The earl stared at the chest, unable to say a word for a moment.
Twenty thousand gold coins! That was almost equivalent to the Ralph Family's total income for an entire year during its former heyday.
The shops in the East District of the Royal Capital were even more valuable. Their yearly rent alone was enough to cover the estate's daily expenses.
"Additionally..." Orlando took a letter from inside his robe. "This is Young Master Ron's handwritten letter."
The earl took the letter with trembling hands and eagerly opened it.
Yet the letter contained only one sentence:
"Old man, don't send any more Magic Stone Fragments. I know the family isn't well-off either. Just live your lives properly. Everything's fine on my end."
As he reached out and caressed the familiar handwriting, the earl's eyes grew moist without him realizing it. "That boy..."
His younger son, who had once known nothing but how to enjoy himself, had now unknowingly grown into an outstanding person capable of considering the family.
"His Majesty greatly admires Young Master Ron's performance," Orlando continued.
"To express our apologies, the Royal Family has decided to directly provide Young Master Ron with twenty Magic Stone Fragments every month starting next month, as cultivation expenses."
Edmond stared at the envoy in disbelief. "The Royal Family is willing to provide such generous support to someone who isn't a member of the royal family?"
"This is an investment, Young Master Edmond."
Orlando smiled faintly. "The potential Young Master Ron has displayed is worthy of the Royal Family's attention. The Farouk Kingdom needs more powerful wizards, and someone who can advance from a Sixth-Rank Star to a Primary Apprentice in less than a year is certainly worth investing in."
The earl nodded. He naturally understood the Royal Family's considerations.
In this