Toma: Reincarnated as the Knight's Adopted Son - 64 chapter

Chapter 64: Gemstone Trade

The assassins I had been worried about haven’t reappeared.

I’ve been focusing on the Alilac Dungeon and recently defeated the boss on the 20th floor, progressing to the 21st. My level has also increased significantly.

My stats have grown remarkably. At level 200, my Life, Stamina, and Mana were about 35,000. Now, they’ve doubled.

Comparing myself to Father, who’s level 320 and has stats exceeding 3,000, my current stats of over 70,000 are astonishing.

If I reach Father’s level, how high will my abilities go?

Thinking of Father reminded me… It’s hunting season. He’s likely out hunting monsters in Ashud Territory again.

Back home, this time of year meant the Meat Festival, a celebration dedicated to eating meat. Adults would drink themselves into oblivion, and though it was the dead of winter, no one froze to death thanks to the warm climate and bonfires.

Lately, the festival has grown, with stalls selling goods, making it more like the festivals of my previous life. It’s still fun, though—a lively event where everyone enjoys themselves.

“I miss Ashud Territory’s cheese.”
“Me too! Slap that cheese on some meat, stuff it in bread, and it’s amazing!”

Ben chimed in enthusiastically to my absentminded mumble.

“I miss the water there,” said Charmy. “The capital may have everything, but the water here isn’t great.”

Ben and I nodded in agreement.

The water in the capital isn’t particularly good, nor was it in Lightstar’s Baldo Territory.

In contrast, Ashud Territory’s water is so fresh it feels like a treasure in itself.

As December arrived, snow occasionally dusted the capital but never accumulated.

That’s when Grandfather and Grandmother paid a visit, accompanied by Lord Dardale.

“Ten days from now, the trial for Viscount Fayatt and Marquis Lightstar will take place. Toma, you’ve been summoned as a witness,” said Grandfather.

The trial would address the poisonous liquor scandal and the profits made by the two noble families involved.

“I have to testify as well?”

I’m a minor, though…

“I’ll accompany you. Leave it to me,” Grandfather reassured me.
“I’ll be there as well. You can rely on us,” Lord Dardale added.

Grandfather, my guardian, and Lord Dardale, representing the temple, would both attend.

“Toma, let’s go shopping together today,” Grandmother said suddenly.

And just like that, my plans for the day were decided.

Shopping with Grandmother

Grandmother dressed me up like a doll, making me try on outfit after outfit. Somehow, this was more exhausting than dungeon crawling and combat.

“For lunch… how about Rilunfolk Zeid?” Grandmother suggested.
“Oh, that restaurant,” I replied.

“You’ve been there, Toma?”
“Yes, but I was turned away because all the seats were reserved. That place is quite selective about its patrons.”
“How dare they turn you away! Let’s go somewhere else,” she said, visibly irritated.

Honestly, I had no desire to return to that restaurant. In contrast, a simpler place like Danbolo’s offered hearty meals I found more enjoyable.

After lunch, we stopped by a jewelry shop.

I suddenly remembered the box in my room filled with gemstones I’d created. Maybe it was time to sell some of them.

“Welcome, Duchess Bayerlein. It’s an honor to have you,” greeted the jeweler.
“Today, I’ve brought my grandson, Toma. Do you have any protective gems?”
“Yes, of course. Please take a seat while I fetch some.”

Protective gems are essentially magical tools embedded with effects like damage reduction or poison resistance. Naturally, they’re incredibly expensive.

Knowing Grandmother wouldn’t relent, I decided to accept her gift.

She bought me a necklace set with an amethyst that nullified poison—a beautiful piece of jewelry and a highly valuable magical artifact.

Before we left, I inquired about selling my gemstones.

“In that case, I’ll visit your estate,” the jeweler offered.

I tried to decline, feeling it was too much trouble, but Grandmother insisted. Ultimately, we scheduled a meeting three days later at the Roxfall residence.

Three Days Later

The jeweler, Tifas Burgal, arrived at the estate.

“I imagine our estate seems small compared to the Bayerlein residence,” I said politely.

“Not at all,” Tifas replied with a smile.

Though I knew it was just a courtesy, there was no hint of malice in his words.

I laid out the jewelry I had created through Conversion onto the table.

“This… this is incredible!”

“May I examine them?”

“Of course.”

Tifas pulled out a loupe to inspect the gems. Despite glass being a luxury item, loupes apparently weren’t uncommon.

“Hmm… this… extraordinary…” he muttered, meticulously examining each gem with the sharp gaze of a hawk.

“Toma-sama! Would you be willing to sell these to us?”

He was practically glowing with enthusiasm.

“Yes, that’s my intention.”
“Thank you! These gemstones are flawless—no scratches, no impurities, and exceptional clarity! I’ll ensure you receive the best price possible!”

Well, that escalated quickly…

Tifas bought all the jewelry, and I earned a significant sum of money.

A Few Days Later

Grandmother returned to the estate.

“Toma, do you have more gemstones?” she asked sweetly.

“Um… yes?”

“May I see them?”

Though she was smiling, her eyes held an intensity I couldn’t ignore.

Apparently, Tifas had told her about my gemstones.

When I showed her a few new pieces, she immediately wanted to buy them all.

“You’ve always done so much for me, Grandmother. Please accept these as a gift.”

“I can’t do that, Toma. Let me pay you properly.”

“This is a gift from your grandson. Please accept it.”

“…Well, if you insist. Thank you, Toma.”

Later, I learned that the gemstones I sold to Tifas were turned into jewelry with enhanced protective properties and sold as premium magical accessories.

Apparently, imperfections in gemstones weaken the effects of magical enhancements, so the flawless stones I created were perfect for crafting magical artifacts.

Even as raw gemstones, their value was immense.

“Gemstones… are OP.”