Three days later, the "observer" arrived—a woman in flowing green robes, carrying an ornate staff.
She stepped onto Liam's farm with an air of authority, her piercing amber eyes scanning everything.
"You must be Liam," she said. "I am Seraphina, Royal Alchemist. I'll be staying here for a week to study your farming methods."
Liam gave her his best "I'm totally normal" smile. "Right. Well, welcome to the farm."
She walked past him without another word, heading straight for the crops.
Tobias stood nearby, perfectly still.
Seraphina knelt beside a patch of glowing herbs, running her fingers over the leaves.
"Fascinating. These plants should take months to grow. Yet, these are fully matured. How did you do it?"
Liam tried to sound casual. "Like I told Master Hargrove, old farming techniques. Pretty neat, huh?"
Seraphina didn't look convinced. "And this soil… it's unnaturally rich. More so than even the best alchemic fertilizers."
Liam shrugged. "Good land, I guess."
She turned her gaze to Tobias. "And what, exactly, is that?"
Liam stiffened. "That's Tobias. My… farmhand."
Her eyes narrowed. "A golem? With that level of craftsmanship? Where did you get it?"
Liam laughed awkwardly. "Uh, family heirloom?"
Tobias's eyes flickered. "Statement: I am a Personal Assistance Unit designated for agricultural enhancement."
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "Personal Assistance Unit? That's not a common term."
Liam cleared his throat.
"Look, Tobias is just really good at his job. That's all."
Seraphina studied them both before sighing.
"Very well. I will observe for now. But if I sense deception, I will report it."
Liam forced a smile. "Looking forward to it."
…
Seraphina was relentless.
She watched everything from how the crops grew unnaturally fast, how the soil remained perfectly hydrated, how Tobias worked with eerie precision.
She took notes constantly, often muttering to herself.
Liam did his best to act casual, but the pressure was mounting. If she figured out the truth about Tobias, things could spiral out of control fast.
On the third day, she confronted him.
"Liam, these plants exhibit qualities of magically-enhanced growth. I refuse to believe this is from mere 'old techniques.'"
Liam ran a hand through his hair.
"Listen, Seraphina. Does it really matter? The crops are good, right? No one's getting hurt. Can't we just… leave it at that?"
She frowned. "I am here to ensure the Guild's interests are protected. If you have access to forgotten magical knowledge, it must be documented."
"I don't have 'forgotten knowledge.' I just got lucky."
She studied him for a long moment, then her expression softened slightly.
"Liam… if you're hiding something, you need to be careful. There are people in the capital who would take an interest in this farm."
That made him pause.
"Dangerous, how?"
"The kingdom is not as stable as it seems. If word spreads that a small-time farmer has unlocked rapid agricultural growth, powerful factions will want control over it. Some won't ask nicely."
Liam felt a chill run down his spine.
He had been worried about the Guild, but now he had a bigger problem.
"Thanks for the warning," he said.
Seraphina nodded. "I'll be leaving in two days. If you truly want to stay out of trouble, consider keeping a lower profile."
Liam glanced at Tobias, who stood silently nearby.
"Yeah… I think I need to have a talk with my assistant about subtlety."
Liam barely slept that night. Seraphina's warning stuck in his head.
He had worried about the Guild poking around, but now there were "dangerous people" to consider.
"Damn it."
He groaned and sat up.
Tobias stood by the window, scanning the fields. Even in the moonlight, Liam could see the glowing herbs swaying gently in the breeze.
Way too suspicious.
"Tobias," Liam whispered. "We need to tone things down. No more glowing crops."
"Understood. Adjusting output parameters."
Liam sighed in relief.
"Good. Now let's figure out how to handle Seraphina."
…
Seraphina was already in the fields by sunrise, scribbling in her notes.
"Morning," Liam said, forcing a yawn.
"Liam." She barely looked up. "I won't waste time. You're hiding something."
Liam froze, then forced a chuckle. "That's a strong accusation."
She shut her notebook and turned to face him.
"I've spent years researching magical agriculture. What I've seen here shouldn't be possible without high-level magic. Yet, you claim it's just 'old techniques'?"
Liam hesitated. Lying would only stretch so far.
"Alright, let's say—hypothetically—I had something unique. What happens if I tell you?"
Seraphina studied him.
"That depends. If it's a lost technique, the Guild will want it. If it's illegal magic, they'll confiscate it. If it's dangerous…"
She trailed off.
Liam felt his stomach drop.
"And if I want to keep my farm running in peace?"
She tapped her staff against the ground.
"Then you give me a reason not to report this."
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