence followed. Meg called out twice more to no avail. With no other choice, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Upon entering, the sound of steady breathing met her ears. She walked softly to the bedside and found him in a deep sleep, completely oblivious to her calls.

Meg let out a soft sigh. She couldn't decide if Zhao Hai was incredibly thick-skinned or just foolish to be able to sleep so peacefully given their current circumstances.

Standing by the bed, she gave him a light nudge. “Young Master, it is time to eat.”

Groggily, Zhao Hai stirred and mumbled, “What time is it?”

“It is already seven in the evening, Young Master,” Meg replied quickly.

Zhao Hai blinked his eyes open and looked at Meg standing there. Glancing toward the window, he saw that night had indeed fallen. He sat up slowly, shaking off the lingering dizziness. Turning back to Meg, he asked, “Meg, what is today’s date?”

Meg lowered her gaze. “Young Master, today is April 6th.”

Zhao Hai nodded, performing some mental calculations. He had collapsed on February 17, 1637, according to the New Era Calendar, and it was now April 6th. This meant he had been out for over a month. To be able to move so easily after such a long coma would be considered a medical miracle on Earth.

However, he didn't need to ask Meg for an explanation. Adam’s memories confirmed that the healing magic used by the mages of this continent was extraordinary. Even after a year-long coma, a patient could walk normally upon waking without suffering from muscle atrophy.

As Zhao Hai sat on the edge of the bed, Meg immediately picked up his boots to put them on for him. Zhao Hai reacted instantly, saying, “Meg, put those down. I can handle it.”

Startled, Meg replied, “Young Master, please let me. This is my duty.”

Uncomfortable with the service, Zhao Hai stopped her firmly. “Forget it. I will handle these small tasks myself from now on.” He took the boots from her and pulled them on.

Meg watched him, stunned. The Zhao Hai before her felt like a total stranger. The old Zhao Hai wouldn't even take his own boots off, much less put them on. To see him doing it himself was shocking.

Once his boots were on, Zhao Hai stood up. He turned to Meg and said, “Let’s go eat. I need to have a discussion with Grandpa Grimm.”

Though she found his behavior odd, Meg complied and led the way to the dining hall. She knew that since Zhao Hai hadn't left his room since their arrival, he would be completely lost in the castle's layout.

Stepping out of the room, Zhao Hai paused, observing his surroundings with curiosity. The fortress was clearly ancient and built to last, though its style was dated. Unlike Adam’s former luxurious home, this place felt somber and dark.

Zhao Hai didn't mind, however; he actually preferred this atmosphere. In his mind, this was exactly how a true medieval castle should look—ancient and full of character. He even wondered if there were hidden passages to be found.

He soon noticed the torches lining the corridors. Remembering the cost of magic crystals, he understood the necessity of the flickering flames.

While Adam had been ignorant of the cost of common necessities, he was well aware of the price of magic crystals. Such luxury items were only accessible to those of his former social standing.

Recognizing that his room held the only magic lamp in the fortress, Zhao Hai felt a sudden surge of warmth in his heart.

The dining hall was close to his quarters. Upon entering, they found Grimm, Merlyn, Rock, and Wood waiting. They bowed in unison. “Good evening, Young Master. Please, enjoy your meal.”

Zhao Hai nodded, noting that only a single set of cutlery was laid out on the wooden table. Adam’s memories reminded him that nobles did not dine with servants; the latter were expected to stand and serve.

He took his seat and surveyed the room. It was modest, roughly twenty square meters, dominated by a long table draped in a pristine white cloth. Two candelabras sat upon it, each holding three candles.

Eight finely crafted chairs, clearly high-quality remnants of their past life, surrounded the table. Torches in the corners provided ample light, but the room was otherwise sparsely furnished.

After his brief inspection, Zhao Hai looked at Grimm. “Grandpa Grimm, please sit and eat. I have questions for you once we finish.”

Grimm bowed immediately. “Young Master, that is impossible. We cannot sit at the table while you eat. It violates the rules of the Empire.”

Zhao Hai snorted. “The Empire’s rules aren't mine. If the Empire has abandoned us, why should we honor their customs? Enough of that. Get some plates and sit down. I have matters to discuss, and if you don’t eat, I won’t either.”

Seeing Zhao Hai’s resolve, Grimm looked toward Merlyn for help. Merlyn simply glared at him. “Why are you looking at me? The Young Master hasn’t had a proper meal in over a month. Do you intend to let him starve?”

To Grimm, nothing was more important than Zhao Hai’s health. At Merlyn's words, he relented. “Very well. Serve the food for everyone. I will attend to the Young Master.”

Merlyn didn't argue and led Meg away to fetch the food. Grimm sat down along with Rock and Wood. The two warriors were visibly uncomfortable, sitting with stiff, rigid postures. They were simple-minded men of few words; they had only repeated the standard greeting to Zhao Hai before falling silent.

From Adam’s memories, Zhao Hai knew that Rock and Wood were orphans adopted by his father. Though they weren't bright, they were gifted with immense natural strength. Having mastered the Berserk Dragon Battle Aura, they were now nearly level-six warriors. Most importantly, their loyalty to the Buda family was absolute.

While Merlyn was away, Zhao Hai turned to Grimm. “Grandpa Grimm, what is our current balance of gold coins?”

Grimm was surprised by the question but stood up to answer. “Young Master, we have 180 gold coins remaining. Since we are currently stocked with supplies, these funds are available for use.”

Zhao Hai gestured for him to sit. “When we traveled from the capital, did we bring our belongings in our own carriages? What happened to the horses?”

Grimm explained, “Young Master, our territory is small and produces very little. To save on fodder, we only kept five horses. The carriages we used for the journey were all rentals.”

Zhao Hai was briefly surprised, but he quickly grasped Grimm's logic. Grimm was being as frugal as possible. A quality horse required grain, not just grass, and since they produced almost no food, it was a waste to maintain animals they couldn't afford to feed.