Realm of Myths and Legends Chapter 1316: Medicine Birds, Insincerity Revealed

〈System Alert: 1/1 Pass «Ferron Kroma» test.〉

"Then, I won’t turn away your kindness." Izroth said as he placed all twenty materials into his inventory.

Among the materials Ferron chose for the test, the Yellow Tigerlily Root was the lowest quality. Every other material was at minimum superior quality, while the majority of them were ancient quality.

"Elder Ferron’s test is one of knowledge. While knowledge is important when it comes to healing arts, it is merely a tool. Without experience on how to properly implement it, no amount of knowledge will do you any good." Argenthea said as she rose to her foot and approached the stone table.

The next moment, Argenthea tapped her finger on the stone table.

Out of nowhere, three small cages appeared. Each cage contained a bird roughly twice the size of one’s fist.

Each bird had a unique feather pattern. But, besides that, there were no noticeable differences between the three.

Additionally, in front of each cage was a blank scroll along with a writing tool.

"These little ones are called Medicine Birds. Letting them roam around a medicine field provides protection against insects that seek high quality plants. They also carry life energy between plants, increasing their growth rate and overall yield. All three Medicine Birds have a particular issue. For my test, I would like for the Supreme Elder to diagnose and treat these Medicine Birds. Since you took 15 minutes to complete Elder Ferron’s test, I will give you 45 minutes to complete this test." Argenthea stated with a lighthearted smile.

Medicine Birds were technically categorized monsters; however, they were completely harmless. While they could not be considered rare as a species, the method of taming, raising and treating them was a carefully guarded secrets of the Herbalist Guild. In fact, there was an entirely separate sub-division within the Herbalist Guild that existed for the sole purpose of managing Medicine Birds across the Seven Kingdoms. Even being an Elder of the Herbalist Guild did not guarantee that one would know the methods.

"Pardon me, but I cannot stand here and remain silent. I may not know much when it comes to the healing arts. However, I am aware that Medicine Birds are creatures strictly regulated and managed by the Herbalist Guild. Elder Argenthea, your test for the Supreme Elder of the Fourth Pavilion is unfair by nature." Quicksil spoke up.

Mithron frowned and said, "Elder Argenthea, based on the circumstances, your test does seem unfit. You should understand our goal. In the end, a person is different from a bird. I fail to understand the reasoning behind your choice. Perhaps you would care to enlighten us?"

Argenthea faced toward Mithron.

"Oh ho, it is true that Medicine Birds are different from humans. It is also true that they are managed by the Herbalist Guild. That is why, I believe there is no better method to test the Supreme Elder’s healing arts. Is not facing and conquering the unknown precisely what we are asking of the Supreme Elder? If he cannot solve this matter, how can we leave someone of such importance in his care? Since the Family Head has already granted me the authority to give a test, I ask that you trust in my decision. Everything I do is for the Kroma Family." Argenthea said as she placed her right hand up to her heart.

"Family Head-" Quicksil started; however, he halted his words when Mithron rose his hand.

"Alright, I know what you want to say. However, I have already granted full authority of the tests to Elder Ferron and Elder Argenthea. As I said before, my knowledge is lacking when it comes to the healing arts. So, I have no choice but to rely on those who are capable in our family. I have no intention of going back on my word. Besides, Elder Argenthea’s words are not entirely wrong. More importantly... Well, never mind. I’m sure you understand." Mithron said with a meaningful gaze before he let out a small sigh.

Even without him finishing his words, Quicksil knew exactly what Mithron wanted to say. The Ore of Dreams was supposed in exchange for finding a way to heal the Grand Duke’s daughter. But, instead of bringing back something concrete, Quicksil returned with a young man. Furthermore, he also spent 15,000,000 gold coins on top of that.

While that amount of gold coins was not necessarily a large sum for the Kroma family, it added on to the reasons for the family elder’s council to make a move.

The reason why Quicksil was summoned to the Council Chambers was precisely to deal with the protest of the elder’s council for the decisions he made at the Golden Treasure House auction. Even after knowing that Izroth was the person who healed the Holy Maiden, it was not enough to satisfy those Elders.

In the end, Mithron was forced to use his authority as the Family Head to settle matters with the elder’s council. One of the concessions he made was allowing the elder’s council to test Izroth.

That’s why, after already causing such trouble for the Family Head, Quicksil could only silently take a step back and allow the events before him to unfold.

Argenthea gave a small nod of satisfaction as she said, "Since it has been decided, then shall we return to-"

"I’m done." Izroth’s voice sounded.

Argenthea immediately snapped herself around after hearing those words. It was to the point that she almost threw her back out by moving so quickly. But, how could she not after hearing something so ludicrous.

Argenthea took a few hastened steps as she moved closer to the stone table and examined the Medicine Birds.

"What an arrogant young man! What cured? Medicine Birds aren’t that easy to-" Argenthea began; however, her eyes soon widened in shock as her entire body trembled.

"T-this...!" Argenthea choked on her words as she stood with a baffled expression on her face.

Before, the Medicine Birds were practically lifeless and still. Even a random person picked out of a crowd could tell you that something was wrong with them. However, looking at the Medicine Birds now, they were full of life and brimming with energy as they happily hopped around inside the small cage.

If it were not such a ridiculous notion, Argenthea would have thought that Izroth switched out the Medicine Birds for healthy ones when no one was looking!

Argenthea spent several minutes examining the Medicine Birds and the contents of the scrolls. But, no matter how much she tried to find an answer she came up emptyhanded.

"How did you do it?" Argenthea asked.

Argenthea tried to maintain her soft demeanor; however, there was a certain coldness to her voice and gaze as she looked at Izroth. The way she glared at him in that moment was almost as though he were a thorn in her side.

"I believe the test given to me was to diagnose and treat the Medicine Birds. I wrote down the diagnosis on the scroll as instructed. As for the treatment method—there was no requirement of needing to write it down. Besides, as they say, the best proof is the one right before your eyes." Izroth stated in a carefree manner.

"I insist that the Supreme Elder discloses his treatment method. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to bear the consequences." Argenthea said with a darkened expression.

"Oh? Is that a threat? Does the Kroma family intend to bully others into sharing their secrets?" Izroth said with a cold and distant gaze.

Behind Argenthea’s dark expression was one filled with anxiousness.

Argenthea was a part of the sub-division in the Herbalist Guild that managed the Medicine Birds. If word reached the Herbalist Guild that Izroth knew how to cure Medicine Birds, the only believable conclusion would be that she leaked the information.

Knowledge pertaining to Medicine Birds were considered one of the lifelines of the Herbalist Guild. If a member of its sub-division were discovered to have leaked information about it, even the most powerful family of Danaharpe, the Kroma Family, would not be able to protect one from facing severe punishment. And, that was for one simple reason.

The Herbalist Guild, while not considered to be one of the major professions, it was backed by nearly all the other major professions guilds. After all, it overwhelmingly controlled the supply chains that allowed those major profession guilds to steadily progress and function. The only reason it was not considered a part of the major profession guilds had to due with one simple fact—if anyone messed with the Herbalist Guild, it was no different than offending the other major profession guilds!

Of course, if that were the only reason, Argenthea would not be so anxious.

"Enough! Elder Argenthea, have you forgotten that I’m here? After speaking earlier about everything being for the Kroma family, how dare you threaten our guest! Or, is it that the elder council believe themselves to be the Head of our Kroma Family?" Mithron said with an air of authority as the aura around him surged. Though the pressure itself was directed at the two Kroma family elders.