Transmigrated as a Ghost

Walking into the part of the atrium where they grew natural tressures Marcus looked around and saw a number of familiar plants.

However, as he identified the ones he knew, he became a bit disappointed seeing as how none of them were very rare.

It was a far cry from the vast amount that were growing in the intelligent beasts' domain, but it was still something.

'Looks like they can only cultivate the more common types. But I guess that this is still impressive in its own way.'

Still even though the first impression was not breathtaking, as they walked further in Marcus saw some natural treasures he had never seen before, like a palm tree that was growing silver coconuts.

'Oh, there he is.'

As they continued exploring the plots where the natural treasures were growing, Marcus soon spotted Baron Kental who was the man in charge of running and maintaining this atrium.

Marcus then got everyone's attention and they began moving towards Baron Kental who had a few assistants with him and appeared to work on something.

"The moister in the soul around the soul strengthening grass is too high. We will need to lessen the watering in this area. And over here with the iron shell seeds. We need to spread more magic core fertilizer. I can see that their luster is lacking." Baron Kental said to his assistants.

However, as Baron Kental continued to evaluate the natural treasures his entire focus on them, he did not notice Marcus' group approaching him, and one of his assistants tapped on his shoulder to get his attention.

Unfortunately, Baron Kental had been in the middle of taking a clipping from one of the soul strengthening grasses, and when he felt the tap on his shoulders, he nearly ripped the grass out of the ground. 

"Braxton what did I tell you about distracting me when I am taking clippings. What if I would have damaged this natural treasure." Baron Kental said with a frustrated expression on his face and an angry tone.

"Sir I am sorry, but it appears you have some visitors." Braxton said pointing towards Marcus' group.

Looking over, Baron Kental saw Marcus, and those with him for the first time, and an expression of surprise came over his face.

He had not been expecting to see any visitors today, but the rag tag group in front of him was far from what he could have expected.

"Your highnesses princess Mrazivý and Eis. To what do I owe the pleasure." Baron Kental said, giving a slight bow.

"Oh, we just came to look around. This is my friend Lady Irene Geist, and I was just showing her around the castle, and she wanted to come here. I do believe that the two of you are also acquainted, correct?" 

Nodding his head Baron Kental said, "Yes her sister is friends with my daughter, so we have met each other once before. It is a pleasure to see you again Lady Geist."

"Yes, it is good to see you again as well Baron Kental. Sorry to bother you at work." Marcus said apologetically.

"No, it is fine. For members of the royal family, I am always available. So, what is it that you need of me, or were you simply being polite and greeting me?" The baron said

"Actually, we were hoping you could tell us more about the amethyst blossom tree in the flower garden." Princess Eis said, with eyes full of childlike wonder.

Of course, this had actually been planned in advance to ensure that Baron Kelton would answer, since it was possible if Marcus or Mrazivý had asked he would have declined saying he needed to get back to work.

But how could he refuse such a heartfelt plea from the young princess.

Unfortunately, as she asked about the amethyst blossom tree, the Baron sighed and said, "I am sorry Princess Eis, but even I know very little about that tree. I have studied botany since I was young, and never have I come across records of such a tree existent anywhere else. The only thing I know about it is that it was placed there by the original creator of this atrium and has been there ever since."

Hearing the Baron's response, Eis, Mrazivý, and Marcus all looked a bit downcast because they had been hoping to find out some facts about the beautiful and mysterious tree.

"Ah but I do know just about everything there is to know about every other plant in this atrium, so allow me to give you a guided tour of the natural treasures while you are here." Baron Kental said, weak to seeing the sadden look on Princess Eis' face.

Receiving an unexpected offer, their group naturally took the Baron up on his suggestion, and he began guiding them around.

Baron Kental then began leading them around and giving them insights into the natural treasures being grown, as well as some of the basic care they required to stay healthy.

"However, without the formation put in place by the atrium's creator, none of these natural treasures would be able to flourish and in the best case they would put out far lesser products" Baron Kental said as he showed off the core of the atrium that produced the magic that that promoted plant growth and kept it safe from disease. 

They continued around like this on the guided tour of the natural treasures that were on different levels, each level higher having rarer natural treasures that stayed effective even into later levels.

"And this here is our pride and joy, the rainbow fruit tree." Baron Kental said as they made it to the top of the atrium.

Looking at this tree that took up the entire top floor of the atrium, Marcus stared intently at the familiar looking tree that sat in the middle of a spring.

'That is the same type of tree that was in the glade the golden lions had made their home.'

Recognizing the tree, this was the first natural tressure that really impressed Marcus since the fruit it produced could raise any stat depending on the color.

"As I am sure you can tell, this tree produces different fruits that can raise any of the five stats by a good margin. Even just one fruit from it is worth a few hundred gold, though the kingdom would never dream to sell such a valuable resource." 

Baron Kental then went on about the tree and how the spring it sat on was very special, needing to be constantly infused with mana, and have a particular concoction used to refill it.

Yet as he talked about the rainbow fruit tree, Princess Eis became mesmerized by the beautiful fruit growing on it and said, "Could I have one?"

There was practically droll flowing out of her mouth, though Marcus could not blame her since he knew how good those fruit tasted.

Alas, everyone knew that it would not be that simple and Baron Kental said, "I am sorry Princess Eis, but I cannot just give out one of those fruits. Perhaps try asking your father when you see him next."

Sighing, Princess Eis and letting her head and shoulders slump over.

She knew before she asked that she would not get one of those fruits, but they looked so good she had to try.

"Here you go princess, I have plenty so you can take this one." Marcus said, pulling out one of the blue fruits from his item box.

Everyone except Mrazivý who knew where Marcus had gotten this fruit from, looked at him with shocked expressions.

At first, they thought he had somehow taken one of the fruits off of the tree, but the two knights watching him had not seen anything, and at a glance none of the fruits were missing.

"Are you sure I can have this." Princess Eis asked timidly.

"Yeah, go ahead. This one did not come from that tree, but I came across a similar one in a dungeon and this is one of the fruits I took from it." 

Of course, Marcus said this not just to put the little princess at ease, but also for everyone else, so they would know that he had not stolen it.

Princess Eis then took the fruit and began munching down on it, and as she took a bite her eyes went wide.

The flavor of the fruit had a mellow sweetness, and there was a refreshing coolness that it left in her mouth.

"Delicious!" Princess Eis said as she held one of her hands up to her cheek.

"Lady Irene are you sure it was oaky to give something so valuable to the princess." Sir Hinsen said in concern.

He had never known anyone to simply hand out a natural treasure for free as they were a very valuable resource.

Though how could he know that they meant nothing to Marcus who had no need of them other than being a good tasting treat, and that he had obtained hundreds of these fruits from the intelligent beasts' domain.

"Yeah, it is fine. I got a whole tree full in the Cordillera Depths. I am more than fine handing out a few."

Marcus then pulled out a couple more of the fruits that he kept in his item box as snacks and tried to hand them out.

However, other than Mrazivý, no one else took the fruits saying they could not accept something so valuable.

"Oh well, suit yourselves.." Marcus said as he took a bite out of one of the purple fruits and enjoyed its flavor.