I Died and Became a Noble's Heir

Chapter 605 605: One More Thing [Golden Ticket Chapter Bonus]

The Dryad's corpse filled the container, its humanoid torso preserved through magical stasis that prevented natural decay while maintaining the entity's physical integrity for examination and study.

The creature's skin was bark-like, with dark wood-grain visible across every inch of exposed flesh, in patterns that looked like a tree.

Its face carried beauty and terror simultaneously.

Its face would have been elegant and striking while alive, but now being frozen left it in an expression that mixed rage, pain, and disbelief that something had actually managed to kill it.

But what drew the eye and held attention was the systematic damage.

The Dryad's chest had been carved open with surgical precision, ribs broken and pulled apart to expose the cavity where its heart should have been.

The organ was missing, harvested for its alchemical or magical properties.

One arm had been severed at the shoulder, the limb presumably kept separate for crafting purposes or sold to a specialist who could extract useful materials from Dryad tissue.

The entity's torso and legs exhibited deep lacerations.

This wasn't a corpse that had been respectfully preserved after a difficult battle against a worthy opponent.

This was the remains of a creature that had been butchered for parts with the same clinical efficiency someone might use when processing livestock.

Bale's face went pale again, all the blood that had rushed to his cheeks during Brutus's insult draining away as his eyes tracked across the destruction.

His hands trembled slightly at his sides, fingers twitching as his mind processed what he was seeing and tried to reconcile it with his understanding of how a Disaster-class entity was supposed to be treated after defeat.

"This is..." he started, then stopped as his voice failed. He swallowed hard, then tried again. "This is definitely a nightmare or Disaster-class. The magical signature alone is... I've never seen anything like this outside of royal treasury displays when they bring captured dungeon bosses for study."

His eyes remained fixed on the Dryad's ruined chest, unable to look away from the cavity where the heart had been extracted.

"The dungeon's final floor guardian," Rhys confirmed, his tone carrying no particular satisfaction or pride. Just a clinical acknowledgment of fact.

"Defeated, harvested, and preserved for evidence purposes. Jack thought you might require proof before accepting the material delivery."

Bale's attention remained locked on the corpse for several more seconds before he managed to pull his gaze away through what looked like a significant effort of will.

Upon observing Rhys once more, his demeanor conveyed a notable degree of genuine respect, subtly overriding the initial shock and lingering apprehension stemming from Brutus's prior evaluation of his abilities.

"This is... more than acceptable proof," the young lord confirmed, his voice steadier now that he'd had time to process what he was seeing.

"I'll have my scribes record the delivery officially and update the status with King Eric's administrators. This will need to be reported to the capital as well. Solo S-rank dungeon clear is an achievement that requires royal acknowledgment."

Rhys nodded once, then delivered Jack's message with the same neutral tone he'd maintained throughout the entire exchange.

"Jack wants you to use whatever materials you require for your province's purposes. Fortifications, equipment, training, and expansion. Anything that strengthens your position. Sell whatever you don't need and keep the proceeds. He's given you resources to transform this province so you can move up in this world."

Bale's eyes widened as the full implications registered.

This wasn't just payment for services or compensation for handling distribution. This was an investment in his success, with resources specifically provided to elevate his status from minor nobility to significant provincial authority.

"Additionally," Rhys continued, "Jack requests that you spread word of my accomplishment throughout Elysium. Specifically, that I cleared the S-rank Moonwell dungeon solo, without assistance, and harvested the field boss personally. Merchants, traders, travelers. Anyone with connections to other kingdoms. Let the information distribute naturally through commercial networks."

Understanding bled through Bale's expression as he recognized what Jack was actually orchestrating.

Not just material distribution and political elevation for Bale's house, but reputation building for Rhys that would reach far beyond Elysium's borders through organic information networks that carried more credibility than official propaganda.

"The news will reach Caeloria within weeks," Bale observed, his tone thoughtful. "Elven diplomatic corps monitors commercial intelligence from Elysium closely, and achievements like this will definitely attract attention from their military assessors and political strategists."

"That's expected, I am an elf after all," Rhys confirmed.

Bale nodded slowly, his mind clearly processing the elegant simplicity of Jack's approach.

Use legitimate commercial networks to spread verifiable information, let traders and merchants carry the news naturally, and watch as Rhys's reputation builds itself through channels that couldn't be dismissed as exaggeration or propaganda.

"I can do that," Bale stated with certainty. "My family maintains relationships with information brokers throughout the kingdom. Solo S-rank clear is exactly the kind of newsworthy achievement they specialize in distributing. It'll be common knowledge in the capital within days, and spreading to neighboring kingdoms within weeks."

He paused, then met Rhys's gaze directly.

"For the record... congratulations. Solo clearing an S-rank dungeon is an achievement that builds legendary reputations. Whatever Jack Kaiser is planning for your political future, this will provide a foundation that even your family can't easily dismiss."

Rhys's expression didn't change, but something in his posture shifted fractionally. "Thank you. But I need to return to Cordelia soon. I need to return to the academy."

Bale clearly recognized the dismissal for what it was, his head dipping in understanding. "Of course. Safe travels, Lord Rhys. And please convey my thanks to Jack Kaiser for the materials and the opportunity. I won't forget this investment."

Rhys nodded once, then turned toward where Brutus still stood supervising the final stages of crate unloading. The alpha minotaur's red, sparking eyes tracked his movement, the creature's massive frame radiating satisfaction at having completed the assigned task while also thoroughly insulting human nobility.

"Oh, one more thing, Lord Bale. Jack has prepared a wife for you as well. It will help elevate your status from Baron to Earl, I believe."

Laurence's mouth dropped to the floor as he heard what Rhys had to say.

"We're done here," Rhys stated, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Return the minotaurs to Tartarus Spire and inform Jack that delivery was completed successfully."

Brutus snorted in acknowledgment, then began barking commands at his subordinates in a beast language.

The minotaurs moved hastily, their massive forms departing in coordinated groups through the castle gates and beginning the march back to whatever portal point would return them to the twenty-fifth floor.

Within minutes, the courtyard was empty except for Young Lord Bale, his guards, the crates of materials that could transform his province, and one very shocked aristocrat trying to process everything that had just happened.

Rhys walked through the castle gates without looking back, his mind already shifting toward the journey ahead.

Jack had given him the first piece. The solo S-rank dungeon clear would reach elven diplomatic circles within weeks, establishing Rhys as a legitimate threat rather than an embarrassing bastard to be ignored and dismissed.

But proving himself worthy of the throne would require more than a single accomplishment, however impressive it might be.