Chapter 156

“That is quite an interesting piece of news.”

“Are you referring to the end of the Super Cell?”

“No, before that.”

“You mean about Baron Melone’s actions?”

“Yes.”

The princess listened silently to Garim’s report, showing interest. It had been slightly perplexing that a Sword Master would be involved with someone like Baron Melone. But if he’d been hiding such skills, it made sense.

Though, the level of power seemed a bit excessive.

“Huge flames and storms were mentioned.”

“That’s correct.”

“Was that man a mage?”

“It appears he used a magical weapon.”

“What… Are you saying that weapon was some legendary Holy Sword from tales?”

The princess laughed lightly at that. It sounded like something out of a fairytale—a hero’s weapon. If this was truly the result of its capabilities…

“That said, if it was, wouldn’t the Sword Masters have been less interested?”

“I know. I was just asking.”

The princess leaned her chin on her hand as she slowly tapped her fingers, deep in thought.

Real-time evaluations changing rapidly—it was almost surreal. Minho’s abilities were strangely extraordinary.

A blessing to the world.

A man growing under the adoration of the world itself.

Whether hidden or developed, his talents far exceeded his age. Naturally, the royal palace had no choice but to adjust their stance accordingly.

From being a simple farmer with decent talent…

To a noble with unique agricultural skills…

Then discovered as an incredible swordsman…

And now, strong enough to face natural disasters.

“Unbelievable.”

“Are you talking about Baron Melone?”

“Who else could I be referring to?”

“Still, we’ve maintained a good relationship with him, haven’t we?”

“Good relationship?”

Can we really call it that based solely on an exclusive trading deal? In the past, we might’ve been content with just that. But things have changed.

It’s clear who has more to lose now—the royal family.

Moreover, the crops and alcohol produced by Baron Melone were exceptionally powerful.

This wasn’t much of an issue when his influence was weaker, but now that we can’t pressure him anymore, our reliance on his items becomes problematic.

“Should we call him incompetent or brilliant?”

“Incompetent refers to us. Brilliant describes Baron Melone.”

After much effort, attempts to replicate Baron Melone’s farming techniques failed. Now, it makes sense why—his abilities are indeed remarkable.

“Worried about the transaction?”

“It only works while both sides are equal—or we’re in a superior position.”

The princess frowned slightly. Though subtle, Garim noticed it easily due to years of experience assisting her. This indicated her mood wasn’t great.

Thus, Garim carefully thought of something pleasing to suggest.

“How about showing goodwill first?”

“How so?”

“Expand the scope. Exclusive deals don’t make sense anymore, do they?”

“Lift restrictions?”

“Yes. We’ve enjoyed a good standing for a year already; it’s time to gradually open it up to other nobles. Haven’t we profited enough through secret high-price trades?”

“I wanted another three years though.”

“If we release it publicly citing grand reasons, our image won’t suffer too much.”

“Take care of our reputation as well?”

“Yes.”

“True. Anyway, we couldn’t maintain such deals forever.”

“Besides, giving Baron Melone some freedom leaves us with a minor debt to him.”

Even as he spoke, Garim doubted Baron Melone would see it as a debt. Mixing truth with lies—a method used occasionally to please the princess.

“Will he appreciate that?”

“He’ll likely favor the royal family over other nobles.”

“True. Still feels strange having to bow down to someone besides the Sword Masters.”

“Geniuses tend to be like that.”

“We should be grateful we know him personally.”

“May I leave then?”

“Check his intentions first. If he’s simply after profit, we can always expand contract sizes or numbers.”

“Understood.”

Garim smiled faintly and bowed before leaving the room politely.

“Hmph.”

“Leaving right away?”

The plan to head to Starwind Valley where Baron Melone resided had already been set even before entering the princess’s chambers. Having anticipated everything from report to conclusion, notifying the knights beforehand saved crucial time.

“Let’s go, Shane. Is your wound healed?”

“Yes.”

“How does it feel now that the reality of the person you admired has surfaced?”

“I never envied him.”

“Really? You seemed to look down on him back then.”

“I’ve humbly realized there’s a reason for his treatment.”

“Excellent.”

Garim smiled approvingly at Shane’s steadfast attitude. As someone assisting the princess, Garim couldn’t afford any slip-ups from his subordinates—knights or soldiers alike. Such mistakes could easily become excuses to attack the royal family.

Exposing weaknesses while serving must be avoided. Thus, Garim often maintains moderation, strictly correcting any breaches of etiquette.

“Healing ointment.”

“…It’s my mistake.”

“True, but men don’t retract words lightly… This is a different matter though.”

“Hmm.”

“A farmer, huh? Not sure if we can still call him that.”

With that, Garim handed the ointment to Shane, who subtly bit his lip.

“Our oversight, perhaps. Both you for undervaluing him and me for overvaluing him—we were both wrong since he surpassed even my imagination. So, shouldn’t we consider this punishment nullified?”

“I thankfully accept it.”

“Don’t be so stiff. Next time, come without the mark on your face.”

“I will remember.”

Following Shane’s guidance, Garim boarded the carriage.

“Oh, and about bicycles.”

“Yes?”

“We need a contract regarding bicycles too. Prepare one and bring it to me.”

“Understood.”

“Delegate it to Molina Beck. I’ll personally inspect it.”

“Yes. I’ll submit it within a day.”

“Trust you with it.”

What changes await upon arrival?

Heading to Starwind Valley felt like a small vacation and journey to Garim. Things change daily here—it’s almost unrecognizable.

“Looking forward to it.”

Garim’s muttering carried a hint of excitement.

* * *

“Morning report.”

“Hmm.”

“The bicycle factory is scheduled to be completed today, and the smelting furnace finished yesterday. Mr. Bayeye sent regards praising the performance of the melting furnace you provided, sir.”

“Good. Let him know I acknowledged it. How about the residential area?”

“No issues. Construction is proceeding smoothly.”

“Enough workers?”

“Yes. If needed, more people keep coming from outside.”

“Food supplies are dropping quickly though.”

“Don’t worry about that. We can release them at low prices anytime.”

“Understood.”

“Any suggestions?”

“Requests to implement postal systems in new buildings, and establishing public baths and laundries.”

“Naturally, with the village expanding. I’ll choose the locations, build the bathhouse and laundry. I’ll handle the postal system separately.”

“Understood.”

“Anything else?”

“No, nothing.”

“Alright. Good work today.”

“Thank you!”

James left with precision. Truly talented individuals attract others—it seems we’ve gained a capable one recently.

When good recruits arrive, I personally check them out. Consequently, these morning reports feel routine.

“Merchant Guild report.”

“Go ahead.”

Ryo also submitted his report to me. Receiving updates every morning gives a structured feeling to the village’s growth, which is satisfying.

“Here’s the report. All profits from selling metals and equipment are detailed.”

“Good. You mentioned wanting to sell crops. Wait a little longer. I’ll handle it once I contact the royal family.”

“Thank you. Should we continue recruiting quietly from nearby towns?”

“Not overtly.”

“Understood. We’ll stay within limits.”

“Good. Report anything unusual.”

“Understood. Then I’ll take my leave.”

Ryo bowed and departed.

Now, a report sits before me.

Still difficult to read, yet my eyes naturally decipher the text.

Metal sales status.

Equipment sales status.

Bicycle sales route development status.

Crop purchase requests.

The organized report was easy to read and informative.

We’ll need more observation regarding trust, but his abilities are impressive.

“Papa!”

“Is Yul here?”

“Food!”

Yul’s energetic morning call brought an automatic smile to my lips.

Walking into the house filled with delicious scents, Evangelin was cooking wearing an apron.

“Sit here!”

Annie grinned and tapped the seat beside her. I kissed her cheek lightly as a response to her lively invitation.

“Hehe.”

Morning skinship. If skipped, Love inside complains loudly.

This act prevents that.

Well, I enjoy it too, as does Annie.

“Papa Yuri too.”

“Yul too?”

“Yep!”

Lately, Yul increasingly seeks physical affection.

Random hugs from Mommy and clingy behavior towards me have become frequent.

Sometimes, she even asks for cheek kisses.

“Hehe.”

Marking her cheeks lightly, I sat beside Annie. The two shared identical smiles—an amusing sight.

Children truly mirror their parents.

Couldn’t agree more.

“Everyone, let’s eat.”

“Wow!”

Yul’s reactions are always big and lively.

Her earnest response makes the cook feel accomplished.

Naturally, Yul’s plate gets served first.

“Waiting for Yuri?”

At meals, etiquette dictates waiting for elders to start eating.

I didn’t enforce it, nor did I ask for it, but Yul somehow learned this Korean-style culture.

Interesting how traces remain in this world.

Even though I’ve said it isn’t mandatory, Yul seems to enjoy the anticipation.

Or maybe she likes everyone starting together.

So, she waits patiently until I pick up my spoon.

Watching her eat cutely fills me with warmth—is this what fatherhood feels like?

“Tasty!”

“Tastes good?”

“Yeah!”

Yul can now pronounce ‘yes.’

Her growth is evident.

Still a bit unclear, but that adds to her charm.

Another ordinary morning.

Enjoying everyday life, I prepare for work.

“Have a good day.”

With farewells, stepping outside feels refreshing.

Today promises to be a fine day.

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