Chapter 104

The realization slowly dawns on me that being a noble isn’t something you can achieve by name alone.

After all, why do we call those who have nothing “fallen nobles”?

No house, no money…

Truth be told, I fell into that category.

Do I own grand estates or castles?

No.

Vast lands?

Well, sort of, but no.

Soldiers and servants?

No.

There were some vague trappings that loosely qualified me as a noble, but upon closer inspection, I was essentially just a wealthy commoner.

At least the title deed with the royal seal allowed me to claim “I am a noble.”

Looking at it this way, even though I’m a rather insignificant noble, those who treated me as such must have been truly decent people.

I come to understand that being a noble requires having something tangible to uphold that status.

Though appointed a noble, I still feel caught between being rich and truly noble.

My mindset isn’t quite there yet for true nobility.

But then again, there’s an official designation, so I can’t outright deny it.

Perhaps calling this a small transitional phase would be most accurate.

That said, I wasn’t desperately striving to become a proper noble.

It wasn’t something I particularly desired.

To be honest, I only accepted the noble title out of curiosity when it was offered.

Had the detailed responsibilities and potential disadvantages been more prominent, I likely would have found excuses to decline.

The problem begins once you’ve accepted it.

Having accepted, I can’t just pretend it doesn’t exist.

Responsibility comes with it.

Developing the village.

Gradually cultivating the qualifications of a noble, and maintaining a respectable appearance – these things were surprisingly enjoyable.

Rather than just focusing solely on farming and skill level progression for personal growth, it felt more like building something together.

That’s how it seemed.

Moving from living solely for myself to living alongside the village.

And now, starting a life together with two ladies.

There are many people close to me now.

Anne and Evangelin.

Our cute Suri.

The fairies and residents of Starwind Valley.

The spirits.

When living alone, I might not have noticed, but at this point, I realize I need the strength and ability to protect and preserve.

Because when you possess much, you must also have the ability to protect it.

In this medieval world where personal power is crucial, reaching a high level in combat skills provides considerable reassurance.

Though I hesitated entering dungeons due to my aversion to fighting, I now think I should keep honing these skills to maintain my senses.

The difference between being prepared and unprepared is starkly apparent.

Considering various aspects, associating with nobles generally proves beneficial.

In Marco’s case, while one could say it’s forced assistance, generally speaking, meeting average nobles tends to be helpful.

Jack Coleman.

The master of the city of Reyvik.

A baron.

Helpful means encountering people like him.

Jack Coleman smiles gently.

The tea steaming before me on the fine wooden table reveals what daily life looks like for a noble family.

Even down to having a reception room for welcoming guests.

Proper nobility ought to have a grand residence.

Calling it a castle would be more appropriate.

Sipping tea while leisurely waiting, I observe Jack Coleman’s composed demeanor.

If one considers refined and elegant nobility, he would be the epitome.

“So, it’s been a while. Should address you as Baron instead of farmer now?”

“It’s good to see you. I trust you’ve been well?”

“Yes indeed. Thanks to the crops we traded, I’ve been doing well. And since you’ve received recognition for your efforts and attained noble status, we’ve both been faring well. Baron Meolone.”

Coleman grins.

The tea set before me emits gentle wisps of steam on the luxurious wooden table.

This scene reveals what everyday life looks like for a noble household, right down to having a reception room for welcoming guests.

“Indeed. What brings you here personally?”

“I’ve come to discuss the teleportation device.”

“Teleportation?”

“Yes. I’m curious about your thoughts on installing a teleportation device connecting the city and your village.”

“Your village and my city?”

“Yes.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem if it’s possible, right?”

“It is possible.”

“You?”

“Yes, I’ll handle everything.”

My confident reply makes Coleman’s eyes curve in amusement as he gazes at me straight on.

His expression seems surprised.

And there’s also a hint of admiration mixed in, wondering if this level of capability justified receiving the baron title.

“This is quite surprising… I see no issues from my end, but have you received permission from the royal palace?”

“I planned to seek your permission first before visiting.”

“Hehe. Is that so? Obtain permission and come back. There will be much to discuss then…”

“Understood.”

Jack Coleman appears quite pleased.

His relaxed smile while sipping tea exudes joy.

This kind of news itself must be quite delightful.

Or perhaps it’s simply the pleasure of being consulted before the royal palace.

Nobles’ desires for honor often manifest in situations like this.

“Thought you were just good at farming, Baron Meolone.”

“Well, one thing led to another and I ended up doing various things.”

“Seems rumors of a farming mage will spread soon.”

A farming mage.

While technically accurate, it feels slightly awkward since I don’t actually use magic for farming.

Come to think of it, I don’t even farm anymore.

The spirits and Jack take care of the labor for me.

“Do such rumors spread?”

“People are curious about new nobles. Will they survive as nobles? Or remain quasi-nobles unable to break through the barrier? Everyone wonders about these things. Though you’ve received royal certification, making you almost certainly not a quasi-noble, one can never truly know about people, can one?”

With that, Jack leisurely finishes his remaining tea.

“Difficult, isn’t it? The position of nobility.”

“Not easy. Especially without a foundation.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“I support you.”

We conclude our short tea gathering and step outside.

Observing the bustling city folk before returning.

Our initial objective has been achieved.

Securing permission for the teleportation device installation.

We still need royal approval, but rushing to meet the princess in the capital right away isn’t practical.

The most realistic plan is to inform Garim through our regular bi-weekly trading schedule.

Returning home using my personal warp device.

Being able to immediately return to my desired location after finishing business is a significant advantage.

Like the warp device I currently use.

Once the teleportation device is created, increased travel between the village and city will be inevitable.

This increases the risk of various troubles arising in the village.

It’s something we need to manage, but inadequate preparation wouldn’t do.

Especially since we have fairies present.

We must ensure history doesn’t repeat itself with fairy hunting.

Equipping every fairy with gear.

Creating magical barriers or restrictions.

Receiving buffs through mysterious structures like the Spirit Valley Pagoda.

These are some considerations I plan to discuss with the Fairy Captain regarding defensive measures.

Heading toward the forest where the fairies reside, contemplating options.

Suddenly, an overwhelmingly powerful presence is felt.

Similar to facing a dragon, causing goosebumps and stiffening my steps forward.

A great presence.

Such existence.

Yes.

An experience encountered once before, though its destructive energy remains impossible to adapt to.

The silver transparent fairy king appears with a bored expression and faint smile, wearing an indigo crown and sitting cross-legged.

Every detail vividly resurfaces from memory, overlapping with past experiences.

The Fairy King reveals their presence once more in the same form.

“Hello?”

“Casual greeting included.”

“Hello.”

Maintaining composure, I offer a normal greeting.

Whether aware or not of my forced calm, the Fairy King’s demeanor remains unchanged.

“Hmm. You’ve changed a bit. Still similar though. Whatever.”

Recognizing my improved abilities immediately.

“What brings you here?”

“Hm? To check on the kids. Occasionally visit them. Saw you along the way, weren’t you called Minho?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Ah, seems you’re getting along well with our children. Nice to see. Occasionally observe from above and notice the kids really like you. Maybe because of the forest scent? Hmm, it’s a pleasant fragrance anyway.”

Is this praise?

Their casualness and languid attitude combined with an enigmatic expression make it hard to fully grasp the meaning of their words.

“Thank you.”

“Sure. Anyway, there aren’t enough hands at the farmstead so I dropped by quietly.”

Descending from mid-air.

Slowly stepping down as if on invisible stairs, creating a mystical aura with silver starlight.

“By the way, saw some of the young ones playing at your farm?”

“Yes.”

Shouldn’t they have?

Biting my lower lip becomes a reflexive action.

“Ah, not saying anything against it. They’re not workers to be forced anyway. Whether at your farm or the farmstead.”

Gently waving their hand dismisses my concerns.

Fortunately.

The tension in my body melts away with that single gesture.

Encounters with unpredictable opponents drain my mental energy considerably.

“And you…”

“Yes?”

“Do you have the strength to protect our children? You look frail.”

Their unwavering gaze presses upon me.

“More than enough.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Claiming sufficiency wasn’t mere bravado.

Handling small guerrilla threats may be difficult, but direct attacks I can definitely defend against.

Currently heading out to establish countermeasures for such guerrilla threats.

“Anyway, it doesn’t matter much. I’ll send down some of my knights. Can’t fully trust you yet… Our credit rating isn’t that high, is it?”

Interest gleams in the Fairy King’s eyes as they speak.

An action and words suggesting they wish to observe how things unfold.

“Given the children were hurt once before. As a king, I can’t allow it to happen twice.”

Simultaneously with their words, silver knights appear in mid-air.

Dozens of armored knights flying gracefully.

Quite imposing figures.

“Looks like you’re in a good mood?”

“It’s for the safety of the fairies.”

“Hmm. True. Since you care about the fairies, the fairies will care about you too. Stay true.”

“Of course. It’s only natural.”

“Haha, what a cute statement.”

With that, the Fairy King suddenly disappears.

Leaving behind dozens of knights who fly off in various directions like a midnight mirage.

Ultimately, only silver stardust remains before my eyes.

Watching the faintly fluttering silver remnants blankly for a moment.

Though disoriented, knowing the fairies will be safer makes this a very positive development.

Combined with previous careful considerations, we now have a more solid way to protect the fairies.

Unexpected reinforcements.

Should I call this serendipitous arrival a pleasant surprise?

“Hmm~”

Whistling a tune.

The autumn breeze feels refreshing.

The sweat soaking my back cools down peacefully.

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