First new novel, Merchant Noble, is out (3/3 chapters for today)
New Warden Territory – Mikanda Region
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After the investiture ceremony ended, Arc was determined to inherit the Warden Household as a baron. They needed to depart immediately for the Mikanda region, situated at the kingdom’s edge. It would take about 10 days by carriage to travel from the center of the kingdom to the edge. Since they would need to travel through uninhabited grasslands, deep forests, and mountain ranges, they would need to be careful of bandits, monsters, and, although it was unlikely, attacks from the House of Marquis Ivan. To ensure safety, Arc decided to hire around ten guards in addition to the four already accompanying them.
“I can’t accept this! Why should we have to change our territory? Father was killed!?” (Yanna)
Inside the carriage, Arc’s sister Yanna was furious. She had been upset ever since the verdict of the incident. It was understandable, considering their father had been murdered. If Arc weren’t a noble but just a common merchant, he might have sought revenge at any cost. But that would surely anger their father. “Don’t waste money on such unproductive acts!” Their father was a true merchant.
“They are a house of marquis over there. If the kingdom couldn’t do anything about it, there’s nothing we can say.” (Arc)
“In addition, the Warden Household has been eyed by the kingdom for some time.” (Tyr)
Arc and his brother Tyr calmly analyze the situation. Their time in the capital had helped them come to terms with their father’s misfortune and settle their emotions to some extent.
Reflecting on the recent events, they realized they had been naive to trust other nobles. Their dealings in demonic goods from other countries, which enriched their lands economically, and their transition from merchants to nobles had made them quite unpopular among their peers. Though they had been vigilant against invasions from other nations due to their border location, they should have also been wary of domestic foes.
Yanna glared at her two younger brothers.
“You two are heartless. Even if it was a mutual fight, it’s still not acceptable. It’s just strange that the other side only had to pay a small amount of compensation.” (Yanna)
“And all the towns and villages Father developed from the countryside have been taken away. We’ll have to develop them from scratch again.” (Minerva)
Their younger sister Minerva looked crestfallen. She had cried a lot after their father’s death, but now she had somewhat regained her composure. Surprisingly, she was quite resilient.
When they approached the Mikanda region on the map, they saw a large mountain range beyond the grasslands. It was a massive mountain unlike any they had seen before. It would probably take several days just to climb and cross it.
“Onii-sama, are we… going to cross that mountain range?” (Minerva)
“Yes, beyond that mountain is the Mikanda region.” (Arc)
Arc embraced the worried Minerva.
“We can only come this far by carriage. From here, each of you should ride a horse.” (??)
Said the adventurer who was guiding them.
After that, they spent the whole day searching for a gentle slope that a horse could climb and fighting off attacks from small monsters, until they finally reached the top of the mountain.
Arc, who was climbing at the very back of the group and out of breath, joined the others who were standing at the top. Arc forgot to breathe as he looked down at the territory he would soon be governing. There was a plain stretching to the ends of the earth. It was a vast land, almost as vast as a nation.
“So… vast.” (Arc)
“Is this really ours? Is it true?” (Yanna)
“If we’re talking about area alone, it’s on the level of a house of duke.” (Tyr)
The siblings shared their impressions.
“This region is large and rich in nature, making it an easy place to live, but it is surrounded by mountains and the sea, and is located at the western edge of the Kingdom of Laplace, which is at the western end of the Western Continent, so it is geographically inconvenient and has a sparsely populated rural area.” (??)
“Indeed. It’s like an isolated island on land.” (Tyr)
Tuel nodded at the adventurer’s explanation. Having governed one of the kingdom’s liveliest lands until now, the contrast was indeed shocking. Yet, their merchant instincts kicked in. It had the potential to be the most developed area in the country, both in agriculture and industry. The excitement of becoming the lord of this domain was palpable.
“Alright, just a bit more to the Warden estate.” (Arc)
Revitalized by the enormity of their territory, the group descended the mountain before nightfall.
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