Chapter 105: The Kingdom of Grandis

Chapter 105: The Kingdom of Grandis

The Apple Tree Mansion, which I visited after a long time, was livelier than before.

I had no idea what Amy was up to, but there were now warehouses and various items scattered around the place.

And numerous people were coming and going, moving those goods around. It seemed that it was somehow related to what Amy had been doing lately.

"Welcome, Lord Cromwell."

Lupin, a butler employed in the mansion, greeted me warmly.

I nodded my head and gestured towards the warehouse-like building.

"I haven't seen this building before."

"Miss Amy used the money you sent to build it. It seems she's trying to start a small business."

Amy was starting a business.

It was so unexpected that I decided to hear the details directly from her.

However, since Amy was away, I ended up sitting in the study and receiving a cup of tea from Lupin. During that time, I listened to the stories that had been going on.

"Has Lord Wellington visited lately?"

"After you visited last time, he came twice. Once when Miss Amy wasn't here, he left without seeing her, and then he came back a week later to have a cup of tea and left."

It had been quite some time since I last visited the mansion, so it seemed like he hadn't come that often. Perhaps the Emperor's interest in me wasn't as great as I thought.

"Oppa?"

After about an hour of chatting, Amy finally returned.

She was holding something in both hands and looked at me with a surprised expression when she suddenly entered.

"I'm here."

"Why did you come without contacting me? You startled me."

Amy quickly sorted out the things she was holding and sat across from me.

Once she sat down, I asked her the question that had been on my mind.

"What's that stuff outside?"

"I'm trying to start a business."

"That's good, but isn't it a bit sudden?"

Amy hesitated for a moment at my question, then spoke.

"I want to reclaim our territory."

"Our territory? Are you talking about the Cromwell Territory?"

Currently, it was a land belonging to the Empire, governed by the Emperor's direct command.

Frankly, it was amusing that we were still using the name Cromwell. If Bart or Singclaire hadn't intervened during the nobles' dispute, I would have been demoted and fallen completely.

"Things aren't that great right now."

The problem wasn't just last time; being a Fallen Noble meant that ruin was inevitable unless I had a territory or held a position in the capital.

To avoid becoming a Fallen Noble, I needed to have a territory or a high-ranking position. But now, I was just a student.

In many ways, preventing a demotion was a difficult situation.

"I also want to achieve something with my own hands. And if possible, I want to do something that can help you, bring pride to our family, and earn money."

"The Cromwell Territory is a County. It's not a small sum, you know?"

"Still, I don't want to just live off the money you send. I want to do something. If things work out well, it will be something good."

Well, she was different from others in that she had a lot of vitality.

I wondered how we could be so different despite being siblings.

Of course, I had no idea how she would turn these predictions into profit.

"Don't rely on this too blindly. Use your judgment to make the best use of it."

"Thank you, Oppa."

Since I knew Amy would be pursuing upper-tier businesses, I thought it might be a good idea to ask Everlast Guild for assistance. If Everlast Guild lent their aid to Amy's fledgling business, it would likely accelerate her growth significantly.

'Now, I'll return for now, but when I visit next time, I'll casually bring up the topic.'

Although I had unexpectedly learned about Amy's business, I surprisingly felt good about it.

Just the sight of Amy being happy was enough satisfaction for me. Seeing her passionate and enthusiastic gaze, I felt a sense of pride for some reason.

.

.

.

.

Although I returned to the mansion after a long absence, I had to leave shortly afterward. I had initially planned to stay for a few days, but Amy was busy analyzing the information I had provided, and I had nothing to do, so I had no choice but to leave early.

'And I also need to visit Hollington as soon as possible.'

Since I had already decided to help Amy, I needed to do it properly.

Amy had given up many things she wanted in her life for me, so now that she was pursuing her own goals, I wanted to support her as much as possible.

'It's going to be quite a journey from now on.'

Facing the Grandis Kingdom, which bordered the Great Forest of Vayatra, was a challenge. As one of the strongest military nations on the continent, the Grandis Kingdom maintained a considerable army. However, considering its status as a military power, the available forces weren't as numerous as one might expect.

Most soldiers were stationed in border areas facing the Great Forest, defending against the monsters and creatures that emerged from there every day. I had often visited those areas while playing as a mercenary character, so I knew them well.

For now, I could use a train to travel to the Grandis Kingdom, so I wasn't particularly worried.

After a journey of about four days on the train, I finally arrived at the Grandis Kingdom.

"It's been a while."

The Grandis Kingdom was known for being a military powerhouse, with 80% of its citizens having combat experience. It was also referred to as the "land of opportunity" for mercenaries and wandering knights due to its reputation for paying promised rewards regardless of status.

"There's no change over there."

As I had mentioned before, although it was my first time physically visiting this place, it felt familiar due to my interactions with various mercenary characters in the game.

Among these places, the first to greet my arrival was the city of Heyar. It looked just as I had imagined it while riding the train.

Seeing the inn that I had often visited in the game, I naturally made my way there. After all, I had come to unwind and relax after the train journey and planned to depart for the Great Forest the next day.

"Adrias Cromwell!"

Suddenly hearing my name, I reflexively turned my head.

Who was it? Did someone in the Grandis Kingdom actually know me?

"I found you, hehe."

As I confirmed the face of the person speaking, I couldn't help but freeze.

The person who called me was an unexpected intruder.

"I was so bored just sticking around the academy all the time. Now you have to make things interesting for me, got it?"

"Luna."

The Enchantress of the Third Moon, Luna, also known as the Madwoman.

And the worst, yet most powerful necromancer.

Luna Pendragon was approaching me with a bright smile on her face.

The three moons behind her seemed even brighter today.