Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Episode 9

No matter how small the Kingdom of Grindia may be, traveling from the southwestern tip of the Maclaine territory to Logans first destination, the western edge of the Kail territory, would take three to four days on a swift horse without rest.

Therefore, it was essential to spend a few nights on the road.

Click.

At Logans gesture, the Force momentarily released heat, kindling a fire on the campfire.

While he couldnt manipulate multiple elements like a wizard, he could still generate a momentary heat.

Of course, this was a trick that had become possible only after the creation of the Force Core.

Yes. The future has already changed. I can do this.

Crackle, crackle.

Using the sound of the burning fire as a lullaby and the starlight blanketing the night sky as his blanket, Logan lay down on a makeshift bed of gathered leaves.

Sleeping outside was a new experience in this life, but in his past life, it had been a familiar routine.

Moreover, the current conditions were quite comfortable compared to his previous existence.

When you think about it, this era of the kingdom does have its good points. At least in terms of public safety

Even in neighboring empires, bandit groups that included Force users were common, but such occurrences were almost unheard of in this country.

This was the result of the traditional culture, which held knights in high esteem, and the aristocrats desire for strong control over them.

Now far beyond the level of an ordinary low-ranking knight, Logan didnt have to worry about his safety, at least when traveling along the main roads.

Amateur bandits wouldnt dare approach upon seeing the noble crest engraved on Logans armor.

But even if his body was at ease, his mind couldnt afford to be.

This is no time to be lost in sentimentality. Lets focus. First, the issues with the territory

The Maclaine clans financial dependence on the Kairoth family, the in-laws of the head of the family, exceeded 70%.

Even if he invested all 3 million gold he obtained from breaking off the engagement to pay off debts, without the Kairoths support, it would be impossible to sustain the territory.

The problem was that, given the current state of the Maclaine territory, finding a fundamental solution was difficult.

So, the goal is to achieve financial independence and increase the military forces of the territory, huh? Damn it.

Two hundred years earlier, the Maclaine clan had been a noble count family, encompassing vast territories including the baronies of Tesron in the neighboring region, the Sylvan barony to the northwest of Tesron, the Pereta barony to its south, and even the vast Bifrost Plains.

As the ruler of the southwestern region of the Grindia Kingdom, they were revered as Lords.

However, starting with Logans great-great-grandfather to the current head of the family, Patrick Maclaine, three generations of ancestors had diminished the familys title and lands through foolish and tyrannical rule.

Their vassals had become independent, achieving equal or higher status.

There had been talks of the familys titles being revoked, and if Patrick Maclaine hadnt become a high-ranking knight, the title would have indeed been lost.

But even that was a remedy that had come far too late.

The granary of the kingdom, once known as Maclaine Plains, had fallen into the hands of the most powerful vassal.

Other useful lands had been divided among other vassals, and the Maclaine clan had been relegated to a harsh and barren plot of land near the southern mountains.

Though initially an ancestral seat, after becoming a count, the lands primary function had been as a fortress to ward off monsters descending from the mountains.

With no notable specialty products and even lacking a common copper mine found in most territories near high mountains, maintaining a military force to fend off occasional monster incursions was financially challenging.

In short, without the support of the Kairoth household, the Maclaine clan could hardly maintain its current state.

Oh, indeed. You do have the impressive eyes Ive heard about.

Complimenting Philips unusual gray eyes, the red-haired youth smiled warmly and moved even closer.

Instinctively, Philip took a step back.

The determination in the young mans face was something Philip, a merchant, had seen countless times.

It was greed.

An unfamiliar face displaying such emotion stoked fearful imaginings in Philips mind.

It was clear that even by selling his last small commercial building, he couldnt repay his debts, leading to his inevitable slavery.

He had anticipated becoming a slave, but

The gray eyes are unusual; theyll fetch a higher price. You know

The words of the loan sharks he had inadvertently heard echoed in his mind, sending shivers down his spine.

The timing of this figures appearance, and now that he thought of it, the state of his old equipment, were all characteristic of a mercenary thug.

Could it be?

Philip inwardly prayed that it wasnt so.

The thought of his last shred of human dignity being degraded filled him with dread.

Subconsciously, he adjusted his torn clothes and shrank back.

The red eyes seemed to rove over his body, raising goosebumps.

Wh-What do you want? The repayment date has not yet arrived, has it? Come back after the sale proceeds from the shop come in three days.

Oh, Im not here to collect a debt, but

I wont do that kind of work, even if I become a slave. Absolutely not.

Excuse me?

Im literate. I have knowledge of the commercial world. Even as a slave, I can be useful elsewhere. I absolutely wont do that kind of work.

What are you talking about?

Anyhow, the sale proceeds have not yet come in! Please go away!

As Philip gestured frantically and yelled, the young man in front of him gave a wry smile and shook his head.

Im not here to collect money; Im here to invest.

Excuse me?

Philips confusion couldnt be more apparent.

Are you talking to me?

Yes.

To this failed business?

Yes. Thats why it should be easy to invest.

His confident stance and self-assured smile struck a very different chord this time.

Finally, Philip understood the situation properly.

Hes just a madman