Life as a lord wasn't bad. If something needed my attention, I handled it. If not, I trained. Honestly? It was kind of fun.
"Sisters, how are things going in the village?"
Ellia stepped forward, bowing lightly."There isn't much to report, my lord. Over the past month, we've continued construction and kept the people focused on farming."
Allia added, "After the rule you established following the fight, we haven't had any problems we couldn't handle, my lord."
"Good. I want you to start crafting runes for food storage — ice runes, specifically. We need to prepare for winter. Start with the manor's needs first."
"Yes, my lord. It's already been two months since we arrived, and we're now in the third month of summer. Thanks to the runes and our strong people, we can likely get two more harvests in before winter. That should keep us supplied until the first harvest after winter ends."
"Excellent. Anything else we need to discuss, girls?"
The two exchanged glances before Ellia spoke again.
"We've seen some beastkin scouting the area, my lord. We're unsure of their intentions."
"Sigh… they're probably just observing us. Make sure the guards stay alert and inform the villagers, but don't panic."
"We'll be starting construction on the wall before winter," Allia noted. "As long as they don't attack this year, we shouldn't have major problems."
"And even if they've seen us, there's nothing to worry about yet. Let them make the first move. If they're not aggressive, we might even trade with them. That could benefit us."
"I agree, my lord. With our harvests expected to be strong, we'll have surplus food to trade."
"How's the canal work going?"
Allia replied, "It's slow due to limited manpower, even with earth magic. But it's progressing steadily. It should be completed soon."
"Make sure everything — from the walls to the canals and houses — is finished before winter. I have a feeling it'll be harsher than usual on this island."
"Allia, you'll oversee construction. Ellia, you'll manage the manor and the villagers. If you need anything, let me know. Each of you should pick two helpers from the maids and some of those with magic. Have them continue crafting rune stones."
"You may return to your duties. Send in one of the maids when you leave."
"Yes, my lord. We take our leave," they said in unison before departing.
In the Port Town of Varess — Council Room
"You damn fox! What do you mean by that, Kaelir?"
"Sit down, you dumb bear, and listen."
"Thornek, the old fox has a point. Sit first."
"Hmph. Fine. I'm sitting. Now talk. What should we do? What if we don't attack?"
"They don't look like normal humans,little Thorn. And they know magic."
"Your father is little, old man. Keep talking and I'll knock you out."
"Ahem. Despite the usual hostility between beastkin and humans, we don't know if they're our enemies. That's first. Second, their numbers aren't small — even if we attack, we'll suffer losses. Third, they don't exactly look human. We should send envoys first."
"Hmph. They show up out of nowhere and we're the ones saying hello? Wolfy, say something."
"I'm Fenrik. And I agree — if we can avoid fighting, why not? They look strong too."
"Cowards!"
"No one's saying we run if there's a fight. If they're enemies, we'll fight. But we don't even know if they're hostile yet. Let's make contact first."
"Two out of three, then," Thornek muttered. "We'll send a friendly envoy and see what happens."
"Fine. Agreed."
"Whatever."
Back to Evander
A maid entered the room and bowed."My lord."
"At ease. Go call Captain Drata and Elin. Call Drata first."
"Right away, my lord."
Moments later, Drata entered."You called, my lord?"
"Sit. Report on the guard situation."
"There've been some skirmishes with wild beasts, goblins, and orcs — but no casualties, only a few wounded. Still, the island is dangerous. Once we build proper walls and towers, we'll only need to worry about the beastkin."
"Good. What about weapons?"
"Our weapons are wearing out, my lord. Even with care, they're deteriorating fast. We really need a blacksmith."
"Find one — even just for repairs. Make do in the meantime. And what are you doing with the loot?"
"As ordered — animal corpses go to the village as food. Humanoid bodies are buried. Animal pelts and any metal weapons are sent to the manor."
Just then, Elin and a maid entered. Both bowed.
"Elin, come sit. How's everything?"
"It's been a while, my lord! Everything's great. My family's settled in, the animals are healthy, and… we even had some chicks! They're super cute— I mean, that's good, right?"
Elin was cheerful as always. No problems there.
"Yes, that's good. I called you because I have new orders."
"Of course, my lord."
"As you know, Drata is the captain. I want you to work with him. After the first harvest, distribute smaller animals — like sheep and chickens — to soldiers' families. It's a reward for their service since they can't farm while guarding. Even so tell them they will have wages in the future Drata."
"Yes, my lord! I'll take care of it," Elin said brightly.
"How many soldier families do we have, Drata?"
"Not many, my lord. Just 16. Out of 50 guards, most are married couples or relatives."
"Good. That's it. You two heard me. Coordinate when the time comes. You're dismissed unless there's anything urgent."
"We'll take our leave," they said together before exiting.
I turned to a maid nearby. "Get my gear. I'm heading to the training yard. You bring your weapon too — you'll spar with me today."
"Yes, my lord!" she said, running off.
After all, my maids were warriors too.
I geared up and headed outside.System, how are my stats and skills?
[You gained 3 points in each stat. Fighting skill is now Level 2. That's it. Work harder. I mean, work hard.]
"Tch. Yeah, yeah. I train every day anyway. What I really need is a real fight…"
I sparred with the maid for a while. I was stronger than her, but at least it was better than solo training or stabbing air.
Eventually, she got tired."That's enough for today. Go clean up. I'll meditate here. Send someone to stand guard."
"Yes. Thank you, my lord."
I meditated until just before dawn, when another maid came and gently woke me.
"My lord."
"Let's go. Help me change, and make sure I'm not disturbed tonight. I want to sleep properly."
"Yes, my lord. Right this way."
After changing clothes with the help of the maid, I finally lay down in bed.
"Hmm…" I muttered, staring at the ceiling.Should I make an agreement with the people of the port town?If they hand over the forest village, I could protect them and even offer them a share of the loot from winter fights…I sighed."Let's think about it when the time comes."