I Became The Vampire Progenitor
Chapter 142: Vina’s Mysterious Shop

When Li De returned to Green City from Dawn City, it was already three o'clock in the afternoon.

The atmosphere in Green City, now entering spring, remained as oppressive as ever. There was none of the hopeful feeling that permeated Dawn City.

Beggars on the streets shivered, their faces blank as they watched passersby. In the sewers, a few soldiers were fishing out corpses. As spring approached, some poor souls had starved to death.

The air still carried that peculiar stench.

"Good afternoon, Lord Li De."

"Lord Li De, you’ve returned."

"Lord Li De."

Upon returning to the Crimson Mage Tower, a group of apprentices greeted him with broad smiles.

After a winter’s time, the Crimson Mage Tower had undergone significant changes.

Firstly, its area had expanded. All the residential zones surrounding the tower had been purchased, and a newly built, wide wall now enclosed the entire area.

Now, the only way to enter the Crimson Mage Tower was through the small square at the main gate. Attempting to climb over the walls would risk triggering magical arrays and alchemical traps.

"Mm, go fetch Vina for me."

"Yes."

Li De waved his hand, letting the apprentice go to notify her. He sat comfortably on a stool in the first-floor hall by himself.

Not long after, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the stairs, and Vina’s graceful figure appeared before Li De.

She still wore that familiar blue mage robe, her exquisitely beautiful face adorned with a warm smile.

With light steps, she bowed and greeted him.

"Good afternoon, Lord Li De."

Seeing his little maid improved Li De’s mood considerably.

"Vina, give me an update on the current state of the Crimson Mage Tower."

Vina was accustomed to Li De’s way of doing things. Every time he returned from a trip, he would ask for a report on developments during his absence.

Her sapphire-like eyes sparkled with amusement as her nightingale-like voice echoed through the mage tower.

"Lord Li De, during this period we recruited another batch of apprentices. The Crimson Mage Tower now has 150 apprentices and 22 formal mages, totaling 172 people.

After the construction during the Months of Deep Winter, the surrounding areas of the Crimson Mage Tower are now entirely under our control.

It can currently accommodate up to 500 residents.

The magic factory is now fully producing magic scrolls according to your orders.

Our total inventory has reached 5,000 scrolls."

After mentioning what should have been good news, Vina's expression turned somewhat odd.

"Due to purchasing magical materials, we now owe the White Tower 10,000 Gold Pucks.

The overseer of the White Tower has made several remarks about this."

A single season’s production resulted in the Crimson Mage Tower stockpiling a whopping 5,000 magic scrolls.

This number was staggering.

Modern production methods brought into this world had led to unbelievably high efficiency.

Even Vina, who oversaw the magic factory daily, still trembled at the sheer quantity.

Each magic scroll cost about 3 Gold Pucks to produce but sold for around 10-12 Gold Pucks. With 5,000 scrolls, the value held by the Crimson Mage Tower exceeded 50,000 Gold Pucks.

Even after repaying the 10,000 Gold Pucks owed to the White Tower, there would still be 40,000 Gold Pucks left.

This was a fortune that could raise anyone’s blood pressure. If these magic scrolls could be sold successfully, the financial difficulties facing Dawn City would be resolved effortlessly.

Li De was extremely satisfied.

If it weren’t for the shortage of magical materials later on, the inventory of magic scrolls might have been even higher.

But even so, the current amount was terrifying enough.

He really had to thank his nominal teacher, Spark Ross, whose support had been unwavering. Just the raw materials for magic alone had put him in debt for 10,000 Gold Pucks.

He couldn’t forget this favor.

The reason Dawn City lacked development funds was that Li De had invested half of the Vampire race’s funds into the Crimson Mage Tower. Thus, the city hall of an entire city was left with less than 2,000 Gold Pucks—a dire situation.

"Lord Li De, shall we start selling these magic scrolls now?"

Vina’s eyes held a hint of inquiry. The pressing financial crisis had placed significant stress on the girl managing the Crimson Mage Tower during this time.

"Of course. Spring has arrived, and those mercenaries and adventurers must be itching to act, right?"

A meaningful smile played on Li De’s lips.

"Is the shop you were tasked to build ready?"

"It’s ready, on the right side of the mage tower square. As per your instructions, I asked Isha to invite Master Spark here. The shop has magical arrays personally arranged by Master Spark, ensuring absolute safety."

"Very good. Starting tomorrow, begin selling the magic scrolls officially. Have Laurent contact nearby underground organizations and spread the word."

"Yes, Lord Li De. What shall we name this shop?"

Li De revealed a meaningful smile.

"Call it Akali’s Black Market—no, Vina’s Mysterious Shop."

Vina’s Mysterious Shop?

The girl’s beautiful eyes shimmered like water as she gazed at Li De’s handsome face. Her cheeks slowly flushed red, and she subtly lowered her head.

"Vina, you will manage the Mysterious Shop from now on. In the future, we’ll expand the shop across the entire Nolan Empire."

Magic scrolls were big business. With his magic factory, Li De could certainly produce even more magic scrolls.

At that point, even a city with a population of millions like Green City might not be able to handle the volume.

During this time, Li De had carefully observed. His little maid wasn’t particularly strong in magical talent, but surprisingly excelled in commerce and management.

In his absence, Vina managed the Crimson Mage Tower impeccably, without the slightest error.

This was why he could leave for ten days or half a month at a time without worry.

Vina’s role in the Crimson Mage Tower was more akin to a steward, resolving his worries and ensuring smooth operations.

Though Vina wasn’t powerful, her contributions were no less significant in Li De’s eyes than Emi at Level 15.

High-level combat power was indeed precious, but advanced managerial talent was even more valuable.

Whenever he had the chance, Li De imparted modern management concepts to Vina. In this process, the girl grew rapidly.

In Li De’s plans, the Crimson Mage Tower would have two key commercial divisions in the future.

The first was the Golden Wheat Merchant Guild.

Its importance was undeniable. The rapid development of Dawn City during this period was inseparable from the guild’s large-scale procurement of materials. However, the Golden Wheat Merchant Guild primarily dealt in basic industries, which had significant limitations.

The second was the Mysterious Shop. Specializing in magic scrolls, the Mysterious Shop operated in a higher-tier industry with immense potential.

Of course, other magical industries might be added in the future, targeting the high-end market.

The Golden Wheat Merchant Guild and the Mysterious Shop complemented each other’s weaknesses.

Laurent would oversee the Golden Wheat Merchant Guild, while Vina would be in charge of the Mysterious Shop.

Talent came in many forms. It wasn’t just about combat strength. At least for now, within the Crimson Mage Tower, the person Li De trusted most was Vina—not only because of her loyalty, but also her personal abilities.

"Yes, Lord Li De. I’ll arrange it immediately.

Isha is still studying magic with Master Spark. Shall I bring her back?"

"Bring Isha back."

Li De smiled faintly, reaching out to ruffle Vina’s little head. He adored his little maid’s long, slightly curled golden hair.

"Yes, my lord."

Vina’s gaze softened instantly, her eyes curving into crescent moons.